28 Oct Bernedoodle Lifespan: A Family Dog for Years to Come!
One of the most frequent questions we receive from prospective owners is, “What is the lifespan of a Bernedoodle?” When you fall in love with a dog, you want as many years with them as possible. One of the best benefits to investing in a hybrid breed is their improved health and lifespan when compared to pedigree breeds.
That’s why at Happily Ever After Doodles, we love breeding the Bernedoodle – a designer hybrid that is not only playful, intelligent, and affectionate, but also a healthy and long-living breed.
What is Hybrid Vigor?
Unfortunately, many purebred dogs—particularly the majestic Bernese Mountain Dog—have shorter lifespans, often averaging only 7 to 10 years.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Poodle tends to live longer. For example, the Standard Poodle often lives 12 to 15 years, with smaller breeds of Poodle such as the Miniature Poodle and Toy Poodle living even longer, usually around 14-17 years.
By crossing the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle, you get a dog that has what we call Hybrid Vigor. This genetic diversity often results in a dog that is more resilient with less of a chance of developing health issues when compared with its pedigree parents.
On average, Bernedoodles will live a little longer, (especially when compared with the Bernese Mountain Dog) at around 12-18 years.
Bernedoodle Size & How it Plays a Role in Longevity
The specific Bernedoodle lifespan can vary based on the size of the dog. You may already know this, but it’s worth mentioning that in the canine world, smaller dogs generally age more slowly than their larger counterparts. Here is what you can typically expect based on the size of your Bernedoodle:
Micro/Tiny Bernedoodle
These are the smallest of the bunch, usually weighing 10–24 lbs. Because of their small stature, they often enjoy the longest lives, frequently reaching 15–18 years. If you’re looking for a tiny, hypoallergenic-coat companion, look no further than the Micro Bernedoodle. The Micro or Tiny Bernedoodle is crossed with an F1 Mini Bernedoodle and a Toy Poodle. Find out more about Bernedoodle generations here.
Mini Bernedoodle
A little bigger, the Mini Bernedoodle weighs at around 25–49 lbs. Minis are incredibly hardy and typically live between 13–17 years.
Moyen/Medium Bernedoodle
The “Moyen” bridges the gap between Mini and Standard and weighs around 40–50 lbs. You can expect a healthy Moyen to live around 12–16 years.
Standard Bernedoodle
The largest variety (50–90+ lbs) inherits more of the Bernese Mountain Dog’s sturdy frame. While they are the largest, they still benefit greatly from hybrid vigor, averaging 12–15 years.
Understanding Health and Longevity
While the Bernedoodle benefits from a wider gene pool, overall health is a major factor in reaching those senior years. Like all dogs, they can be predisposed to certain conditions inherited from their lineage. Common health considerations include:
Hip & Elbow Dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia are joint issues common in larger breeds. Specifically, dysplasia is an orthopedic condition where the “ball and socket” of the joints do not develop perfectly. This can lead to rubbing and grinding rather than a smooth slide.
While more common in larger Standard Bernedoodles, hip and elbow dysplasia can affect all sizes of this hybrid breed.
Eye Issues
Common eye issues include Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), inherited from the Poodle side. PRA is a gradual degeneration of the retina that can lead to vision loss, as well as cataracts.
Because PRA is painless, dogs often adapt well to the condition, however, it’s important to note that genetic screening of the parents is the only way to ensure these traits aren’t passed down to the litter.
Heart Conditions
From the Bernese side, we watch for Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis (SAS), and from Poodles, we monitor for age-related Mitral Valve Disease.
Regular vet check-ups are essential. Early diagnosis of a heart murmur allows for management that can add years to your dog’s life.
Skin Allergies
Some Bernedoodles can have sensitive skin that reacts to environmental triggers such as pollen or dust, or even specific food proteins like chicken or beef. Chronic itching can lead to secondary infections. Using high-quality, limited-ingredient diets and regular grooming helps maintain the skin’s natural barrier, preventing the “itch-scratch” cycle from impacting their quality of life.
At Happily Ever After Doodles, we factor these risks into our breeding program by conducting rigorous genetic testing and health screenings on our parent dogs. When a puppy is born from healthy, tested lines, their overall health is significantly bolstered, allowing them to live out their full, vibrant lifespan.
Proper nutrition, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight are the final pieces of the puzzle to ensure your doodle lives well into their double digits!
Why Choose the Bernedoodle?
At Happily Ever After Doodles, we believe that the Bernedoodle is the right choice for many families. With a hypoallegic wavy/curly and bi-colored or tri-colored coat, good health, and a long life, they make the perfect companions for families, kids, other dogs, and other pets alike.
Choosing a Bernedoodle means choosing the best of both worlds: the “Velcro-dog” loyalty of the Bernese and the hypoallergenic, brilliant mind of the Poodle. They are adaptable, eager to please, and deeply connected to their human “pack.” When you bring one of our puppies home, you aren’t just getting a dog—you’re starting a long-term journey of friendship and joy.
Are you ready to find your new best friend? We are a top-rated Bernedoodle breeder in Nashville, TN and we would love to help you find the perfect puppy for your lifestyle. Start with our new puppy checklist here.
Contact us today at Happily Ever After Doodles to learn more about our upcoming litters!