Bernedoodle Temperament: What Are Bernedoodles Really Like?

If you're considering a Bernedoodle, you've probably read descriptions like loving, intelligent, goofy, loyal and family-friendly.

Those things can absolutely describe Bernedoodles.

But after raising Bernedoodles, I think there's something important families should understand:

A breed description can tell you what traits may be common. It cannot tell you exactly who an individual puppy will become.

Temperament is influenced by genetics, the parents, early development, socialization, training, environment and the individual puppy.

That's one reason temperament is such an important part of how we raise and evaluate puppies at O'Hearon's Amazing Puppies.

Bernedoodle temperament and personality can vary from puppy to puppy, which is why I believe it's important to look beyond breed descriptions and evaluate each puppy as an individual.

What Is a Typical Bernedoodle Temperament?

Bernedoodles combine two very different breeds: the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle.

Many Bernedoodles are affectionate, social, intelligent and strongly connected to their people. They can also be playful, silly and incredibly expressive.

But there is variation.

One puppy may be outgoing and ready to investigate everything.

Another may be softer and more thoughtful.

One may have a higher activity level while another naturally settles more easily.

That's normal.

The goal shouldn't be to find the puppy that matches an internet description of the “perfect Bernedoodle.”

The goal should be to find a puppy whose individual temperament works well with your family and lifestyle.

The Bernese Mountain Dog Influence

Part of what attracts many families to Bernedoodles is the Bernese Mountain Dog.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for being devoted companion dogs, and that influence can contribute to the affectionate, people-oriented nature families often love in Bernedoodles.

That doesn't mean every Bernedoodle will behave exactly like a Bernese.

Breed percentage, individual genetics and the other parent all matter.

This is especially relevant because Bernedoodles can range from puppies with stronger Poodle influence to higher-Bernese combinations such as some Ultra Bernedoodles.

The Poodle Influence

The Poodle contributes much more than coat characteristics.

Poodles are highly intelligent dogs, and that intelligence can show up strongly in Bernedoodles.

A smart puppy can learn desirable behaviors quickly.

It can also learn undesirable behaviors quickly.

That's why consistency matters.

Training isn't something that starts after a puppy develops bad habits. Learning is happening from the moment your puppy enters your home.

Our How to Train a Bernedoodle Puppy guide explains how we recommend continuing those foundations after go-home.

Are Bernedoodles Good Family Dogs?

They can make wonderful family companions.

But I don't think families should choose a dog based only on the statement “Bernedoodles are good with kids.”

The individual puppy matters.

So do the children.

A busy household with several active children may be a wonderful fit for a confident, social puppy.

A quieter or more sensitive puppy may do better in a calmer environment.

Children also need to learn how to interact appropriately with puppies.

Good family relationships don't happen because of a breed label alone. They're built through appropriate matching, supervision, training and respect on both sides.

Are Bernedoodles Affectionate?

Many are extremely affectionate and people-oriented.

Some want to be involved in everything their family does.

But affection doesn't look exactly the same in every dog.

One Bernedoodle may want to lie directly on top of you.

Another may prefer lying beside you.

Some puppies immediately seek physical affection, while others become increasingly affectionate as their relationship with their family develops.

I don't consider one style better than another.

They're individuals.

Are Bernedoodles High Energy?

This varies more than people sometimes expect.

Bernedoodles aren't automatically extremely high-energy dogs, but they aren't stuffed animals either.

They're dogs that need exercise, interaction, mental stimulation and opportunities to learn.

Age matters tremendously.

A young puppy's activity level and impulse control are very different from those of a mature adult.

Individual genetics matter too.

When we're helping a family evaluate puppies, activity level is one of the things worth considering because the most energetic puppy in a litter may be wonderful for one household and exhausting for another.

Bernedoodles Are Smart! Which Can Be Both Wonderful and Challenging

Intelligence is one of the traits people love about doodles.

It makes training fun.

But smart dogs notice patterns.

If jumping gets attention, they learn it.

If barking gets the door opened, they learn it.

If stealing something causes the entire family to chase them around the house, they may decide they've invented a fantastic game.

Consistency matters.

You don't need to be a professional dog trainer.

You do need to make it reasonably clear which behaviors work and which don't.

Early Socialization Matters

Temperament begins with genetics, but early experiences matter too.

At O'Hearon's Amazing Puppies, our puppy-development program includes age-appropriate ENS, ESI and intentional socialization.

We expose puppies to appropriate experiences such as different people, children, household sounds, surfaces, handling, grooming, crates, car rides and safe animals.

The purpose isn't to overwhelm puppies.

It's to help them learn how to encounter new things and recover appropriately.

And socialization doesn't end when a puppy leaves us.

The breeder starts the foundation. The family continues it.

If you're preparing for those first days together, our Bringing Home a Bernedoodle Puppy guide can help you plan for the transition.

Temperament Should Matter More Than Color

I understand why families have appearance preferences.

Traditional tricolor, chocolate, merle, straight coats, wavy coats and blue eyes can all catch someone's attention.

There's nothing wrong with loving a particular look.

But if I had to choose between the puppy with your perfect markings and the puppy whose temperament is an excellent match for your household, I would want you to seriously consider the better temperament match.

You're going to look at your dog's coloring.

You're going to live with its personality.

That matters for years after puppy markings stop being the main thing you're thinking about.

Why We Don't Promise a Personality at Eight Weeks

Temperament evaluation can give us useful information.

It can help us observe things such as confidence, sociability, sensitivity, recovery, engagement and activity level.

But puppies are still developing.

No ethical temperament assessment can tell us every detail of what an adult dog will become.

Future environment, training, experiences, health and maturation all play roles.

I would rather give families thoughtful observations than make guarantees that aren't realistic.

Matching a Bernedoodle Puppy to the Right Family

This is where getting to know our puppy families matters.

I want to know about your household.

Do you have children?

Other pets?

Do you work full time?

Are you active outdoors or more relaxed at home?

Have you raised a puppy before?

What do you hope to do with your dog?

What personality are you naturally drawn to?

If you work outside the home, our guide Can I Get a Bernedoodle If I Work Full Time? explains how families can realistically prepare for puppyhood.

All of that information helps us have a better conversation about fit.

There Is No One “Perfect” Bernedoodle Temperament

The best Bernedoodle isn't necessarily the calmest puppy.

It isn't necessarily the boldest.

It isn't the most outgoing or the most cuddly.

The best puppy is the one whose needs and personality fit well with the family who will raise it.

That's why I believe temperament deserves at least as much attention as size, coat and color when choosing a puppy.

Looking for a Bernedoodle Puppy in Utah?

O'Hearon's Amazing Puppies is a family-based Bernedoodle breeding program in Saratoga Springs, Utah.

If you're researching whether a Bernedoodle is right for you, start with What Should I Know Before Getting a Bernedoodle?

You can also meet our Available Bernedoodle Puppies or explore our Upcoming Litters.

When you're ready, complete our Puppy Application and tell us about your family, lifestyle and what you're hoping for in your future puppy.

We want families to fall in love with more than a photograph.

We want them to love the dog that puppy grows up to become.