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Australian Bernedoodle: Breed Info, Pictures & Traits

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Parent breeds of Australian Bernedoodle - Featured Image

If you’re a dog lover, then you’ve probably heard of the Bernedoodle. This adorable, fluffy breed is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. You’ve probably also heard of the Australian Labradoodle, a cross between a Labrador and a Poodle, possibly with other breeds mixed in. Australian Bernedoodles are a cross between the Bernedoodle and the Australian Labradoodle. These dogs are known for their friendly personalities, intelligence, and stunning looks, but there’s so much more to learn about these lovable pups. Let’s discuss.

Height: 23–29 inches
Weight: 70–90 pounds
Lifespan: 12 –18 years
Colors: Black, white, brown, gray, cream, and red. Markings include solid, parti, and tri-color
Suitable for: Families with children or other pets, Owners looking for active, friendly dogs.
Temperament: Friendly, affectionate, and intelligent dogs that are great with children

Australian Bernedoodles are known for being loyal and devoted to their families. They love nothing more than spending time with their human companions, whether it’s going for a walk, playing in the backyard, or snuggling on the couch. These fun-loving pups are also known for their playful personalities. They have a lot of energy and love to play with toys, so it’s important to make sure they get plenty of exercise and playtime.

One thing to keep in mind is that Australian Bernedoodles can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. They thrive on human companionship and can become destructive if left alone for too long. If you’re considering this breed, make sure you have the time and energy to devote to them.

Australian Bernedoodle Breed Characteristics

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

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Appearance of the Australian Bernedoodle

This popular dog breed is becoming increasingly popular due to its adorable appearance and gentle nature. The appearance of the Australian Bernedoodle can vary depending on the traits inherited from its parents.

Typically, the Australian Bernedoodle has a curly or wavy coat that is hypoallergenic and low shedding due to the Poodle genes. The coat can be black, white, brown, or a combination of these colors. The Bernese Mountain Dog parent may contribute to the Australian Bernedoodle’s large size, with an average height of 23 to 29 inches and a weight of 70 to 90 pounds.

Overall, the appearance of the Australian Bernedoodle is charming and unique, making it a popular choice for those looking for a family dog with a sweet disposition.

The Earliest Records of Australian Bernedoodle in History

The Australian Bernedoodle has a bit of a complex history. As a cross between the Australian Labradoodle and Bernedoodle, it is a relatively new breed. As the name suggests, the Bernedoodle is a crossbreed between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. These dogs were first bred in the United States in the early 2000s, with the goal of creating a hypoallergenic dog that would be a good fit for families with allergies. The Bernedoodle quickly gained popularity due to their charming personalities, low shedding coats, and hypoallergenic qualities.

The Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle that was first bred in Australia in 1989 with the goal of creating a hypoallergenic guide dog for those with visual impairments and allergies. The breed caught on quickly, not only due to this, but also because of their adorable appearance. That being said, the Australian Labradoodle is a 5th generation Labradoodle that may have other breeds, such as Spaniel, mixed in with the Labrador and Poodle. There is no Australian Shepherd mix in, but the breed is called “Australian” because that’s where it originated.

The Australian Bernedoodle combines the Bernedoodle and the Australian Labradoodle in order to create a large dog with a unique coat that has the best qualities of both breeds. It was initially bred in Australia in the 2000s by a breeder who wanted to create a hypoallergenic, low-shedding dog that had the temperament of a Bernese Mountain Dog. That being said, the Australian Bernedoodle is a relatively new breed that has gained immense popularity in recent years.

How Australian Bernedoodle Gained Popularity

The Australian Bernedoodle breed quickly gained popularity in Australia and then spread to other parts of the world. Today, Australian Bernedoodles are in high demand due to their intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature, in addition to their hypoallergenic coat that makes them good for allergy sufferers. They’re a great breed for someone that wants some characteristics of a Bernese Mountain Dog or Labrador but can’t have an actual Bernese Mountain Dog or Labrador due to allergies.

Formal Recognition of Australian Bernedoodle

Despite its growing popularity, the Australian Bernedoodle is not yet formally recognized as a breed by any major kennel clubs.

Formal recognition of a breed requires meeting certain criteria, such as having a distinct appearance, temperament, and genetic makeup. The process of gaining formal recognition can take many years and involves extensive documentation, breed-specific testing, and evaluation by experts in the field. Once a breed is formally recognized, it becomes eligible to compete in dog shows and events, and its pedigree and lineage are officially recorded.

