Mini Bernedoodle - Size | Appearance | Temperament | Price | Shedding (2024)

Mini Bernedoodles are a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Miniature Poodle.

The result is a friendly, low-shedding cross breed that can make excellent companion animals or family pets.

While you may already be familiar with Bernedoodles, the Mini Bernedoodle is simply a smaller version of the hybrid.

This cross breed has become more popular over the past couple of decades – and the Mini Bernedoodle is no different.

In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at the Mini Bernedoodle cross breed, including their appearance, temperament, exercise requirements and training.

What Is A Mini Bernedoodle?

The Mini Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Miniature Poodle. They can be the result of breeding between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Miniature Poodle but also two Bernedoodles.

Sherry Rupke is widely credited for breeding the first Mini Bernedoodles in 2003 when the Ontario-based Swissridge Kennel breeder intentionally bred two of her Bernedoodles.

They can go by a variety of different names, including: Mini Bernese Mountain Poo, Mini Bernesepoo, Mini Bernesedoodle or Mini Bernepoo.

Mini Bernedoodle Appearance

Mini Bernedoodles can come in a wide variety of different colors. They’ll usually be pure black, black and white, black and brown or tri-color (black, white and brown).

Their appearance mirrors that of their Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle parents. They resemble a cuddly, hair small bear cub. These shaggy dogs can have the broad build of the Bernese Mountain Dog or the slender build of the Poodle.

Every Mini Bernedoodle has a different coat but there does tend to be some common themes. They’ll usually have a wavy coat to some degree, although there are some Mini Bernedoodles with a straight coat.

In terms of size, Mini Bernedoodles can range from 18 to 22 inches tall and weigh between 25 and 45 pounds. However, you can get some members of the cross breed who are a little taller, smaller, heavier or lighter than these ranges.

Mini Bernedoodle Temperament

If you’re looking for an active dog that can keep pace with your family, Mini Bernedoodles could be a perfect fit. After all, they tend to be happy, goofy, loving and loyal dogs who relish the chance to interact with their fellow family members. Their energy levels can vary depending on whether they take after their Poodle parent or Bernese Mountain Dog parent.

Booker’s owner Mehnoosh provided us with an insight into the temperament of Mini Bernedoodles.

Mini Bernedoodles are extremely energetic, and this is something I’ve found to be consistent with a lot of Mini Bernedoodle’s I’ve met! They’re very friendly, particularly with other dogs and make a great family pet. One thing to note though is that they’re very stubborn. This is both a blessing and a curse, but does require persistence when training them because they can regress in training quickly if you do not maintain consistency.

Meanwhile, Rasa highlighted that every Mini Bernedoodle is going to differ slightly, but they usually have some traits in common.

Every [Mini] Bernedoodle is a little bit different. In general, you’re going to get some Bernese traits (goofy and eager to please but also stubborn and a little bit lazy), and then you’re going to get some Poodle traits (intelligent and loyal but a little bit mischievous). In my experience, though, [Mini] Bernedoodles are total velcro dogs and often a product of their environment – so whatever training you do and routines you establish will help your [Mini] Bernedoodle in developing their personality.

Mini Bernedoodle Exercise Requirements

The exercise requirements of a Mini Bernedoodle will depend on whether they take after their Bernese Mountain Dog or Poodle parent. For instance, a Mini Bernedoodle who is more alike the Miniature Poodle will have quite high energy levels but a Mini Bernedoodle who is more akin to a Bernese Mountain Dog could be more relaxed.

Kate revealed that Lucky gets two walks a day and 30 minutes of play time with a neighbor’s dog.

[We] walk about twice a day for one mile. She plays with neighbors dog about for 30 minutes every day. High energy.

Rasa highlighted the importance of mental stimulation when taking care of a Mini Bernedoodle.

It’s very important to exercise your Mini [Bernedoodle] through walks and play, but also through mental stimulation! Treat puzzles and snuffle mats are truly life changing and will often exhaust your puppy more than any physical exercise you can give, but [Mini] Bernedoodles love being social and active so you should definitely incorporate both.

Booker, meanwhile, gets at least two walks a day as well as some playtime with other dogs.

