A Bernedoodle is a cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle.

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The ultimate size of the Bernedoodle can vary quite a lot. The Bernese Mountain Dog Spaniel is a large dog reaching around 20-23 inches tall and 35-50kg at maturity, however the Poodle comes in three sizes – Toy, Miniature and Standard, so this will have some bearing on the size the adult Bernedoodle will reach.

Being a crossbreed, the size a Cavoodle will reach as an adult is less predicable than a purebred dog. If you want a particular size of dog, make sure to enquire about the size of the Poodle parent.

A Toy Poodle reaches around 8-10 inches in height and weigh around 5kg. A Miniature Poodle usually matures between 11-15 inches in height and weighs 6-9kg. A Standard Poodle is the largest of the breed at around 20-23 inches tall and 25kg.

The Bernedoodle is usually multi coloured. Most often the Bernedoodles predominant colour is black, black and tan or tri-colour with white markings but they can come in any colour that Poodles can be found in, including parti colours.

The Bernedoodle temperament ideally combines the best traits from the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle to create a smart, affectionate, placid and eager to please dog.

The breed standard for the Bernese Mountain Dog states that dogs should not be aggressive, anxious or distinctly shy, but rather should be good-natured, self-assured, placid towards strangers and docile.

This side of the Bernese Mountain Dog x Poodle can balance out the neuroses of the Poodle side, making it a laid-back and calm companion. However, be sure to meet the parents and check their temperaments as you may find your puppy inherits more of the negative traits of this cross.

If you are looking for a child-friendly dog it is best to look for a puppy with a Standard Poodle parent, over the smaller variations, as these are typically more tolerant and better with children.

When purchasing a hybrid dog there is less predicability than with a purebred, so keep this in mind if you are looking for  dog with certain personality traits.

The Bernedoodle is usually a long, wavy coated dog. They require a high amount of grooming including brushing daily to prevent matting of their coat, and clipping every 6-8 weeks throughout their life.

Typically, they don’t shed however this doesn’t mean they are hypoallergenic. Most people who are allergic to dogs are actually allergic to their saliva, not the hair, so keep this in mind if you are looking for a dog that won’t trigger your allergies.

If the Poodle parent is a Standard Poodle the puppy is likely to be very good with children.

A Miniature or Toy Poodle is less likely to produce a child-friendly dog as they are typically less tolerant of children.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is usually a very good family dog and typically very good with children.

• Cancer
• Hip Dysplasia
• Malignant histiocytosis
• Hypomyelinogenesis,
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Von Willebrand Disease
• Color Dilution Alopecia
• Sebaceous Adenitis
• Addisons Disease
• Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
• Epilepsy

Poodles are known as a highly intelligent, energetic, and sociable breed, ranking only behind Border Collies for smarts. A typical poodle will be reserved and a little aloof with strangers, and excel in obedience and dog sports. The Standard Poodle is thought to have the most child-friendly nature of all the sizes. Miniature and Toy varieties tend to have less patience with young children and might find certain children’s antics too much to handle.

Bernese Mountain Dogs  are outdoor dogs at heart, though well-behaved in the house; they need activity and exercise, but do not have a great deal of endurance. They can move with amazing bursts of speed for their size when motivated. If they are sound (no problems with their hips, elbows, or other joints), they enjoy hiking and generally stick close to their people. Bernese Mountain Dogs are a breed that generally does well with children, as they are very affectionate. They are patient dogs that take well to children climbing over them. Though they have great energy, a Bernese will also be happy with a calm evening.

Ideally, the Bernedoodle would be a combination of the Poodle’s smarts and the Bernese Mountain Dogs’s docile nature, however the nature of crossbreeding is that you are unable to accurately predict the nature of the resulting puppy. In some cases you may have an unfortunate combination of traits.

Make sure you meet the parents, and ideally some other puppies from the breeder so you can have a better idea of the likely nature of your puppy.

Generally, yes. Both Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs are typically good with other dogs.

Owing to the active nature of the Poodle a Bernedoodle will require a fair amount of exercise, especially as a puppy. Typically these are not dogs suitable for apartment living, unless you are able to commit to a high amount of exercise.

