What is a chocolate phantom Bernedoodle?

What is a chocolate phantom Bernedoodle?

• As you probably already know the Bernedoodle is a cross between the Poodle and the Bernese Mountain Dog. You are also likely to be aware that the Bernese Mountain Dog is usually tri-colored (black, white, and rust) and that the Poodle comes in a whole array of different colors, shades, and patterns. But what about the Bernedoodle, what colors should you expect to see this loveable giant hound in?
• Well basically it’s all down to genetics and your Bernedoodle will inherit color genes from each parent. The combination of those genes is what will determine each pup’s color so let’s start by taking a layman’s look into how these genetics work.
• A chocolate colored, F1 Bernedoodle is impossible. This is because the Bernese Mountain Dog doesn’t carry the required gene. Once there is a Poodle from both sides (F2, F1b etc) then there is the possibility of chocolate puppies but unless genetic testing has been done this is down to chance.

What Color is a Bernedoodle?

• The most popular Bernedoodle solid color is black due to the genes that are carried by the Poodle and the Bernese Mountain Dog. Black is the most dominant color gene in dog genetics.
• Of course, other colors and patterns are possible. Tri-Colored Bernedoodles are possible if the Poodle also carries the phantom with white spotting allele (pattern carried on the gene) and the pup inherits from both parents. See our how to breed a Tri-Colored Bernedoodle guide for more information on Tri-Colors.
• Parti colored Bernedoodles can also be found with dogs presenting in black and white, brown and white, and even black and brown.
• However, due to the parental genetics you won’t find a chocolate (brown) first generation Bernedoodle.

What Colors are Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs?

• Poodles come in many colors. This means that there is the potential for many different color genes to be found across the breed. Solid colors include black, brown, cream, grey, beige, and silver. There are then various pattern options including parti, sable, and phantom.
• In contrast the Bernese Mountain Dog is a tri color consisting of black, brown and white although white is generally a lack of color rather than a color in its own right. This means that the Bernese Mountain Dog does not carry the gene which relates to the chocolate (or brown) color.

Bernedoodle Color Genetics: Chocolate Bernedoodle

Did we mention that there is no possibility of breeding a chocolate F1 Bernedoodle? We thought that we would reiterate just in case!

The gene responsible for the chocolate color in dogs is recessive (b) so a puppy would need to inherit two copies in order to present as brown. This is simply not possible in an F1 because the Bernese Mountain Dog doesn’t carry the required gene (b). So, your F1 Bernedoodle puppy can only ever conceivably inherit one copy and only if the Poodle parent was a carrier and passes it down.

Temperament

• Bernedoodles are extremely sociable, loving, and energetic, making them an ideal household pet. They like young children who can catch pace with their active personalities while still being educated enough to learn key instructions to keep them in control.
• Having Poodle DNA, they are destined to enjoy fun, and you and your family will undoubtedly laugh hysterically at these charming goofs.
• A backyard is essential for a Standard Bernedoodle. Miniature ones are best suitable for living in an apartment, but they may be just as active as the usual ones.
• Such dogs are not typically barky, but they do struggle from attachment issues if left alone for an extended period of time, as do most companion dogs.
• They are typical comfort dogs who will always want to be near you. If you are frequently gone and unable to take them with you, that’s not the dog for you. This personality feature is one of the reasons that make this breed so appealing.
• There are some slight differences in the temperament of males and females of the breed, and I have made a complete guide on the differences between male vs. female Bernedoodles here that you should definitely check out as it will be very helpful in helping you make a decision.

Nutritional Needs

Your dog’s food needs will be determined by their size and age:

• Puppies need to be fed 3 to 4 meals per day of high-quality puppy food.
• At six months, puppies should transition to two meals each day.
• When they turn one year old, they should transition to adult food.
• Small and Miniature Bernedoodles will likely thrive on small breed dog food, while Standard Bernedoodles would benefit from specially prepared big dog food.

Picking high-quality dog food is critical for your dog’s wellbeing. For a balanced diet, most individuals combine dry and wet foods, although a raw diet is indeed common.

Since protein is the most vital component for your dog, the ideal dog food will contain meat as the primary ingredient.

You should give your dog approximately 20 calories per pound of body weight. That implies a 50lb dog should consume roughly 1000 calories each day.

Training

• While we stated that Bernedoodles are not ideal for first-time dog owners owing to their training requirements, this does not imply that this breed is difficult to train.
• In reality, the contrary is true. Bernedoodles are so simple to train that they rapidly pick up bad behaviors that are difficult to break.
• Bernedoodles respond well to training and will benefit from praise and encouragement and plenty of tolerance.
• Since these dogs are so energetic, they will require extra time and care to get the training just right.
• This implies you’ll need to continue practicing them even after they’ve outgrown their puppy period, or else they’ll develop negative behaviors and be distracted by more fascinating encounters.

Exercise Needs

• Bernedoodles of all sizes need exercise every day, and because both of their parents are energetic breeds, they are also quite energetic, so be prepared to go out every single day.
• You must take them for moderate walks every day if possible; nonetheless, they will be fine with short walks throughout the week and a lengthy one on weekends.
• Walking your mature Bernedoodle for 30-60 minutes, 1-3 times per day is a good guideline. By using these recommendations, you may do a 90-minute walk once per day, daily, or alternate between a 30-minute walk every weekday and a full-day trip on weekends.
• You should be mindful of the Bernedoodle’s high exercise requirements if you adopt one into your household.