If you are looking for a pet that is intelligent, hypoallergenic, and extremely adorable, have a look at the miniature Bernedoodle. This small-medium dog breed has all the qualities of a super lovable pet.
Mini Bernedoodles are the offspring of the peculiar combination of a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Miniature Poodle. They are velcro dogs that are easy to train and maintain and come in unique colors and patterns!
For aspiring owners of a mini Bernedoodle or pet lovers who already have one, this guide is tailored especially for you.
Here, you will learn everything you need to know about miniature Bernedoodles, from their appearance and temperament to health issues and proper grooming. Read on!
Contents show
What Is a Mini Bernedoodle?
The mini Bernedoodle is the cross of a Bernese Mountain Dog and a miniature Poodle. Typically, mini Bernedoodles weigh around 25 to 49 pounds and stand at 18 to 22 inches. They are intelligent dogs that with hypoallergenic qualities and unique coat colors.
This breed is ideal for two types of pet owners: those who don’t live in a spacious home and those who have allergies.
Among the three varieties of the Bernedoodle breed, the mini Bernedoodle is the second biggest. The smallest is the tiny Bernedoodle and the biggest is the standard Bernedoodle.
Undoubtedly, the mini Bernedoodle is an enjoyable pet to own. Its adorable wavy hair and bubbly personality make for a very pleasing companion. This dog also features a unique coat pattern.
Since it is the mini version of the standard Bernedoodle, mini Bernedoodles are more manageable in terms of size. They only require an ample amount of space to play and roam.
Mini Bernedoodle Size and Weight
A full-grown mini Bernedoodle ranges from 18 to 22 inches in height and can weigh around 25 to 49 pounds.
The size of a mini Bernedoodle is one of the biggest factors why pet lovers are in love with this breed. They are perfect for small living spaces and very convenient to travel with.
Height-wise, the miniature Bernedoodle is comparable to other dog breeds, such as the standard Goldendoodle, Airedale Terrier, Dalmatian, and Border Collie.
These medium-sized dogs are the perfect snuggle buddies. Moreover, they are less intimidating and easier to manage because of their miniature sizes.
Overall, a full-grown mini Bernedoodle is smaller than an average Bernese Mountain Dog and larger than a miniature Poodle. Typically, mini Bernedoodles reach their full size when they are about a year old.
Mini Bernedoodle Appearance
Miniature Bernedoodles, much like other designer dog breeds, are unique when it comes to their physical looks. However, a couple of prevalent features distinguish the Bernedoodle breed from others.
Mini Bernedoodles have ears that hang on the sides of their face. They have wavy curls that resemble the coat of a Poodle.
Their snout is short and triangular in shape, while their noses are usually black, and their eyes are oval-shaped.
Mini Bernedoodle Colors and Patterns
One of the selling points of the mini Bernedoodle is the fact that they come in a handful of coat colors!
Here are a few variants of the Bernedoodle based on their coat appearance:
Tricolor Mini Bernedoodle
A tricolor mini Bernedoodle features a black, white, and brown color combination.
The tricolor variant is closely akin to the Bernese Mountain Dogs in terms of coat appearance. Breeders claim that this is the hardest coat color to reproduce.
Sable Mini Bernedoodle
The sable mini Bernedoodle has a coat with black-tipped hairs. They come in a solid background color, which is commonly white or brown. These dogs may also have a slight hint of red.
Merle Mini Bernedoodle
A merle mini Bernedoodle is one of the easiest variants to identify. These dogs appear to have a grayish or bluish tint with scattered accents of red or brown.
Brindle Mini Bernedoodle
Brindle Bernedoodles are also known as “tiger-striped Bernedoodles.” Puppies with this coat pattern may appear indistinguishable from sables. However, differences become more noticeable as the dog ages.
Phantom Mini Bernedoodle
The phantom Bernedoodle features one main color and has coat tips of a different color. Mini Bernedoodles that have this coat pattern may resemble the colors of a Rottweiler or a Doberman Pinscher.
Phantom Tricolor Mini Bernedoodle
The phantom tricolor Bernedoodle is very similar to the phantom Bernedoodle. The only difference is that this coat pattern features a noticeable white patch around the chest area.
One thing to keep in mind is that most miniature Bernedoodles have curly coats; however, some will be curlier than others.
Curlier mini Bernedoodles require more grooming compared to others with straighter hair. On the other hand, mini Bernedoodles with straighter coats may tend to shed a little more.
Mini Bernedoodle Temperament and Personality
The temperament of a mini Bernedoodle can be very unpredictable, much like the appearance of its coat. This crossbreed may pick up a handful of qualities from either parent, especially if it is first-generation.