Typically between $2000 – $4000. Note that the cost of a puppy doesn’t reflect the quality of it’s breeding or care. Make sure you find an ethical breeder before you purchase a puppy.

Make sure the parents of the puppy have had all the following testing completed and ask the breeder for copies of the results.

A DNA test or vet check is not sufficient health testing.

Bernese Mountain Dog
• Hip Evaluation
• Elbow Evaluation
• Ophthalmologist Evaluation
• Cardiac Exam
• Von Willebrand’s Disease DNA Test

Poodle – Miniature
• Hip Evaluation
• Ophthalmologist Evaluation
• PRA Optigen DNA Test
• Patella Evaluation

Poodle – Standard
• Hip Evaluation
• Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Poodle – Toy
• Ophthalmologist Evaluation
• PRA Optigen DNA Test
• Patella Evaluation

Read this article on how to Find an Ethical Puppy Breeder to learn more about finding a Bernedoodle breeder.

There is currently an investigation into the potential risks of grain-free or ‘holistic’ foods causing dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. Until the underlying cause of the issue is confirmed we recommend avoiding grain-free diets.

Royal Canin Poodle Puppy Dry Food

This Royal Canin formula is designed exclusively for Poodle-coated breeds from 8 weeks to 10 months old. The Poodle’s signature coat grows in single, curly strands without an undercoat and grows continuously. With coat-benefiting nutrition in every delicious bite, this formula is tailor-made for your growing  puppy’s specific needs.

Key Benefits:

• Designed for Poodles from 8 weeks to 10 months old
• Enriched with Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to support continuous hair growth
• Helps support digestive health and helps to maintain a balanced intestinal flora
• Prebiotics and an exclusive complex of antioxidants help a puppy’s natural defenses
• Kibble design that is easy to pick up and encourages chewing

• Designed for dogs over 10 months
• Enriched with Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
• The adapted protein content helps support continuous hair growth
• A selection of nutrients to maintain health and vitality
• Kibble designed to make it easier to pick up and to encourage chewing

NomNomNow

NomNomNow creates healthy, natural and fresh personalized dog food that is made from real, whole food ingredients and based upon the recommendations of NomNomNow’s Chief Nutrition Officer, Dr. Justin Shmalberg. Meals are perfectly portioned based and are measured and sealed in their own bags.

The cost starts from $28 per week depending on the size of your dog and shipping is free! In order to find the perfect diet for your dog, you simply complete a quick survey which includes questions about your pet’s weight, age, activity level, and any health issues. You can then choose from a variety of suggested recipes depending on your dog’s preferences including Heartland Beef Mash, Tasty Turkey Fare, Chicken Chow-Wow, Porkalicious Potluck, or Egg & Veggie Medley. NomNomNow also provides free nutrition consultations to ensure your pet’s needs are met.

The NomNomNow meals are perfectly balanced for all life stages, including puppies and older dogs. They have also created a range of healthy human-grade treats as well as a canine microbiome testing kit ($59 USD) which can help you identify any unique dietary requirements your dog may have.

You can currently get 20% off your first order of NomNomNow here!

OLLIE

Ollie tailor your dog’s meal plan based on their age, breed, activity level, allergies, and ideal weight—so their portion is juuust right. They only use human-grade ingredients including high-quality meats, superfoods, fruit and vegetables with zero fillers. Every meal is delivered fully cooked, customised and delivered to your door ready to eat. You can choose from Healthy Turkey Feast, Hearty Beef Eats, Chicken Goodness or Tasty Lamb Fare. They ship your dog’s food on a flexible, regular schedule so you’ll always have the right amount. All you have to do is store your food packs in the freezer and thaw them in the fridge.

The Ollie website has a great interface with a through quiz which allows you to design your doggos dins depending on their specific requirements. Ollie has been featured in Vogue, Forbes and Martha Stewart Living. Not only do they provide a great product, 1% of all their revenue is also donated back to rescue organizations.

The team at Ollie work with a specialized veterinarian to formulate AAFCO-compliant recipes, deriving the exact nutrition your dog needs from natural sources like sweet potato and cod liver oil, instead of supplements. The customized meal plans are gently cooked low temperatures so the nutritional value is preserved, and they offer a full refund if your dog isn’t satisfied.

