Is Bernedoodle a Good Family Dog?

If you're looking for a four-legged friend to add to your family unit, you may have come across the Bernedoodle - an adorable fluffy doodle breed. This unique mix of a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle is known for its friendly disposition, high energy, and versatility.

So, how well do Bernedoodles fare with family dynamics? And are there specific households that they're best suited for?

In this article, we delve into the topic of the Bernedoodle's compatibility with different family types to give you a comprehensive look at their suitability for your lifestyle. We'll explore what makes Bernedoodles a generally superb family pet, which families they are best suited for, and the kinds of families that may not be the perfect match for this breed.

Our hope is that this guide will help you make an informed decision about introducing a Bernedoodle into your family! So without further ado, let's jump in!

What Makes Bernedoodle a Great Family Dog? 

Bernedoodles display a delightful balance of affection, playfulness, loyalty, and adaptability. This combination of traits make them an excellent choice for a range of families looking for a furry friend. Below are some of this doodle breed's standout family-friendly qualities:

Heartwarming Affection

One of the shining features of Bernedoodles is their incredibly affectionate persona. This hybrid breed is devoted to its family and truly forms deep bonds with all members of the household, a characteristic it acquires from the especially sociable Bernese Mountain Dog.  A Bernedoodle can show its love in many ways, from cuddling up next to its family, following you from room to room, or simply warming your feet while you're working at the desk or watching TV. It's this level of companionship that makes Bernedoodles truly excellent family companions who can provide outstanding emotional support. 

Exemplar Intelligence and Trainability 

Bernedoodles are the offspring of two of the most intelligent dog breeds: Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles (whether Toy, Mini, or Standard). So it's no surprise that the result is an intelligent, quick-to-learn pet that's ready for training! What also makes training this breed very easy is its strong desire to please its owners. Having a trainable dog opens up opportunities for meaningful interactions with your dog, fostering a strong bond and promoting harmony within your home environment.

A Child's Best Companion 

Are you looking for a play companion for your kids? Then a Bernedoodle can be a suitable option to consider. This breed comes with a gentle nature that makes it one of the best doodle breeds around children, including younger ones. They're patient, sociable and protective, providing both companionship and a sense of security for your little ones. Bernedoodles also make excellent playmates for older children, given that their energetic and playful natures match well with a teenager's active lifestyle. 

Playful and Energetic 

Does your family lead an active lifestyle? If so, then the Bernedoodle's playful and energetic personality could be a great match! This breed enjoys outdoor activities and play times, which comes in handy when you need to keep the kids occupied or just engage in some fun family time. From hikes in the park, games of fetch in the backyard, to fun-filled swimming sessions, there are a plethora of activities a Bernedoodle is more than capable of joining in, adding to the joy of precious family moments.

Bonus: Hypoallergenic Coat 

If allergens are a concern for you, your kids, or other family members, then the Bernedoodle could be a good option for you. Most Bernedoodles have a hypoallergenic coat thanks to their Poodle lineage. This trait allows families with allergies to enjoy the love and companionship a dog offers without having to suffer through the sniffles. However, it's important to remember that no dog breed, including the Bernedoodle, is 100% hypoallergenic - and that some doodle breeds shed less than Bernedoodles. So if allergies are a top, top priority for you, you may want to consider other Doodle breeds that have a lower likelihood of triggering allergic reactions. 

What Families are Bernedoodles Best For?

Bernedoodles are descendants of one of the most versatile dog breeds - Poodles - and can fit easily into a range of lifestyles. But what households are they most ideally suited for? Let's delve into some specific family setups where a Bernedoodle is likely to thrive:

1. Active families: Bernedoodles do best in families that love outdoor activities. Their high energy and playful nature makes them great companions for hiking, running, and playing fetch.
2. Families with children: Thanks to their gentle and patient demeanor, Bernedoodles get along wonderfully with children. They're protective yet playful and so provide both companionship and a sense of security for your little ones.
3. Multi-pet families: A well-socialized Bernedoodle can live quite nicely alongside other pets. The breed's amicable nature and tolerance make it adaptable to living with other dogs, cats, or even smaller pets.
4. Families seeking a low-shedding pet: Bernedoodles can be a good choice for families worried about shedding or with mild allergies. They're less likely to shed or trigger allergic reactions compared to many other breeds.

What Families are Bernedoodles Not Best For?

While they're excellent for many families, Bernedoodles have some challenging needs and behaviors that may not be ideal for all lifestyles. Here is a list of family types that may not be best suited for Bernedoodles: 

• Families with tight schedules: Bernedoodles need quality time and commitment from their owners. If you're a family with a vert tight schedule, or with little quality time to spend with your pet, then a Bernedoodle may not be the right fit for you. This doodle breed is highly social and flourishes with regular human interaction.
• Very sedentary families: Bernedoodles are renowned for their energetic and playful natures. If your family prefers a more laid-back lifestyle, then you may struggle to keep up with a Bernedoodle's vigor.
• Families uncomfortable with drool: It's no secret that Bernedoodles can drool, and this might not be appealing to some families. If you shudder at the thought of slobber, you might want to reconsider.
• Families with severe allergies: Despite Bernedoodles generally being hypoallergenic, allergies can still flare up in some individuals. It's best to spend some time with a Bernedoodle you're considering to see how your allergies react before bringing her into your home.

Remember, these points are not to discourage you from adopting a Bernedoodle but to empower you with the knowledge to make an informed decision. Bringing a pup into your home is a long-term commitment and there's no one size that fits all. 

Conclusion

So, what types of families are Bernedoodles best for? In summary, they're a good match for families who enjoy an active lifestyle or have the time to give them the exercise they need. If your family loves to hike, run, or play fetch in the park, the Bernedoodle may be a great fit for you. They're also a great fit for families with children, as their patience, energy levels, and love for play make them excellent companions for kids. 

On the other hand, Bernedoodles may not be ideal for families with a more sedentary lifestyle, or those who spend a lot of time away from home. This breed craves attention and activity, so a quieter home or a busy schedule could result in a bored, anxious Bernedoodle. They're also not ideal for those with severe allergies because while they're hypoallergenic, their allergenicity can vary by puppy and generation.

If you've decided that adding a Bernedoodle puppy to your family is the right decision for you, then you're about to embark on a wonderful and joyous journey. This breed is not only capable of endless love and laughter, but strives to build and strengthen the family bond in a way that can only be described as irreplaceable.