Merle Bernedoodle Breed Profile: Temperament, Characteristics, & More

Have you ever wondered why some dogs have those fascinating, speckled coats? What exactly creates the mesmerizing patterns of a merle dog’s fur?

The merle pattern in a dog’s coat is not just one color but a mix of a dark base (usually black or a reddish brown) with lighter blue, gray, or reddish patches. This creates a speckled or dappled effect, giving the coat a bluish appearance when the base is black, known as blue merle. 

While many dogs with merle coats also have white areas (like around the neck or underbelly) and sometimes tan patches, these aren’t part of the merle pattern itself. It’s possible for a dog to have a completely merled coat without any white or tan spots. The merle pattern can affect other coat colors and patterns too, not just the typical red or black.

What is a Merle Bernedoodle?

A Merle Bernedoodle has a coat pattern where a gene dilutes the original color, generally lightening areas of the fur while leaving patches of the original, darker color intact. This effect mainly alters the black pigment, creating an irregular pattern of light and dark across the dog’s body.

Common Merle Patterns in Bernedoodles

Merle patterns in Bernedoodles can appear in all coat colors. Commonly, the merle effect lightens areas of a brown or black coat, leading to what are popularly but inaccurately called “red” and “blue” merles. In these dogs, patches of lighter color are scattered throughout the coat. Merle, a dilution gene, doesn’t directly involve blue or chocolate traditional color genes. 

A blue merle Bernedoodle, for example, shows blue patches on its body. There are also “chocolate” or what some might describe as “cookies and cream” patterns. In dogs with a recessive red coat, the merle pattern may be very subtle or virtually invisible.

Moreover, the merle gene can also change the eye color, potentially turning dark eyes to blue or part-blue. It can affect the coloring on the nose and paw pads too, often leading to a mottled pink and black appearance. The most typical merle patterns you’ll see in Bernedoodles are blue and chocolate.

Our stud Chuck is a great example of a chocolate merle, and you can view his details by clicking on his picture. Similarly, our Blue Merle Mini Bernedoodle showcases the blue Merle pattern beautifully.

Appearance

Bernedoodles exhibit a diverse range of colors, primarily because while Bernese mountain dogs generally sport a black, tan, and white coat, poodles offer a broader spectrum of color possibilities. Consequently, Bernedoodles may display the traditional tricolor pattern, solid black, black and white, or even a unique mix of hues.

Their coat texture varies too, ranging from the curly type seen in poodles to the straighter variety typical of Bernese mountain dogs. 

Generally, the straighter the fur, the more likely it is to shed. However, the thick coat of a Bernedoodle is great for cooler climates. Curly coats are often preferred because they’re considered to be better for people with allergies, although no dog is completely free from allergens.

Bernedoodles also come in different sizes, reflecting the three poodle sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. Breeders usually offer Bernedoodles in tiny, miniature, and standard sizes to suit various living conditions and care requirements. For instance, a smaller Bernedoodle can adapt well to apartment living if it gets enough exercise. 

In terms of size, standard Bernedoodles can grow up to 29 inches tall and weigh as much as 90 pounds. Miniatures usually stand 18–22 inches tall and weigh 20–45 pounds, while the tiniest Bernedoodles, derived from toy poodles, range from 12–17 inches in height and weigh 10–24 pounds, as recorded by the United Bernedoodle Registry. Do you know what Tri-Color Bernedoodles are?

Merle Bernedoodle Temperament

Merle Bernedoodles are known for their loving and playful nature, making them excellent pets for families. They bond deeply with children, growing alongside them from childhood to adulthood. These dogs are not only smart but also have a fun-loving side, enjoying any chance to be the center of attention.

Initially, Bernedoodles might be a bit wary and shy around unfamiliar faces. Proper early socialization is key to helping them become more outgoing and friendly towards new people. Training them with a positive approach can really bring out their delightful and engaging personalities.