However, despite the occasional quirks, mini Bernedoodles are generally well-mannered, easily trainable, goofy, and highly intelligent. These dogs also pack a lot of energy and may go absolutely wild during playtime!
Nonetheless, note that mini Bernedoodles enjoy the company of their owners very much that they are prone to separation anxiety. This is especially true when they are at a young age.
Also, if you have kids around the house, rest assured that miniature Bernedoodles are perfectly harmless if trained properly. They have the energy of a toddler, but they do not bite or throw tantrums.
Mini Bernedoodle Lifespan and Health Issues
The average lifespan of miniature Bernedoodles ranges from 12 to 15 years. They are generally healthy dogs with very minimal health issues.
One good thing about crossbred dogs is that genetically inherited diseases from their full-breed parents are greatly minimized as the generation progresses.
That said, there are still a couple of things to watch out for if you are planning to get yourself a mini Bernedoodle best friend.
Here are some common health issues of mini Bernedoodles:
- Hip Dysplasia: Hip Dysplasia is a common health problem encountered by Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs. This happens when the hip joint doesn’t fit well together. Hip Dysplasia causes deterioration of joints in the long run.
- Thyroid Issues: Since Poodles are prone to hypothyroidism, there is a chance that mini Bernedoodles develop this health issue as well. Most thyroid issues can result in hair loss, sudden weight gain, and dry coat if not addressed properly.
- Bloating: Mini Bernedoodles may also be at risk of gastric torsion. In fact, this is one of the most serious health problems with Bernedoodles and dogs in general. This condition causes air and fluid to be trapped inside a twisted stomach.
You should be cautious about these health issues as early signs can appear at any age. As usual, regular vet checkups and a healthy pet lifestyle are the best ways to prevent health issues.
How to Take Care of Your Miniature Bernedoodle
Believe it or not, taking care of your mini Bernedoodle is not as different as taking care of other dog breeds. You just need to give them high-quality food, play with them regularly, and brush their hair daily.
Once you have established a routine for caring for your mini Bernedoodle, the rest of your time together will be a breeze!
Food and Diet
Proper nutrition is a must-have for any pet. For the mini Bernedoodle, you can provide high-quality dry dog food or prepare homemade meals. It can also be a mix of these two ways.
Mini Bernedoodles should be fed around two to four cups of quality dry food, depending on their size and age. They should also be provided food at least three times daily.
Nonetheless, you must ensure that you are giving the correct kind of kibble to your dog. If you prepare homemade meals, ensure they are not toxic to pets.
Training and Exercise
Mini Bernedoodles are versatile pets. They do well in an apartment setting and small living spaces. Although a yard to play around is great for them, they will happily goof around the living room.
Walking around your neighborhood on a daily basis for at least an hour is enough to bond with your pet while keeping it active. You may also throw in a game of fetch at the town park every once in a while.
If you are into swimming, the mini Bernedoodle is no slouch. You should definitely consider swimming a couple of laps with your pets every weekend.
Simply put, anything that keeps your mini Bernedoodle active for a few hours daily is good enough to keep it healthy.
Cleaning and Grooming
As you have noticed, when it comes to diet and exercise, the mini Bernedoodle is not much different than other breeds. However, when it comes to grooming, these dogs are more demanding.
Due to their naturally curly hair, miniature Bernedoodles require regular grooming. You should always keep a hairbrush around for your daily brushing sessions.
In terms of bathing, it is perfectly fine to bathe a mini Bernedoodle just once a month. Nonetheless, this will vary depending on the environment your dog is in. If you just went for a muddy hike, then on to the tub you and your pet go!
How Much Does a Mini Bernedoodle Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
The price of a mini Bernedoodle from a reputable breeder ranges from $800 to $4,000. On the other hand, adopting from shelters will set you back $100 to $500 in adoption fees.
This wide variety in pricing is due to several factors, such as generation type, coat color, and breeder’s expertise.
Similar to other dog breeds, mini Bernedoodles also require the essentials such as a comfy bed, some toys, and bags of yummy treats.
Here is a summary of the initial expenses associated with owning a mini Bernedoodle:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $70 – $110 |
| Bowls | $10 – $30 |
| Toys | $30 – $60 |
| Beds | $40 – $200 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $50 – $370 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $160 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $20 – $50 |
| Total Initial Cost | $505 – $2,710 |
Once you have shed off a hefty sum in buying a mini Bernedoodle and all of its essentials, you will be relieved that the maintenance cost is nothing too special. However, one thing that may cost you extra is grooming.
If you prefer your miniature Bernedoodle to be groomed professionally, you should know that you will need to bring them to the groomer at least once a month. This is to prevent their curly coats from matting.
