Things to know before buying a Bernedoodle Puppy

If you are eager to bring a Bernedoodle to your home, it is undoubtedly an exciting decision. These dogs are incredibly adorable and well-accepted all over the USA. A cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle, these dogs are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and low-shedding coats. However, before you fall in love with these extremely cute breeds, it is important to make a responsible and informed choice.

Unfortunately, not all breeders exercise fair practices. Therefore, asking the right questions can help you find a healthy, well-raised puppy that can be the best match for your family. This guide will help you walk through the points that you should never omit asking a breeder before buying a Bernedoodle puppy.

Inquire more about the puppy’s parents

A trusted and reputable breeder will have no issues in revealing to their clients about the puppy’s parent dogs. The things you must ask are as follows:

Are the parents registered or from a trusted lineage?
What are the size and coat types of the parents?
Were the parents screened for genetic diseases?
What is the temperament of the parent breed?

You can go a step further and request the breeder to meet the parent dogs, which should help you understand better how the puppy would grow. It will give you a better indication of the puppy’s physical and behavioral characteristics in the future.

The health testing has been done thus far

Bernedoodles are generally considered healthy. Still, like all breeds, they can also inherit genetic conditions. Therefore, responsible breeders conduct regular health screenings of the parent dogs before breeding. You should thus ask for the proof of:

Health tests were conducted on the dog’s hip and elbow.
Look for OFA or other such relevant certifications.
Genetic testing for issues like Degenerative myelopathy, Von Willebrand’s disease, Progressive retinal atrophy, and any other Poodle or Bernese-related health issues. You can also demand a written health guarantee and inquire if the puppies are checked by the vet before they are sent out with families.

The above steps would ensure that you are going for a puppy that has been kept well and is free from any health issues.

The way these puppies are raised

You should ensure that the puppies are raised in a loving and homely environment. The ones that grow up in crowded kennels end up with various problems. So, the questions you need to ask are:

Are the Bernedoodle puppies raised inside a home facility with family members?
Are they capable of socializing with children and other pets?
Are they well-versed with the common household sounds and routines?
Have they been trained for crate or potty?

The best time to take the puppy home

By looks, a puppy may appear good and fit enough at six weeks, and you, as the desiring human parent, want it to take home right away. However, do take note that leaving their mothers early can lead to various issues later. The recommended age for most Bernedoodles to go home is after they turn 8-10 weeks old. If you notice that the breeder is eager to send the puppy earlier than the timeframe mentioned here, consider it a red flag.

Ask about the care the puppies have received

Get to know all the details about the Bernedoodle puppies related to the healthcare routines they have accessed so far. So, the information should include all the details about their first vaccination, deworming schedule, flea/tick prevention, and any medical or emergency interventions. Precisely speaking, a trusted breeder would not hesitate to present you with a health record document.

Know about the puppy’s generation and coat type

Many prospective customers do not know, but Bernedoodles can come in different generations. Understandably, each of them would have a unique coat and allergy profiles. Here we elaborate on it further:

The F1 generation is a 50-50 mix of Bernese and Poodle, and it would typically have wavy coats that shed moderately.
The F1B generation is a 75-25 mix of Poodle and Bernese, and it would sport curly coats and be more hypoallergenic.
The F2 or multigen can vary, and its coat traits are generally more predictable.

The above information is crucial, as it helps the puppy to adjust to your lifestyle suitably, especially for allergy-sensitive people.

Know about the personality of the puppies

No two Bernedoodles are identical, and it is important to know which one you are going for.
Some of them are calm and energetic at the same time.
Some of them are confident and shy.
Some Bernedoodles may feel stressed occasionally, and the breeder must have an answer to that problem.

The price of the Bernedoodle

Do understand, responsible breeding can take significant time, effort, and money. Still, the best breeders will not hesitate to offer transparency of their services. Therefore, do ask:

The total cost of a Bernedoodle, and if the breeder has a rule for a one-time deposit.
Whether they have any spay/neuter arrangements.
Registration costs (if any).
Starter kit (including food, toys, blanket, and litter scent).
Make sure the breeder is ready to give you a written contract for the above.
The support on offer after the adoption of the Bernedoodle

The breeder who offers guidance on feeding, grooming, and training is the best to choose. Then again, the breeder will also be ready to offer advice related to the dog’s upbringing whenever necessary. Lastly, offer suitable help if, for some reason, rehoming becomes indispensable.

The common red flags to watch out for

The breeder is reluctant to show the parents.

Lack of paperwork on health certifications.

If the puppies are available throughout the year, it is a classic example of mass-breeding.

The breeders insist on taking home the Bernedoodle quickly.

Last words

So, when you decide to bring a Bernedoodle home, take your time, do the research, and always trust your instincts. When all the points mentioned above work in your favor, you can rest assured of welcoming home a new friend who will remain your loyal companion for several years.