Bernedoodle Size Chart: Puppy Growth Milestone & Weight Chart | Canine Journal (2024)

Bernedoodles are an adorable, somewhat lesser-known member of the Doodle breed. These pups are a mixed breed of the proud Poodle and the Bernese Mountain Dog. Bernedoodles are lovable, gentle, sweet-natured dogs and make wonderful family pets. They are one of the larger Doodle mixes and are medium to large-sized dogs, between 60 and 90 pounds or more. As mixed breeds, both size and appearance are unpredictable. A big question about this designer breed is how big will my Bernedoodle get?

Bernedoodles can vary in size and appearance based on the specific genetic makeup of their parent breeds. Bernese Mountain dogs are a giant breed, while Poodles come in varying sizes. Regardless of breed, all puppies grow at different rates, and some will grow faster than others. Pet parents, especially those with new puppies, often wonder if their dogs are growing and developing properly. Tools like our Bernedoodle size chart can help owners keep track of how big their puppy is growing, as well as general growth milestones for the breed.

With mixed breeds like this, there are general gross and development milestones owners can look for. Because they are crossbred, it is essential to remember that it is almost impossible to tell exactly how big they will be or what they will look like until they are entirely done developing. Some mixed pups will be much larger than their parents, some take on different traits from each parent, and others will seem more like one parent than the other. As is the case with designer dogs like many in the Doodle family, these dogs can be bred for specific appearances and personality characteristics.

Breed Overview

Bernedoodles are a relatively new designer dog, lesser known than their Goldendoodle or Labradoodle counterparts. They have only been around since 2003, only increasing in popularity in the last couple of years. These pups are bred only as companion dogs. They also are referred to as Bernesepoo, Bernesedoodle, Bernepoo, and Bernese Mountain Poo.

In this Bernedoodle growth chart, we will explore the mixed breed’s average size and expected puppy growth milestones. Bernedoodles come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. For this article, we will discuss the growth of the Standard-sized and largest Bernedoodle.

What To Expect

Bernedoodles grow into fluffy, cuddly, medium-sized to large-sized dogs, but depending on their parent’s sizes, they can get even larger. It can be hard to predict exactly how big a dog will get, especially a mixed pup like this one. So having a general guideline of what to expect can be very helpful. This helps owners prepare for the different growth phases their puppy will go through and understand what they need.

While we will discuss general growth averages and guidelines, it’s important to note that every dog is different. Not every dog will grow to exactly the same size, even among the same breeds. Dogs will also grow on their own timeline. Remember that every dog grows into exactly the right size for them.

Bernedoodle Sizes

Bernedoodles can be several different sizes, depending on their Poodle size parent.

• Toy Bernedoodles are very small and weigh 10 to 24 pounds on average. These tiny pups stand under 17 inches tall at the shoulder.
• Miniature Bernedoodles are larger than the toy size and weigh between 24 and 50 pounds. The miniature size stands about 18 to 22 inches tall.
• The Standard Bernedoodle reaches somewhere between 60 and 90 pounds. These larger Doodles stand 23 to 29 or so inches at the shoulder.

All three sizes of Bernedoodle will grow at different rates. The smaller versions, like toy and miniature, will reach full growth potential earlier, sometime between 8 and 12 months. Larger-sized pups may grow up to 14 months to even two years to reach full growth.

Reminders

Let’s review the typical growth patterns of a Standard Bernedoodle. It is important to remember that every individual puppy’s growth path can be different. All dogs will experience growth spurts and plateaus that can impact how quickly or large they grow. These are normal occurrences and will happen regardless of your dog’s breed. Even though dogs are considered adults at one year old, many of them will grow for several months afterward, even up until they reach about two years old or more.

A dog’s health, nutrition, care, and living environment all impact physical and mental development. Owners need to remember that many factors will impact how big or small a pup will become. If you are concerned about your Bernedoodle puppies’ growth, or your older dog’s health, it’s important to discuss these concerns with your veterinarian. They can help rule out underlying diseases and provide guidance on things like nutrition, supplements, and even appropriate exercise levels for your bark baby.

