Jamie Johnson
Are you looking for a furry companion that’s adorable, loving, and smart? Meet the Merle Bernedoodle – an energetic, easy-going pup with a charming personality.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at everything from their physical characteristics to their health issues, as well as tips on finding the right breeder and providing your pup with adequate exercise. Let’s dive in!
Introduction to Merle Bernedoodles
The Merle Bernedoodle is a hybrid dog breed created by crossing a Bernese Mountain Dog with a Poodle. This type of designer crossbreed has become popular over the last decade due to its combination of desirable traits.
Merle Bernedoodles are often larger than other types of poodle mixes, making them great family pets that can handle some roughhousing. They also come in a variety of colors and patterns, including merle (a mottled mix of dark and light pigments).
Physical Characteristics of Merle Bernedoodles
When it comes to appearance, there’s no one size fits all description for the Merle Bernedoodle. The main factor influencing a pup’s looks is whether they inherit more Bernese Mountain Dog or Poodle genes. Generally speaking, however, these dogs will have a thick coat of curly hair and droopy ears like the Poodle.
They usually range between 18 and 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh anywhere between 25 and 70 pounds when fully grown. Because of their large size, potential owners should make sure they have enough space to accommodate their pet before bringing them home.
Personality Traits of Merle Bernedoodles
As mentioned above, the Merle Bernedoodle combines the best qualities of both parent breeds into one delightful package. These friendly pups are typically very social animals that enjoy being around people. They’re loyal companions who love spending time with their families, but they’re also quite intelligent and independent thinkers.
At the same time, they’re not overly demanding and won’t require hours of attention or constant activity. If given enough exercise, they tend to be relaxed and low-maintenance pets that don’t cause too much disruption.
Health Issues Commonly Seen in Merle Bernedoodles
Like any other canine breed, Merle Bernedoodles are prone to certain genetic health issues that stem from their parent breeds. While most hybrids aren’t necessarily at higher risk for these ailments than purebreds, it’s important to keep an eye out for signs of illness and take preventative measures such as regular vet check-ups.
Some common conditions seen in this breed include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, allergies, bloat, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand’s disease. Of course, the severity and frequency of these diseases vary depending on each individual dog.
Caring for a Merle Bernedoodle
Owning a dog requires commitment and patience, especially when caring for larger breeds like the Merle Bernedoodle. To ensure your pup stays happy and healthy throughout its life, provide it with high quality food, plenty of exercise, and regular grooming sessions. Also make sure your pet gets proper dental care, visits the vet regularly for check-ups and vaccinations, and receives mental stimulation in the form of obedience training.
Training a Merle Bernedoodle
These intelligent dogs pick up new skills quickly and respond well to positive reinforcement methods such as reward-based training. Since they need to stay active to avoid boredom-related behaviors, teaching them tricks can help keep them mentally engaged while strengthening the bond between you and your pet. Start simple commands like sit and stay then gradually move on to more complicated ones like fetch or roll over.
Finding the Right Breeder for Your Merle Bernedoodle
A responsible breeder is key to obtaining a healthy pup with a stable temperament. Make sure to research different sources thoroughly before making any decisions – ask questions about their breeding practices and inquire about certifications if necessary. Visit multiple facilities to compare puppies in person so you can get an accurate idea of what each individual pup is like.
Average Price Range for Merle Bernedoodles
Merle Bernedoodles generally cost anywhere from $1,500 – $3,000 USD depending on various factors such as location and pedigree lineage. High-end breeders may charge even more for rarer color combinations or top-of-the-line bloodlines. It’s also important to factor in additional costs associated with taking care of your pet such as vet bills, food supplies, toys, etc.
Exercise Needs for Merle Bernedoodles
Because of their size and energy levels, these dogs need a decent amount of daily exercise to stay fit and maintain good behavior. Take them on long walks or jogs every day and play interactive games such as tug-of-war or fetch periodically. Swimming is another great option since many poodles excel at it – just make sure to supervise your pup carefully when near water bodies.
Is a Merle Bernedoodle Right for You?
To sum up, the Merle Bernedoodle is an ideal companion for those seeking an easy-going yet energetic pooch that loves spending time with its family members. Just remember that this breed needs lots of space and sufficient amounts of exercise in order to thrive. Therefore, potential owners should evaluate their lifestyle beforehand to determine if this breed is really suitable for them or not.
