Mini Bernedoodle Breed Profile | Characteristics, Appearance, Care & Feeding Guide
Are you looking for a lovable and smart pet that fits well in smaller spaces? Have you considered the Mini Bernedoodle, a delightful hybrid breed that’s stealing hearts worldwide? The Mini Bernedoodle combines the smart traits and minimal shedding of the Poodle with the loyalty and loving nature of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Mini Bernedoodles are friendly and playful, and they usually get along well with kids and other pets, making them great family dogs.
Mini Bernedoodles are flexible dogs that can do well in different living situations, including apartments, as long as they get enough exercise and mental activities.
Because of their Poodle heritage, they tend to shed very little and are often suitable for people with allergies. Their charming qualities, along with their smaller size and ability to adapt, have made Mini Bernedoodles increasingly popular as pets in homes across the globe.
Mini Bernedoodle Breed Profile
| Attribute | Description |
| Breed Name | Mini Bernedoodle |
| Origin | Hybrid (Bernese Mountain Dog x Poodle) |
| Weight | Typically 25-50 lbs; range 15-65 lbs |
| Temperament | Friendly, playful, loyal, adaptable |
| Child-friendly | Yes, gentle with children and the elderly |
| Pet-Friendly | Yes, with proper introductions |
| Barking | Low, infrequently |
| Exercise Needs | High; requires daily walks and play |
| Coat Care | High maintenance; daily brushing and regular grooming needed |
History
The Mini Bernedoodle is a mixed breed with no separate history of its own, but its parent breeds have long and interesting pasts. Sherry Rupke of Swissridge Kennels is recognized as the first to intentionally breed Bernedoodles in 2003, though there might have been accidental mixes before then.
The Bernese Mountain Dog comes from Switzerland and was originally a multi-purpose farm dog. Its tasks ranged from herding livestock and pulling carts to guarding property and providing company.
Among the Swiss Mountain Dogs, the Bernese is noted for its long fur, unlike its short-coated relatives. The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America joined the AKC in 1981, and the AKC set the official breed standard for the Bernese Mountain Dog in 1990.
The Poodle, known for its role in retrieving waterfowl, is thought to have originated in Germany and was later refined in France. Artefacts from ancient Egypt and Rome show images of Poodle-like dogs from as early as the first century B.C.
The smaller Miniature Poodle was particularly good at sniffing out truffles thanks to its ability to navigate through dense undergrowth. Poodles didn’t become common in the U.S. until after World War II but quickly grew in popularity, becoming the top dog in America by the mid-1950s and maintaining that status for more than twenty years.
Today, Poodles and their crossbreeds, including the various “Doodle” mixes, are still very popular.
Characteristics And Appearance
Despite their compact size, Miniature Bernedoodles need more than just a leisurely walk in the park. These energetic dogs require a solid daily walking routine, playful activities indoors, and other engaging tasks to keep their brains active. A daily walk of at least 40 minutes is recommended, and they often enjoy dog sports like agility.
While it’s common to think that smaller breeds are ideal for apartment living, the Mini Bernedoodle might not suit every apartment.
They tend to be protective and can be quite noisy, which might not work well in apartments with shared walls and close neighbors.
Taking care of a Mini Bernedoodle’s coat is an ongoing task. If you plan on having one, be prepared for daily brushing to avoid tangles and mats in their fur. Regular baths and haircuts are needed to maintain their dense coat, and you’ll also need to clean around their eyes regularly to prevent stains from tears.
To ensure your dog looks its best, you might also need to invest in professional grooming services occasionally. Plus, don’t forget to clip their nails regularly to keep them comfortable and healthy.
Temperament
Expect your cheerful and friendly Mini Bernedoodle to display a blend of characteristics from its parent breeds. Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their calm intelligence and industrious nature, keen on learning new things. Miniature Poodles, on the other hand, are lively and fun-loving.
Mini Bernedoodles often combine the best traits of both, showcasing the Bernese’s smarts and the Poodle’s zest. However, they may also show some of the Bernese Mountain Dog’s cautious traits. Early socialization is key to helping them become more confident.
Mini Bernedoodles are affectionate and gentle. They form strong bonds with their families, enjoy human company, and thrive on attention, always eager to please. Many owners find their Mini Bernedoodles to be both playful and self-assured.
These dogs are excellent for families due to their soft nature and loyalty. They are particularly good with children and the elderly, making them suitable for homes with babies or older adults. Mini Bernedoodles love playing with young kids and can become devoted friends as the children grow.
They need to be part of a household where someone is usually at home to interact with them. Mini Bernedoodles fit best with active families who can keep up with their need for attention and satisfy their high energy levels with adequate exercise.
Mini Bernedoodle Children And Other Pets
Before adding a Mini Bernedoodle to your family, there are several important things to keep in mind. These dogs are generally amiable and eager to fit in with everyone, including children and other dogs. However, they might be wary around strangers or new animals in the house, so careful introductions are necessary when bringing in new pets or guests.
Despite their friendly disposition, Mini Bernedoodles might have a natural tendency to chase smaller creatures they see as prey. It’s important to check how well they might mesh with other pets you have.
Making sure your dog is properly introduced to children and other animals is key to ensuring a peaceful and safe interaction for everyone. With the right introductions, Mini Bernedoodles can become loving members of a household, getting along well with other dogs, cats, and children.
