Whether you are a current or potential owner of this breed, you have probably wondered: How long do Bernedoodles live?
One day being without our beloved dog is nothing to think about. However, it is essential to know the life expectancy of a Bernedoodle to plan their care from puppy age to golden years adequately.
Also, wie lange leben Bernedoodles? The average lifespan of a Bernedoodle is 12 years. It can vary significantly depending on the size, generation, and health of your Bernedoodle. For example, standard Bernedoodles 8-12 years, mini-Bernedoodles 10-14 years, and tiny (aka toys) Bernedoodles live on average 12-16 years.
| Size | Estimated service life |
|---|---|
| Toys / Tiny Bernedoodle | 12-16 Jahre |
| Mini Bernedoodle | 10-14 Jahre |
| Standard Bernedoodle | 8-12 Jahre |
In this article, we will discuss the factors that affect how long Bernedoodle life is and tips and tricks to prolong your dog’s life as long as possible.
Factors that influence the lifespan of a Bernedoodle
An accurate prediction of how long a particular dog will live is impossible. However, we can estimate based on some simple factors that significantly affect the life expectancy of a Bernedoodle.
Size of your dog
Apart from freak accidents or sudden illnesses, size is the most significant factor that increases or decreases the life of your Bernedoodle. As with all breeds, the bigger your dog is, the shorter his life expectancy.
You wonder why? Larger dogs age faster than smaller dogs due to additional stress on their physiological processes.
Wie wirkt sich das auf Bernedoodles aus? If everything else is the same, mini-Bernedoodles will live four years longer than standard bernedoodles. Tiny Bernedoodles will live even longer, an average of 8 years more than a standard Bernedoodle.
Curious about which size of Bernedoodle is best for your family? Check out our article on Bernedoodle measures to compare them and decide for yourself!
What generation are they
As you already know, Bernedoodles are a cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle. These two races have drastically different lifespans.
Poodles have a reasonably long lifespan; even the largest standard size of poodles lives about 10-13 years. On the other hand, the Bernese Mountain Dog is only 8-10 years old. This short lifespan is partly due to its size and the abundance of health problems that this breed tends to experience.
F1 Bernedoodles benefit most from “hybrid power.” This term refers to the health benefits of the diverse DNA that hybrids enjoy. However, back-crossed generations such as the F1B or F1BB Bernedoodle benefit from a higher DNA content of the longer-lived breed.
Overall, a higher percentage of the longer-living poodle breed outweighs the additional hybrid power of the first generations. Therefore, generations of Bernedoodles closer to the Poodle in the DNA will tend to live slightly longer than an F1 Bernedoodle, which had a theoretical 50/50 split between the two races. However, the difference in life expectancy due to generation alone is negligible in most cases.
Hereditary factors
Similar to how a human child can take on the size of his father’s or his mother’s eyes, your Bernedoodle can inherit traits from both parents.
It can be desirable when achieving rare fur colors like the Phantom or Sable Bernedoodle. However, it can also mean that specific health problems affect how long your Bernedoodle will live.
Reputable Bernedoodle breeders will conduct extensive genetic tests on the parents and select dogs from healthy bloodlines. But even the best tests can not guarantee a healthy dog.
Due to the many potential health problems that a Bernedoodle may experience throughout his life, I strongly recommend investing in a DNA + Health Kit from Embark. This mail-in and cheek smear test shows which hereditary diseases your Bernedoodle can develop.
This information will help you and your veterinarian plan to prevent these problems or, at a minimum, identify them early so that treatment can begin as soon as possible.
Health problems
Thanks to the DNA of the Bernese Mountain Dog, Bernedoodles have some of the most health problems of all critter breeds. To learn about some of the most common, read our article on Bernedoodle health problems!
While I advise every dog owner to invest in pet insurance, Bernedoodle owners should take this even more seriously. You never want to be in the unfortunate position of choosing your dog’s medical care based on what you can afford. With a Healthy Paws plan, you can only pay 10% of the total bill.
Calculate the age of your Bernedoodle in human years
A common misconception about the age of dogs is that one human year corresponds to 7 dog years. The answer is somewhat more complex, depending on race and size.
To be more precise, you can use this table to see how old your Bernedoodle is in dog years! This table is based on average weight data from each of the sizes of Bernedoodles. It’s fun to see how old your dog is compared to you!
| Größe | Toys / Tiny Bernedoodle | Mini Bernedoodle | Standard Bernedoodle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age of the dog | Age in Human years | Age in Human years | Age in Human years |
| 1 | 15 | 15 | 12 |
| 2 | 24 | 24 | 22 |
| 3 | 28 | 28 | 31 |
| 4 | 32 | 32 | 38 |
| 5 | 36 | 36 | 45 |
| 6 | 42 | 45 | 49 |
| 7 | 47 | 50 | 56 |
| 8 | 51 | 55 | 64 |
| 9 | 56 | 61 | 71 |
| 10 | 60 | 66 | 79 |
| 11 | 65 | 72 | 86 |
| 12 | 69 | 77 | 93 |
| 13 | 74 | 82 | 100 |
| 14 | 78 | 88 | 107 |
| 15 | 83 | 93 | 114 |
| 16 | 87 | 99 | 121 |
From this table, you can better understand whether your Bernedoodle is a puppy, adult, or senior. Note that this breed’s toy and mini versions age slower than the standard size.
