How Much Do Bernedoodles Cost in 2023? [Complete Price Guide]

First developed in 2003, this adorable designer dog breed is the endearing cross between the intelligent Poodle and the happy-go-lucky Bernese Mountain Dog, receiving the best of both parent breeds. Bernedoodles are generally affectionate, loving dogs that are strongly attached to their families. 

These designer and family-friendly dogs are playful and intelligent dogs that can cost anywhere from $500 to $5,000, depending on whether you want to adopt or purchase a Bernedoodle from a reputable breeder. Getting a Bernedoodle from a breeder would typically cost upwards of $2,000. 

Bernedoodles are easy-going dogs with a calmer temperament than most other Doodle hybrids. Every dog is different, but generally speaking, Bernedoodles are calm, social dogs that love being around humans.

They are suitable for most households, and their gentle, loving nature makes them ideal for families, small children, and seniors.  

They can be prone to anxiety around strangers, but socialization can quickly help curb that. Bernedoodles can easily develop separation anxiety and need a lot of stimulation, so they should not be left alone for more than a few hours and will do well in households with at least one family member there for the majority of the day.

They have moderate to high energy levels and can be pretty playful, so adequate exercise is necessary to curb unwanted behaviors like excessive barking and destructive chewing and digging. 

The American Kennel Club does not recognize Bernedoodles as a breed. Still, they are among the International Designer Canine Registry, the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, and the Designer Breed Registry. 

What Factors Affect the Price?

The price of a Bernedoodle puppy can vary wildly, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 from reputable breeders. Factors like breeder standards, quality of the bloodline, and geographic location can significantly affect the price. 

Before hitting a list of breeders, consider adopting. Not only will you be able to rescue a dog from a shelter, but you’ll also potentially save yourself loads of money! 

Adoptions are typically cheaper, whether from a local shelter or a Bernedoodle-specific rescue organization. The main difference between adoption and purchasing a puppy from a breeder is that you have slightly less choice regarding the dog’s appearance and generation. 

If that is not a dealbreaker, then adoption is a cheaper alternative, and you will most likely be choosing from adult Bernedoodles instead of young puppies. There are various Bernedoodle-specific rescue organizations out there that can easily be found with a quick search.

Breeder Standards

It is crucial to do your research and explore different options for adopting or purchasing a dog before doing so. 

There is a vast difference between an ethical breeder that breeds for the betterment of Bernedoodles and someone that does it purely for profit. 

Ethical breeders potentially charge more for their puppies. They take great care in breeding adult dogs and meticulously check all their litters for health defects and other genetic predispositions. 

The price is directly correlated to the care and time spent on each pup. A reputable, experienced breeder is knowledgeable about the breed they work with and are experts in handling and training new puppies. 

It is important that before purchasing from a breeder, you check their reviews and view the puppies and facilities before taking home a dog. You are encouraged to ask loads of questions and ask for recommendations from other dog owners and doggy professionals like veterinarians and trainers. 

Lineage

A Bernedoodle can be an F1 hybrid, which means it is a 50/50% mix of a purebred Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog, or an F1b backcrossed hybrid that incorporates more genes of either parent pair. 

Some Bernedoodles may contain more Poodle genes, with breeders hoping to achieve dogs with hypoallergenic coats. 

Geographic Location

The geographic location of a breeder plays a part in the price. You may be able to pay less for a puppy in a state with three or four Bernedoodle breeders compared to a state with a single breeder within several hundred miles.

Of course, you could always take a road trip and visit breeders in neighboring states! 

Size Of A Bernedoodle

The size of a Bernedoodle will be dependent on the size of the Poodle parent that it is bred to. While Bernese Mountain Dogs come in one size, the Poodles come in three AKC-registered sizes – Toy, Miniature, and Standard. 

The needs of a Bernedoodle also vary based on size, with all three sizes needing different amounts of calories per day. Since the Bernedoodles come in various sizes, there will always be an option perfect for any person or family looking to add a Bernedoodle to their life.

