Bernedoodles and Families: A Perfect Match

By /Published On: May 28, 2025/

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect family dog—one that’s smart, sweet, and ready to keep up with your kids’ energy and your couch-cuddling lifestyle—the Bernedoodle may just check every single box.

At Double U Doodles, we’ve had the joy of raising countless Bernedoodle puppies, and let me tell you, these dogs are not just good with families—they thrive in them.

What Makes a Bernedoodle So Family-Friendly?

The Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, two breeds known for their loyalty, brains, and gentle nature. When you combine them, you get a best-of-both-worlds pup that adapts beautifully to family life.

Here’s what makes Bernedoodles the go-to breed for families of all shapes and sizes:

Adult Bernedoodle dog standing outside

Loyal and Loving

These dogs form strong bonds with their people. Once your Bernedoodle picks “their” humans (spoiler alert: it’s your entire family), they’re in it for life. They adore being part of the pack and love joining in on everything—from lazy Sundays to backyard adventures.

Patient with Children

Thanks to the Bernese Mountain Dog side, Bernedoodles are naturally gentle and tolerant. They’re not overly reactive, which makes them great for families with younger children. We often hear stories of our pups becoming best friends with toddlers!

Intelligent and Eager to Please

The Poodle parent brings in the smarts. Bernedoodles are quick learners 

and love to impress, making training easier and even fun. This combination of intelligence and affection makes them excellent candidates for obedience, tricks, and house manners.

Hypoallergenic Coats (Yes, Really!)

While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, Bernedoodles have low-shedding coats that are typically more compatible with allergy-sensitive households. Plus, less fur on the furniture? Yes, please!

One of the Bernedoodles at Double U Doodles in the middle of a training session

Real-Life Compatibility: Bernedoodles in Family Settings

Let’s take a moment to imagine daily life with a Bernedoodle from Double U Doodles.

  • Playtime with the kids? Count them in. They’ll happily run around the yard and then flop down for a snuggle session. 
  • Other pets in the home? No problem. With early socialization (which we start at just 3 days old), Bernedoodles usually coexist beautifully with other dogs and even cats. 
  • Apartment or house? While they do love space to roam, Bernedoodles can do just fine in smaller homes as long as they get their daily walks and mental stimulation. 

A Word on Temperament: Nature + Nurture

At Double U Doodles, we don’t just breed for looks—we breed for temperament. That means:

  • All our parent dogs undergo health and temperament testing 
  • Puppies are socialized from birth with children, adults, and other dogs 
  • We focus on confidence building and positive imprinting through our Checkpoint Training Program 

By the time a Bernedoodle pup comes home to you, they’ve already had a head start in becoming a balanced, friendly, and well-adjusted family member.

Bernedoodle puppy laying on a blue bath math

Quick Glance: Why Families Love Bernedoodles

  • Friendly and affectionate with all ages 
  • Low- to non-shedding coats 
  • Easy to train and eager to learn 
  • Naturally patient and non-aggressive 
  • Craves companionship and thrives in family routines 

Bernedoodles + Training = Family Success

Black, brown and white Bernedoodle standing on his back paws

While the breed itself is naturally great with families, our Checkpoint Training Program takes things to a whole new level.

Each Bernedoodle from Double U Doodles begins life with early training—crate time, potty work, leash skills, and basic obedience. For families especially, our training makes all the difference. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, you’ll enjoy the fun part of raising a puppy.

Here’s a peek at what our trained puppies can do depending on the training level:

  • ✅ Sit to greet your child instead of jumping 
  • ✅ Walk calmly on a leash during family outings 
  • ✅ Follow commands like “come” and “leave it” 
  • ✅ Sleep through the night so you can too 

We offer training options from Checkpoint 1 through Checkpoint 4, giving you flexibility based on your lifestyle and experience.

FAQ: Bernedoodles as Family Dogs

Are Bernedoodles safe with small children?
Yes. With proper introductions and supervision (as with any breed), Bernedoodles are patient, gentle, and incredibly sweet with kids.

Will my Bernedoodle protect the family?
They’re more lovers than fighters—but they’re loyal and will often alert you to strangers. Just don’t expect them to be guard dogs.

Do they need a lot of exercise?
They do need daily activity, but nothing extreme. A couple of walks, playtime in the yard, and a few snuggles will keep them happy.

Do Bernedoodles get along with other pets?
Yes! When raised with other pets or socialized properly (which we do here!), they’re typically very friendly and well-mannered.

Are Bernedoodles high maintenance?
Their coat requires regular grooming, and they need consistent training—both of which we help prepare you for. Their love and loyalty? 100% low-maintenance.

Final Thoughts

Bernedoodles are more than just adorable—they’re adaptable, devoted, and full of heart. At Double U Doodles, we’ve seen our pups thrive in every kind of household, from bustling families with young children to quieter homes full of cuddles and calm.

Choosing a Bernedoodle means choosing joy, connection, and a companion who will grow with your family every step of the way.