Table of Contents
Quick Overview:
| OFFICIAL NAME | Mini Bernedoodle |
| COMMON NAME | Mini Bernedoodle |
| BREED PARENTS | Bernese Mountain dog + Poodle |
| ORIGIN | Canada |
| GROUP | Designer |
| AVERAGE HEIGHT | 18 – 12 inches |
| AVERAGE WEIGHT | 25 – 50 Pounds |
| COAT TYPE | Wavy /Curly /straight |
| COAT COLOR | Phantom, Sable, Merle, black, black and white and tri-color |
| AVERAGE LIFESPAN | 10 – 12 years |
| HYPOALLERGENIC | Yes |
| TRAINING DIFFICULTY | Easy |
| ENERGY LEVEL | Active |
| EXERCISE NEEDS | Moderate |
| DROOL AMOUNT | Low |
| TENDENCY TO BARK | Moderate |
| SHEDDING AMOUNT | Low |
| KEY PERSONALITY TRAITS | Intelligent, Playful, Gentle, Out-going, Fun loving |
| POSSIBLE HEALTH ISSUES | Hip and elbow dysplasia, Some eye conditions, Allergies, Hot spots |
| SUITABLE FOR | Families, Active pet owners, First time as well as well experienced owners, owners who seek comfort |
| PRICE | 3500$ – 5000$ |
Mini Bernedoodles: Introduction
Mini Bernedoodles are intelligent, gentle and out-going dogs originating from Canada. They are a cross breed between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle. They are the mini version of standard Bernedoodles and their height ranges from 18 – 22 inches and weight ranges from 25 – 50 Pounds.
Like standard Bernedoodles, they are also a mixed breed so they are recognized neither by American Kennel Club nor Canadian Kennel Club. But similar to standard Bernedoodles, some groups like the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, the International Designer Canine Registry, the Designer Breed Registry, and the American Canine Hybrid Club recognize them.
History and Origin
Originated or “Invented” in Canada by a Canadian breeder Sherry Rupke, the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle were bred in 2003 with the suggestion of a client of hers so as to attain “the traits people love about the Bernese with better odds of good health and a long life spent together.” She “loved everything about the gorgeous and sweet-natured Bernese, except for the short-lived breed’s genetic propensity for cancer. Plus, it sheds. And it can be a little stubborn.”
Henceforth, she bred them to create Bernedoodle and breed out some of the sickly traits of the Bernese. The mini Bernedoodle gets its name from its mini size. They are harder to breed due to their size and hence are expensive. They are normally bred from a taller mini poodle or small moyen poodle with a Bernese Mountain Dog.
Physical Characteristics
Mini Bernedoodles are mini versions of the standard Bernedoodles. Their average height ranges from 18 – 22 inches and average weight ranges from 25 – 50 Pounds. They usually have a wavy or curly coat type but it can also be straight. Their coat color comes in sable, phantom, merle, black, black and white and tri-color.
They are known for their low shedding and low-allergen coat making them hypoallergenic dogs.
Temperament and Personality
Mini Bernedoodles are Intelligent and gentle. They are active dogs which makes them playful and because of their size, they are excellent cuddle buddies in sofas. Their intelligence allows them to get trained easily. They can learn complex tricks easily and their size also allows them to be trained easily. Their loyal and friendly traits also make them a good beginner dog. These traits also help when they are used as therapy and service dogs. They provide comfort and support to those in need.
They can also adapt to most living conditions. They can live as happily in big spaces as they will in small spaces. They are also good around all age groups. So, one can leave them with children without any worry. But they like to bark quite a bit.
Exercise and Activity needs
Mini Bernedoodles require a very moderate amount of exercising daily. Their daily exercise needs can be 30- 60 minutes per day. They are active dogs so they can be taken to short walks or ever long hiking and trails. They are versatile dogs in activity fields. These physical activities help keep their physical and emotional needs in check.
Due to their small size, Mini Bernedoodles also make good couch buddies. Their small size allows them to snuggle up with their owners and make good cuddling partners. They love to stay snuggled up with their owners in beds or sofas as much as they love going outside for their physical activities. But their physical needs must be fulfilled else they will learn destructive habits due to boredom.
Grooming and Care
Mini Bernedoodles generally have a low maintenance coat. They have a low shedding coat but still require frequent brushing in order to prevent matting. They will only need professional grooming once every few months as per the hair growth. This can both be a good and bad thing as they will be easier to maintain but still need daily or frequent brushing. Caring for a Mini Bernedoodle will be easier as long as they get the needed physical and mental stimulation from physical activities and constant love and attention from their owners.
Some tips for Bernedoodle caring could be:
- Brush your Bernedoodle frequently (at least three times a week) to prevent matting and keep the coat shiny.
- Bathe them once every few months to prevent stripping natural oils that keep the coat and skin moisturized.
- Professional grooming should be done once every few months.
- Dental health should be introduced early and brushing teeth should be done at least 3 times a week.
Health and Common Concerns
Normally, Mini Bernedoodles grow up as healthy dogs. They are normally prone to genetic diseases. The most common diseases seen include Hip and elbow dysplasia, Some eye conditions, Allergies and Hot spots. They are susceptible to mental disease like separation anxiety if left alone for long frequently.
Some ways to keep a Bernedoodle healthy and eliminate possibility of disease are:
- Proper vaccinations should be given in time and regular checkups should be done.
- Food approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) should be fed to ensure balanced diets.
- Proper feeding habits should be developed as improper habits like fast eating or eating big meal for a day could lead to Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV).
- Timely meals and proper diet should be maintained as over eating may cause obesity leading to Hip and elbow dysplasia.
- Dental health should be introduced in puppy days. Habits should be built for teeth brushing at least three times a week and teeth brushing should be done with dog specific brushes and toothpastes.
- Proper exercising should be given and they should have at least 60 minutes of exercising every day.
- They should not be left alone for long frequently as they can develop separation anxiety.
- If any change in physical or behavioral aspect is seen, seek professional help
- Proper sanitation and environments should be maintained
- Timely brushing and grooming should be done to prevent matting and hot spots.
Seeking professional help for maintaining your pet’s health should be a must for any owner.
Training and Socialization
Mini Bernedoodles are known for their eagerness to please. Therefore, they will learn quickly with proper training. They should have basic training like potty training, leash training, socializing etc. in their early puppy days. Although they are quiets dogs, some Bernedoodles are prone to barking so proper barking training should be given early. Training should be done with positive reinforcement methods.
Mini Bernedoodles are also very social dogs. If they are exposed to socialization since early puppy days, they can turn out very friendly towards other dogs and even strangers and new people.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mini Bernedoodles are basically smaller sized Bernedoodles. They offer everything that one wants from a Bernedoodle but in small size. They are excellent dogs for both outdoor activities as well as indoor snuggling. Hence, they are the best of both worlds. Similarly, they are very friendly and loyal while also being intelligent. They are recommended to people who seek comfort as they make great therapy and service dogs. They also make good family dogs as their small size and moderate exercise needs make them easier to take care of. And not to mention that they are also very friendly towards children too.
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