Breeds Doodle Mixed / Cross Breeds
A Giant Breed Mixed With A Tiny Breed = A Mini Bernedoodle!
Rocky Kanaka
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When you’re looking for something truly unique, few pups will fill the role like a mini bernedoodle. These pups are a cross between a Bernese mountain dog and a miniature poodle, and there’s a lot of love to be had in this small package! If you’re curious how these two dogs mix (technically speaking) keep scrolling!
Here, we’re talking all about the mini bernedoodle, sharing some of their common traits, their temperament, and more so you can decide whether this interesting designer mix is right for your family.
Meet Some Mini Bernedoodles
Let’s start this off by introducing everyone to some amazing mini bernedoodle pups!
The best way to learn about a breed is by learning more about them from someone with experience keeping that type of dog. Mini Bernedoodle owners on Instagram have tons of great info to share, and are a good resource for learning more about what it takes to own one of these dogs.
1. Bear
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Bear the mini bernedoodle now enjoys plenty of fun in the sun in Houston, Texas! He loves showing off for followers, and he also enjoys snuggles and walks.
2. Leo
Mini bernedoodles are known for being playful, and Leo is the perfect example of a mischievous mini bernedoodle. Don’t let his cute face fool you! This pup is always up to something.
3. Stella
Mini bernedoodles may be fluffy, but they can tolerate the heat. The “poof” is in the pudding. Or, in this case, the proof is with Stella, who hails from sunny Phoenix, Arizona!
4. Waffles
Born in 2020, Waffles the mini bernedoodle is living his best life! This Insta-famous pup is the perfect example of the breed’s laid-back nature and intelligence.
5. Walden
From Boston, Massachusetts, we have Walden! This pup is always looking for an extra bite to eat, and he uses his cuteness to his advantage.
Mini Bernedoodle 101
Now that we’ve met a few bernedoodle pups, let’s learn some more about them!
The mini bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese mountain dog and a miniature poodle. The goal is a dog that weighs less than 40 pounds but of course with such a big dog and such a small dog there’s lots of room for the unexpected. It’s difficult to know what they will look like, especially if it’s a first generation mix.
They’re known for their curly low-shed coats and their adorable faces, which remind many of labradoodles (and after all, both crossbreeds are the result of a poodle and another breed of pup!)
If you’re looking for a quick overview of the breed, I’ve whipped up this handy chart including all of the information you need to know. However, for a more in-depth look at the mini bernedoodle, continue scrolling through this article!
| Grooming | Regularly, at least one professional grooming session per year |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Size | 18–22 inches tall |
| Temperament | Affectionate, smart, stubborn |
| Price | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Weight | 25–49 pounds |
Mini Bernedoodle Appearance
Mini bernedoodles come in many different colors and coat patterns. If you’re looking for a unique coat type, then you’ll probably end up paying more to acquire your perfect pooch.
The most common coat colors for mini bernedoodles are:
- Black
- Black and white
- Pure white
- Tricolor (black, brown, and white)
Most mini bernedoodles will have a curly coat, although the curliness will vary based on genetics. Some have straighter coats, and some may even have entirely straight fur.
Coat and Grooming
Bernedoodles and mini bernedoodles have thick, curly coats that require plenty of grooming. Daily brushing with a long-toothed comb or brush is a must, and every mini bernedoodle owner should budget time and resources for at least one professional grooming session every 4-6 months.
Allowing a mini bernedoodle to go ungroomed can result in overheating, mats, painful skin conditions, and trapped dirt/grime that can irritate your dog and even cause infections. Grooming these dogs can be very costly, but it is a must, so do not purchase a bernedoodle if you are not willing or able to pay for regular professional grooming services.
Grooms for a mini bernedoodle can cost anywhere from $50-$300, depending on what needs to be done, how frequently you bring the dog in, and the amount of time you spend maintaining their coat at home.
Mini Bernedoodle Diet
While mini bernedoodles will eat anything, — much like any dog! — not everything they eat will be good for them. Mini bernedoodles are known to have occasional chicken allergies. When you’re adopting or shopping for a mini bernedoodle, ask the breeder or shelter about this issue. They’ll be able to tell you if your prospective pup has this condition.
Otherwise, mini bernedoodles do not have any special feeding requirements.
When you’re looking for a new pup, regardless of whether it’s a mini bernedoodle, be sure to find a trusted veterinarian beforehand. Once you’ve located them, you’ll be able to consult with them when problems arise. They’ll also be able to perform a preliminary examination of your pup, which will help them determine if your dog happens to have any allergies or dietary restrictions.
Exercise Requirements.
Poodles are known for being active, energetic, and stubborn. On the other hand, Bernese mountain dogs are known for being gentle and relaxed. Combining these traits results in many different personalities, and no two pups will be the same!
Some mini bernedoodles will require a lot of exercise and others will be fine with just a few hours every week. You’ll need to spend some time with your pup to figure out which of these extremes your dog falls into. And, sometimes, your dog may be somewhere in the middle of the spectrum.
Planning-wise, you’ll want to start with the expectation that your dog will be walked, trained, and played with for at least a few hours every day. As you learn more about your pup, you can scale back or increase this time as needed.
Health
Mini bernedoodles tend to be healthy dogs as long as they are bred ethically, but because this breed is a mix and unregulated by the AKC, it isn’t always easy to find reputable breeders. The breed also is known to carry potential health risks, including:
- Cancer
- Dysplasia of the elbows and hips
- Eye disease
- Heart disease
Mini Bernedoodles and Separation Anxiety
Mini bernedoodles may also suffer from separation anxiety. This may result in destructive behaviors when you’re not home. Barking, chewing, and general destruction of property are the most common manifestations of separation anxiety.
