There isn’t a single dog breed that is completely 100% hypoallergenic, including the Bernedoodle. However, Bernedoodles tend to be more hypoallergenic than other dog breeds because one of the parent dog breeds is the Poodle which is considered mostly hypoallergenic and nonshedding. Depending on the generation of your Bernedoodle (F1, F1B, F2, F2B, etc.), some Bernedoodles will be more hypoallergenic than others. It highly depends on the amount of Poodle genetics that your Bernedoodle inherits.
Before we discuss whether Bernedoodles are hypoallergenic, let us understand what the term hypoallergenic means. If you aren’t familiar with the term, that’s alright. After all, hypoallergenic is not a word you hear every day. We will give you an in-depth answer on “Are Bernedoodle hypoallergenic?” and also tell which generations of Bernedoodles to buy if you want a hypoallergenic puppy.
Hypoallergenic: What Does It Mean?
Approximately 10% to 20% of the human population is allergic to dogs. If you are told that your dog is hypoallergenic, this is a good thing. There are two types of pet allergies: dander and proteins. Most people with dog allergies react poorly to dog dander. Pet dander is essentially dead skin cells that are shed by a dog, including Bernedoodles. People can also have allergies to pet proteins from sources such as their saliva and excrement. You’ll know if you’re allergic to these proteins when a dog licks you.
When pets have short hair or hair that sheds, their dander has finds its way on floors, beds, couches, carpets, and everywhere else. These microscopic flecks have no trouble becoming airborne and triggering allergic reactions in people. Common symptoms of dog allergies are sneezing, a runny nose, or itchy eyes.
The term hypoallergenic means “unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.” If your Bernedoodle is hypoallergenic, that means you or anyone else in your family who is prone to allergic reactions will most likely not have allergies. However, not all Bernedoodles are hypoallergenic, and it highly depends on the amount of Poodle genetics they inherit.
Are Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic?
Bernedoodles are a mixed breed with one Poodle parent and one Bernese Mountain Dog parent. Poodles have always been hypoallergenic and nonshedding, which is why they’re the first preference for people with allergies. This is also why so many breeds are being crossed with Poodles – to make more hybrids or designer dog breeds that are mostly hypoallergenic. On the other hand, Bernese Mountain Dogs are the opposite of hypoallergenic since their double-layer coat sheds a lot. As you can imagine, if you purchase a Bernedoodle puppy that is mostly Bernese Mountain Dog, they will not be hypoallergenic.
Since Bernedoodles are a mix between two dog breeds, the more Poodle genetics they inherit, the more hypoallergenic they will be. We will explain to you which Bernedoodle puppies are the most hypoallergenic. We also have an in-depth article on Bernedoodle Generations that you can read.
When you cross a Poodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog, you get a first-generation F1 Bernedoodle. This would mean that your Bernedoodle 50% Poodle and 50% Bernese Mountain Dog. An F1 Bernedoodle has a high likelihood of not being hypoallergenic since they are 50% Bernese Mountain Dog.
When you cross an F1 Bernedoodle with a Poodle, you get an F1B Bernedoodle which is 75% Poodle and 25% Bernese Mountain Dogs. F1B Bernedoodles are also called backcrossed dogs since they have one purebred and one hybrid parent. Since an F1B Bernedoodle is 75% Poodle, this increases its likelihood of being hypoallergenic. Thus, if you’re were looking for a Bernedoodle that is mostly hypoallergenic, you would want an F1B vs. an F1.
Hybrid dog breeds go beyond F1 and F1b generations. Here’s a quick summary of the other popular Bernedoodle generations and their genetic breakdown:
F3 Bernedoodle or Multi-generation Bernedoodle: Numerous generations of Bernedoodle that are mostly hypoallergenic.
In simple words, the higher the percentage of Poodle in your Bernedoodle, the more hypoallergenic they will be.
Whether or not a Bernedoodle is hypoallergenic also depends on the traits and genes that it inherits from its parents. As you can see, since Bernedoodles are hybrid dogs, what percentage of attributes each puppy inherits from each parent rests entirely on genetics. There are no guarantees. The gene that causes shedding in Bernedoodles is also known as MC5R, in which some breeders test the parent dogs ahead of time. Always ask your potential breeder for all their genetic testing.