Mini Bernedoodles require consistent exercise and while I’m not particularly educated on the best forms of exercise for them, we typically take Booker on a walk twice a day in our neighborhood – one in the morning and one in the evening! His favorite form of exercise is play time with other dogs so we try to set up playdates once a week with other dogs in our neighborhood – either by going to our local dog park or playing in the backyard.

Are Mini Bernedoodles Hard To Train?

Mini Bernedoodles tend to be quiet intelligent dogs thanks to the influence of the Poodle genes. Poodles are the second smartest dogs in the world behind the Border Collie. However, some Mini Bernedoodles may inherit the stubbornness of the Bernese Mountain Dog. If that’s the case with your hybrid hound, you’ll need to show patience and practice positive reinforcement.

Rasa found training Bernie a breeze seeing as her Mini Bernedoodle was highly food motivated.

Bernedoodles are VERY intelligent and eager to please, and in my experience EXTREMELY food motivated – so if you have those two things going for you with your dog, training will be a breeze. Be warned, however, that sometimes Bernedoodles will try to outsmart you to get treats without a task!

Kate revealed that she managed to potty train Lucky in just three days, adding that Mini Bernedoodle are “super intelligent”.

Mehnoosh believes Mini Bernedoodles do benefit from consistent and regular training.

Mini Bernedoodles can be very stubborn so it’s important to be diligent and consistent when training your pup.

Do Mini Bernedoodles Shed A Lot?

If you’re looking for a low-shedding dog, the Mini Bernedoodle could be the mix for you. Having said that, each member of the cross breed could shed to varying degrees, from virtually no shedding to moderate shedding. If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic dog, Mini Bernedoodles could be a fit as they’re low shedding but they could still have other allergens that trigger a reaction, such as their salvia.

Mehnoosh provided a brilliant explanation of why Mini Bernedoodles tend to be low shedders.

F1 Mini Bernedoodles, first generation crosses where the puppy is 50% Bernese Mountain Dog and 50% Poodle, do have the possibility of shedding a bit, as Bernese Mountain Dogs are dogs that shed. However, the shedding is minimal and is reduced when you breed Bernedoodles with other Bernedoodles.

Raja explained that Bernie doesn’t shed at all!

In my experience, not at all but you do have to keep up with grooming religiously. While most [Mini] Bernedoodles have the non-shedding Poodle coat, without daily brushing and regular professional grooming it can get quite matted. There are some [Mini] Bernedoodles that have “unfurnished” coats, as well, and those types of coats tend to shed a bit more.

Are Mini Bernedoodles Good Family Dogs?

Minis Bernedoodles have earned a reputation for being great family pets, given their robust build despite their small size, energy levels and affectionate cuddles. SwissRidge Bernedoodles founder Rupke wrote on her website that Bernedoodles and Mini Bernedoodles are completely dedicated to their families with a special fondness for children.

Raja “absolutely” considers Mini Bernedoodle as a great dog for families.

As with any dog, as long as family members are respectful, what you’ll get back is endless love, affection, and snuggles. To families with young children with any breed, I’d recommend making sure that your kids have boundaries and don’t do anything that might hurt the dogs, and if ever bringing in a new dog introducing them slowly and on neutral ground. In general, [Mini] Bernedoodles love being part of a family unit, inclusive of humans, dogs, cats, whatever!

Mehnoosh recommended early socialization for Mini Bernedoodles to help develop their social skills.

Mini Bernedoodles are very affectionate and friendly dogs, particularly to other pets within the household! Early socialization to both people and other pets is important, but they’re very loyal and trustworthy companions.

Mini Bernedoodle Separation Anxiety

Any dog can suffer from separation anxiety irrespective of breed or mix. Separation anxiety is a chronic canine condition that occurs when dog owners are about to leave the home or have left the home. The symptoms include barking, howling, whining, chewing, digging, urinating and defecating.

Asked if Lucky suffers from separation anxiety, Karen explained:

Yes and no (she’s been alone for a maximum of five hours so far, she was OK. But yes, they want to be with you alllllll the time).

Rasa described her Mini Bernedoodle Bernie as a “velcro dog”, shedding light on some the things she does to soothe Bernie when he’s left at home alone.

