Is the Bernedoodle hypoallergenic?
Bernedoodles are becoming increasingly popular as a doodle breed, largely because they are so adorable.
Many people want a Poodle-type dog because this is a hypoallergenic dog breed that is good for allergy sufferers.
However, many people may want some of the good looks and other characteristics of Bernese Mountain Dogs as well.
Here's what you need to know about whether the Bernedoodle is hypoallergenic and how to increase your chances of getting a hypoallergenic Bernedoodle.
Differences in coat type between the Poodle parent and the Bernese Mountain Dog parent
When you are trying to answer the question “Is a Bernedoodle hypoallergenic?” the first thing you need to ask yourself is what goes into creating this breed and how it may affect pet allergies. The Poodle (including all sizes from the toy Poodle, to the miniature Poodle, to the standard Poodle) is considered hypoallergenic.
Hypoallergenic means that the Poodle’s coat is less likely to release loose hair and trigger allergic reactions from pet dander than most other dog breeds. All hypoallergenic dogs can still occasionally trigger allergies, but it is less likely in a Poodle than it is in other breeds.
By contrast, the Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the least allergy-friendly of all large dog breeds. This dog has a lush double coat that tends to shed naturally and drops a lot of hair.
This breed is designed to withstand very cold weather and has a very thick, lush coat as a result. Furthermore, the Bernese Mountain Dog tends to drool a lot, which can also tend to trigger an allergic reaction.
Are Bernedoodles hypoallergenic?
When you consider the two dogs that go into creating a Bernedoodle puppy, it should come as no surprise that the likelihood of your individual dog being hypoallergenic may vary. Bernedoodles tend to take on more of the characteristics of one parent or the other.
A Bernedoodle puppy that inherits more Bernese Mountain Dog characteristics may be more likely to shed a lot and cause allergic reactions, whereas a puppy that takes on more Poodle characteristics is more likely to be hypoallergenic. Most of the time, a Bernedoodle will not be as completely hypoallergenic as a Poodle.
How to increase the probability that your Bernedoodle will be hypoallergenic?
This is a mixed dog breed that is not guaranteed to have hypoallergenic qualities. However, here are a few things to look for to make the probability of a hypoallergenic dog more likely:
- Choose from puppies with curly coats because the more curly the coat, the more of a Poodle coat the dog is likely to have.
- Pick a Bernedoodle that has been bred from several generations of Bernedoodles, since the further removed from the Bernese Mountain Dog a puppy is, the more likely it is to have a Poodle coat.
- Look for a breeder that is working towards hypoallergenic coat types, as this type of breeder will have been more likely to only breed hypoallergenic dogs along and along.
Enjoy the Bernedoodle, but don't expect a completely hypoallergenic dog
This designer breed is cute and very popular, but it is still a developing breed and is unlikely to be as hypoallergenic as the Poodle parent in its ancestry. If you would like a dog that sheds less and don't want a purebred Poodle, this may be a good dog for you, but if you have severe allergies, it’s probably best to look elsewhere.
Credits to @georgethebernedood for the picture. Go follow him on Instagram!
My experience as the liaison of integrative medicine, neurology, and zoo medicine at UF Small Animal Hospital gave me valuable insight into the challenges faced by pet owners with animals who have medical conditions. My time there also gave me the opportunity to care for a disabled dog and write a book about the experience.
As manager of a dog daycare, I learned about how dogs play and interact, warning signs for aggression, and how to rehabilitate dog-reactive dogs. During my time there I was under the mentorship of two groomers, from whom I learned grooming essentials.
I currently work with high-risk shelter dogs and manage a blog to help other volunteers and foster families. I have two dogs of my own, a Maltese and a Standard Poodle.
