To get you a simple answer to the question: “How much does a Bernedoodle cost?” isn’t an easy thing to do. There are many factors that directly or indirectly affect the price of a Bernedoodle dog.
This is a fairly young crossbreed that started back in 2003, and Bernedoodles have been enjoying their place under the sun ever since. There’s no surprise why these pups are such popular family dogs! Have you checked out their personality? Loving, loyal, and smart are only the start of the amazing traits list.
But still, in order to get those pawsome pups, we need to get some money first. Let’s crunch some numbers and see how much bacon you’ll need for this cute bacon-lover!
General Overview Of The Bernedoodle Prices
Some dog breeds have higher prices because of their high demand. Bernedoodles are one of them. Since their start in 2003, their popularity hasn’t stopped growing.
The price depends largely on the breeders because some have higher rates due to their quality facilities.
A budget for buying any Bernedoodle, Australian too, is anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000. The average puppy cost is $4,000.
The tri-color Bernedoodles are the most popular option; hence, the reason why they’re so expensive.
We’ve put together some of the most popular reputable breeders from the US and Canada. They all offer a health guarantee, so you know they’re breeding mini Bernedoodles the right way.
Let’s check out how much does a Bernedoodle cost in states like Utah and Colorado!
| Breeder Name | State | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| SwissRidge Kennels | Ontario, Canada | $4,900 |
| Rocky Mountain Bernedoodles | Montrose, Colorado | $3,950 |
| HC Bernedoodles | Trenton, Missouri | $3,200 |
| Hurricane Creek Doodles | Nashville, Tennessee | $3,500 |
| Cottonwood Creek Doodles | Salt Lake City, Utah | $4,000 |
Unfortunately, not all Bernedoodles are created equal. The price of only $800 should tell you all about the breeder, the puppy, the breeding, and the upbringing process.
How Much Is A Bernedoodle Puppy: Factors Affecting The Price
There are several very important factors that affect the Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle puppy price. Some are directly connected with the dog’s looks and condition while others are more of a human’s nature.
Let’s take a look at them:
| Dog Factors | Human Factors |
|---|---|
| Color | Breeder reputation |
| Size | Maintenance cost for mom and puppies |
| Generation Type | Geographic location |
| Coat | / |
| Health and physical strength | / |
Color and Size of your Bernedoodle
Bernese Mountain dogs and Poodle mix puppies come in different colors depending on their parents. They can have either a single-color coat, a bi-color coat, or a tri-color coat. The most common color variations are phantom Bernedoodle and solid black, and they’re the cheapest ones, too.
The bi-color Bernedoodles have a combination of any two colors ranging from black, white, and brown. A bi-color is always pricier than a single-color pup.
The most expensive color option, and the rarest one, is the tricolor Bernedoodle. These dogs have a white, black, and brown coat color. The reason behind their high price is the small production.
Can you imagine how much a merle or a sable tri-color would cost?
If you have any knowledge about one of the parents, the Poodle, you’ll know they come in three different sizes. That’s why the Bernedoodle also has three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy.
An adult standard Bernedoodle can weigh around 88 pounds, with 32 inches in height.
The miniature Bernedoodle is around 24 to 49 pounds, and 18 to 22 inches in height.
Lastly, the toy Bernedoodle is a dog smaller than the miniature one, but it’s also more expensive than all the others. Its energetic behavior and compact size are quite in demand.
Read More: Bernedoodle Growth Chart
Generation Type
The generation type is the second most important pricing factor. Since this is a young designer dog, the Bernedoodle has three generations: F1, F1b, and F2.
The F1 generation or the first generation is the one where the parents are the Standard Poodle and the Bernese Mountain dog.
The F1b generation is a cross of a Poodle and an F1 Bernedoodle, making the puppy 75% Poodle.
The F2 Bernedoodle is a cross of two F1s. The F1 generation goes around $4,000 while the F2 is quite cheaper and can go as low as only $800!
Coat
Usually, when the buyer requests a specific coat type, such puppies get sold for a lot of money. And, if that specific coat is curly or straight, it’s raining money over at the breeder’s place!
Different coat types also require different grooming approaches, which is why some dogs are slightly more pricey than others.