If your pup begins to exhibit these symptoms, then your best bet will be a visit to a local trainer. These experts will be able to help you and your dog find a way to beat their anxiety. Often, this will be done with a mix of behavioral reinforcement, toys, and training. Crate training can be especially helpful for these dogs who may feel more comfortable in a smaller space where they have less opportunity to roam.
These dogs are extremely loyal, so be especially wary of any early signs of separation anxiety! The earlier you treat it, the easier it will be to master.
Temperament
Both poodles and Bernese mountain dogs are known for their intelligence. This means that they are highly trainable, although they can have a stubborn streak or two.
If you’re planning on adopting or shopping for a mini bernedoodle, be sure you have plenty of time in your day-to-day life for exercise. These pups are fairly active, and they need at least an hour or two of exercise every day.
Some of the descriptions assigned to mini bernedoodles are:
- Adventurous
- Curious
- Loyal
- Smart
- Stubborn
Remember that every pup is an individual! Some dogs will be stubborn, and others will be very easy to train. Some will be active, and others will be lazy! Every dog has their own personality, and these personality traits are just basic guidelines.
Training
Mini bernedoodles can be easy to train, but they may also be extremely stubborn.
The poodle side of mini bernedoodles is incredibly intelligent, which means that they have the ability to be quick learners. However, this is often tempered by a staunch stubbornness, which many owners say will manifest itself at the least opportune time.
On the flip side, Bernese mountain dogs are known for their intelligence and trainability.
This means that mini bernedoodles are a bit of a toss-up. Your pup may be the easiest dog in the world to train, or they may require a bit of specialized help. You never really know which of these categories your pup will fall into until it’s time to start training, so this is a wild card!
The Mini Bernedoodle FAQ
If you’re thinking about finding a mini bernedoodle to add to your family, then be sure to check out this FAQ first!
Do Mini Bernedoodles Bark a Lot?
In general, mini bernedoodles are “reactive” barkers, meaning they will only bark when there’s something to bark at. This put them solidly within the “moderate” range on the barking scale.
However, every dog is unique. Some will bark more than others, and some may not bark at all! Before you bring home any pup, spend some time with them! This will give you some experience with the pup, and you’ll be able to tell whether or not they’re a good fit for your lifestyle.
Do Mini Bernedoodles Have Health Issues?
Mini bernedoodles are at higher risk for cancer, elbow dysplasia, eye disease, heart disease, and hip dysplasia.
Many of these ailments come from the Bernese mountain dog side of their lineage. This means that some dogs will be at a higher risk for these ailments than others. Nonetheless, these pups are otherwise healthy.
Do Mini Bernedoodle Dogs Shed?
All dogs shed, but the mini bernedoodle is considered a low-shedding dog.
Their curly coats trap most of their dander and shed fur, which is why they should be groomed regularly. Daily brushing will help them loosen any shed hairs and prevent the coat from matting. You’ll also want to have time and resources to get your pup a professional grooming at least every 4-6 months.
How Much Should I Pay for a Mini Bernedoodle?
You can expect to pay $3,000–$5,000 for a mini bernedoodle.
When you’re shopping around for one of these pups, keep an eye out for the hallmarks of an ethical breeder. Unlike puppy mills, these folks truly care about their dogs, and they do their best to make sure every pup is healthy. Good breeders will:
-Be willing to let you see the mother
-Be willing to let you see the breeding and living areas
-(Generally) charge more
-Have plenty of veterinary records for every dog
-(Probably) have a waiting list
-Let you visit their location
-Provide the proper vaccination and examination records
You may also find a mini bernedoodle at your local shelter. There are a few different Bernese mountain dog and poodle specialized rescue groups across America, but there’s no way to guarantee that they’ll have a mini bernedoodle available. If you choose to go to a shelter, keep an open mind! You may just find a different pup to love.
Mini Bernedoodle Lifespan?
Mini bernedoodles will live for 12–15 years.
Ethically bred bernedoodles are generally healthy, and they’ll thrive in the proper setting! However, keep in mind that there is very little regulation of this breed, so you may not be able to guarantee the genetics your breeder claims to have looked at.
Mini Bernedoodle Size?
You can expect a mini bernedoodle to reach 18–22 inches tall and weigh in at 25–49 pounds when fully grown.
Because mini bernedoodles are mixed breeds, there is no guarantee of how large or small they will be. Because of this, there is a lot of variation. 
Source: @bernie__doodle
Where to Get a Mini Bernedoodle?
If you want a mini bernedoodle, you’ll probably need to go to a breeder. Finding a responsible breeder will guarantee that your pup is healthy, and their lineage will be properly vetted.
However, if you want to avoid breeders, you may be able to find a mini bernedoodle at your local rescue or shelter.
There are some groups that specialize in poodles, and you’ll likely have a better chance of finding a mini bernedoodle at these locations. Here are some U.S.-based rescues to check out:
Doodle Rescue Collective
IDOG Rescue
The Poodle Club of America Rescue Foundation
What other kinds of Bernedoodles are there?
-Standard Bernedoodle – 70-115 pounds
-Mini Bernedoodle – 40 pounds
-Toy Bernedoodle, Micro Bernedoodle, Tiny Bernedoodles 10-20 pounds
How do you breed a Mini Bernedoodle?
First generation mini Bernedoodles are made by by breeding a female Bernese Mountain Dog and a male toy or miniature poodle.
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Where To Learn More
Regardless of which breed you pick, be sure you do your research! I’m always updating my blog with new information, including info on different dog breeds. Check out my article about the smallest dogs in the world!