Here is some information about the dimensions of Bernedoodles:

	Standard Bernedoodle	Miniature Bernedoodle	Toy Bernedoodle
Average Height	32 in	18 to 22 in	15in
Average Weight	88 lbs	24 to 49 lbs	10 to 25 lbs
Calorie Requirements	1400-1800	750-1400	400-960

Fillial Hybrid (F) Generation

The Bernedoodle comes in numerous mixes, meaning several different combinations of different parent breeds. The generation of Bernedoodle you are looking at can significantly affect the price. 

Generally, F1 Bernedoodles are the most expensive at around $4,000, and F2 Bernedoodles can go as low as $800.

F1 Bernedoodle (First Generation)

• Created by the 50/50 combination of a purebred Standard Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog

• This is the standard for Bernedoodles, but there is a lot of variation in coat type depending on which parent the Bernedoodle takes after

• The outcome of the color, coat type, and temperament are more likely to vary with this generation because of the influence the parent breeds have on the pups

F1b Bernedoodle

• The “b” stands for backcrossed, which means an F1 Bernedoodle got crossed back into a purebred Poodle or Bernese Mountain Dog, resulting in the F1b hybrid containing 75% of one parent breed and 25% of the other

• The breed that the Bernedoodle is backcrossed into tends to be the Poodle, bred in this matter because of the popularity of dogs with hypoallergenic coats

F2 Bernedoodle

• The result of breeding two F1 Bernedoodles, making it a second-generation Bernedoodle

• Dogs from this generation are more likely to have consistent characteristics because of how they are bred, and depending on your area, this can be a cheaper option. 

F1 Bernedoodles are more likely to benefit from “hybrid vigor,” meaning that they are less prone to health concerns and more likely to live a long and healthy life, which also increases the average price of that generation.

It is good to know which generation a Bernedoodle puppy is coming from, as that can make the new pet parents aware of any health concerns the parents had or are prone to.

By understanding the genetic composition of your pup, you can keep an eye out for any indications or potential health issues arising that could have been passed down from the parent dogs or associated with the parent breeds.

What Color are Bernedoodles, and Does it Affect price?

Bernedoodles come in various colors – solid color, bi-color, and the most popular tri-color coat. The more colors on a Bernedoodle’s cost indicates that it will likely be more expensive. Tri-color Bernedoodles have white, black, and brown coats and are harder to find because there are fewer of them compared to the solid and bi-color coated dogs.

Another color combination is the Phantom Bernedoodle, which is when a Bernedoodle has one primary color with little bits of another. This is comparable to the patterning of breeds like the Doberman or Rottweiler, with their distinctive color patterns. A Phantom Bernedoodle can have any color in them but usually have a base of black or brown.

In addition to the variety of colors Bernedoodles can have, there are three main coat types. The most popular coat type is the curly coat, indicating that the Bernedoodle takes after its Poodle parent and might be hypoallergenic. 

Overall, the Bernedoodle is a gorgeous hybrid breed, and no matter the coat type, they are great dogs for families. While some might be hypoallergenic, it isn’t a certainty, especially if the Bernedoodle takes after the Bernese Mountain Dog parent. 

What Items are Needed to Welcome a Puppy Home?

Not only do you have the initial purchase or adoption fee to worry about, but you’ll also need several things before you are ready to care for your new Bernedoodle family member.

Crate

It is important to crate train puppies to give them a safe space to sleep and make any transportation later easier.

Crate training, if done right, is an invaluable tool for potty training. Since Bernedoodles are prone to develop separation anxiety, it may be a good idea to have a crate for them if no one will be home for a while. 

Crates should be big enough for a dog to stand up fully in and turn around. Bernedoodle puppies grow fast, so buy a crate that will fit a fully grown Bernedoodle and use dividers to limit the size when your puppy is busy growing. 

