With this article, we set out to discover all there is to know and learn about the Australian Bernedoodle. It shouldn’t be confused with regular Bernedoodles and we will look into how they are completely different breeds. We will explore their traits, their size, plus their grooming, feeding, and exercise requirements. By the time you have finished reading, you will know whether the Australian Bernedoodle is the dog for your home or not.
Australian Bernedoodles are an Australian Labradoodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog cross. Australian Labradoodles are a mix of up to six different breeds including Poodle, Labrador, and Cocker Spaniel. They are then bred with the Bernese Mountain Dog to produce consistency in the breed lines.
Read on to discover more about Australian Bernedoodles – all those questions you had will be answered. You may even have stumbled across this article by accident and didn’t even realize this breed existed. Maybe you found it for a reason and this breed will be perfect for you.
Table of Contents
Australian Bernedoodles – The Facts Explained
Australian Bernedoodles are a cross between the Australian Labradoodle and the Bernese Mountain Dog. This is not to be confused with Bernedoodle which is a cross between a Poodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog.
The two are entirely separate breeds as are the Labradoodle and the Australian Labradoodle.
Australian Labradoodles are a hybrid breed (that is they are not purebred) and they are made up of several breeds including Labrador, Poodle, Cocker Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel, Curly Coated Retriever, and the Irish Water Spaniel. The Labradoodle is solely a Poodle and Labrador mix. You can read more about the Australian Labradoodle in our Australian Labradoodle grading system article.
Australian Labradoodles are bred to produce more predictable traits within litters. The aim is to have consistency in these traits running down the generations so it will be easier to predict things such as personality, colors, and size.
This breed doesn’t need to be born in Australia to be considered an Australian Bernedoodle either, they are found all over the world. There is more consistency within the breed lines which will mean breeders can more accurately predict exactly what each litter will produce. This is great news for experienced breeders who dedicate a large part of their lives to producing healthy, successful litters.
History of Parent Breeds
Australian Labradoodle
The Australian Labradoodle was first bred in Victoria, Australia in the 1980s. This breed wasn’t produced by accident, far from it. The hope was to produce a breed perfect for working as service dogs. The icing on the cake would be the hypoallergenic nature of the breed too. During the 1990s other breeds were blended into this program as explained above. These dogs were commonly used as working dogs for the visually impaired.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain dogs are historically a working breed originally from Switzerland’s farming lands. They helped guard the land and also to guide cattle to new pastures when needed. The AKC recognizes them as a working breed. They are good with people and other animals.
Australian Bernedoodle Sizes and Colors
- Standard: 21” and above and weighing, on average, 59lbs
- Miniature: 15” to 20” inches tall and weighing between 25lbs and 49lbs
- Toy: 15” to 20” inches tall and weighing between 10lbs and 24lbs
Australian Bernedoodles can live between 12 and 18 years of age. They come in a range of colors which can be solid, tri-colored, or bi-colored. Colors can be black, white, brown and a mixture of these colors. The coat will depend on the generation that has been bred varying from straight to curly. The curlier the coat the better the dog for allergy sufferers.
Looks and Personality
Australian Bernedoodles have lovely soft fur which can contain beautiful markings if they are bi or tri-colored. Their floppy ears and long fur give them a very adorable teddy bear-like appearance.
Personality-wise they have a great reputation for being smart, energetic, loyal, affectionate, very trainable, and great family pets. Their parent breeds stem from hardworking dogs so this will be somewhat reflected in your average Australian Bernedoodle. They love having jobs to do and they love hanging out with their human family.
Exercise and Feeding Requirements
Australian Bernedoodles just love the outdoors and going for long walks so be prepared to walk in all weather conditions to keep them happy. One good walk a day will suffice but ideally two walks at either end of the day.
They enjoy playing with balls and frisbees so off-leash walks will be appreciated once training and socialization have been successful. When the weather isn’t so good, or you can’t manage a long walk then be sure your dog can roam around in the yard and play with their toys.
They are better suited to homes that have their own yard or a safe space outside. They can live in smaller homes as long as their physical needs are met. When you aren’t home your Australian Bernedoodle will be happy to chill as long as you leave them some toys and aren’t away too long.
It’s important to feed your Australian Bernedoodle the best quality of food that your budget allows. It’s also vital to follow the recommended feeding guide found on their food to avoid under or overfeeding. Follow the feeding pattern set out on the food packets to get the right routine in place during puppyhood and then adulthood.
Grooming Requirements
Australian Bernedoodles most definitely need a good grooming routine and regular brushing – at least a few times per week. The curlier their coat the more brushing they will need. They do tend to drool which will mean they need their face cleaning regularly.
Baths won’t need to be too often, but you will be able to judge how often they are needed based on their outside walking terrains. The muddier their walks the more bathing will be required.
Your dog can start going to the groomers after their vaccinations for regular clips or you can learn to do this at home. Nails should be kept short too, and ears regularly checked due to how they fold.
Health Problems
Below are some of the common health issues found in the Australian Bernedoodle breed:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Skin problems
Due to them being a mixed breed it’s important to research health issues found in the parent breeds. It’s also important to use a reputable breeder who will use the healthiest dogs possible and will happily show you any papers you wish to look at.
Are Australian Bernedoodles Good with Children and Pets?
This breed is intelligent and easy to train so this means you can teach them rules and boundaries quickly. They will get along with other dogs and animals providing they have their own space too.
They need to be well socialized as puppies in order to tolerate other animals and you should look out for any jealousy which can spill over into aggression. They are gentle and patient, so they do make ideal family dogs.
Just be mindful of allowing them to have their own space and teach your children to be respectful and gentle in return. Never leave your children unsupervised with any dog.
How Much Do Australian Bernedoodles Cost?
The cost of this breed varies based on a multitude of factors including area, supply and demand, place of purchase, generation, color, and size of your dog. You can expect to pay more for an Australian Bernedoodle under the following circumstances:
- Demand for this breed is high in your area. You might save dollars by traveling a bit further afield.
- Holding out for a bi or tri-colored pooch will bump this price up.
- Using a reputable breeder will mean paying a higher price tag. However, this is a good thing as you are getting a happier and healthier dog.
- The cost will depend on the generation of your puppy, F1 generations will be more expensive in most cases.
The price range can vary considerably due to many factors. Do your research to see what the average going rate is in your area. If you are offered one for a very low amount though please remember it’s almost always too good to be true.
In Summary
Now you have a better understanding of the difference between Bernedoodles and Australian Bernedoodles. Bernedoodles are produced by crossing a Poodle with a Bernese Mountain Dog and Australian Bernedoodles using an Australian Labradoodle and Bernese Mountain Dog. They were produced to allow for more consistency in the litters and to better predict their traits and looks.
Australian Bernedoodles make fantastic family pets and are usually described as friendly, gentle, and intelligent. However, owning a dog is a life-long commitment that starts from day one of ownership. To bring up a good-natured dog takes consistent training and thorough socialization. Put the work in and you will certainly reap the rewards in the long term.
Many thanks to Monique at Australian Bernedoodles, Best of Both Worlds for the photo. Monique says: “The difference in Australian Labradoodle and Australian Bernedoodle is that these dogs are more robust and stable, also in behavior and less (over) sensitive than the Australian Labradoodle.”
Related Question
Do Australian Bernedoodles Shed?
They are typically a low-shedding breed which accounts for much of their popularity. To get the lowest shedding dog possible it’s best to choose from the F1b generation.