Micro Bernedoodle: Tiny, Smart and Hypoallergenic Pup
If you’ve ever dreamt of having a living, breathing teddy bear as a companion, meet the Micro Bernedoodle. This adorable, pint-sized pup is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Toy Poodle, resulting in a designer dog with the perfect mix of fluff, charm, and smarts. But don’t let their cuteness fool you—they’re also incredibly intelligent, loyal, and surprisingly low-shedding.
So, why is everyone suddenly obsessed with Micro Bernedoodles? Let’s dive into the world of this miniature marvel and find out.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Breed Type | Designer (Bernese Mountain Dog × Toy/Mini Poodle) |
Size (Height) | 12 to 17 inches at the shoulder |
Weight | 10 to 24 pounds |
Coat Type | Wavy or curly; low-shedding |
Common Colors | Tricolor, black & white, merle, apricot, cream |
Lifespan | 12 to 16 years |
Temperament | Affectionate, playful, intelligent, loyal |
Exercise Needs | 30 to 60 minutes per day |
Grooming Frequency | Brushing 3–4x/week; grooming every 6–8 weeks |
Hypoallergenic? | Yes (low-shedding, allergy-friendly) |
Training Difficulty | Easy (very intelligent and eager to please) |
Good with Children? | Yes |
Good with Other Pets? | Yes |
Ideal Living Situation | Apartment or house (with regular activity) |
Food Type | High-quality dry kibble for small breeds |
Feeding Schedule | Puppies: 3 meals/day; Adults: 2 meals/day |
Average Price | $3,000 – $6,000 |
Monthly Maintenance Cost | $100 – $200 (food, grooming, vet care) |
Health Concerns | Hip dysplasia, allergies, eye conditions, patellar luxation |
Travel-Friendly? | Yes (small size makes them easy to travel with) |
Origins and Background
History of the Bernedoodle Breed
The Bernedoodle is a relatively new breed, introduced in the early 2000s. It was originally created by crossing a Bernese Mountain Dog with a Standard Poodle to combine the best traits of both breeds: loyalty and gentleness from the Bernese, and intelligence and hypoallergenic coats from the Poodle.
How the Micro Bernedoodle Came to Be
As the doodle craze grew, so did the demand for smaller versions. Enter the Micro Bernedoodle—created by breeding a Mini Bernedoodle with a Toy Poodle. The result? A super small, super smart, super cuddly pup that fits perfectly in your lap (and your lifestyle).
Breed Characteristics
Physical Traits of a Micro Bernedoodle
Micro Bernedoodles typically weigh between 10 to 24 pounds and stand around 12 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder. They often inherit the signature wavy or curly coat that doodles are known for, which helps reduce shedding.
Common Colors and Coat Types
They come in a variety of colors, including:
- Black and white
- Tricolor (black, white, and rust)
- Merle patterns
- Apricot or cream
Coat textures vary too—from loose waves to tight curls. Generally, curlier coats are more allergy-friendly.
Temperament and Personality
Micro Bernedoodles are total charmers. They’re:
- Affectionate
- Intelligent
- Playful
- Loyal
- Social butterflies
They love being around people, kids, and other pets. You’ll rarely find one that’s aggressive or shy—just pure, sweet energy.
Size and Weight
How Small is a Micro Bernedoodle?
“Micro” isn’t an official size category recognized by kennel clubs, but breeders use the term to describe the smallest Bernedoodles available. Think under 25 pounds and under 17 inches tall.
Growth Milestones and Adult Size
Most Micro Bernedoodles reach their full size around 12 months old. They grow fast in the first few months, so don’t be surprised if your “tiny teddy” suddenly doubles in size before you know it!
Lifespan and Health
Average Lifespan
Thanks to their Poodle genes, Micro Bernedoodles typically live 12 to 16 years with proper care.
Common Health Issues
Some conditions they may be prone to include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Allergies
- Patellar luxation
- Eye disorders
Genetic Testing and Breeder Transparency
Always ask breeders for health clearances and genetic testing. Reputable breeders should be transparent about their dogs’ health histories.
Grooming Needs
Coat Maintenance and Shedding
The Micro Bernedoodle’s coat needs regular maintenance. While they’re low-shedding, that doesn’t mean low-maintenance.
Bathing, Brushing, and Professional Grooming
- Brush at least 3-4 times a week
- Bathe every 4-6 weeks
- Grooming appointments every 6-8 weeks are ideal
Hypoallergenic Qualities
While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, Micro Bernedoodles are about as close as it gets. They’re a great choice for allergy sufferers.
Exercise and Activity
How Active Are Micro Bernedoodles?
