General Appearance: A designer breed between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle, the Bernedoodle, AKA Bernese Mountain Poo, is an amazing companion. Bernedoodles are playful and friendly dogs that love to play with their owner.
Proportion and Symmetry: Though appearing square, Bernedoodles are slightly longer in body than they are tall. Sturdy bone is of great importance. The body is full.
Substance: Bernedoodles are medium-sized dogs, and can range from 10 to 30 inches. Their weight can vary from 10 to 90 pounds. The reason there is such a large difference in height and weight is because it depends on how much Bernese or Poodle is inherited by the pups. Too much of one side can drastically alter a dog's potential height or weight. Despite this, they have an impressive lifespan of 12 to 18 years.
Head: Expression is intelligent, animated and gentle. The eyes are dark brown and slightly oval in shape with close-fitting eyelids. Inverted or everted eyelids are serious faults. Blue eye color is a disqualification. The ears are medium-sized, set high, triangular, gently rounded at the tip, and hang close to the head when in repose. When the Bernedoodle is alert, the ears are brought forward and raised at the base; the top of the ear is level with the top of the skull. The skull is flat on top and broad, with a slight furrow and a well-defined, but not exaggerated stop. The muzzle is strong and straight. The nose is always black. The lips are clean and, as the Bernedoodle is a dry-mouthed breed, the flews are only slightly developed. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. An overshot or undershot bite is a serious fault. Dentition is complete.
Body: The neck is strong, muscular and of medium length. The top line is level from the withers to the croup. The chest is deep and capacious with well-sprung, but not barrel shaped, ribs and brisket reaching at least to the elbows. The back is broad and firm. The loin is strong. The croup is broad and smoothly rounded to the tail insertion. The tail is bushy. It should be carried low when in repose. An upward swirl is permissible when the dog is alert, but the tail may never curl or be carried over the back. The bones in the tail should feel straight and should reach to the hock joint or below.
Forequarters: The shoulders are moderately laid back, flat-lying, well-muscled and never loose. The legs are straight and strong and the elbows are well under the shoulder when the dog is standing. The pasterns slope very slightly, but are never weak. Dewclaws may be removed. The feet are round and compact with well-arched toes.
Coat: The coat is thick, moderately long and slightly wavy or straight. It has a bright natural sheen. Extremely curly or extremely dull-looking coats are undesirable. The Bernedoodle is shown in natural coat and undue trimming is to be discouraged.
Color: Some coats are pure black, others are black and white, black and brown, sometimes patches of black, white, and brown. The most popular coat colors and markings for people seeking a Bernedoodle tend to resemble the tri-colored Bernese Mountain Dog.
Gait: The natural working gait of the Bernedoodle is a slow trot. However, in keeping with his use in draft and droving work, he is capable of speed and agility. There is good reach in Page 2 of 2 front. Powerful drive from the rear is transmitted through a level back. There is no wasted action. Front and rear legs on each side follow through in the same plane. At increased speed, legs tend to converge toward the center line.
Temperament: Bernedoodles are great companion dogs, and thrive when they are played with and spend time with their owners. They are playful, intelligent, and very friendly. This breed was made for companionship, not looks!