Moreover, if you have a busy lifestyle, you may need to consider paying someone to walk your mini Bernedoodle.
Mini Bernedoodle Breeders and Rescues
Since the breed is relatively new, Bernedoodles are a bit harder to find compared to other dog breeds. There are only a handful of reputable mini Bernedoodle breeders, and most are new to working with this hybrid.
Although mini Bernedoodles are sold by a few backyard breeders and puppy mills, buying a dog from these sources is highly discouraged.
Breeders like these are not very particular about caring for their dogs. They prioritize the profit they make from selling their puppies over anything else.
If you are really keen on buying from a reputable mini Bernedoodle breeder, here are the most reliable ones to check out:
- Crockett Doodles – Crocket Doodles is a breeding group owned by a doctor. The best thing about this breeder is that they offer puppy delivery to various locations in the U.S. You can buy a mini Bernedoodle from Crockett Doodles for $800 to $3,900.
- Alpine Bernedoodles – This Colorado-based breeder specializes in miniature, micro-mini, and Australian Bernedoodles. They offer a wide variety of mini Bernedoodles, from puppies to full-grown mini Bernedoodles.
- HC Bernedoodles – HC Bernedoodles claims to be the best Bernedoodle breeder in Missouri. They sell both puppy and adult mini Bernedoodles. They also breed various Bernedoodles of different coat colors.
- Country Lane Bernedoodles – Established in 2016, Country Lane Bernedoodles is a well-known breeder in Iowa. They breed different dogs, such as the Bernese Mountain Dogs, Mini Poodles, Standard Poodles, and mini Bernedoodles. This breeder implements an online reservation policy that will run you $500.
Adopting is the way to go if you want to get a miniature Bernedoodle but don’t want to break the bank.
Although mini Bernedoodles are harder to come by in rescues, there are still a few available ones from time to time.
You can check out the following sources when looking for your soon-to-be pet:
- IDOG Rescue – IDOG Rescue is a non-profit foster-based rescue. They specialize in rehoming Labradoodles and Goldendoodles; however, they also have occasional mini Bernedoodles.
- Summit Dog Rescue – Based in Colorado, Summit Dog Rescue is an organization of pet lovers and volunteers. They provide shelter to different dog breeds, including miniature Bernedoodles.
- Poodle and Pooch Rescue – This Florida-based rescue organization adopts neglected dogs. They have rehomed around 4,000 dogs since their establishment in 2008. You can check out the adoptable dogs section on their site to look for a mini Bernedoodle.
- Adopt-a-Pet – This non-profit adoption website is based in North America. Their service has already catered to over 17,000 animal shelters and pet rescues. You can check them out occasionally; your mini Bernedoodle might just be lurking around their website.
Whether you buy or adopt, ensure that you are ready for the responsibilities of owning a mini Bernedoodle. You should prepare all the necessary items crucial in raising a dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Mini Bernedoodles Bark a Lot?
Mini Bernedoodles are moderate barkers. They are often silent dogs that do not bark for no apparent reason.
If your mini Bernedoodle barks, chances are, it has been left alone, it is extremely excited, or it feels threatened.
Loud noises, such as thunderstorms or car horns, may also startle them. However, you can train your mini Bernedoodle not to bark whenever it is unnecessary. You just need a few yummy treats and a ton of patience.
Are Mini Bernedoodles Good Family Dogs?
The mini Bernedoodle is a family-friendly dog. They are great with kids, easy to train, and extremely loyal. They have an appearance like no other, and they are also fairly low-maintenance.
Do Mini Bernedoodles Shed?
Typically, mini Bernedoodles do not shed much. This is especially true for those with super curly coats. Mini Bernedoodles with fairly straight coats might shed, but it is hardly noticeable.
A mini Bernedoodle will only shed when you are brushing its hair vigorously.
Are Mini Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic?
Yes. Generally, mini Bernedoodles are hypoallergenic. They do not shed as much, if not at all.
If you are planning to get one and are living with someone allergic to pet hairs, make sure to choose the curliest Bernedoodle you can find. They shed the least hair compared to mini Bernedoodles with less curly coats.
Final Thoughts
The Mini Bernedoodle is definitely a charming breed. Its unique appearance, impeccable intellect, and hypoallergenic coats are some qualities that make it one of the best dogs to own.
If you are an aspiring pet owner who doesn’t mind regularly brushing your pet’s hair and if you have quite the fortune to spend, then the mini Bernedoodle is a great pet for you!
Just keep it healthy and happy; it will keep your company for the rest of its life.
Are you planning to take home a mini Bernedoodle? Let us know in the comments what you think about these adorable dogs!