While the lack of formal recognition does not diminish the qualities of the Australian Bernedoodle as a beloved companion and family pet, it does however, limit its ability to compete in certain events and may impact its long-term viability as a breed.

Temperament and Personality

This breed is super friendly and affectionate which makes it a great family pet. It’s also known for its intelligence, which makes it easy to train. These dogs are highly adaptable and can thrive in different environments, including apartments and houses.

In terms of personality, the Australian Bernedoodle is a social dog that loves to be around people. They are also great with children and other pets, which makes them a popular choice for families. This breed is also known for being energetic and playful, which makes them a great choice for active families. They require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy.

The Australian Bernedoodle is also known for its loyalty towards its owners. They are protective of their family and will do anything to keep them safe. This breed is also known for its affectionate nature, and they love to cuddle with their owners.

Overall, the temperament and personality of the Australian Bernedoodle make it a great choice for families looking for a loyal and affectionate companion.

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Top 3 Unique Facts About Australian Bernedoodle

1. Because of their energy and complex needs, the Australian Bernedoodle may not be a good choice for beginners.


2. This breed is also susceptible to separation anxiety.


3. These dogs need mental stimulation, which they can get through training, scent work activities and other enrichment methods.

Parent breeds of Australian Bernedoodle
Image Credit: Left – Mariusz S. Jurgielewicz, Shutterstock | Right – Cavan-Images, Shutterstock

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Top Health Issues

Despite their many advantages, Australian Bernedoodles are prone to certain health issues. It’s essential to be aware of these issues to ensure that your dog stays healthy and happy. We’ll explore the most common health issues faced by Australian Bernedoodles and how to address them.

Various Allergies

Australian Bernedoodles are prone to allergies, just like any other dog. Allergies can be caused by food, pollen, dust, or other environmental factors. The symptoms of allergies in Australian Bernedoodles include excessive itching, scratching, licking, and biting the skin. Allergies can also cause ear infections and gastrointestinal issues. You’ll need to first identify the cause of the allergy and address it promptly. Now this can be a bit of a process if you do it manually, but you can always have your vet run allergy tests to make things easier. They can determine if the allergy is caused by food, pests, or other issues.

Treatment options for allergies include antihistamines, corticosteroids, and immunotherapy. Your veterinarian may also recommend a hypoallergenic diet or allergy shots.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a common health issue in Australian Bernedoodles. It’s a genetic condition that affects the hip joint, causing pain and discomfort. The symptoms of hip dysplasia include difficulty standing up, limping, and reluctance toward mobility and exercise. Hip dysplasia can be diagnosed through an X-ray.

Treatment options for hip dysplasia include medication, weight management, and physical therapy. In severe cases, surgery may be required. Things like providing your Australian Bernedoodle with a comfortable bed and having them avoid high-impact activities that can exacerbate the condition are crucial to helping manage this issue.

Elbow Dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia is another genetic condition that affects Australian Bernedoodles. It’s a condition that affects the elbow joint, causing pain and discomfort. The symptoms of elbow dysplasia include limping, difficulty standing up, and reluctance to exercise. Elbow dysplasia can be diagnosed through an X-ray.

Treatment options for elbow dysplasia include medication, weight management, and physical therapy. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a genetic condition. It’s a condition that causes the retina to deteriorate, leading to vision loss. The symptoms of PRA include night blindness and a gradual loss of vision.

Unfortunately, at the moment there isn’t a cure for PRA, but there are ways to manage the condition. It also helps to provide your Australian Bernedoodle with a safe environment and avoid moving furniture or objects that can cause injury. You can also use a leash when walking your dog to prevent accidents. Regular check-ups with your vet can help monitor the progression of the condition.

Skin Problems

These dogs are prone to skin problems due to their thick coats. Skin problems can be caused by allergies, parasites, or infections. The symptoms of skin problems include itching, scratching, redness, and inflammation.

Treatment options for skin problems include medication, topical creams, and shampoos. It’s essential to keep your Australian Bernedoodle’s coat clean and groomed. Regular visits to the veterinarian can help identify and address skin problems early on.

Ear Infections

Australian Bernedoodles are prone to ear infections due to their floppy ears. Ear infections can be caused by bacteria, yeast, or allergies. The symptoms of ear infections include shaking the head, scratching the ears, and a foul odor.

