Introducing the Mini Bernedoodle
History of the Mini Bernedoodle Breed
The Mini Bernedoodle is a fun breed, born by crossing a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Miniature Poodle, which is not only purposeful but beneficial to the dog ownership world as well. As a designer breed, Mini Bernedoodles were first intentionally bred by Sherry Rupke of SwissRidge Kennels in Canada, a Canadian kennel known for their dog breeding of different doodle breeds, and originally began this breeding in 2003.
There are many traits that make up the design, the Bernese Mountain Dog originated from agriculture in the farmlands of Switzerland, fostering loyalty and gentility in the breed. While Miniature Poodles have been noted for being brainy and shedding very little; furthermore, the breed gives us a small dog that has both adorable and versatile characteristics.
The reason for the spike in popularity of Mini Bernedoodles
The incredible popularity of Mini Bernedoodles is evident not just as breeds but also as hybrid dogs. This popularity could be attributed to the breed’s whimsical characteristics; most being under 18 to 22 inches in height and between 25 to 49 lbs. Thus, since these dogs will adapt to your living space, they have been appealing to apartment communities and/or small lots.
With most Mini Bernedoodles having hypoallergenic coats, their appeal is resonating with allergy suffers. Mini Bernedoodle dogs are very loving and playful dogs, which helps them resonate with families, singles, and seniors. These factors help make the Mini Bernedoodle a very loved pet in the dog ownership world, which is especially appealing with the merging of intelligent features with a cuddly personality that this breed offers amidst the modern world.
It gives dog owners the emotional support and dog companionship with regular dog features of high to moderate needs like proper management.
Physical Attributes
Size and Appearance
The size and appearance of the Mini Bernedoodle are what make this breed so great. The Mini Bernedoodle is the definition of a little package of joy. Fully grown Mini Bernedoodles weigh between 25 and 49 pounds and stand about 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder. This breed has a teddy bear appearance, complete with expressive almond-shaped eyes and a soft, tapered muzzle. The overall look is delightful.
Their frame is well-built yet balanced, featuring fluffy tails and droopy ears. The Mini Bernedoodle is small but still embodies a compact version of the Bernese. The small size distinguishes them from the larger standard version, making them a perfect companion for urban dwellers or those with limited space, yet still having the deceptively hefty appearance that the Bernese represent.
Coat Types & Colors
The coat of the Mini Bernedoodle is one of the most notable features of this breed.
The coat can be anywhere from wavy to tightly curled, with the variety that has the most curl shedding the least. The shedding trait is a low-shedding dog from the Poodle, which makes the Mini Bernedoodle a favorite breed for people with allergies, remembering that there is no dog that is 100 percent hypoallergenic.
The colors of the coat can generally be classified as the tri-color combination of the Bernese Mountain Dog, which are black, white and rust with the addition of merle, sable or apricot colors. The Mini Bernedoodle requires regular grooming to maintain its healthy and beautiful coat.
Temperament and Personality
Affectionate and Loyal Nature
Mini Bernedoodles are known for their dedication, developing a strong bond with their human family. Their sweet and affectionate disposition makes them the ideal companions for children, older adults and everyone in between. Mini Bernedoodles love to be near their people and enjoy the snuggles with family. Most Mini Bernedoodles are also very loyal to their family and do display some protective traits.
With that being said socializing your Mini Bernedoodle properly while they are a puppy can help and keep them from being skittish with new and unfamiliar people. Upon bringing a Mini Bernedoodle into your home the puppy is warm and ready to be a member of your family and provide you all with lots of love.
Intelligence and Playfulness
The Mini Bernedoodle is a boatload of fun to spend time with due to their sharp intelligence from their Poodle— and eagerness to please their Bernese Mountain Dog parent. It should be said that, while intelligence is great for training, they often require active mental stimulation as boredom can lead to some mischievous activity. Mini Bernedoodles are playful and love chase games, puzzle and interactive toys, making them a good choice for very active families that will provide lots of active playtime fun.
