How big do Bernedoodles get?

Bernedoodles are a popular and lovable crossbreed between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. These designer dogs have gained immense popularity due to their friendly nature, charming appearance, and hypoallergenic coats. One of the common questions potential Bernedoodle owners ask is, "How big do Bernedoodles get?" In this blog post, we'll explore the factors that influence a Bernedoodle's size and provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you understand their growth.

Factors Influencing Bernedoodle Size

1. Generation: Bernedoodles come in various generations, primarily categorized as F1, F1B, F2, and so on. F1 Bernedoodles are first-generation crosses between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. F1B Bernedoodles are backcrossed with a Poodle, often resulting in smaller sizes and more hypoallergenic coats. The generation of a Bernedoodle can significantly affect its size.

2. Parental Size: The size of the parent dogs plays a crucial role in determining how big a Bernedoodle will get. If the Bernese Mountain Dog parent is large and the Poodle parent is standard-sized, the offspring is likely to be larger. Smaller parent dogs will produce smaller Bernedoodles.

3. Poodle Variety: Poodles come in three varieties: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Bernedoodles can be bred with any of these Poodle varieties. Standard Poodles produce larger Bernedoodles, while Miniature and Toy Poodles result in smaller ones.

4. Genetics: Like any other living being, a Bernedoodle's size is influenced by genetics. Some puppies in a litter may take after one parent more than the other, leading to variations in size. It's essential to remember that genetics can be somewhat unpredictable.

5. Nutrition and Care: Proper nutrition and care during a Bernedoodle's puppyhood are vital for its healthy growth. Ensure that your puppy receives a balanced diet and appropriate exercise to reach its full growth potential.

Average Bernedoodle Sizes

Now that we've covered the factors that influence a Bernedoodle's size, let's look at the average sizes you can expect for each Bernedoodle generation:

1. Standard Bernedoodle: Standard Bernedoodles are the largest and can weigh anywhere from 70 to 90+ pounds (32 to 41+ kilograms). They typically stand between 23 to 29 inches (58 to 74 centimeters) tall at the shoulder.

2. Miniature Bernedoodle: Miniature Bernedoodles are smaller, ranging from 25 to 49 pounds (11 to 22 kilograms) in weight. They usually stand between 18 to 22 inches (46 to 56 centimeters) tall at the shoulder.

3. Toy Bernedoodle*: (may also be called “Micro Mini”) Toy Bernedoodles are the smallest of the bunch, weighing around 10 to 24 pounds (4.5 to 11 kilograms) and standing between 12 to 17 inches (30 to 43 centimeters) tall at the shoulder.

Remember that these are just averages, and individual Bernedoodles may fall outside these ranges. Always consult with a reputable breeder or veterinarian for more accurate estimations based on the specific puppy's lineage and health.

*A note about tiny-sized Bernedoodles:

As you know, Bernese Mountain Dogs are large dogs, so, to make them smaller, a breeder has two choices:

1. Breed down the size over several generations: This process will yield a predictable result as well as puppies with more pleasing conformation. It takes years of dedication and commitment to the breed as well as careful genetic testing to avoid breeding puppies that come unfurnished (coats without curl that are likely to shed).

2. Breed a Bernese Mountain Dog to a Miniature or Toy Poodle: This shortcut route could result in a smaller Bernedoodle, but very often these puppies have short legs and long bodies. There is also no guarantee the puppy will take after their smaller, Poodle parent. There is also a chance they will take after the Bernese Mountain Dog parent and end up being 50+ lbs.

If you are shopping for a Bernedoodle and desire one that is a smaller size, be aware of breeders that claim their puppies will be less than 24 lbs if they are an early generation such as F1. These puppies will most likely have disproportionate bodies or could end up being as large as a standard Bernedoodle! I certainly wouldn’t advise paying extra for a puppy like this. If you happen to find a breeder that has taken several years to develop a true miniature line by breeding down the size over generations, then I would expect to pay significantly more, but you will be more likely to get what you are paying for: a Bernedoodle that looks like a mini version of the standard.

If you are really set on having a dog that is less than 24lbs but can’t find a Bernedoodle breeder that has bred down over generations, consider a breed that is actually meant to be small like Cavapoos. In Central Illinois, you will find a quality, family-raised Cavapoo at Gardner Lane Puppies.

Bernedoodle sizes at Joley Aire

At Joley Aire, we have chosen to focus on standard-sized Bernedoodles. We love big dogs and appreciate having more to love! We also want to stay true to the “Bern” part of the Bernedoodle breed. Most of our puppies are expected to grow to be between 70-90 lbs.

We do have one smaller mama (Suki) who will produce 40-50 lb Bernedoodles. She is the result of a small Bernese Mountain Dog breeding to a medium-sized Poodle and we have chosen to breed her to our medium-sized Poodle resulting in predictable, well-proportioned medium-sized F1b Bernedoodles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the size of a Bernedoodle depends on several factors, including generation, parental size, Poodle variety, genetics, and proper care. While there are average size ranges for each generation, there can be significant variations. Regardless of their size, Bernedoodles are known for their affectionate and friendly nature, making them wonderful companions for families of all sizes. When considering bringing a Bernedoodle into your home, be sure to choose a responsible breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs.