Miniature Bernard Poodle (Mini Bernedoodle): Size, Temperament, Health and Cost (2026)

What is a miniature Bernard poodle? It is a common name for the mini Bernedoodle, a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Miniature Poodle. PetMD lists the mini size at 20 to 45 pounds and up to 22 inches tall, with a 14 to 16 year lifespan. Expect a gentle, playful family dog with a low-shedding coat.

The miniature Bernard poodle packs the Bernese Mountain Dog’s sweet nature into a smaller, longer-lived body with a curlier Poodle-type coat. This guide covers size, generations, temperament, grooming, health and price, all sourced.

What Is a Miniature Bernard Poodle?

PetMD, in an article by Kaitlyn Arford reviewed by Barri J. Morrison, DVM, describes the Bernedoodle as a Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle cross that comes in standard, mini and toy sizes. The miniature Bernard poodle uses a Miniature Poodle, which brings the size down. Because it is a mixed breed, there is no official breed standard, so looks and size vary.

Miniature Bernard Poodle or Mini Bernedoodle?

“Miniature Bernard poodle,” “mini Bernard doodle,” “mini Bernadoodle” and “miniature Bernedoodle” are all common ways people search for this cross. As general advice, check that a seller means a Bernese Mountain Dog parent, not a Saint Bernard. In our experience, a Saint Bernard and Poodle cross is a much larger dog, usually sold as a St. Berdoodle.

Where Did the Bernedoodle Come From?

Embrace Pet Insurance credits Canadian breeder Sherry Rupke with creating the Bernedoodle in 2003; PetMD gives no origin date, so treat this as a commonly repeated account. For other popular crosses, see our designer dog breeds guide.

Miniature Bernard Poodle Size, Coat and Generations

PetMD lists the mini at 20 to 45 pounds and up to 22 inches tall. Embrace Pet Insurance gives a narrower 16 to 18 inches and 25 to 50 pounds. Both are far smaller than the Bernese parent, which PetMD lists at 23 to 27.5 inches and 70 to 115 pounds.

How Big Do Mini Bernedoodles Get?

The chart below shows how a miniature Bernard poodle compares with the other Bernedoodle sizes and with its Bernese parent. As general advice, the parents’ sizes are the best guide to your puppy’s adult size.

Source: PetMD Bernedoodle and Bernese Mountain Dog profiles. Individual dogs vary.

F1, F1B and Other Generations

PetMD explains that an F1 Bernedoodle has one Bernese and one Poodle parent, while an F1B has one Poodle parent and one F1 Bernedoodle parent. As general advice, F1B and later Poodle-heavy crosses usually have curlier, lower-shedding coats, while F1 puppies vary more. Ask the breeder which generation your puppy is.

The Miniature Poodle Parent

An AKC article by Micaela Erickson says Miniature Poodles stand 10 to 15 inches tall and weigh 10 to 15 pounds. It describes Poodles as highly intelligent, easy to train and minimal shedders, though their curly coat needs serious grooming.

Small Bernedoodle vs Standard Bernedoodle

Size is the main difference. PetMD lists standard Bernedoodles at 61 to 100 pounds and up to 29 inches, compared with 20 to 45 pounds for a small Bernedoodle like the mini. PetMD also notes that bloat is a particular risk for deep-chested standard Bernedoodles.

Coat Colors and Shedding

Embrace Pet Insurance says the coat is usually wavy and often tricolor, with black, rust and white. PetMD calls the coat low-shedding and low-allergen but stresses that no dog is truly hypoallergenic, and notes that dogs taking after the Bernese parent may shed more.

Miniature Bernard Poodle Temperament and Personality

PetMD describes Bernedoodles as loving, kind, goofy, playful and gentle. They tend to get along with children and other dogs, are usually gentle with cats, and are fairly quiet, barking mainly when surprised or playing.

PetMD notes that many Bernese Mountain Dogs dislike being left alone and may be shy with strangers. As general advice, practice short absences early and introduce your puppy to calm visitors so it grows into a confident adult.

Is a Miniature Bernard Poodle Good With Kids?

PetMD says Bernedoodles enjoy spending time with children. As general advice, a mini is sturdy enough for most families, but teach kids to play gently, supervise young children, and give the dog a quiet spot to rest.

Is a Mini Bernedoodle Good for Apartments?

