Bernedoodles are a popular member of the Doodle variety.
They’re a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle, sometimes being referred to as a Bernese Mountain Poo.
These hybrid dogs can make great family pets thanks to their outgoing personalities and playful nature.
Bernedoodles have proven popular dogs thanks to their low-shedding coats, which is the result of their hypoallergenic Poodle parent.
However, it’s worth remembering that Bernedoodles can be hypoallergenic to varying degrees depending on the influence of the Poodle genes.
Editor's note: The content on this website is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as veterinary, medical or professional advice. There's no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog in spite of claims that breeders might make. It’s always best to speak with your vet or your doctor before deciding to get a dog if you suspect you may have allergies to pets.
In this article, we’re goin to take a look at why Bernedoodles are considered a hypoallergenic cross breed.
We’ll also hear from some Bernedoodle owners, namely Eevee (@eeveethebernedoodle), Dennis (@dennis.b.doodle) and Kenzie (@kenziedood).
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What does hypoallergenic mean?
While you will notice the word hypoallergenic alongside many different dog breeds in the 21st century, this was a term first coined by the cosmetic industry in the 1950s.
They came up with this term to denote a beauty product that was less likely to trigger a person’s allergies than another cosmetic item.
So, as you can deduce, the hypoallergenic beauty product doesn’t guarantee that there’ll be no allergic reaction but just make it less likely.
Here’s how respected medical advice website Healthline define the word hypoallergenic.
Hypoallergenic means a product contains few allergy-producing substances known as allergens
WebMD go on to provide an even more detailed definition of hypoallergenic.
If you see “hypoallergenic” on makeup or a skin care label, it means that that maker claims its product causes fewer allergic reactions than other ones. That doesn’t necessarily mean it is allergy-proof or gentler for your skin. The U.S. government doesn’t have standards that products must meet in order to put “hypoallergenic” on the label.
What are hypoallergenic dogs?
While the cosmetic industry were the first to use the term, hypoallergenic is often used to describe a dog that is less likely to trigger someone’s allergies.
The American Kennel Club write on their website that there’s no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog despite what the claims that some breeders make and what you might read online.
While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, there are a variety of breeds that do well with allergy sufferers. These dogs have a predictable, non-shedding coat which produces less dander.
However, the AKC put forward a number of dog breeds that they consider more hypoallergenic than other canines for dog lovers who are looking for hypoallergenic breed.
But it’s important to remember that while breeds such as Poodles are considered hypoallergenic, there’s no such thing as a dog breed that is completely hypoallergenic.
It’s little a surprise that there’s a demand for hypoallergenic dog breed in the USA given they’re a nation of dog lovers.
Statistics website Statista claim that there are nearly 90 million dog owners in the USA, which is an increase of over 20 million since 2000.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America write on their website that as many as three in 10 people with allergies have an allergic reaction to cats and dogs.
So you’d have to assume that of the 90 million dog owners in the USA, there must be some pet parents who have a canine companion despite being allergic to pups.
Here’s what the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America have to say about this topic:
People with dog allergies may be more sensitive to some breeds of dogs than others. Some people may be allergic to all dogs. People may think certain breeds of dogs are “hypoallergenic,” but a truly non-allergic dog or cat does not exist.
What causes an allergy to dogs?
Dog hair is often presumed to be the biggest culprit where dog allergies are concerned.
You may be surprised to learn that’s it dander rather than dog hair that usually triggers pet allergies.
For those who are unsure what this is, let’s take a look at how the American Lung Association define dander.
Pet dander is composed of tiny, even microscopic, flecks of skin shed by cats, dogs, rodents, birds and other animals with fur or feathers. These bits of skin can cause reactions in people who are specifically allergic to these triggers.
As is the case with hair, dogs can produce varying levels of dander. Some canine will have a coat what little dander is secreted, while other hairless breeds can be wiped daily to remove any dander on their skin.
While pet dander and hair are usually the biggest triggers where dog allergies are concerned, dog lovers could suffer with allergies due to salvia, urine or allergens brought in from outside the home such as pollen.
What are the symptoms?
Before we go any further, it’s important to point out that this article doesn’t constitute medical or professional advice. If you suspect you may have allergies to dogs and you want to learn more, you should speak to your local doctor.
There are some of the potential symptoms associated with allergies to dogs that you should watch out for.
Respected medical website Mayo Clinic write on their website that dog allergies are usually triggered by dander or pet hair, as we covered above. If you’re exposed to a cat or dog and you do have an allergy to canines or feline, they write that you may experience one of the following symptoms:
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy, red or watery eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat
• Postnasal drip
• Cough
• Facial pressure and pain
• Frequent awakening
• Swollen, blue-colored skin under your eyes
• In a child, frequent upward rubbing of the nose
Are Bernedoodles hypoallergenic?
Kenzie the Bernedoodle (Photo: @kenziedood / Instagram)
Bernedoodles are considered a hypoallergenic dog breed thanks to the influence of the genes that they may inherit from their Poodle parent.
Poodles are recognised as a hypoallergenic dog breed by the AKC given their low shedding coat and their minimal amount of dander.
