If you’re considering getting a Bernedoodle, you’ll quickly get overwhelmed with all of the labels. There are so many different Bernedoodle sizes to choose from including toy, mini, medium, and standard – what do they all mean? In addition, what Bernedoodle size is best for your family?
Bernedoodles are so sweet and one of the least aggressive designer dog breeds. These dogs are goofy and loving with just the right balance of play. They are gorgeous dogs with incredible colors and coats that are really appealing. However, you’ll want to choose the right Bernedoodle size that matches your lifestyle. In addition, the size that is right for you greatly depends on your home and environment.
We’re coming to you with a complete breakdown of the different size options when it comes to choosing a Bernedoodle for your family. We will explain all of the sizes and just what they mean so you know what size Bernedoodle to buy.
If you’re looking to purchase a Bernedoodle puppy from a reputable breeder, we highly recommend that you check out Premier Pups or PuppySpot.
Table of Contents
Overview of Bernedoodle Sizes
There are four main sizes of Bernedoodles and you can find a pretty large variation of the different sizes. You might also hear different terms like “micro” or “standard”, which relate to one of the primary categories.
Here are the 4 main categories of Bernedoodle sizes you will find:
- Standard Bernedoodle size (70 to 90 pounds)
- Medium Bernedoodle size (50 to 70 pounds)
- Mini Bernedoodle size (25 to 49 pounds)
- Tiny Bernedoodle size (10 to 24 pounds)
Remember that there’s no standardized sizing of Bernedoodles, but this is a pretty accurate representation of the common sizes you’ll see at breeders. We will break all of that for you when we get to each one in turn.
Some other terms that you might also see while you’re reviewing your options could be things like F1B, F2, multi-generational, etc. These terms specifically have to do with the generation of Bernedoodle that they are which breaks down the genetic breakdown of Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog.
Standard Bernedoodle Size
The standard Bernedoodle is the largest size of this dog breed. This size of Bernedoodle typically ranges anywhere from 70-90 pounds in weight. This also could depend on whether or not they are male or female. In general, female Bernedoodles tend to be 10% or smaller. It also highly depends on how big the parent dogs are as well.
The standard size Bernedoodles might also be referred to by breeders as the large size or medium standard size. The terminology varies, but they are the largest size of the breed. At full growth, their height will range anywhere from 23 to 29 inches measured at the shoulder.
Medium Bernedoode Size
The medium Bernedoodle size is smaller than the standard size and ranges from 50 to 70 pounds. When compared to other doodle breeds, the medium Bernedoodle is still one of the largest designer dogs by weight. This is primarily because the Bernese Mountain Dog can get over 100+ pounds.
As a general rule of thumb, the larger the Bernedoodle size, the more exercise and space you will need for this dog. If you live in an apartment or an RV, then a medium Bernedoodle might not be the right size for you. Despite the easygoing personality of the Bernedoodle, you will still need to exercise them at least 1 hour per day.
Mini Bernedoodle Size
The next size is the mini Bernedoodle size. These are considered a smaller dog, but they really could fall into a medium weight category in terms of other designer dogs. While they are labeled as a mini Bernedoodles, they are pretty considerable in size.
A mini Bernedoodle could weigh anywhere from 25 to 49 pounds when fully grown. Again, the females are typically on the smaller side while males tend to be on the larger size. In addition, a full-grown mini Bernedoodle will stand somewhere between 18 to 22 inches when measured at the shoulder.
There are not many other names for a miniature Bernedoodle as is the standard terminology. The mini Bernedoodle size is great for people that live in apartments or condos and live an active lifestyle. These smaller sized Bernedoodles won’t require as much space as a standard Bernedoodle.
Tiny Bernedoodle Size (Micro Mini Bernedoodle)
The smallest of the Bernedoodle sizes is the tiny Bernedoodle which is also called the micro-mini Bernedoodle or toy Bernedoodle. In addition, some breeders also call this particular size as the popular “teddy bear” size. Just know that all of these names are very similar and fit in the same category.
The tiny Bernedoodle typically weighs somewhere between 10 and 24 pounds and falls into the small dog category. You will notice that while this is considered a micro mini Bernedoodle size, they are still larger than many other tiny or mini doodle dogs. The tiny Bernedoodle will stand about 12-17 inches at shoulder height when they are fully grown.
However, the way you breed a tiny Bernedoodle is a little bit controversial. Essentially, you’ll be taking the runt dog of each litter and breeding them with a toy Poodle. This typically results in smaller and small offspring. We’ve seen some micro mini Bernedoodles that are less than 10 pounds in weight. However, small dogs such as toy, teacup, tiny, and micro-mini tend to have more genetic health issues. This is because you’re purposely breeding the runt dog for smaller sizes.
What Determines the Size of Your Bernedoodle?
Several factors can impact the size of your Bernedoodle. The size of the parent dogs and the generation is significant for how big your Bernedoodle will get.