Bedding

A bed, blanket, or mat can add a level of comfort to a crate that will make crate training much more manageable. Make sure there is nothing on the bedding that a dog could chew off and ingest, as puppies love to chomp on stuff.

You can use old bedding in the beginning while your puppy is teething and wants to eat everything, and save the expensive, plush dog bed for later. 

Leash, Collar, and Harness

It is crucial to make sure that your dog has a collar with an I.D tag in case they were to get out and to have a quality collar on.

Quick-release collars are recommended often because they are easy to remove if they are to get caught on anything. There are a variety of leashes available, but retractable leashes are not recommended, especially for puppies, until they are correctly leash trained. 

Depending on your preferences and the size of your Bernedoodle, you may want a harness that goes across their chest for walks. 

If you are collar-shopping for a puppy, make sure you get an adjustable collar that can accommodate a fully-grown Bernedoodles thick neck and coat. You certainly don’t want to upsize your collar every few months! 

Puppy Food and Bowls

Puppies need puppy food that have different nutritional contents than adult food. Bernedoodles can be large dogs that grow rapidly, and proper nutrition is key to a healthy, balanced dog. 

Get quality puppy food if you can afford it, and avoid food containing unnecessary fillers like grain, corn, and soy. 

Every pup needs a food and water bowl to eat and drink out of, and they are relatively inexpensive, so make sure to pick some up before bringing your Bernedoodle home. 

As your Bernedoodle grows, you can transition to high-quality adult dog food. If you have a Standard Bernedoodle or a dog that is uncomfortable reaching low to eat from their food bowl, a raised feeder can be a good addition, though that is not often needed for young puppies.

Grooming Tools

While the grooming needs of Bernedoodles might be modest, you still need a good brush to get rid of dead hair and dander. In addition, you’ll need other grooming supplies like ear and eye cleaner, nail clippers, shampoo, and maybe conditioner if your Bernedoodle has long hair. 

You’ll also need some tick and flea prevention. Check with your vet about topical solutions that you can use to keep the creepy crawlies away or look into flea collars. 

Toys and Treats

Every dog needs toys to play with and to keep them stimulated. Treats can also be good tools for training and stimulation, so find out what kind of treats your pup likes and keep some around. 

Be careful of toys and dog bones that could be harmful if pieces are ingested, and it is always good practice to look up reviews of toys before purchasing for your puppy. 

Interactive puzzle feeders are a great way to stimulate your dog, and it is always fun to have some toys that you can play with as well! 

Costs to Maintain a Bernedoodle for the First Year

Dog Food ($300 to $500)

Your food bill can vary significantly depending on the size of your Bernedoodle and the quality of food.

If you are feeding high-quality dog food, you can expect to pay around $500 a year. Lower quality dog food will still cost you about $300 for a year.

Grooming ($300)

While Bernedoodles need relatively little maintenance, they still could benefit from an occasional haircut and overall doggy spa day.

Grooming can cost anywhere from $50 to $150 a session, depending on the groomer and the dog’s needs. It is important to also brush your Bernedoodle frequently at home so that their beautiful coats do not get matted or tangled.

Training ($100 to $300 per month) 

Training classes are beneficial for every dog and its humans. An introductory training class costs upwards of $100, depending on what type of class and its length. 

Depending on the breeder, they may have already trained their puppies in specific ways, so excessive training may not be necessary. 

Health Care ($700 to $2,000+)

Bernedoodles need routine checkups at the vet, and you’ll want to keep them up to date on their vaccinations and potentially implant a microchip. 

It is also important to spay or neuter your pup, which is commonly done within the first year. 

While Bernedoodles are typically healthy dogs, they can be prone to hip dysplasia, requiring surgery to correct, especially in older dogs. 

Final Thoughts

Bernedoodles make great family dogs and are a highly sought-after breed. They have an extensive price range, and depending on your preferences; you can undoubtedly find one that fits within your budget.

These designer dogs make excellent companions, and there will be an ideal Bernedoodle out there for you! Happy hunting and good luck!