Highlights
- How common Bernedoodles are compared to other doodle breeds.
- Why ethical breeding practices limit their availability.
- Factors that contribute to their rarity, including breeding challenges.
- Where to find high-quality Bernedoodle breeders.
- What to expect when looking for a well-bred Bernedoodle.
Are Bernedoodles Rare?
Yes, Bernedoodles are less common than other doodle breeds like Goldendoodles and Labradoodles. While they are growing in popularity, they are still considered relatively rare due to specific breeding challenges, longer waitlists, and the necessity to ensure ethical breeding practices.
Because Bernedoodles are a crossbreed of a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, responsible breeders take extra care in selecting the right parents for health, temperament, and coat quality. This makes them harder to find compared to more widely available doodle breeds.
In this guide, we’ll explore why Bernedoodles are considered rare, what factors affect their availability, and how to find well-bred Bernedoodle puppies.
1. How Common Are Bernedoodles?
While Bernedoodles have been around since the early 2000s, they are still less common than other Poodle mixes. Here’s how they compare to other doodle breeds:
| Doodle Breed | Popularity & Availability |
| Goldendoodle | Very common, widely available from breeders. |
| Labradoodle | Common, especially in service dog breeding programs. |
| Bernedoodle | Less common, fewer reputable breeders available. |
| Sheepadoodle | Less common, similar availability to Bernedoodles. |
Bernedoodles are harder to find because they require careful breeding to ensure good health, temperament, and coat quality.
2. Why Are Bernedoodles Considered Rare?
Several factors contribute to the relative rarity of Bernedoodles compared to other doodle breeds:
✔ Breeding Challenges
- Bernese Mountain Dogs have shorter lifespans and are prone to health issues, requiring careful genetic screening before breeding.
- Not all Bernese and Poodle pairings produce ideal Bernedoodle traits (such as low-shedding coats and balanced temperaments).
✔ Ethical Breeding Practices
- Responsible breeders limit the number of litters to maintain high-quality health and genetics.
- Some breeders prioritize temperament and coat testing, leading to longer waitlists.
✔ Higher Demand, Limited Supply
- Because of their intelligent, affectionate nature, Bernedoodles are in high demand.
- Fewer litters available means longer wait times for prospective owners.
✔ Multi-Generational Breeding Takes Time
- Breeding second-generation (F2) and multi-gen Bernedoodles for consistent coat and temperament requires years of careful breeding selection.
These factors make it more difficult to find well-bred Bernedoodles, especially from reputable breeders.
3. Where Can You Find a Bernedoodle?
Because Bernedoodles are not as common as Goldendoodles or Labradoodles, finding a high-quality breeder requires research and patience.
🐶 Reputable Breeders
- Look for breeders who health-test parent dogs for common conditions like hip dysplasia and heart disease.
- Ethical breeders provide puppy socialization, early training, and health guarantees.
🛑 Avoid Puppy Mills & Backyard Breeders
- Some breeders rush breeding without testing for health or temperament, leading to poorly bred Bernedoodles.
- A Bernedoodle from an unethical breeder may have higher health risks or unpredictable coat traits.
⌛ Expect a Waitlist
- Because quality breeders only produce a limited number of litters per year, expect to wait several months to a year for a puppy.
If you’re committed to finding a healthy, well-tempered Bernedoodle, choosing an ethical breeder is worth the wait.
4. What to Expect When Buying a Bernedoodle
If you’re considering a Bernedoodle, here’s what you should know:
🖤 Temperament: Bernedoodles are affectionate, intelligent, and great with families, but they require consistent training and early socialization.
🐾 Coat Types: Bernedoodles can have curly, wavy, or straight coats, which affects shedding and grooming needs.
📅 Wait Time: Because of their rarity, expect a longer waitlist compared to more common doodle breeds.
By understanding these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether a Bernedoodle is the right fit for your family.
5. Conclusion
Bernedoodles are considered rare compared to other doodle breeds due to careful breeding practices, health considerations, and high demand. While they are growing in popularity, finding a high-quality, well-bred Bernedoodle can take time.
If you’re looking for a healthy, well-socialized Bernedoodle, it’s essential to choose a reputable breeder and be prepared for a longer wait time.
Interested in bringing a Bernedoodle into your family? At Recherche Kennels, we specialize in breeding high-quality, well-tempered Bernedoodles with a focus on health, temperament, and coat quality. Visit our Learning Center for more information on Bernedoodle care, training, and availability.