They’re energetic without being hyper. About 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day keeps them happy and healthy.
Fun Exercise Ideas for Small Spaces
- Tug-of-war
- Puzzle toys
- Indoor fetch
- Short walks
How Much Daily Activity They Need
Aim for daily physical and mental stimulation. These little guys love learning tricks and playing games.
Training a Micro Bernedoodle
Intelligence and Trainability
Thanks to their Poodle parent, Micro Bernedoodles are highly trainable. They pick up commands quickly and enjoy mental challenges.
Housebreaking Tips
Start potty training early. Use crate training and a consistent schedule to speed things up.
Socialization Strategies
Introduce them to new people, pets, and places early on. Socialization helps prevent anxiety and behavioral issues.
Diet and Nutrition
What to Feed a Micro Bernedoodle
High-quality dry kibble formulated for small breeds is a solid choice. Look for food with real meat, veggies, and no artificial junk.
Recommended Feeding Schedule
- Puppies: 3 meals a day
- Adults: 2 meals a day
Foods to Avoid
Skip the:
- Chocolate
- Grapes/raisins
- Onions and garlic
- Raw bones
Living Environment
Best Home Setup for a Micro Bernedoodle
They thrive in both apartments and houses, as long as they get their daily exercise.
Apartment Living vs. House with a Yard
A yard is a plus, but not a must. As long as you keep them stimulated, they’ll do just fine in smaller spaces.
Traveling with a Micro Bernedoodle
Are They Good Travel Companions?
Absolutely. Their small size makes them ideal for travel, and they usually love new adventures.
Tips for Car and Plane Travel
- Use a travel crate
- Bring familiar toys or blankets
- Don’t forget potty breaks!
Micro Bernedoodle vs. Other Doodles
Micro Bernedoodle vs. Mini Bernedoodle
- Micro: Smaller, better for tight spaces
- Mini: Slightly bigger, more robust
Micro Bernedoodle vs. Toy Goldendoodle
- Micro Bernedoodle: More laid-back, loyal
- Toy Goldendoodle: More energetic, slightly easier to train
Choosing a Breeder
What to Look for in a Reputable Breeder
- Health certifications
- Customer testimonials
- Clean, humane conditions
Red Flags to Avoid
- No health guarantees
- No chance to meet the puppy’s parents
- Prices that seem too good to be true
Adoption vs. Buying from a Breeder
Adoption is always a great option, though Micro Bernedoodles can be rare in shelters. Either way—do your research!
Costs and Budgeting
Initial Purchase Price
Expect to pay $3,000–$6,000, depending on breeder reputation and puppy traits.
Ongoing Costs (Food, Vet, Grooming)
Plan for about $100–$200/month to cover the basics.
Insurance and Emergency Funds
Pet insurance is worth considering. Emergency vet visits can be pricey, so having a rainy-day fund helps.
Is the Micro Bernedoodle Right for You?
Ideal Owners and Lifestyles
Perfect for:
- Singles or couples
- Families with older kids
- People in apartments
- First-time dog owners
Pros and Cons of Owning One
Pros:
- Cute beyond belief
- Great with families
- Easy to train
Cons:
- Grooming needs
- Pricey
- May develop separation anxiety
Conclusion
The Micro Bernedoodle is more than just a pretty face—it’s the full package. With their intelligence, affection, and teddy-bear looks, they’re a dream dog for many people. Sure, they require some grooming and training effort, but in return, you get a lifelong cuddle buddy who brings joy every single day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are Micro Bernedoodles good for first-time dog owners?
Yes! They’re friendly, smart, and easy to train—perfect for beginners.
2. Do Micro Bernedoodles bark a lot?
Not typically. They may alert bark, but they’re not excessive yappers.
3. Can Micro Bernedoodles be left alone?
They prefer company, but with proper training, they can handle short periods alone.
4. How often should I groom my Micro Bernedoodle?
Brush them a few times a week and take them to the groomer every 6–8 weeks.
5. Are they good with kids and other pets?
Yes! They’re social and get along great with children and other animals.
6. How big do Micro Bernedoodles get?
Usually between 10 to 24 pounds and up to 17 inches tall.
7. Are Micro Bernedoodles hypoallergenic?
They’re low-shedding and more allergy-friendly than most dogs, but not 100% hypoallergenic.
8. What is the difference between Micro and Mini Bernedoodles?
Size! Micros are smaller and better suited for small spaces.
9. How much do Micro Bernedoodles cost?
Between $3,000 and $6,000, depending on breeder and lineage.
10. Do they need a lot of exercise?
Not a ton—about 30 to 60 minutes a day is usually enough.