Puppy Growth Timeline

Below, we have created a timeline of the average Bernedoodle puppy’s growth guidelines through the first year. One thing to remember is that the Bernese Mountain dog is an exceptionally large, sometimes giant, canine, meaning that any of their offspring, even mixed puppies, will grow slower. Females are slightly smaller than males.

Birth To 2 Weeks

Standard Bernedoodles will weigh about 1 pound or so at birth. A general estimate is that they will double in size by the time they reach one week old and continue this rapid growth pattern. Puppies will be quite helpless at this time. They are born blind and deaf and will need to stick close to their mom at all times. Right now, they will not do much more than nurse and sleep. This is a critical stage for them, and mother’s milk is essential to support them during this very sensitive time. They will soon be weaned off, so they need as much milk as momma dogs can provide. Puppy teeth will start to erupt around 3 to 6 weeks.

1 Month

By one month old, Bernedoodles can weigh 5 to 10 pounds, depending on which size puppy you have. Their eyes and ears will be open now, and they will start to be more alert. You can offer your pup puppy mush now, puppy kibble soaked in water. This should start with more water than food and gradually increase the food as your puppy eats more. Puppies are gaining weight rapidly. They will still want to be near mom and try to nurse but will be fully weaned soon.

2 Months

A Standard Bernedoodle can weigh anywhere from 10 to 24 pounds at two months old. This is an extensive range. These pups can be medium-sized to large when fully grown. Bernedoodle puppies should be fully weaned from mom’s milk and eating puppy food. You can still add water if they need that extra moisture.

This is also the time to set up your pups for the first veterinarian visit. Socialization should start now, even though they are young. Your puppy’s first few months are when they are most receptive to learning new things. Though puppies are smaller now, they will grow larger and can be destructive when left alone. This is an excellent pup to crate train, and it is better to start young.

3 Months

By three months, your standard Bernedoodle is a sizable pooch. They can weigh anywhere from 24 -33 pounds. Males will be larger, depending on their Poodle parent’s size. If your puppy is on the smaller side, this might mean they have some Miniature or Toy Poodle genes in the mix. Socialization, training, and house training should be well underway. If you need a little help with training, try looking into puppy classes. Your pup is full of energy, super curious, and newly confident. You will need to set and stick to boundaries.

4 Months

Your puppy is a handful right now. Training is in full swing, and puppies learn something new every day. They need plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Make sure puppies have been to the vet and you have started puppy vaccinations. Pups can weigh anywhere around 33 to 42 pounds. Potty training should be well under control, but a few accidents are bound to happen. This breed is very high in energy, so leash training is essential. You want to ensure your pup learns proper leash behavior now so that daily walks can be a lifelong and much-needed physical release.

5 Months

Standard Bernedoodles are a hefty size at five months, even bigger than some adult canines. They can weigh 42 to 46 pounds or more. Expect less weight gain moving forward. These dogs will steadily grow until they are 18 months to a year old. Puppies will be big, clumsy, and very playful. Please ensure they get outside daily, as they can be very high-energy. Puppy teeth should fall out around now, and adult teeth will grow in. This may cause some moodiness and behavior issues in your pup. Make sure to provide plenty of teething chews.

6 Months

Your Bernedoodle might be mistaken for a full-sized dog by six months old. They will weigh 46 to 52 or so pounds at this time. Some will be much smaller. Again, this mixed breed can be very unpredictable in size and appearance. Make sure pups are eating high-quality kibble and getting enough exercise. Be careful not to overwork them. These doggies are eager to please and will happily play all day. They are still growing and need time to rest. Try to stick to regular mealtimes, with a few healthy snacks in between.

7 Months

Your Bernedoodle is a furry, affectionate, solid bundle of fluff at seven months old. Pups can weigh 52 to 55 pounds or more. Though pups look and sometimes act like full-sized adults, they are not. Doggies will still need puppy food for several more months.