According to Hodgson, choosing a Bernedoodle from a conscientious and ethical breeder often results in a puppy that inherits the gentle nature of the Bernese and the intelligence, sociability, and humor of the poodle.

The Origin And History of the Merle Gene in Poodles

After extensive research, I’ve come to believe that the merle gene’s presence in poodles is not the result of breeding with another dog breed but is instead a natural mutation.

Merle is one of the most debated and misunderstood dilution genes in poodles. Some think it’s a recessive gene because it doesn’t change the look of light colors like red, apricot, or diluted shades such as blue and silver. 

Additionally, it’s often invisible on black or brown coats, known as cryptic merle. This elusive nature has puzzled both breeders and scientists. A significant study in 2006 identified the SILV or PMEL17 gene as responsible for the merle pattern, leading to widespread testing by breeders. However, by 2009, it was discovered that SILV was not the merle gene but related to piebaldism, leading to the discontinuation of these tests.

Several theories exist about merle in poodles. One suggests that what’s being identified as merle might actually be piebaldism. 

Another, the “Misidentification Theory,” proposes that merle has always been part of the breed but has often been mistaken for other colors. A related idea, the “Cryptic Merle” theory, views merle as a “modifier” that alters an already established coat color determined by other genetic factors, for example, turning black into blue merle, or chocolate into red merle.

A personal experience highlighted this confusion. When registering my dog Chuck with the AKC, they advised using color codes that describe a red and white dog with black markings. This suggests that looking back through five or ten generations in a dog’s color pedigree might not reveal whether a dog was truly merle or not, indicating that merle could exist in the pedigree without proper identification.

Merle Bernedoodle Care and Health

Bernedoodles often have a wavy or curly coat that works well for people with allergies. However, some might inherit a straighter coat like a Bernese mountain dog, leading to more shedding and potential issues for allergy sufferers. Breeders usually identify the type of coat each puppy has within a few weeks of birth, helping match dogs to suitable homes.

“Would you like information on the various sizes of Bernedoodles?”

Curly coats in Bernedoodles require regular grooming. Despite shedding less, they need frequent brushing to avoid painful mats in their fur, and they’ll benefit from haircuts every few months to maintain their coat. Despite being low-shedding, they are not low-maintenance.

For physical activity, standard Bernedoodles thrive with a spacious yard and daily walks to use up their energy. If their exercise needs are met, they are less likely to engage in unwanted behaviors like digging. Social interaction is also important; the more they interact with new people and pets, the better their behavior will be in new situations.

Training a Bernedoodle is usually straightforward due to their intelligence. They pick up on both good and bad behaviors quickly, so consistent training is necessary beyond their puppy years. Sarah Hodgson notes that while Bernedoodles are generally receptive to training, their individual personalities can affect their training responses. 

Depending on whether they inherit more traits from the Bernese or the poodle, training might require more time and patience.

Merle Bernedoodle Health and Longevity

Merle Bernedoodles generally live between 12 to 18 years. They may avoid some of the severe health issues common in Bernese mountain dogs, such as high cancer rates and hip dysplasia. Yet, they can still be prone to conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases, and allergies, according to veterinarian Christman. While generally healthy, it’s important to watch for signs of illness, such as excessive drooling and rapid weight gain.

Skin issues, such as hot spots, are also frequent due to their thick coats.

These are often the result of too much licking or chewing on a particular area and can be minimized with regular grooming. A clean, well-groomed Bernedoodle is less likely to develop these skin problems.

FAQs

Wrapping Up

When considering the Merle Bernedoodles, it’s clear that this breed embodies a delightful mix of characteristics from both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle. Known for their distinctive merle coats and charming personalities, these dogs are superb companions for both families and individuals seeking a friendly and devoted pet. 

Managing their care involves consistent grooming and ensuring they have ample space to exercise. By fully understanding their distinct traits and health considerations, owners can provide a nurturing environment that allows their Bernedoodles to flourish.