Size of the Parent Bernedoodles
The size of the parent dogs is going to have the biggest impact when determining the overall size of your Bernedoodle. Your Bernedoodle’s weight and height will likely be between the parent Bernedoodle dogs. This is why there are so many different genetic tests you can get to accurately predict the weight of your puppy.
F1 Bernedoodles
F1 Bernedoodles are the most common. If you don’t see a specified generation, they are probably F1 Bernedoodle or could multi-generational. The genetics is considered to come 50% from each parent dog, which is half Bernese Mountain Dog and half Poodle.
This generation is the healthiest and tends to have the least amount of health issues overall. They are typically loving and calm and the easiest to predict as far as size goes. Almost all Bernedoodle will fall between the sizes of the parent dogs.
F1B Bernedoodles
F1B Bernedoodles are a popular option because they tend to be the most hypoallergenic Bernedoodle. This particular breed is created when a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Poodle is backcross bred with an F1 Bernedoodle. The most common combination uses a smaller sized Poodle. This means that your F1B Bernedoodle will typically be a little smaller in size.
F1B Bernedoodles are usually slightly smaller or very close to the same size as the F1 parent in the equation. Of course, this could be impacted by the breed and size of the parent that is not a Bernedoodle.
F2 Bernedoodles
An F2 Bernedoodle is created by partnering an F1 Bernedoodle with another F1 Bernedoodle. F2 Bernedoodles are not as likely to have fluffy coats and also are more likely to shed quite a bit. This option is not as popular but is still common and more affordable. The puppies in this combination tend to be the same size as the parents. If the parents are different sizes, the puppy will grow somewhere between the 2 sizes.
Bernedoodle Size vs. Personality
The size of a Bernedoodle can actually make a difference in the personality of the dog as well. When you are considering what size you would like, keep in mind your space and what you can accommodate but you should also know how the personality could be affected by the size.
Standard Size Personality
The standard size Bernedoodles have the most balanced personality of all of the sizes. This is because they are the most natural size so they inherit most of the best qualities from both sides.
The standard-sized Bernedoodle gets the loyal but calm nature of the Bernese Mountain Dog as well as the playfulness and lovingness of the Poodle. It’s the perfect balance between the two personalities. It is not uncommon for standard size Bernedoodles to also get a bit of a stubborn streak that comes from the Bernese side. There are instances in which your Bernedoodle may struggle with boredom and related behavior if they aren’t mentally or physically stimulated.
Mini and Tiny Size Personality
The personality of the mini and tiny Bernedoodle is pretty similar across the board. This breed usually comes from pairing with mini or toy Poodles to create the Bernedoodle dog size. Sometimes these dogs can be high-energy dogs that get excited easily and are very active overall.
The mini or tiny Bernedoodle could potentially bark quite a bit, but also may get easily stressed out as well due to their small size. Since they get excited easily, this often contributes to stressors. It’s a good idea to check with the breeder to see if any of the parents have had any temperament or personality issues.
It’s perfectly ok to ask about the pairings. Many breeders do consider these factors when they breed Berdoodles and do their best to produce a more docile puppy if possible.
What Size of Bernedoodle Should You Get?
When it comes to choosing a Bernedoodle size, this should be based on how you can accommodate the size as well as various factors that may be important to you.
For example, if you have plenty of space for your Bernedoodle to comfortably run and explore, why not choose an F1 or F1B standard Bernedoodle? These are typically the best in terms of temperaments and potential health issues.
The standard Bernedoodle is large but they are also a great blend of loyal and docile as they age. Having room to run where they can play and explore could also make a substantial difference. This is a large dog and they do need some space for activity.
If you live in a small location, a mini, toy, micro mini, or tiny Bernedoodle may be a better option for you. They still dog have energy but they don’t necessarily require a lot of space. They just require a lot of entertainment and activity.
After you consider these aspects, you can choose your perfect Bernedoode size accordingly. Obviously, if you’re going to purchase a Bernedoodle, you should purchase what will be right for you overall.
Conclusion Bernedoodle Sizes: Mini, Medium, Standard
Remember that there are 4 primary sizes of Bernedoodles: standard, medium, mini, and tiny. They are all beautiful dogs that have a lot of awesome characteristics. You really can’t go wrong with any size Bernedoodle, but just keep in mind the size of the area that you live in. In addition, if you don’t live an active lifestyle, you should consider getting a smaller sized dog.
Other articles you might like:
- Goldendoodle Sizes
- Labradoodle Sizes
- Mini Goldendoodle Size
Sabrina Kong, DVM, Veterinarian
Dr. Sabrina Kong graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in England in 2016 and has been working at a small animal clinic in Northern California since then. She grew up in theBay Areaand got her bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She also became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through a program at the University of Tennessee.
When she isn’t in the clinic taking care of her four-legged patients, she enjoys traveling and trying new foods with her friends and her three-legged dog, Apollo. She adopted Apollo from her clinic when he was a puppy with numerous health issues. Dr. Kong truly cares about taking care of animals.
