History of the Bernedoodle
The Bernedoodle is one of the newer doodle crosses. Breeder Sherry Rupke of SwissRidge Kennels in Ontario is widely credited with breeding the first intentional Bernedoodles in 2003, aiming for the Bernese Mountain Dog's gentle temperament with the Poodle's coat and intelligence.
Like other doodles, Bernedoodles come in sizes based on the Poodle parent (Standard, Miniature or Toy), and in generations such as F1 and F1B. They are not recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club; they are considered a crossbreed.
Bernedoodle Traits
Tiny 10–24 lb;
Mini 25–49 lb;
Standard 70–90 lb
Wavy to curly; needs regular grooming
~12–15 years
What Bernedoodles Excel At
Common gotchas
Trainer Notes
Our Bernedoodle Graduates
Since 2017, Neuman K-9 Academy has trained 100 Bernedoodles in our Dog Boot Camp and Puppy Camp, and 100 of them have a public graduation video on YouTube showing what they learned. Here are our most recent graduates.
Graduation videos of all 100 Bernedoodles, by year
2026: Otto, Walter, Cinnamon, Molly, Milo, Cruz
2025: Wally, Cosmo, Bentley, Muffins, Patrick
2024: Augusta, Cocoa, Teddy, Tilly, Patch, Rocky, Beau, Doug, Eddie, Jet, Homer, Jayme
2023: Jordyn, Cooper, Hazel, Ollie, Marlo, Joey, Kulfi, Charlie, Mando, Hunter, Maverick, Marvin
2022: Peanut, Maverick, Berlin, Bentley, Dougie, Teddy, Clark, Oakley, Millie, Duke, Enzo, Emma, Duncan, Benny, Boomer, Watson, Marley, Bernie, Rambo, Zeb
2021: Juno, Hank, Belle, Maggie, Darla, Tucker, Baxter, Rocco, Ruby, Tobi
2020: Benji, Walter, Baxter, Murphy, Maja, Penny, Ted, Bear, Piper, Basil, Mischief, Gus, Winston, Lou, Lettie, Nelly, Rhi, Rocky
2019: Rory, Charlie, Winston, Lili, Bernice, Mahalo, Lettie, Puffy
FAQs
Are Bernedoodles easy to train?
Bernedoodles are smart and people-oriented, but some inherit the Bernese Mountain Dog's stubborn, independent streak. Consistent structure and patience go a long way.
Do Bernedoodles shed?
Usually less than a Bernese Mountain Dog, but most shed a little. Curlier coats tend to shed less and need more grooming.
At what age should I start training my Bernedoodle?
Puppy Camp takes puppies from 4 months of age, and Dog Boot Camp is for dogs 12 months and older.
How long is boot camp for a Bernedoodle?
Dog Boot Camp runs 8 or 12 weeks; Puppy Camp has 4, 8 and 12-week options for younger dogs.
How big will my Bernedoodle get?
It depends on the Poodle parent: roughly 10–24 lb for tiny, 25–49 lb for mini and 70–90 lb for standard Bernedoodles.
Train Your Bernedoodle at Neuman K-9 Academy
Our Dog Boot Camp is an 8 or 12-week board-and-train program for dogs 12 months and older, and Puppy Boot Camp is for puppies 4 to 12 months. Every program includes hands-on handler training for you at graduation. Families send their dogs from across the country, too; see dog boot camp for out-of-state families.
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