While most Bernedoodles are hypoallergenic, each Bernedoodle can be hypoallergenic to varying degrees.
Dennis’ mom Jamie explained that this can cary with every Bernedoodle you meet.
Doodles of various mixes are allergy friendly and most people with allergies will not react to them. However, it is all on an individual basis as to how each individual react to with an individual dog.
Do Bernedoodles shed a lot?
Eevee the Bernedoodle (Photo: @eeveethebernedoodle / Instagram)
Bernedoodles are unlikely to be big shedders, especially if they take after their Poodle parent. Bernese Mountain Dogs are moderate to high shedders but Poodles don’t shed much at all.
Most Bernedoodles will be low shedding dogs but as with all mixed breeds, each member of this hybrid breed can go through different levels of shedding.
First generation (f1) Bernedoodles are comprised of 50% Bernese Mountain Dog and 50% Poodle. But F1B Bernedoodle is a cross between a first generation Bernedoodle and a Poodle so 75% Poodle and 25% Bernese Mountain Dog.
So, as Kenzie points out, if you want a Bernedoodle that is more likely to be a low shedding dog, you could go for a F1B Bernedoodle.
It will depend on their coat, but probably not much if at all. If no shedding is important to you- you can look for an F1B Bernedoodle, meaning they are 75% poodle. The only time we’ve even seen a loose hair from our Bernedoodle is when she was given a bath.
Bernedoodles care and grooming
Dennis the Bernedoodle (Photo: @dennis.b.doodle / Instagram)
While you won’t need to do a lot of vacuuming around the home because your Bernedoodle are likely to be low shedders, they have significant grooming needs.
Bernedoodles will need to be brushed daily to prevent their coats from becoming matted or tangled. By doing so, you can also remove debris and dirt that may have become coat in their coats. Brushing will help to get rid of dead hair still in their coats.
Eevee’s momprovided us with an insight into their grooming routine.
Eevee has only had two full grooms so far. The groomers recommended us to wait until she lost her baby coat until a full groom! We took her for a face and paw trim when she was 6 months but we now try to trim her face and paws ourself when her hair gets too long (I would definitely recommend to get your puppy use to scissors and brush really young). At 9 months we took her for her first full groom! Almost 4 hours and $160 later, she was a new dog! If you get a Bernedoodle (or any doodle dog) you have to be ready to brush them often to avoid mats and pay for pricey groom but it’s so worth not having hair all over you and the house! I would say that Bernedoodles need a full groom every season (depends on how short you want their coat and how often you keep up with home brushing and trimming).
Hypoallergenic dog breeds
The American Kennel Club and the Kennel Club put forward a number of different breeds for dog lovers who are looking to find a hypoallergenic breed.
The AKC list 19 different varieties of dogs on their website.
• Affenpinchser
• Afghan Hound
• American Hairless Terrier
• Barbet
• Bedlington Terrier
• Bichon Frise
• Bolognese
• Chinese Crested
• Coton de Tulear
• Giant Schnauzer
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Kerry Blue Terrier
• Lagotto Romagnolo
• Maltese
• Peruvian Inca Orchid
• Poodle
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Russkaya Tsvetnaya Bolonka
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
• Schnauzer
• Xoloitzcuintli
The Kennel Club offer a more exhaustive list of 31 types of dogs:
• Lagotto Romagnolo
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Spanish Water Dog
• Bouvier des Flandres
• Giant Schnauzer
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Russian Black Terrier
• Hungarian Puli
• Komondor
• Bichon Frise
• Bolognese
• Chinese Crested
• Coton de Tulear
• Havanese
• Maltese
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Lhasa Apso
• Intermediate Mexican Hairless
• Miniature Mexican Hairless
• Standard Mexican Hairless
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Standard Poodle
• Toy Poodle
• Miniature Poodle
• Shih Tzu
• Tibetan Terrier
• Bedlington Terrier
• Dandie Dinmont Terrier
• Glen of Imaal Terrier
• Sealyham Terrier
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Anything else to consider?
If you’re looking to learn more about Bernedoodle and whether they shed a lot, there’s no better source of information than a current Bernedoodle owner.
They’re usually more than willing to help other dog owners who want to learn more about a particular cross breed.
Kenzie’s mom pointed out to anyone thinking about getting a Bernedoodle:
If you’re highly allergic, you cannot guarantee that they will be hypoallergenic. You also have to get them groomed consistently.
Eevee’s mom added that their grooming needs could prove off-putting for some pet lovers.
The grooming could be for some a big con; lots of brushing (I would say every other day or at least three times a week) and keeping up with grooming appointments (that can be sometime pricey).
If you’re worried about a potential allergies to dogs, we recommend speaking to your local doctor to lean more about the symptoms.
In conclusion
Kenzie the Bernedoodle (Photo: @kenziedood / Instagram)
We’ve reached the end of our article on Bernedoodles and whether they’re hypoallergenic.
Bernedoodles do tend to be hypoallergenic but there’s no guarantee that they won’t shed a little bit.
While Bernedoodles tend to be low shedders thanks to the influence of their Poodle parent, they have lot of grooming requirements.
Bernedoodles will need to be brushed most days to maintain the health and quality of their coat.