Understanding Bernedoodle Hair
Both Bernedoodle parents have long hair. While a Poodle’s hair tends to be curly, the Bernese Mountain Dog has a double coat of long and straight hair. As a result, the Bernedoodle can have a coat that is straight, wavy, or curly.
Since Poodles have tight curls, any dander-carrying hair they do shed doesn’t have an easy chance of floating off and causing your allergies. However, if your Bernedoodle has a straight or flat coat, it’s likely that they will shed and not be hypoallergenic.
In order to minimize shedding and dog allergies, Bernedoodles need to be brushed at least 2 to 3 times a week and bathed once every three weeks. A consistent grooming schedule plays a vital role in how your Bernedoodle looks, smells, and sheds. Brushing and bathing your Bernedoodle causes excess dander and loose hair to be released.
What Else is Special About a Bernedoodle?
Size Variations
A Bernese Mountain Dog is huge, weighing between 70-110 pounds (31-50 kgs). Its height can also range from 23-28 inches. Depending on whether your Bernedoodle has a Tiny, Miniature, or Standard Poodle parent, you could be looking at Bernedoodles that are 12-29 inches tall and between 10-90 pounds (4-40 kgs).
Intelligence and Personality
Both the Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dogs are intelligent, aware, and easily trainable. The Poodle prefers mental stimulation through tricks, commands, and acrobatics, whereas the Bernese Mountain Dog likes to lounge around. They’ll remind you of giant teddy bears! With two smart parents, your Bernedoodle will undoubtedly be a highly intelligent puppy.
Hyperactivity
Poodles are an energetic dog breed. They need almost an hour of physical exercise each day and some degree of mental stimulation. The Bernese Mountain Dog needs only about a half-hour of exercise. The Bernedoodles personality usually takes after the Bernese Mountain Dog. This means it’s typically a calm and relaxed dog that doesn’t mind a day lounging around. However, you will need to exercise them for at least 30 minutes per day.
Expensive
Poodles can cost anywhere between 800$ to 1300$ while the Bernese Mountain Dogs average between the 1000$ and 2500$ mark. A Bernedoodle averages around 4000$—depending on what traits you’re looking for in a puppy. For instance, if you want a puppy with a tricolor coat, you might have to cough up over 5000$.
Health Issues
Purebred dogs have been inbred for so long that they have inherent health issues. The Poodle is prone to blindness and epilepsy, and the Bernese mountain dog is known to develop tumors. Although this sounds scary, Bernedoodles are a mixed dog breed and get genetic immunity called Hybrid Vigor. This means that puppies only inherit genetic diseases that common to both purebred parents. Their diverse genetic makeup means they’re actually less likely to inherit either parent’s inherent health issues. However, large dogs do have hip and elbow dysplasia issues, and your Bernedoodle is no different.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Bernedoodle puppies hypoallergenic?
Bernedoodles puppies are considered mostly hypoallergenic, but it highly depends on how much Poodle genes they inherit. In general, the Poodle is a hypoallergenic dog breed, and the Bernese Mountain Dog is not. If your Bernedoodle puppy inherits most Bernedoodle genes, then they will not be hypoallergenic. Since puppies are smaller in size than an adult Bernedoodle, they do shed less dander which makes them less likely to trigger dog allergies.
Are mini Bernedoodles hypoallergenic?
Mini Bernedoodles are not 100% hypoallergenic, and it highly depends on how much Poodle genetics they inherit. However, since mini Bernedoodles are smaller than standard-sized Berendoodles, there will be less dander around your house which reduces the chances of your getting pet allergies.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, the Poodle and the Bernese Mountain dog are exceptionally amazing dogs that combine to make the Bernedoodle. Since the Bernedoodle does inherit Poodle genetics, they are considered to be mostly hypoallergenic. However, not all Bernedoodles are the same, and it highly depends on the generation of Bernedoodle that you purchase. If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic Bernedoodle, you need to purchase one with mostly Poodle genetics like an F1B, F1BB, F2B, or F2BB Berbedoodle.