Everything You Need to Know Before Bringing Home an Australian Bernedoodle

If you’ve fallen in love with the Bernedoodle’s teddy-bear face and soulful eyes, you’re not alone. These dogs are winning hearts across the world and now they’re taking Australia by storm.

But with all that buzz comes a bit of confusion. You’ve probably seen the terms Bernedoodle, Australian Bernedoodle, and Golden Bernedoodle floating around online. Same thing, right?

Not quite.

Let’s unpack the difference, explain what makes each variation unique, and help you decide which one fits best with your lifestyle.

What Is a Bernedoodle?

A Bernedoodle is the original cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, blending the Bernese’s loyalty and gentleness with the Poodle’s intelligence, longevity, and low-shedding coat.

They come in standard, medium/mini, and micro sizes, each with the same hallmark Bernedoodle temperament - affectionate, intelligent, and deeply family-oriented.

Standard Bernedoodles (25–40 kg): Calm, loving and steady ideal for families with space to spare.

Medium / Mini Bernedoodles (12–25 kg): Adaptable and easy-going, equally at home in suburban backyards or coastal apartments.

Micro Bernedoodles (< 12 kg): Petite companions with the same teddy-bear look and gentle nature.

The goal of responsible Bernedoodle breeding is to preserve the Bernese’s temperament while improving health and coat traits through ethical, data-driven breeding.

What Is an Australian Bernedoodle?

Here’s where most of the internet gets muddled.

The Australian Bernedoodle isn’t named for where it’s bred, it refers to the use of an Australian Labradoodle rather than a pure Poodle in the cross.

So instead of Bernese × Poodle, the Australian Bernedoodle is Bernese Mountain Dog × Australian Labradoodle.

Australian Bernedoodles often have:

• Silky, low-shedding coats (less curly than some Poodle crosses)

• Gentle, therapy-dog temperaments

• A family-friendly, intuitive nature

They’re a perfect choice for households wanting a relaxed companion with intelligence and heart and minimal shedding.

What Is a Golden Bernedoodle?

The Golden Bernedoodle brings the Golden Retriever into the mix: Bernese Mountain Dog × Golden Retriever × Poodle.

This combination blends the Golden’s loyalty and social nature with the Bernese’s calm confidence and the Poodle’s clever, low-shedding genetics.

This results in a balanced, affectionate dog that embodies warmth both in personality and in its glowing caramel and rust-toned coat.

Golden Bernedoodles are still rare in Australia, but they’re quickly becoming known for their gentle, people-pleasing temperaments and stunning looks.

The Importance of Transparency in Breeding

Whatever variation you choose, transparency matters more than labels.

A trustworthy breeder should:

• Provide full DNA health testing for both parents.

• Complete hip and elbow scoring

• Offer detailed information on temperament testing and socialisation.

• Supply a clear contract and health guarantee.

• Be open about generational mix and breeding practices.

At The Bernedoodle Collective, these are non-negotiables - we are passionate breeders committed to putting lit dogs welfare at the centre of everything we do.

Preparing for Your Bernedoodle’s Arrival

Set Up for Success

• Create a calm, contained space for your puppy - a crate or playpen works well.

• Puppy-proof your space (cords, shoes, plants - you know the drill).

Puppy Essentials

• Quality diet (your breeder should supply a feeding plan).

• Grooming kit matched to your pup’s coat type.

• Harness, lead, name tag, and comfy bed.

• Enrichment toys and puzzle feeders for that clever Poodle brain.

Routine Is Everything

Bernedoodles thrive on connection and consistency. Keep their days predictable - feed, toilet, play, rest and they’ll settle beautifully into family life.

About The Bernedoodle Collective, Australia

At The Bernedoodle Collective, we’re more than a single breeding program, we’re a collaborative network.

The Collective was founded by a group of ethical Bernedoodle breeders across Australia who value collaboration, transparency, and best-practice breeding standards.

Our breeder members specialise in various sizes and generations of Bernedoodles, ensuring we can meet the diverse needs of families from large, adventure-ready companions to smaller, apartment-friendly dogs.

Collectively, we breed Bernedoodles of all sizes and generations, each working toward our own unique goals while sharing genetics, research, and expert breeding knowledge to strengthen the breed as a whole.

Together, we produce traditional Bernedoodles (Bernese × Poodle), Australian Bernedoodles (with the Labradoodle infused) and Golden Bernedoodles (Bernese × Golden Retriever × Poodle), each offering their own unique temperament, coat, and charm.

As a community of breeders, we’re building a new benchmark for honest, ethical, and scientifically informed Bernedoodle breeding in Australia.