Care Requirements
Grooming ConsiderationS
The plush coat of the Mini Bernedoodle may be low-shedding but requires extensive care to limit the chance for matting and keep the coat from looking dull. The Mini Bernedoodle will require frequent brushing—weekly is absolutely necessary, but curlier coats will need brushing up to two to three times per week. You should have a professional groomer work on your Mini Bernedoodle once every six to eight weeks so that the grooming is manageable, and the fur is void of mats.
Grooming is not just about the hair of the Mini Bernedoodle; regular ear cleanings, nail trimming, and dental care is also needed to keep the dog in tiptop shape. Regularly grooming your Mini Bernedoodle is advantageous for aesthetic reasons and for your dog’s health because a good grooming regiment will limit any chance of skin irritations or infections to develop.
Exercise & Mental Stimulation
Mini Bernedoodles are high-energy companions, requiring at least thirty minutes to sixty minutes of exercise every day to be happy, healthy, and part of your family. Your regular exercise can be anything from a decent walk, an up-tempo run at the park, an agility course, or backyard fetch. Mental stimulation is just as important to elevate your Mini Bernedoodle’s physical activity and aid their mental activity.
Providing your Mini Bernedoodle with puzzle toys, including them in training, and playing interactive games will help keep their brain stimulated. Without adequate activity, Mini Bernedoodles will engage in undesirable behaviors such as chewing, or excessive barking to find alternative ways to release energy. A well-exercised dog, is a happy dog and able to shower affection onto family and friends.
Health Concerns
Common Health Problems
Although Mini Bernedoodles are generally a healthy breed, their size and genetics means they can be prone to health problems they may inherit from their parent breeds. Hip and elbow dysplasia, where the joints form incorrectly, can be serious conditions, especially if not managed by controlling their weight and exercising them enough. Skin allergies caused by environmental allergens or poor grooming practices can also lead to issues such as itchiness and skin infections.
Bloat is a serious condition that can affect deep chested dogs, including Mini Bernedoodles. Bloat requires monitoring as the dog will likely require emergency treatment. However, with good preventative health practices, including taking the dog routinely to the veterinarian and feeding the appropriate diet, many of these risks can be managed so the Mini Bernedoodle can live the happiest and healthiest life possible.
Longevity and Wellnes Strategies
Mini Bernedoodles can enjoy a long life spanning anywhere from 14 to 16 years thanks to their smaller size. That said, it is important to implement wellness strategies to help ensure they are healthy and thriving during that lifespan. For example, in addition to providing nutritionally sound dog food that is composed of quality ingreidents designed specifically for your Mini Bernedoodle’s size and lifestyle, it is important to avoid dog foods have too many fillers like artificial additives and unnecessary carbohydrates.
In addition to feeding your dog appropriately, regular exercise, mental stimulation, and routinely taking your pet to the vet for check ups are all good things to do to improve the chances of having a healthy and happy Mini Bernedoodle. Also, watching for signs of allergies or early signs of joint problems to ensure early intervention is a good wellness strategy too. With good wellness strategies, Mini Bernedoodles can thrive to give you many years of life and companionship.
Training and Socialization
Trainability of Mini Bernedoodles
Mini Bernedoodles are an absolute trainer’s dream – they are naturally intelligent through their Poodle heritage and exhibit a desire to please. Positive reinforcement, be it through treats or a compliment, is the best way to obtain a response from a Mini Bernedoodle. That said, they do have a stubborn streak (inherited from the Bernese Mountain Dog) that trainers may experience.
Training will take a level of patience and consistency. Starting training when it is a puppy will help you establish great habits, from basic commands to house rules. Clicker training is a great option as is mirror training where the dog mimics your actions. Possessing a well behaved Mini Bernedoodle is incredibly rewarding – they will become a great family member!
Importance of Early Socialization
Socialization is the lynchpin for a well adjusted Mini Bernedoodle. During the first month or two, puppy socialization should include exposure to numerous situations, environments, people, and other animals. Exposure will give your puppy confidence and help prevent unnecessary wariness or aggression when they meet new situations later in life.