The cost of the meals ranges between $2-6 per day, depending on the size of your dog and you can get 50% of your first Ollie box here!

 

Left to their own devices, young puppies can get in a lot of trouble, from soiling the carpet to chewing your favorite pair of shoes. That’s why it’s important to start training early and keep a close eye on them, especially when they’re still learning what’s expected of them. And the best way to do that is to crate train.

WHY CRATE TRAIN YOUR PUPPY

First of all, understand that crate training is not cruel. In spite of what some people may have told you, breeders and veterinarians recommend using a crate for your dog from a young age.

For thousands of years, dogs in the wild have sought out small “dens,” where they can feel safe and sheltered while resting, caring for puppies, or recovering from an injury or illness. Giving your puppy his own personal bedroom can help him feel more secure.

This method is also extremely effective for house training while you’re not keeping a hawk eye on them—dogs won’t want to soil their bed, but will have little issue with sneaking into another room of the house to go if they’re not yet fully trained.

Finally, crate training can help prevent anxiety. For puppies, overseeing a big house when no one is with them can be overwhelming. When they feel like they have a smaller place they need to “protect,” it’s much more manageable. (Read more on useful ways to use dog crates here.)

CHOOSING THE BEST DOG CRATE

So now that we’ve sold you on crate training, here’s how to get started:

Choose a well-ventilated crate that is large enough for your puppy to stand up, lie down, and turn around. Remember that your puppy’s crate will have to grow as he does, so purchase a crate that is appropriate for your dog’s expected full-grown size, and use a divider to make the crate smaller for the time being. Many crates available at pet-supply stores include dividers. You will also need some soft bedding for the bottom of the crate, ideally washable, and some puppy pads in case of accidents.

Why size matters: A crate that’s too small will be uncomfortable for your dog, but a crate that’s too large may give your dog the space he needs to have an accident without it ruining his bedding. This behavior might encourage future accidents in the crate and around the home.

HOW TO TEACH YOUR PUPPY TO LOVE THE CRATE

The most important part of crate training is making sure your puppy always associates it with a positive experience.

Start by lining it with blankets and place a few toys inside to make it cozy. You can also cover it with a lightweight blanket to mimic a “den” environment. Make sure it is still ventilated and not too hot if you do this.

Bring your puppy to the crate for naps and quiet-time breaks so that he can “unwind” from family chaos. Start in increments of 10 minutes and work up to longer periods. Offer treats when he goes inside, and distraction toys, like a stuffed KONG. For years, this author has been giving her Yorkie a treat every day as soon as he goes into his crate and sits. Now as an adult dog, he runs to his crate each morning in anticipation of the goodie.

Every time you take the puppy out of the crate, take him for a walk so he can eliminate. He’ll get used to the idea that potty time comes after crate time. Remember to praise him after he goes to the bathroom outside.

It’s also helpful to keep puppies in the crate overnight. They may cry the first night or two—in most cases, they are simply adjusting to home without their mom and littermates. Most puppies should be able to sleep through the night without a potty break by 4 months of age, but if you’re in doubt, take him outside.

WHAT NOT TO DO WHEN CRATE TRAINING YOUR PUPPY

Never leave a puppy in his crate all day; he needs several bathroom breaks, as well as play and feeding times. Even though he won’t want to soil his sleeping area, if he is in there for extremely long stretches, he just might. (He can’t help it!) And if he does, it is because his owner has neglected his responsibility, not because the dog has misbehaved.

Never use the crate as punishment. Your dog should see his “room” as a place where only happy, peaceful things happen.

Never lose your patience. Learning takes time. If you follow the above advice and are consistent, your puppy will learn to love his crate for years to come.

This article was originally published by the American Kennel Club here

Probably the most common problem that affects dogs’ mouths is gum disease. Starting silently with no obvious signs or symptoms, it advances quickly, causing chronic pain, eroded gums, missing teeth, even bone loss – a fate hardly fair to your four-legged friend. In fact gum disease is so common, studies show over 80% of dogs suffer a stage of gum disease before they are three years old.