Mini Bernedoodle Care
The Mini Bernedoodle is a loving breed that really enjoys being around people. They do best in homes where someone is usually present because they crave constant company. They also often appreciate having another dog around for added interaction.
For Mini Bernedoodles, regular walks are a must to keep them happy and prevent anxiety, which can sometimes lead to unwanted behaviors. Although hiring a dog walker can be a solution for times when owners are not available, it’s important to remember that Mini Bernedoodles might be hesitant around strangers and may need some time to get comfortable with new people.
Mini Bernedoodle Feeding
Feeding a Mini Bernedoodle involves choosing a diet that fits a small to medium-sized dog with lots of energy. Their dense, curly coats benefit from foods that support skin and hair health, such as salmon oil.
Since every dog has its own specific nutritional needs, it’s important to talk to your vet about the best feeding options for your Mini Bernedoodle. Your vet can offer tailored advice to make sure your dog gets the right nutrients for their health and happiness.
Training
Crate Training
Crate training provides your puppy with a secure and private space when you can’t keep an eye on them. This will become the designated area for your Mini Bernedoodle to sleep or stay when you’re not around. Ensure the crate is spacious enough for your pup to comfortably lie down, sit, and stand.
Add some cozy blankets or cushions for them to sleep on and entice them inside with their favorite toys. Initially, lock the crate for short periods, about 10-15 minutes, to help them feel at ease in their new ‘home’.
Reward them with a treat or some playtime every time they enter the crate on their own, reinforcing that it’s a positive space. Over time, many puppies grow to view their crate as a safe haven where they can relax or take a break.
Potty Training
Potty training your Mini Bernedoodle puppy can be one of the more difficult aspects of their early education. You’ll need to arm yourself with patience and plenty of positive reinforcement as you teach them the appropriate spots to relieve themselves.
It’s important to take your puppy outside first thing in the morning, as well as after eating, drinking, or playing. Always offer them a treat or praise when they successfully use the correct location. However, avoid scolding them for any mishaps. Like young children, puppies need time to learn to recognize the signs that it’s time to go to the bathroom.
Socializing
It’s important to start socializing your mini-doodle puppy early on. While these puppies generally have a calm nature, they might feel nervous around unfamiliar people. To prevent any issues when you have visitors, begin socializing your puppy while they are still young.
Your puppy should learn to interact not only with people but also with other dogs. It’s a common misconception that all dogs naturally get along with each other, but in reality, dogs can sometimes be wary of one another.
Regular walks, along with visits to doggy daycare and dog parks, are excellent ways to help your puppy become more sociable. The more they encounter and engage with different dogs and people, the better their social skills will develop. A sociable, well-mannered dog is not only safe but also a joy to have around, earning them affection from everyone.
Barking Training
Training your Bernedoodle puppy to control their barking is important, as they often bark to express themselves. Common reasons for barking include hunger, the need to go outside, alerting you to strangers, or simply seeking your attention.
For example, if your puppy tends to bark for food, establish a consistent feeding schedule with their meals prepared at the same times each day. They will soon realize there is a set time for eating and will begin to wait more quietly.
Reward them initially when they show patience without barking before meals, as this reinforces the behavior you want.
If you want to reduce unnecessary barking, respond with a firm “no” when they bark inappropriately.
Outdoor Walks – Leash Training
Begin leash training by getting your puppy used to their harness or leash. Have them wear it during playtime at home for short intervals. Start training your puppy to approach you for treats when called within the house.
Next, hold the leash and encourage them to follow you as you lead them towards treats. Initially practice this inside, and once they feel at ease, move the training outdoors. The American Kennel Club provides a helpful article on effective leash training techniques.
Discourage Nipping
When puppies play with each other, nipping is often just part of the fun. Your Mini Bernedoodle puppy may also nip during play with you, but it’s important to teach them that this behavior is not acceptable.
It’s best to distinguish between nipping and mouthing, which is a common way dogs show affection. The key difference is the intensity of the bite.
To teach your Mini Bernedoodle the difference, react loudly with an “ouch” every time they nip and then immediately stop playing and walk away. This will show them that nipping ends the fun.
Over time, your puppy will learn that gentle mouthing is okay, but nipping, which leads to no play, is not. They will start to control how hard they bite during play.
Verbal Cues
Dogs can learn to understand several human words, and you can teach your Bernedoodle puppy to respond to specific verbal cues for desired actions. As they become familiar with these commands, they’ll even start to pick up on other cues you use regularly for various activities.
For example, during potty training, consistently use the word “potty.” When your puppy successfully goes after you say the word, give them a reward to reinforce that this action is what you’re requesting.
Soon, they’ll link the word “potty” with the action and may even head to the door when you say it. Use similar straightforward words for different routines like eating, going outside, playing, and giving treats. With consistent use, they will associate these words with the actions and respond to your verbal cues accordingly.
FAQs
Wrapping Up
As per my review, Mini Bernedoodles make a wonderful pet for any home, offering both companionship and a cheerful presence. They adapt well to various living conditions and thrive when given regular attention and care.
With their trainable nature and lovable personality, Mini Bernedoodles fit seamlessly into the lives of their owners, making them a top choice for those seeking a manageable and engaging pet. This breed’s ability to blend into family life or adjust to quieter environments makes them an endearing option for a fulfilling pet relationship.