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Bernedoodle |
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He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
Switzerland <> France -> Canada | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen | |
This breed is also known as |
Bernese Mountain Poo
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A brief presentation of the Bernedoodle |
The cross between a Bernese Mountain dog and a Poodle produces a fluffy, teddy-bear-like Bernedoodle, a sweet, clumsy and friendly cross. Bernedoodles are attractive dogs because they are more hypoallergenic than most dog breeds due to the contribution of their Poodle parents. In addition, they are bred to be companion dogs, rather than dogs, proving to love pets. Bernedoodles come in three sizes: standard, mini and toy. They are considered intelligent and responsive, very fond of people and children, and friendly to other pets too. They can be stubborn as puppies, but this characteristic tends to fade with age. Because they are a hybrid dog, they are healthier than their parents. They enjoy both playtime and cuddles with their owners. |
History of the Bernedoodle |
Bernedoodles are also known as Bernese, sheepdogs, Bernepoos, Bernesepoos and Bernesedoodles. It is thought that this new cross was intentionally created in 2003 by Sherry Rupke of Swissridge Kennels, Canada. Some, however, claim that the accidental cross-breeding of a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle has probably already taken place. Bernedoodles are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, but by the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, the International Designer Canine Registry and the Designer Breed Registry. This new breed was deliberately created to be a good companion dog, to the detriment of good performance in presentation or appearance. Nevertheless, the result was a beautiful dog, regardless of the characteristics inherited from either of its parents, as the Bernedoodle may have a different physical appearance. In fact, puppies from the same litter can differ in size and coat, depending on the genetic contribution transmitted by each parent. Second generation (F2) Bernedoodles are more consistent and predictable in terms of appearance and temperament, although they undergo greater changes as they are affected by their parents' health problems. Bernedoodles with 75% Poodle (F1B) are the most hypoallergenic and least common. |
A little of the Bernese Mountain Dog |
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Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, loyal dogs with a docile, calm character. They were originally developed in Switzerland as multi-purpose farm dogs for livestock, guarding and drafting. Today, they are better known as excellent companions and are a popular choice for pets due to their good nature and trustworthy temperament with children. They have a thick, drooping coat, but are easy to care for and should only come in tricolor. Although docile, the loyalty and size of Bernese Mountain Dogs, as well as their protective nature towards their families, can mean they make good watchdogs. They are generally easy to train, with a willing character and average exercise requirements. As a large dog, the breed has a relatively short lifespan and can suffer from a number of health problems. It is therefore important to choose a healthy family.Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, loyal dogs with a docile, calm character. They were originally developed in Switzerland as multi-purpose farm dogs for livestock, guarding and drafting. Today, they are better known as excellent companions and are a popular choice for pets due to their good nature and trustworthy temperament with children. They have a thick, drooping coat, but are easy to care for and should only come in tricolor. Although docile, the loyalty and size of Bernese Mountain Dogs, as well as their protective nature towards their families, can mean they make good watchdogs. They are generally easy to train, with a willing character and average exercise requirements. As a large dog, the breed has a relatively short lifespan and can suffer from a number of health problems. It is therefore important to choose a healthy family. | ||
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Standard of the Bernese Mountain Dog | ||
A little of the Poodle |
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The Poodle is one of the main players in the new world of hybrid dogs, and is renowned for its versatility. An intelligent dog that excels in many disciplines, the Poodle is not only an excellent pet, but can also compete successfully in events such as agility and flyball. The general public tends to associate the Poodle and its hairstyle with France, but the truth is that it's a German breed. Despite their glamorous appearance, they were originally bred to hunt and retrieve waterfowl and have always been fantastic swimmers. The Poodle is available in three sizes: Toy, Miniature and Standard, although it is the larger Standard Poodle that contributes to the Airedoodle breed. Poodles are recognized by the Kennel Club within their public service group. | ||
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Standard of the Poodle |
Appearance of the Bernedoodle |
The Bernedoodle can have curly, wavy or straight hair. The curlier the coat, the more hypoallergenic the dog. Its coat is thick and dense, with a hard texture. It can also be twisted with locks of varying lengths. The Bernedoodle's coat keeps it cool in summer and protected from the cold in winter. Coat colors can be: white, brown, black, black and white, black and brown, white and brown, black sable, tricolor with patches of black, white and brown, blue, gray, fawn, apricot, cream, merle. Bernedoodles are square-shaped, with oval, dark eyes set far apart. They have hanging ears close to the head, a long triangular muzzle and a bushy tail carried high. They also have thick, padded cushions. If Bernese genetics are more dominant, the Bernedoodle will look sturdier and squarer, with a silhouette that's longer than it is tall. Bernedoodles come in three different sizes. The standard size, the result of crossing a Standard Poodle with a Bernese Mountain Dog, measures from 58 to 74 cm and weighs between 32 and 41 kg. A Mini Bernedoodle (miniature Poodle crossed with a Bernese Mountain Dog) measures 46 to 56 cm and weighs between 11 and 22 kg. Finally, the Toy or Tiny Bernedoodle is a cross between a Toy Poodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog. The result is a small dog measuring 30 to 43 cm and weighing 4.5 to 11 kg. Obviously, the Bernese Mountain Dog parent is always the mother, as birthing problems / dystocia would most likely occur with a Poodle mother. |
Temperament of the Bernedoodle |
Bernedoodles are excellent companion dogs. They've been bred to be, and the dog lives up to its purpose: affectionate, calm and kind to humans and animals alike. They're a good choice for a family pet, because they're people-oriented, they like to spend time with the family, taking part in all the activities and games, but they'll also calmly sit on the sofa, enjoying spending time close to humans. They are highly intelligent, gentle and loyal, which also makes them good therapy, service and assistance dogs. It's not always easy to predict how a puppy will develop, but he'll certainly always be friendly, playful and affectionate. It's the placid, loyal nature of their Bernese parent, and the happy, goofy temperament of the Poodle that contribute to the Bernedoodle's charm. They are curious and a little stubborn at an early age, although they generally outgrow this characteristic when trained and socialized. They can be anxious about strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. They prefer cold weather and can be extremely active and playful. This makes them ideal for owners who spend time outdoors, hiking and leading an active lifestyle. They are good swimmers, just like the Poodle, and love to run, fetch and other stimulating games. Bernedoodles need human attention and although they are generally very adaptable, they can suffer from separation anxiety and are therefore not ideal pets for owners who spend long periods away from home. |
Needs and activities of the Bernedoodle |
The Bernedoodle is a moderately active hybrid. He'll absolutely love it when you take him for his daily walks. He loves playing with toys as much as he loves spending time with you. His crossbreed provides him with the coat to keep him warm in cold weather, but he also tolerates warmer temperatures. He lives best in a house with a fenced-in yard, as he has a moderate tendency to roam and hunt. He can live in both rural and urban areas, provided there's enough opportunity and space to exercise him on a daily basis. He needs plenty of human interaction, so leaving him outside all the time won't make him a happy puppy. His natural gait is a slow trot, so almost anyone should be able to walk him daily. |
Maintenance of the Bernedoodle |
The Bernedoodle requires moderate maintenance. Because the Bernese parent contributes to the constant and seasonal removal of all types of coat, we recommend brushing your Bernedoodle once or twice a week. Bathing is recommended only when necessary. Your Bernedoodle has a minimal shedding rate for curly and wavy-coated dogs, but for the less common straight-coated version, the shedding rate is a little higher, from low to medium, especially during the natural seasons. Your dog's diet should include regular teeth cleaning, eye and ear examinations, to avoid unnecessary ear and mouth infections. |