Although some trainers recommend beginning the socialization process at three months, the sooner the better and the goal is to ensure your Mini Bernedoodle develops into a sociable adult with the ability to accept new experiences. Attending puppy classes, having a puppy playdate, and letting your puppy meet controlled strangers are great socialization opportunities. Once your Mini Bernedoodle has been well socialized,
you will be amazed by their flexibility, adapting well to both busy parks and quiet homes. They bring a unique flair wherever they go and make the experience all that much warmer and joyful!
Ideal Living Conditions
Suitability for Apartment Living
The Mini Bernedoodle’s small size makes it a great apartment dog, provided you meet their exercise needs. They are adaptable and happy living in smaller spaces, unlike their larger Standard Bernedoodle siblings, who prefer running around large yards. A walk in the neighborhood and a little indoor playtime will keep them happy. A Mini Bernedoodle does have a low shedding coat and is less messy.
If you take care of it, your apartment or loft can remain a pleasant place to live even with a Mini-Bernedoodle. If you are a city dweller, a Mini Bernedoodle is a wonderful addition to your lifestyle. Their adaptability makes them an ideal city pet to keep your family warm and loved.
Are They Good with Kids and Other Animals
Mini Bernedoodles make wonderful family pets and are gentle in nature, which encourages them to be ideal pets for families with children or other animals. They can develop close relationships with kids, provide playful energy and closely watch kids.
However, it is best to be careful with kids who are under 4-5 years of age and cannot yet control their rough play in the dog’s eyes. Mini-Bernedoodles tend to get along with other dogs and cats, particularly when they are introduced early on to other pets. A Mini Bernedoodle is great with multiple dynamics of human and animal. Many will exist happily in a family environment or multi-pet household.
Choosing a Mini Bernedoodle
Finding a Trustworthy Breeder
Finding a Mini-Bernedoodle from a trustworthy breeder is critical to ensure that you will have the highest quality dog in health and temperament. Reputable breeders will have health screening done and will provide lineage for the puppy, which decreases the chances of you having a genetic “issue” in the future.
Visiting the breeder will allow you to see the puppy’s parents and living conditions; this will provide insight into the dog’s temperament and care it received. A dog from a shady breeder who is in it for profit will probably have health or behavioral issues. A reputable breeder is a partner towards your Mini Bernedoodle journey, only getting you off to a healthy start.
If You Decide to Adopt
Purchasing a Mini-Bernedoodle is a significant expense, because breeders can range from $1,500 to $5,000 depending on the quality of breeding you are getting. For those with a limited budget, adoption is an affordable way to provide a dog with a loving home, and costs from shelters or rescues are generally between $50 to $300.
There are also monthly expenses to consider while caring for a Mini-Bernedoodle, including food ($30-$100) and grooming ($50-$125); plus set-up costs for supplies such as bedding ($30-$300) and toys ($50-$200), which can total $200-$500. Careful planning for finances will ensure that your household budget can afford for their proper care once your Mini-Bernedoodle arrives.
Conclusion
Why Mini Bernedoodles Are Excellent Companions
Mini Bernedoodles are great examples of intelligence, love, and versatility. They come in a low-shedding coat, love to play and have a happy go lucky heritage. Their versatility makes them a great fit for lifestyles ranging from busy families to quiet apartment dwellers.
The Mini-Bernedoodle is able to form strong attachments to owners and is highly trainable, meaning experience as an owner will be rewarding. The Mini-Bernedoodle packs a ton of love and happiness whether it is romping around in a park or cuddling on the couch. Overall the Mini-Bernedoodle provides the best of both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle in a small entertaining package.
Final Thoughts for Future Owners of Mini Bernedoodles
If you are thinking about owning a Mini-Bernedoodle, prepare for an experience full of love and growth as an owner. It is important to learn what grooming, exercise, and socialization entails as a way to access the full potential of the breed. Getting information about reputable breeders or an adoption organization will allow for a healthy, well tempered companion.
With the right support a Mini-Bernedoodle will return your investment and enjoyment in a relationship that will last for many years to come, while providing plenty of memories along the way. Becoming a mini-Bernedoodle owner or adding a Mini-Bernedoodle to your life will be an experience full of positivity!
You May Like It