The Bernedoodle can have different coats ranging from curly coats to wavy, and straight with some features. Even though the whole crossbreed is hypoallergenic, there are some types that suit allergy-prone people better.
This is the curly-coated Bernedoodles with curls all over their body. They resemble the Poodle more than the Bernese Mountain dog. No, scratch that! They resemble a teddy bear the most!
Their wavy coat has some straight hair on the muzzle and wavy hair on the rest of the body.
The straight Bernedoodle obviously has a straight coat all over its body.
As for the hypoallergenic trait, the curly-coated Bernedoodles are the only Bernedoodles having it. Compared to straight and wavy coat type, the curly one sheds less making the dog perfectly suitable for people prone to allergies.
Such Bernedoodles are highly in demand and the most expensive of them all.
This is the coat type that’s the best choice for allergy sufferers. It’s highly in demand and the most expensive of them all.
New Breed
The fact that Bernedoodles began in 2003 makes them a new dog breed, which adds to their pricing. Every time there’s some new dog breed on the market, it instantly becomes pricey.
It will take some time for the Bernedoodles to stop being “young” and start having a rather normal price.
Fewer Quality Breeders
Because they’re still a newer breed and one that requires mixing two breeds of dogs, there are not yet that many quality breeders available.
This is bound to change with time, but for now, the lack of breeders is one reason why these dogs are on the pricey side.
Health and Physical Strength
Another factor that plays a major role in the play called “How much does a Bernedoodle cost” is the health and physical strength of the puppy. When we talk about these two, we must say they depend on the Bernedoodle parents.
Only healthy parents will produce a puppy with no health issues. The healthier the parents are, the more costly a Bernedoodle will be.
The Bernese side of the family has many health concerns, so it’s a difficult task for the breeders to find a healthy Bernese Mountain dog. This is an immediate boost to the already high price.
The breeders need to conduct some tests on the parent breeds before breeding to ensure that both of them are in good health and physical condition. And, that costs money!
You’d be surprised to hear that the lifespan of the Bernedoodle is from 12 to 18 years! Wow, such a long period of time to share love and have fun together!
Breeders’ Reputation
In the past few dog years, there has been a pattern in determining the price of a puppy. Seems like any big shot breeder will add to the price just because he or she is popular. Such an ego-boost is only justified if the breeder has a lot of experience with the breeding and takes good care of the parents and the puppies.
The experienced breeders raise only quality Bernedoodles. They know all about the breed and always aim for perfection in the breeding process. Some breeders even go so far as to import parent dogs from other countries in order to get the best of the best.
Furthermore, experienced breeders are experts in handling and training new puppies. No wonder why the prices are skyrocketing!
The entire care of the Bernedoodle puppy requires extra attention. The initial vaccination is not enough… where is dog food, exercise, and vet checkups?
Sadly, the Bernedoodle parents are one of those types of dogs that simply don’t care enough about their litters. Their survival rate is low. Only four from six or seven puppies will survive, which makes the breeder’s job even more difficult and pricier.
Also, the pregnancy rate of female Poodles is low. She needs three to four tries to get pregnant. There are even some Poodles that never get pregnant!
Geographic Location
It’s simple math here: larger cities have higher Bernedoodle puppy prices! You might want to check out some kennels in the countryside.
How To Find The Best Bernedoodle Breeder
Before asking your breeder questions like “How much does a Bernedoodle cost” or “When can I get my paws on one”, you need to be sure you’re asking the right person.
Bernedoodles haven’t been here for a long time, so you won’t find as many local breeders as you would if you were looking for other Doodle dogs like a Goldendoodle or a Labradoodle. Tracking down a high-quality breeder will be a tough task that can require traveling to other states or even countries.
Take a look at the “to-do” list when searching for a Bernedoodle breeder:
• Check the website
• Check for reviews
• Visit the puppies
• Check if they’re reputable breeders
• Examine the breeding facility
• Ask all the questions you want
• Ask for guarantees and certifications
Check the website
Long gone is the time when businesses didn’t have a functioning website. Nowadays, any business wanting an image as a professional one has a nicely developed page. When we’re talking about websites, we can’t exclude social media like Instagram and Facebook.