Yes, if its needs are met. PetMD says well-exercised Bernedoodles of any size can suit most families, and in our experience a mini fits a smaller home far more easily than a 100-pound standard. PetMD recommends at least two walks a day plus puzzle toys and games.

Training and Socialization

PetMD calls Bernedoodles, including the mini Bernedoodle, intelligent and eager to please, quick to learn cues, tricks, crate training and potty training with positive reinforcement. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) says puppy classes can begin at 7 to 8 weeks, after a first round of vaccines. As general advice, keep sessions short and fun.

Exercise and Grooming Needs

PetMD recommends at least two walks a day plus mental work such as games, snuffle mats and puzzle toys. Hiking, swimming, agility and trick training are all good outlets. PetMD warns that Bernese Mountain Dogs overheat easily, so as general advice, exercise your dog in the cooler parts of hot days.

Grooming Needs

PetMD advises weekly brushing, regular professional grooming, daily tooth brushing, baths no more than about once a month to avoid dry skin, and ear cleaning after swimming. Embrace Pet Insurance adds that Poodle-type coats may need daily brushing to prevent mats.

Miniature Bernard Poodle Health and Lifespan

PetMD gives the mini size a 14 to 16 year lifespan and notes that smaller Bernedoodles generally live longer. That is a big contrast with the Bernese parent, which PetMD lists at 7 to 10 years. PetMD and Embrace list these conditions.

A mix may inherit some, all or none of these risks.

Bloat in Larger Bernedoodles

VCA Animal Hospitals says bloat (GDV) is most common in large, deep-chested dogs and names the Standard Poodle among predisposed breeds. Signs include restlessness, drooling and retching without bringing anything up. VCA calls it a life-threatening emergency that needs a vet immediately. A mini is smaller, but as general advice, know the signs anyway.

Why Parent Health Checks Matter

The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America (BMDCA) calls the Bernese lifespan of 7 to 8 years too short for a large breed and asks breeders to be willing to review a puppy’s pedigree with buyers. It also supports Berner-Garde, an open health database. As general advice, ask whether your puppy’s Bernese parent and grandparents are listed there, and ask about cancer in the family line.

Extra weight strains growing joints. If your dog needs to slim down, read our guide on how to help your dog lose weight, and for active dogs see how to build muscle on a dog with food.

Miniature Bernard Poodle Price and Ethical Breeders

PetMD puts the average Bernedoodle price at $2,000 to $5,000, and Embrace Pet Insurance says minis can cost from a couple of thousand dollars to $5,000 or more, often with a waiting list. As general advice, a higher price does not guarantee health; ask for screening results instead. Not sure about a rescue’s mix? A dog DNA test can help.

How to Find an Ethical Breeder

An AKC article by Randa Kriss says parents should be tested for the genetic diseases common to their breed and that puppies usually go home at 8 to 12 weeks. It also suggests asking about the health guarantee and whether the breeder will take the dog back. As general advice, an ethical miniature Bernard poodle breeder will ask you questions too.

Pros and Cons of a Miniature Bernard Poodle

Miniature Bernard Poodle FAQs

How big do mini Bernedoodles get?

PetMD lists 20 to 45 pounds and up to 22 inches tall.

Is a miniature Bernard poodle the same as a mini Bernedoodle?

Usually, yes. Most people searching that term, or ‘mini Bernard doodle,’ mean a Bernese Mountain Dog and Miniature Poodle mix, not a Saint Bernard cross.

How long do Bernedoodles live?

PetMD gives 12 to 18 years overall and 14 to 16 years for the mini size.

Do Bernedoodles shed?

Very little, though dogs that take after the Bernese parent may shed more, PetMD says.

Are Bernedoodles hypoallergenic?

No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but their coat is low-shedding and low-allergen, per PetMD.

How much does a mini Bernedoodle cost?

PetMD gives $2,000 to $5,000 for Bernedoodles; Embrace says minis can cost $5,000 or more.

Are Bernedoodles good family dogs?

PetMD says Bernedoodles are gentle and enjoy children and other dogs.

Final Verdict: Is a Miniature Bernard Poodle Right for You?

A miniature Bernard poodle is a gentle, goofy and loyal family dog with a longer lifespan than its Bernese parent and a coat that sheds little. In return, it needs two walks a day, regular grooming and plenty of company. Choose a breeder who screens both parents, keep your dog cool in summer, and you can enjoy many happy years together.