Additionally, training may need to be reinforced as your pup starts to test limits. If you have not already, you will want to discuss spaying and neutering with your vet. There is some fluctuation with this breed regarding this. Some vets like to do it early, around 4 to 6 months, while others want to wait until a pup reaches or passes sexual maturity.

8 Months

Standard Bernedoodles are on the larger side and may seem like they are close to adult size. This is likely true. They will not grow as rapidly moving forward. Keep in mind your pup will still experience growth spurts and lulls. This is perfectly normal. Your dog will weigh 55 to 59 or even more pounds by eight months. Some will be smaller. Again, this will depend on the size of their Poodle parents.

9 Months

It might be hard to believe that your Bernedoodle is still a puppy when they weigh over 60 pounds. This is precisely the case. This mixed breed can weigh a lot by 9 months, anywhere from 59 to 62 pounds. Just a few months shy of their first birthday, they have grown substantially but have much more to go. Puppy vaccinations are soon to be done.

10 Months

By ten months, a Standard Bernedoodle weighs between 62 and 65 pounds or more. They should socialize with other pups, pets, and people. Continue training and use a lot of positive reinforcement. Though some doggies calm down around now, the Bernedoodle is still full of pep and vitality. As long as all puppy vaccinations are on schedule, you can take your pup out for hikes, to the dog park, and on plenty of new adventures.

11 Months

Your 11-month-old Bernedoodle is a lot of fun and a huge physical presence. Your doggie might be nearing close to 70 pounds. Around 65 to 67 pounds or more is about average. Doggies are well set in their ways and routines, but will still try to test those limits, so keep up with training and keep them entertained.

1 Year

You and your Bernedoodle pup have made it through the first year, which is a big deal. Along with celebrating a birthday, you can start to think about the switch to adult kibble. These doggies are large, about 70 to 75 or more pounds, and they still have more weight to put on. Males will be larger, weighing between 70 and 80 pounds, while females will be slightly smaller, around 70 to 75 pounds. At 12 months old, your pup is considered an adult. Like many other large breeds, this breed takes a little longer to mature fully. They will continue to grow over the next several months, even years, to reach physical and mental maturity.

18 Months

Though your Bernedoodle is considered an adult, growth will continue. At 18 months old, these pups can weigh between 75 and 85 pounds. They will continue to put on weight and increase in height in very small amounts. From now until they reach two years of age, they should stop growing and achieve their total growth once and for all.

2 Years

A 2-year-old Bernedoodle can weigh 90 or more pounds. Some have reached even 100 pounds, maybe a little more. How big they will ultimately get depends on the genetics of both parents. Bernese Mountain dogs are a giant breed, and Standard Poodles are not small either. With two parent bloodlines that can each tip the scales, there is no telling how large this Doodle can get.

What Happens Next?

Once your pup reaches a year old and is considered an adult, they will need to eat large to giant formulated adult kibble. If your Bernedoodle is on the smaller side and weighs under 55 pounds, then look for medium to small-breed food. The size of this breed is very unpredictable. Because Poodles range in size, some will be quite large, like the Bernese Mountain dog parent, while others will have smaller Poodle dominant genes. In some cases, only time will tell how big one of these mixed breeds will get.

Owners must continue working closely with their veterinarians to ensure dogs receive proper nutrition and care. They will continue to need regular veterinary checkups at least once every six months. Larger canines like this often can suffer from joint issues and get overexerted easily. Make sure to work with your vet to pick the right food and any supplements they may need.

Full Grown Bernedoodle: How Big Will My Bernedoodle Get?

Bernedoodles reach 70 to 90 pounds fully grown, even more in many cases. They stand between 23 and 29 inches tall. A full-grown standard Bernedoodle is a large, fluffy, very affectionate dog. They will inherit physical and behavioral traits from both parents, though some may be more dominant than others. Anytime two dog breeds are crossbred, there is a wide range of unpredictability in the resulting offspring. Depending on the generation of Bernedoodle, as well as the genetics of the parents, you will raise a unique dog. It can safely be said that no two Bernedoodles are precisely alike. Even among the same litter, size and appearance can vary greatly.

