Frequently Asked Questions

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A Bernedoodle is a hybrid dog breed, created by crossing a Bernese Mountain Dog with a Poodle. Sometimes, a Bernedoodle can be a mix of a Bernese Mountain Dog and another Bernedoodle, or it can be bred by crossing a Bernedoodle with a Poodle. The specific mix of each generation determines the unique traits of the puppies. Keep reading to learn more about the different generations of Bernedoodles and what you can expect from each.

The cost of a Bernedoodle can vary based on several factors, including size, coat type, and color. At Windy Creek Doodles, we don’t believe in giving a one-size-fits-all price because the value of our program goes far beyond the numbers. We invest heavily in ensuring each puppy comes from a healthy, well-loved environment, with extensive care and early socialization to give them the best possible start in life. Our focus is on quality, health, and temperament, which reflects our commitment to raising happy, well-adjusted puppies. Rather than focusing solely on cost, we encourage potential families to consider the long-term value of adopting a healthy, well-bred companion. For more details about our program, feel free to reach out!

Bernedoodles vary in size depending on their lineage, with three common categories: Standard, Mini, and Micro Mini. The size of an individual Bernedoodle is primarily influenced by the size of its parents. Here at Windy Creek Doodles, we breed Standard and Mini Bernedoodles. See below for more detailed information. 

At Windy Creek Doodles, our Standard Bernedoodles typically weigh between 60 to 80 pounds and stand around 23 to 29 inches at the shoulder.

Mini Bernedoodles typically weigh between 25 to 49 pounds and stand about 12 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder.

Each Bernedoodle has a unique coat, with most sporting wavy or curly hair that sheds minimally or not at all, making them a great option for many people with allergies. While it’s rare, some Bernedoodles can have straight coats, especially if they are "unfurnished."

Bernedoodles come in a variety of beautiful coat colors, often inheriting a mix of shades from both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle. Here are some common coat colors we have seen:

• Tri-Color: This is the most popular and classic Bernedoodle coat, featuring a combination of black, white, and rust markings, similar to the Bernese Mountain Dog. Tri-colored Bernedoodles are highly sought after for their striking appearance.
• Bi-Color: Bernedoodles with bi-color coats typically have two main shades, such as black and white or black and tan. This gives them a more simplified, yet equally beautiful, look.
• Phantom: Phantom Bernedoodles have a unique coloration with a base coat (usually black) and distinct tan markings, often on the eyebrows, muzzle, chest, and legs.
• Sable: Sable Bernedoodles are born with a mix of black-tipped hairs that gradually lighten as they age. This gives them a shaded or blended look, creating a striking and ever-changing coat.
• Merle: Merle Bernedoodles have a marbled appearance, blending shades of gray, black, and sometimes even brown or red. The merle pattern can be very unique and is less common in Bernedoodles.
• Solid Colors: While less common, some Bernedoodles have solid-colored coats in shades like black, white, or brown. These Bernedoodles may also have subtle variations or highlights in their coats.

"Furnishings" refer to the longer hair that grows on a Bernedoodle’s extremities, such as the head, ears, and tail. Typically, when a Bernese Mountain Dog is crossed with a Poodle, the resulting puppy is "furnished." However, if a Bernese is crossed with certain types of Bernedoodles, the offspring may be "unfurnished."

At Windy Creek Doodles, our litters often include both furnished and unfurnished Bernedoodles. If you prefer the classic Bernese look without the beard and furnishings, an unfurnished Bernedoodle may be your ideal choice. Keep in mind that unfurnished Bernedoodles tend to shed more compared to their furnished counterparts.

Bernedoodles are known for combining the best traits of both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle. They are fun-loving, goofy, and highly sociable dogs with a confident yet gentle nature. Their intuitive personalities make them particularly gentle around children and the elderly, as they seem to understand how to interact with different people. Because of these qualities, Bernedoodles often excel as therapy and service dogs.

These dogs are eager to please, making them easy to train, and they thrive when given tasks to accomplish. Bernedoodles love being around people and do best when they’re an integral part of the family. They don’t do well in outdoor kennels or isolated environments; they need to be with their people to be truly happy.

Like all puppies, Bernedoodles benefit from early training. Starting your Bernedoodle’s training early will ensure that both you and your puppy build a strong foundation for a lifetime of companionship.

Bernedoodles are generally healthier than their parent breeds due to hybrid vigor, which often results in a longer lifespan. On average, Standard Bernedoodles live between 10 to 12 years, while the smaller Mini Bernedoodles tend to have longer lifespans, typically ranging from 14 to 16 years.

At Windy Creek Doodles, we prioritize genetic testing and the careful selection of our breeding parents to minimize health risks. We do not breed dogs without ensuring they have a clear health record. Bernedoodles can be prone to certain conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems, and, like many other breeds, they may be at risk for cancer. By conducting thorough genetic testing, we can significantly reduce these health concerns. 

For instance, Bernese Mountain Dogs are tested for hip and elbow dysplasia, von Willebrand’s disease (a genetic blood disorder), and eye health. Standard Poodles are screened for hips, eyes, thyroid function, and heart health, while Miniature Poodles are tested for eyes, hips, and von Willebrand’s disease.

We highly encourage you to pick up your puppy in person, as we are incredibly excited to meet our "furever" families and officially welcome you to the Windy Creek Doodles family. However, we understand that this may not be feasible for everyone, especially for those living farther away. If you’re interested in reserving a puppy, please fill out the application and share any details in the "Is there anything else you would like us to know about you?" section.

Depending on the travel distance, we offer several options to help you bring your new puppy home. We often drive halfway to meet our families, but we also provide flight services. While we have a preferred flight nanny, it is usually one of us who will assist with transportation. We cherish the opportunity to meet our "furever" families whenever possible.

Your puppy will remain in our care or with the flight nanny throughout the entire transportation process. Although we coordinate the transportation of your puppy, the financial responsibility falls on the new puppy owner. Flight costs can vary but typically average around $500 for destinations within the continental United States.