Mini Bernedoodles are absolutely velcro dogs and would rather be with their people than without. However, if you do your best to make sure they are well-exercised physically and mentally, this should not be a problem. When leaving my [Mini] Bernedoodle at home, I like to create a safe space or room for him to be in, turn the TV on to a medium volume, and leave him with a treat puzzle or something I know isn’t dangerous unsupervised, such as a chew toy. If you leave them comfortable, they should be able to stay comfortable!

Every Mini Bernedoodle will be different and you may encounter members of the hybrid breed that aren’t susceptible to the chronic canine disorder.

However, Mehnoosh revealed that Booker does suffer with separation anxiety.

This is a tough question, as I can only speak to my experience with Mini Bernedoodles. Because I got my dog during the pandemic, he’s experienced a great deal of separation anxiety. But I know that to be true with many different breeds that were also adopted or purchased during the pandemic.

Are Mini Bernedoodles Fussy Eaters?

It seems like most Mini Bernedoodles will eat just about anything. However, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a breed that can have sensitive to certain types of food. There’s a chance a Mini Bernedoodle could inherit this sensitivity to food.

Mehnoosh admitted that Booker is a voracious eater.

Absolutely not – Mini Bernedoodles are hungry all the time and will eat just about anything if you were to allow them! Booker eats a diet that is inclusive of kibble and freeze fried food. One thing to be mindful of though is that poodle breeds often have allergies with chicken so we like to avoid including any chicken within his diet.

While Bernie will eat just about anything like Booker, Raja revealed that she’s heard that some members of the Bernedoodle family can be prone to sensitive tummies.

While my [Mini] Bernedoodle will literally eat anything (and I mean anything), I have heard that some Bernedoodles tend to be fussy and/or sensitive to certain proteins – so be prepared to adjust accordingly. While it’s not the most cost effective thing to do, I encourage everyone to consider feeding their dog real food – I purchase cooked dog food from a local company called Natural Pet Pantry here in Seattle, but it’s similar to the more widely known companies like The Farmer’s Dog or Ollie. I have heard wonderful benefits from feeding dogs raw, as well, but I just don’t have the stomach (or the freezer space) for it unfortunately. For kibble, I really like Open Farm and Stella and Chewy’s and usually have on hand as backups in case of emergency, and you can always jazz up kibble with things like salmon oil, freeze dried raw treats, or other meal toppers.

You can check out our in-deptch guides and top picks for fresh dog food in the USA here and in the UK here.

How Much Do Mini Bernedoodles Cost?

If you’re thinking about getting a Mini Bernedoodle, you may want to visit your local rescue organization or shelter to see if there is one of these dogs in need of rehoming (or a dog similar to the crossbreed). However, as a relatively new hybrid dog, your best bet may be a breeder.

It’s a good idea to speak to a number of different breeders to get a sense for which is the best fit for you. You should be prepared to answer questions about your lifestyle and home as well as ask the breeder lots of questions.

You should ask to see your potential pup with their mother as well as ask the breeder for proof of health screening and veterinarian checks.

The average price of a Bernedoodle tends to be around $3000 to $5000.

Raja suggested a price range of $3000 to $5000 for a Bernedoodle puppy.

Pricing will vary from coloring to specific size, but expect to pay anywhere from $3000 to $5000 for a Mini Bernedoodle from a reputable well-known breeder – and more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better!

Meanwhile, Mehnoosh suggested that a price range of $2000 to $6000 for Mini Bernedoodles.

Mini Bernedoodles To Follow On Instagram

Here are some of our favourite Mini Bernedoodle pups to follow on social media!

• Venice (@venice_dood)

• Lucky (@lj.thebernedoodle)

• Bernie (@bernie__doodle)

Wrapping Up

We’ve reached the end of our feature on Mini Bernedoodles.

They’re a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Miniature Poodle. And the result is a family-friendly hybrid dog.

Mini Bernedoodles tend to be active, cuddly, happy, loyal and loving dogs that will quickly become attached to their owners and fellow family members.

They’ll usually have a low-shedding coat but could shed to varying degrees. Mini Bernedoodles do require a lot of grooming to maintain the health and quality of their coat.