WHAT CAUSES GUM DISEASE?

Bacteria cause gum disease (periodontal disease). Straight after your dog eats, bacteria – along with food, saliva, and other particles – forms a sticky film called ‘plaque’ over oral surfaces (like tooth enamel).

Gum disease is five times more common in dogs than humans, as dogs have a more alkaline mouth, promoting plaque formation. Also, most dogs don’t have their teeth brushed every day, giving plaque-forming bacteria the chance they need to multiply.

Bacteria in plaque instruct your dog’s immune system to recognise them as foreign, quickly marshalling white blood cells to attack. Plaque bacteria then instruct white blood cells to release enzymes to break down gum tissue. This skirmish leads to inflamed gums, destroyed tissue, and loss of teeth, bone, and even jaw fracture; all caused by untreated gum disease.

WHAT EFFECTS CAN GUM DISEASE CAUSE?

Plaque causes inflammation (reddening) of the gums (gingivitis) which can initially be very subtle, making them more likely to bleed. Plaque not removed over time hardens, mineralising into calculus (tartar), the browny yellow hard substance on your dog’s teeth, and the perfect surface for even more plaque to stick to, speeding up the whole process. Gingivitis is reversible but, if left untreated, it progresses to periodontitis.

Periodontitis is irreversible, characterised by loss of attachment for the tooth in the socket, which may lead to tooth mobility, loss of tooth, and severe infections. Bacteria may potentially enter the bloodstream every time your dog chews, causing infections much further afield in the heart, lungs and kidneys.

Effects of severe gum disease can include abnormal bad breath (halitosis) caused by periodontal disease. Imagine your own breath if you stopped brushing your teeth for a few days! Never ignore this early warning sign of disease. There are many other causes of bad breath too, so it’s important to get it checked by your vet as soon as possible, rather than assume it’s normal or an inevitable sign of old age

Dental disease can be painful, but most animals are extremely good at covering up the signs and will rarely stop eating. So look out for difficulty picking up food; bleeding or red gums; loose teeth; blood in saliva, water bowl or on chew toys; strange noises when eating; pawing at mouth/face; and dribbling. If in any doubt, ask your vet.

WHAT MAY MY VET DO IF MY DOG HAS A PROBLEM?

Most vets perform some degree of dentistry, with no such thing as a ‘typical dental’. All cases require thorough examination of the patient, both conscious and under anaesthetic. This involves examining every tooth individually, both visually and with a special probe. Dental X-Rays are often indicated to see what’s happening below the gum-line in the root/socket area. Extractions, or other treatments may be required, and most patients will require scaling and polishing of teeth to remove plaque and tartar before waking up.

Pets need general anaesthetic to have dentistry performed as what we see is literally the tip of the iceberg; disease isn’t often discovered until the animal is examined asleep. Your vet’s priority is also to ensure your dog doesn’t feel any pain, and even scaling and polishing can cause minor discomfort, so your vet always recommend that they are safely anaesthetised.

HOW CAN I PREVENT GUM DISEASE?

Preventing gum disease should be a part of your routine canine care with teeth ideally brushed daily, just like ours, minimising bacteria and their by-products and helping your dog maintain a healthy mouth. Surprisingly many owners seem reluctant to brush their dog’s teeth as they think their dog won’t like it, but most respond well, actually enjoying this new form of attention. So ask your vet to demonstrate, introduce gradually using rewards and doggie toothpaste, and you’ll be brushing in no time!

If possible, introduce teeth brushing as a puppy so he or she grows up thinking it’s quite normal. Regular brushing, and at least twice yearly checks with your vet, should mean less dental disease.

Feed quality dog food, ‘dental diets‘, or special foods that prevent plaque from hardening. If in doubt, ask your vet about what diet is best for your dog, and offer tooth friendly toys and treats as well.

Remember, many pet insurance policies don’t cover dental work so it’s even more important to look after your pet’s teeth.

This article was written by Marc Abraham and was originally published in the Crufts Magazine – www.thecruftsmagazine.com. 

Marc Abraham is a vet based in Brighton. He regularly appears on UK television. For more information about Marc please visit www.marcthevet.com.