Treatment options for ear infections include medication, cleaning, and ear drops. It’s essential to keep your Australian Bernedoodle’s ears clean and dry. Regular visits to the veterinarian can help identify and address ear infections early on.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Australian Bernedoodles are prone to gastrointestinal issues due to their sensitive stomachs. Gastrointestinal issues can be caused by food allergies, infections, or parasites. The symptoms of gastrointestinal issues include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.

Treatment options for gastrointestinal issues include medication, diet changes, and probiotics. It’s essential to provide your Australian Bernedoodle with a balanced and nutritious diet. Avoid feeding your dog table scraps or food that can upset their stomachs. Regular visits to the veterinarian can help identify and address gastrointestinal issues early on.

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Australian Bernedoodle Grooming and Maintenance

Australian Bernedoodles do require specialized and regular grooming, just like any other dog. It’s best to either take your Australian Bernedoodle to the groomers on a regular basis or learn how to do it yourself.

Although grooming an Australian Bernedoodle may be fun and a bonding experience, the most important factor in determining their grooming needs and commitment is their coat type. Your dog’s coat type will determine how often you groom them and the products and tools you will use.

Understanding an Australian Bernedoodle Coat

Bathing your Australian Bernedoodle is an essential aspect of their overall grooming routine. It helps to keep their coat clean and healthy, preventing any skin irritations or infections. Additionally, bathing your dog regularly can help to remove any unwanted odors and keep them smelling fresh. The grooming needs of Australian Bernedoodles will vary depending on the type of their coat. There are three types of coats that Australian Bernedoodles may have.

Straight Coat

The Australian Bernedoodle’s face and body are marked by thick, long hair. This coat is easier to care for than the wavy, but it’s not as easy to maintain. The main difference is that the Australian Bernedoodle with a straight coat will need more brushing to avoid mats and tangles. Straight coats are most similar to the Bernese Mountain Dog parent. They can also be found in multigenerational Australian Bernedoodles. Although they have long coats, some Poodle parents will give them a shorter coat.

Wavy Coat

This particular coat is pretty much a 50-50 mix of the Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog parent. A wavy coat is soft, smooth and sheds little. A wavy coat is less likely to mat than curly hair.

Thick Curly Coat

This coat is the most difficult to maintain, but also the least allergenic. Regular grooming is required for curly-coated Australian Bernedoodles to avoid mats and tangles. Good news is that curly-coated Australian Bernedoodles don’t shed much, if any. Curly hair is an inherited trait from the parent of a Poodle.

Regular Brushing

Regular brushing is important to prevent mats or tangles. Brushing is also essential for spreading the natural oils throughout their coat and giving it a healthy shine. A good quality brush should be adapted to the length and type of your coat. In general, Australian Bernedoodles will typically need to be brushed at least two to three times per week. This will keep their fur smooth and free of tangles. These sessions can be extended by using the right brush to remove dirt and debris.

Ear Cleaning

It’s important to clean your dog’s ears frequently in order to prevent infections. Ear cleaners can be used to clean out any debris, wax, or dirt that has built up in the ear. To gently clean the outer ear, you can use cotton balls.

Does the Australian Bernedoodle Make a Good Pet?

In short, we’re going to say yes. The Australian Bernedoodle is known for its loyalty and devotion to its owners, making it a great companion for those who want a dog that will be by their side through thick and thin. Additionally, they are highly trainable, which makes them perfect for families with children, as they are easy to teach and respond well to positive reinforcement training.

However, like any other breed, the Australian Bernedoodle requires regular exercise and stimulation to maintain its physical and mental health. Therefore, they may not be the best choice for households that do not have the time or resources to provide adequate exercise and mental stimulation. Overall, the Australian Bernedoodle is a great choice for families looking for a loyal, friendly, and trainable pet that is hypoallergenic and easy to care for.

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Conclusion

So, there you have it. The Australian Bernedoodle is a charming and fascinating breed that makes a great companion for families with children or people with allergies. They have a rich history and a unique set of maintenance needs, but with proper care and training, they can make wonderful pets. Whether you’re considering buying one of these dogs or are just curious about this delightful breed, hopefully this guide has given you more insight about this lovable dog breed.


Featured Image Credit: Left – Peter Chabay, Shutterstock | Right – Cavan-Images, Shutterstock

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