These bark babies will be ample to giant-sized. This means they will need homes with plenty of room throughout their lives. These Doodles live between 12 and 15 years on average. Mixed breeds are generally healthier than purebred canines. Because they have a larger gene pool, they will be less likely to inherit breed-specific health conditions. That being said, there still are some health conditions mixed breeds are prone to. For Bernedoodles, this includes elbow and hip dysplasia. This is because they are so large that extra stress is put on their joints, bones, and muscular systems.

Bernedoodles also suffer from a skin condition that often affects the Poodle. Sebaceous adenitis Is uncommon in most breeds but does affect Poodles at a higher incidence. This condition causes inflammation of the sebaceous glands in a dog’s hair follicles. It can cause a dandruff-like discharge and hair loss and affect quality. Dogs can also develop painful lesions. Though no known cause for the disease has been identified, it is believed to run in Poodles and Poodle mixes and, therefore, can affect the Bernedoodle.

Bernedoodles are incredibly smart canines, and they love people. They do very well in homes with children and are highly affectionate. It is said that this pooch is prone to separation anxiety. They dislike being left alone, get stressed out quickly, and become quite nervous. Even though they are quite large, it is helpful to crate-train these pups as a tool to help manage their separation anxiety. Because they are so bright, they can learn many different tricks and games.

Bernedoodle Growth Chart: Height & Weight

Factors To Consider

Several different factors will affect how large any breed, mix, or individual pup grows. Their genetic makeup plays a very significant role, along with health and nutrition. Learning about growth milestones and consulting breed size charts are tools owners can use to familiarize themselves with milestones. It is important to remember that these are just guidelines and averages, not specific size goals dogs must meet.

They are not exact predictors of how large this breed will be, but rather an estimate so owners know what to expect. Every dog has specific health conditions, genetic makeup, and environmental factors that will contribute to how large or small they grow.

Owners must discuss any growth concerns with their veterinarians as soon as possible. If you are worried that your puppy is not growing at the appropriate rate, is growing too much, or is not developing correctly, consult your veterinarian. They can help rule out any underlying medical issue and work with owners to provide pups with appropriate nutrition for their size and age. Consider the following factors when monitoring your standard Bernedoodles growth and development:

Genetics

Genetics is one of the most significant factors in how large any dog will grow. Bernedoodles are a cross of two breeds that are pretty large physically. Bernese Mountain dogs can reach 75 to over 120 pounds when fully grown. Standard Poodles follow close behind and can reach between 60 and 100 pounds when fully grown.

This means a cross of the two will result in a generously sized canine companion. Some mixed-breed offspring will grow even larger than their parents, so there is potential for these pups to be quite large. Depending on the size of their Poodle parent, they can be smaller. Only time will tell.

Nutrition

Following their genetic makeup, nutrition is at the top of the factors that impact a dog’s size. Bernedoodles are large to almost giant-sized canines. They need a diet stocked with high-quality animal protein, vitamins, nutrients, minerals, and more to support their large size and significant energy needs. Look for foods that list high-quality animal proteins as the first ingredients and stay away from those that list fillers like wheat gluten as the first one.

Healthy proteins include chicken, turkey, rabbit, lamb, beef, salmon, whitefish, duck, venison, and bison. Make sure to feed this hefty pooch large to giant-sized kibble if appropriate. Keep them on puppy food until they reach about a year, and then slowly transition them to adult food. Be careful not to overfeed, as is common among large breeds.

Growth Spurts & Plateaus

Owners must understand that regardless of genetics, every canine experiences periods of rapid growth and plateaus throughout the first couple of years. Growing requires a ton of energy and can be very tiring, especially for larger breeds like the Bernedoodle. It is perfectly normal for dogs to experience these spurts and lulls in growth.

As they continue to mature and grow physically after their first birthday, it is even normal to see these growth spurts happen well after the first year. If you are concerned about your dog’s growth or lack thereof, consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying growth inhibitors, diseases, or environmental factors that may contribute.