Social media and websites give you amazing insight into the breeder’s approach and the general idea of how good their puppies are.
Having them provide you with a contact us section and being responsive before and after the purchase means a lot and says a lot about the breeder.
Check for reviews
Or simply: Google them!
The Internet is bursting with useful information for people looking for reviews. Ask around; read what the people are saying. There will be good and bad reviews for every breeder. You just need to decide if the bad ones are really that bad for you.
Visit the puppies
The parents’ and the puppies’ behavior is a reflection of how the breeder takes care of them.
Bernedoodles are a challenge for any breeder. They can be quite stubborn and need proper training and socialization.
Take a look at the parents. How are they acting? Are they happy, playful, sociable? If not, they’re probably not getting enough attention.
Are They Responsible Breeders?
What is a responsible breeder? We’ve come across this term quite a few times.
A responsible breeder is a breeder who truly loves his dog breed. It’s a person who’s not making lots of profit from selling puppies. And, it’s also someone who will refuse to sell you a pup if he thinks you’re not the right fit for the animal.
On the other hand, irresponsible breeders will try to make a sale at any cost!
Responsible breeders should be kind and welcoming, promising to answer all the possible questions.
Knowledge
Responsible Bernedoodle breeders are experts in the field.
Although the breed is fresh and new, such breeders should know all about the breed and be able to answer all your questions.
Guarantees and Contracts
High-quality breeders will usually offer you a health guarantee for 12 to 24 months, which is always a great thing!
There are breeders who will run all sorts of tests, even temperament tests prior to selling the puppy. Only if the puppies pass these tests can a trade be made.
Pro Tips For Working With A Breeder
Photo from @birdie_thebernedoodle
Picture this: after a long time of searching, you’ve finally found your dream puppy, but the price is a little higher than you expected it to be. All dreams are crushed in the blink of an eye.
Well, not necessarily.
There’s always a chance to work things up with the breeder and get the dog. Sometimes, it’s a matter of knowing how to work with a breeder.
Here’s what you should do when you finally find one:
• Check dog registries. If they’re registered with AKC Canine Partners or with an organization similar to the International Designer Canine Registry or Designer Breed Registry, they’re good to go.
• Get references. A good and quality breeder will have no problem with providing at least two references if you ask him to.
• Visit in person. If it’s possible, go and visit the breeder in person at the place where the dogs are kept. There’s no better insight into the breeder’s approach than that.
• Write down questions. Write down as many questions about the puppies as you want, and don’t be afraid to ask them all. You have every right to do so. Quality breeders will not only answer them all, but they will also expect you to ask for further information.
• Ask to see the parents. Ask to see the dog’s parents in person. Pictures aren’t enough. You can’t see a dog’s behavior from a photo, so make it a playdate!
• Ask for medical history. Any reputable breeder will ensure the dogs are in good health and will not be afraid to provide you with the dog’s medical history.
• Develop a relationship. Create a bond. Get to know the breeder as much as you can. Try to establish a good and friendly relationship, so you can always feel free to contact them regarding any concerns in the future.
Also, never forget that you’re being judged, too. If you paint a bad picture of yourself, then the breeder won’t settle for selling you the puppy. A good breeder wants to know that their puppy is getting the best forever home.
Don’t be surprised if the breeder lowers the price if they see the dog is getting a loving home. It happened before and it will happen again.
How Much Is A Mini Bernedoodle: Other Expenses
There is no simple answer to the question: “How much does a Bernedoodle cost?” Other expenses add quite a lot to the bill. What we mean by other expenses is the money you spend on the dog’s food, vet check-ups, grooming, toys, equipment, etc.
Food
Every living being needs appropriate food to grow, develop, and stay healthy.
The Bernedoodle food needs depend upon the size of the dog. A standard Bernedoodle needs more calories compared to a mini Bernedoodle or a toy one. Daily calorie intake for the standard Bernedoodle is 1400 to 1800 calories.
The mini one needs 750 to 1400 calories while the toy Bernedoodle needs only 400 to 960 calories daily.
High-quality dog food can be found for around $30 to $90 for a 25-pound bag.
Be careful with additional treats. You can give a nibble or two of healthy fruits and veggies like Brussels sprouts, papaya, guava, edamame, artichokes, or plantains, but don’t get overboard.