Although some Bernedoodles behave like puppies forever, they will officially only have this label until the age of about two years. When they become a senior, depending on their size, standards reach this title around 6-7, minis around 8-9, and toys around 10-11.
Common signs of aging in your Bernedoodle
A more significant number of health problems
As your Bernedoodle approaches its golden years, it will likely be plagued by more health problems. Some will be minor, but others may be more life-threatening. Cancer, joint issues, and flatulence can threaten or affect your dog’s quality of life.
Apart from physical symptoms, look for psychological symptoms of age. Slow response times and a lack of willingness to perform everyday activities can be signs of cognitive decline.
Lower energy requirements
Of course, as your Bernedoodle gets older, they need more rest, don’t worry, because this is normal, just like with humans. Give your elder Bernedoodle plenty of time to recover and relax.
Reduction of the senses
An aging Bernedoodle can reduce smell and vision. While it’s essential to keep your veterinarian informed about these changes, there are also things you can do to accommodate your dog. You will appreciate a steady routine, and they will warn that you are around before you touch or caress them.
Weight gain or loss
Depending on the dog, they can either gain or lose weight in their older years. Keep a close eye on the importance of your Bernedoodle, so it doesn’t reach unhealthy levels.
Talk to your vet about portion control, and read our article to see if your Bernedoodle gets the proper exercise!
Reduced bladder control
You probably already have enough accidents during potty training of your Bernedoodle as a puppy to cope with. However, when they are older, they may have less control over their bladder again.
The most important thing to remember is to have patience – they can’t help it. Never punish them, as the accident will likely put them in trouble already, as they know it violates the rules.
Consider using potty pads or taking your Bernedoodle with you for more potty breaks throughout the day as they age.
Tips for extending the life expectancy of your Bernedoodle
Invest in a pet insurance
In the United States alone, half a million pets are euthanized yearly because their owners cannot afford treatment. No one believes this will happen to them.
Protect your Bernedoodle’s health and finances by investing in pet insurance as early as possible in your dog’s life. I use Healthy Paws as they have a good reputation among doodle owners.
With pet insurance, you can cover up to 90% of your vet bills. That’s huge, especially considering how many health problems in Bernedoodles can cost thousands of dollars!
Keep your weight under control.
Just like in humans, obesity in dogs can lead to many related diseases. If your dog is gaining weight, talk to your vet to work on weight control as soon as possible.
As simple as it sounds, proper nutrition and exercise significantly extend the life of your Bernedoodle!
Don’t let go of your dog.
If your Bernedoodle is lost, they are less than 25% likely to return home alive. It is even scarier when you consider that 1 in 3 pets is missing in their lives.
I recommend getting a GPS tracking collar like Fi’s to help you keep a better eye on your Bernedoodle and not become part of this unfortunate statistic.
I did a simple experiment where I intentionally lost my doodle to see the difference this device makes in finding it. Watch the full video to see how powerful this intelligent collar is!
Have a good oral hygiene routine
is by far the most overlooked aspect of dog health and life expectancy. Improving oral hygiene can ward off possible diseases and increase the lifespan of your Bernedoodle.
Simple things like brushing your puppy’s teeth and giving a dental treatment here and there will make a big difference over time.
Visit your vet for regular checkups.
Annual checkups and keeping your Bernedoodle vaccinated are essential. These visits will help you identify and treat potential health problems early, which can sometimes make a difference between life and death.
FAQ
What is the average lifespan of a Bernedoodle?
The average lifespan of a Bernedoodle is around 12-15 years. However, this can vary depending on various factors such as diet, exercise, genetics, and overall health.
Is Bernedoodles prone to any particular health issues that could shorten their lifespan?
Like all breeds, Bernedoodles can be prone to specific health issues impacting their lifespan. Some common health issues in Bernedoodles include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and skin allergies. Working with a reputable breeder who conducts health screenings on their breeding dogs is essential to minimize the risk of these issues.
Can the size of a Bernedoodle affect its lifespan?
The size of a Bernedoodle can affect its lifespan. Miniature Bernedoodles (those weighing less than 50 pounds) tend to have longer lifespans than larger Bernedoodles.
What can I do to ensure that my Bernedoodle lives a long and healthy life?
There are several things you can do to ensure that your Bernedoodle lives a long and healthy life:
- Feed your Bernedoodle a high-quality, balanced diet, and make sure they get enough exercise.
- Keep your Bernedoodle up-to-date on their vaccinations and visit the vet regularly for checkups.
- Keep your Bernedoodle groomed regularly to prevent skin problems and parasites.
- Train and socialize your Bernedoodle early to help prevent behavior issues.
Is there a difference in lifespan between a first-generation Bernedoodle and a multi-generation Bernedoodle?
There is no significant difference in lifespan between first-generation Bernedoodles (F1) and multi-generation Bernedoodles (F2 or beyond). However, F1 Bernedoodles (produced by crossing a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog with a purebred Poodle) may be less likely to inherit specific health issues more commonly seen in purebred Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Are there any genetic conditions or inherited traits that could impact the lifespan of a Bernedoodle?
There are several genetic conditions and inherited traits that can impact the lifespan of a Bernedoodle. These include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and certain skin conditions. Working with a reputable breeder who conducts health screenings on their breeding dogs is essential to minimize the risk of these issues.
What is the oldest known Bernedoodle on record?
I am not aware of the oldest known Bernedoodle on record. However, a Bernedoodle can live a long and happy life with proper care and a healthy lifestyle.
See Also: Bernedoodle Dog Breed Information & Pictures