Neutering & Spaying

Most veterinarians will recommend that pets, especially those kept as companion animals, be spayed and neutered at the appropriate time. It is essential to do this when a dog has reached the right physical maturity level. Going through this procedure too early will not necessarily impact growth but can affect a dog’s emotional and behavioral development.

Females often take longer to mature sexually, so they are usually spayed later than male dogs are neutered. Doing this procedure too early can impact bone growth and joint health, so discussing this issue with your veterinarian when your dog is young is particularly important.

Physical Health & Activity

How healthy a dog is overall will affect how large they grow. Canines who are not fed appropriate nutrition for their age or size or those fighting an underlying medical condition or disease may experience stunted growth. Dogs with hormone deficiencies or surpluses may also see wildly increased or lack of growth. Dogs who suffer from chronic illnesses may experience slower development than their healthier counterparts.

This is one of the reasons it is essential to keep up with all your puppies’ veterinary appointments and vaccinations and to continue regular preventative care throughout your dog’s adult life. Because this mixed pup is so large and may experience different health conditions throughout their life, they may be an excellent canine to investigate pet insurance for. Pet insurance policies often help cover emergencies. Some plans will help with preventative and regular care.

Physical activity is another substantial factor in how large a dog will grow. Exercise is critical to a canine’s physical health. Dogs not getting enough physical activity can grow slower or fail to reach their full growth potential. They can have low energy and experience mental stress and depression.

Conversely, overexerting dogs may use too much energy and put extra pressure on their bones and joints. These dogs need regular, moderate physical activity every day. It is best to break this up into shorter sessions to avoid overexerting them, rather than one longer session of physical play.

It is also important that owners pay attention to dental health. Dental health is a widely overlooked area of care that can lead to severe disease. Dental disease can take years off a dog’s life and affects many by the time they are just three years old. Start training your dog to tolerate dental care at a young age. This makes cleaning their teeth, especially when they are big, furry, full-size Bernedoodles, less of a challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Bernedoodles high energy?

Yes, this breed is very high in energy. They require a lot of mental stimulation, as well as human interaction. They also suffer from separation anxiety, so this is a good breed for doggy daycare or regular professional dog walking if owners must be away.

At what age do Bernedoodles calm down?

This breed is known for having a lot of energy. They often start to calm down around a year or so but will retain a playful personality and high energy intensity into adulthood. As with most canines, once they mature, this change will stop a lot of naughty puppy behavior, but they will still have plenty of energy.

Is a Bernedoodle bigger than a Goldendoodle?

Yes, a Bernedoodle is significantly larger than a Goldendoodle. Standard Goldendoodles weigh between 40 and 60 pounds and stand between 20 and 24 inches tall. Bernedoodles, on the other hand, can reach between 60 and 100 pounds, then stand between 23 and 29 inches tall.

Is a Bernedoodle a large or giant breed?

This depends on your dog’s specific genetics and weight. Canine breeds that weigh between 50 and 90 pounds on average, and stand 24 inches tall or more at the shoulder, are in the large breed category. A giant breed is a dog that weighs 90 to 100 pounds or more.

Final Thoughts

Bernedoodles are lively, affectionate, fluffy companions eager to please and love people. Prospective owners often wonder how large this mixed breed can get. Bernedoodles can grow to be large or giant-sized, depending on the size of their parents. Standard Bernedoodles have a Bernese Mountain dog and a Standard Poodle parent. On average, they can reach between 60 to 90 pounds or even 100 pounds or more. Those with smaller-sized Poodle parents will be significantly smaller. As with any mixed breed, there is a lot of unpredictability surrounding size and appearance. Our Bernedoodle growth chart provides guidelines throughout a puppy’s first year and growth milestones, so owners can track where their puppy is.

With any mixed canine, there is no true way to tell how large they ultimately grow to be. Because of this unpredictability, there is a wide range of weights and sizes among the Bernedoodle breed. Owners can look to their pup’s specific parents and previous litters a breeder has had to get an estimate, but with this mixed pup, owners often need to wait and see how big their magnificent Bernedoodle gets.