Veterinary care
Every dog has some health issues, so why shouldn’t the Bernedoodle be an exception? These health issues appear especially if the parent breeds weren’t picked correctly.
Since they are prone to certain diseases, routine check-ups at the vet’s are needed. The average price of a check-up is around $50.
Also, upon getting your Bernedoodle, you’ll need to continue with the vaccination, which can cost anywhere from $19 to $35.
Grooming
Every dog owner with a dog that has a wavy or a curly coat knows that matting is the biggest issue when it comes to grooming. Matting can be prevented by combing the dog. Such combs go around $8 to $10. Such a small price for such a huge help!
Also, regular clipping helps with matting. Clipping costs vary from $55 to $90 depending on the dog’s size, style, and groomer.
Harness and toys
All dogs, even Bernedoodles, should be kept on a harness when going out in an insecure area. The ideal harness should be comfortable around the neck and shoulders of the dog. Prices for such harnesses start from $18 depending on the brand.
Toys are also essential for Bernedoodles… you know, for the times you’re not at home. Dog toys are ridiculously cheap and can be found anywhere.
Here’s a general overview of all additional costs:
| Type of expense | Amount |
|---|---|
| Dog food | $30-$90 a month |
| Vet checkups | $50 |
| Vaccination | $19-$35 |
| Grooming brushes | $8-$10 |
| Professional hair clipping | $55-$90 |
| Harness | $18 and more |
| Dog toys | starting at $1 |
Now that you have a general idea of how much Bernedoodles cost and how to find the right one, we’re going to help you put some important questions on your list. Feel free to ask them when you meet the breeder.
What Is “Hybrid Vigor”?
Ever since the practice of breeding and creating hybrid or designer dogs has become popular, we’ve been hearing the term “hybrid vigor”.
What is hybrid vigor?
Hybrid vigor is also known as heterosis, meaning the process of using crossbreeding to improve a dog’s form or function.
It’s used in many types of breeding, not just dogs. It’s usually used when the breeder mixes two dogs together to eliminate a bad trait and increase the gene pool with many more good traits.
For example, if one breed is prone to developing a certain health problem, then the breeder might breed that dog with another one that is not prone to such a problem and get a puppy that is free from the said problem.
Some dog breeders believe this term is a fact while others think it’s a myth. Since this is a young dog breed, time will show if it’s a myth or not.
What’s A Teddy Bear Bernedoodle?
A Teddy Bear Bernedoodle is a super rare Bernedoodle type.
Just kidding, it’s a Bernedoodle like any other. It’s just a puppy with a shaggy coat resembling a stuffed teddy bear. It’s simply a cute way people call these pups.
Are The Bernedoodles Good Dogs?
Bernedoodles were lucky enough to get the maximum good traits from both parents that are excellent canines – brilliant and loyal!
The Bernedoodle is also intelligent, energetic, hardworking, and loyal to the bone. Socialization training isn’t troubling to them at all. They’re also great with children and other dogs.
So, yes, to answer your question: the Bernedoodles are good dogs. They’re very good dogs!
What’s A Phantom Bernedoodle?
It’s not a new type of the Bernedoodle. It’s just a color variation that many dog breeds can have. The phantom color means one primary color has tips of some other color. The phantom dog may have three colors, but the main colors have to be black and brown.
Do the Bernedoodle Puppies Change Their Color?
Some cases do change color during different periods of life. Sometimes, Bernedoodles change color from black to brown. This is also known as fading. The true show of the color can be seen when they’re around six weeks old.
To Sum Up…
The competition is strong these days. There are numerous new designer dog breeds that threaten to steal the spotlight from our beloved Bernedoodle. No wonder why some of them have a hefty price! However, the initial price is high, but you won’t invest every year in new pet accessories. It’s tough when they’re small, but all puppies get easier to handle.
So, in conclusion, how much does a Bernedoodle cost? Are they an expensive breed?
Sure, Bernedoodles are expensive, but take a look at it from a different point of view. For an average price of $4,000, you’ll get a loyal pup that will adore you completely and have a long lifespan of having fun with you.
Does it seem that expensive now? No? Well, what are you waiting for: pick a dog name!
