Bernedoodles are intelligent dogs, but they can also be stubborn. They require regular training and exercise to keep their minds sharp.
Reputable breeders screen for common health issues, including hip and elbow dysplasia, eye disease, and heart disease. They will feed their puppies a high-quality food that’s made for large dogs.
Puppyhood to Adolescence
Puppies of any age are fun and active, but their energy is most focused during early socialization and training. This is an excellent time to establish your relationship as leader and teacher.
Bernedoodles have an easygoing temperament and can be willful as puppies but are highly trainable thanks to their big brains. They love attention and don’t do well when left alone for long periods, so make sure your home has a dog door or you’re prepared to take them out on frequent walks.
Responsible breeders carefully select their breeding dogs and follow rigorous health and genetic testing. This ensures that any puppies produced have a low risk of inheriting any serious problems that can greatly impact their quality of life and lifespan. However, even with careful selection, some puppies will still end up with a predisposition to certain genetic diseases. This is why it’s important to purchase pet insurance as soon as you get your new puppy.
Adolescence to Adulthood
When it comes to dog breeding, the way a litter of puppies is bred will have a significant impact on their health and lifespan. Reputable breeders screen their parents for genetic health concerns before producing new puppies. This reduces the likelihood that a puppy will inherit any hereditary conditions that could significantly shorten their life span and quality of life.
Bernedoodles benefit from a phenomenon known as hybrid vigor, meaning that they tend to be less prone to certain health issues than purebred dogs of the same age. But, like any other dog, a Bernedoodle will still be susceptible to the diseases that affect both its parent breeds.
As a result, it is important to maintain your dog’s health by feeding him a healthy diet and exercising him regularly. Keeping up with his socialization and providing mental stimulation to help him stay sharp will also promote his wellbeing and longevity. If you don’t meet these physical and psychological needs, your bernedoodle may develop undesirable behaviors to keep himself entertained, such as digging up the yard.
Adulthood to Golden Years
A dog’s lifespan is divided into different stages: puppyhood, adolescence, adulthood and golden years. The life expectancy of a Bernedoodle will depend on their overall health and lifestyle. Their size also plays a role, with standard Bernedoodles typically reaching their senior status at around two years old, minis at around eight and toys at around 10.
These intelligent pups need plenty of mental stimulation to keep them from getting bored or engaging in undesirable behaviors like digging up your yard! They are active dogs that love playing, romping and going on daily walks. They are happy in a fenced-in backyard but will also love a good run or jog!
As crossbreeds, Bernedoodles are less likely to develop serious conditions that appear on only one parent’s side of the family. However, responsible breeders will still ensure that their breeding stock goes through extensive health tests to identify any issues and eliminate them from the gene pool.
Golden Years to Old Age
As a result of their parentage, Bernedoodles typically have higher lifespans than standard Bernese Mountain Dogs. However, this doesn’t mean that they are immune to health issues that affect all breeds of dogs. A good pet insurance plan can help ensure that your furry family member receives the medical treatment they need throughout their lifetime.
As your doodle approaches their golden years, they may experience health problems like cancer or joint pain. They may also start to lose their energy and become less active. Keeping your senior doodle mentally stimulated through training, puzzles, and play can help them maintain their quality of life.
Since the bernedoodle is a new breed, it’s important to work with responsible breeders who follow ethical breeding practices. This includes rigorous health testing of the parents to reduce the risk of passing on any genetic conditions that could significantly alter a dog’s lifespan or quality of life. These tests include a CERF eye exam, OFA hip and elbow certification, and heart screening.
