What is a Golden Bernedoodle?

“GMD” “Golden mountain Doodle”

golden Bernedoodle
BREED TRAITS & CHARACTERISTICS

• Height: Varies

• Weight: Varies

• Lifespan: 10-15 years (smaller sizes tend to live longer)

A Golden Bernedoodle is a delightful designer hybrid created by crossing a Golden Retriever, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Poodle. Like their counterparts, the Goldendoodle and Bernedoodle, Golden Bernedoodles are intelligent, loving, and loyal companions! They inherit the friendly and outgoing nature of the Golden Retriever, the affectionate personality of the Bernese Mountain Dog, and the intelligence along with the low-shedding coat from the Poodle.

Golden Bernedoodles are a charming combination of Bernese Mountain Dog, Golden Retriever, and Poodle, showcasing the best traits of all three breeds. Known for their friendly temperaments, fluffy coats, and devoted nature, they are rapidly gaining popularity among dog lovers. If you're considering welcoming one into your home, here's what you need to know.

These dogs come in a variety of coat types and colors, but our goal is to produce Golden Bernedoodle puppies that resemble Bernedoodles while incorporating additional red and cream variations, all while maintaining their trainability and love for play and fetch. We prioritize breeding for good health and temperament. With their diverse Poodle gene pools, there is also the potential for Parti coat colors, which is not achievable with first-generation crosses of either breed.

Golden Bernedoodles are friendly, intelligent, and confident, with a happy expression that is both engaging and welcoming to strangers. They are known for being reliable, trustworthy, and well-rounded. Their stability in various situations and environments, especially around children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities, makes them ideal candidates as trained service and therapy dogs.

When crossed with a Bernedoodle, Golden Bernedoodles often inherit the silky coat of their Bernese Mountain Dog grandparent. This hybrid breed combines the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the Poodle with the easygoing, yet incredibly loyal nature of the Bernese. While Bernese Mountain Dogs can be cautious with new people, the Golden Retriever influence helps to diminish this tendency. However, socialization is crucial for any Doodle puppy.

The purpose of crossbreeding these two Doodle breeds (double doodle) is to create the perfect companion and therapy dog for families and organizations in the Midwest. Smaller double doodles may exhibit more energy and stubbornness than their standard-sized counterparts. It’s essential to note that Golden Bernedoodles thrive on human interaction and should not be left alone for extended periods, as they may be prone to separation anxiety. We recommend crate training your Golden Bernedoodle puppy while they're young to help them adjust.

Breed Characteristics: The Best of Both Worlds – Bernedoodle x Goldendoodle – Golden Retriever, Bernese Mountain Dog, & Poodle

A Golden Bernedoodle is a medium to large-sized dog, with males typically larger than females. They boast wavy to curly fur, expressive eyes, and an endearing smile that can melt hearts. While their size may seem imposing, their temperament is anything but. Golden Bernedoodles are friendly, gentle, intelligent, and highly trainable, making them excellent family pets.

A common misconception about this breed is that they are aggressive due to their size. In reality, Golden Bernedoodles are often referred to as "gentle giants," known for their calm demeanor and affectionate nature.

Understanding the Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are celebrated for their exceptional retrieving skills, showcasing both intelligence and high energy levels. Their innate drive to fetch, rooted in their history as hunting companions, reflects their enthusiastic nature. This natural inclination not only serves as a mental stimulus but also meets their need for physical activity. Their zest for retrieving translates directly to their playful demeanor, making them enthusiastic playmates, always eager to fetch balls, toys, or household items. Regular engagement in fetching games not only strengthens the bond between dog and owner but also provides a vital outlet for their energy, keeping these beloved companions happy and healthy.

Understanding the Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their strength and gentle demeanor, possessing a natural inclination for draft work and herding, traits deeply embedded in their history. Their heritage as working dogs is evident in their remarkable ability to pull carts or assist with farm tasks, showcasing both intelligence and robust energy levels. This breed's enthusiasm for physical activities, such as pulling carts or engaging in herding exercises, reflects their energetic nature and desire for purposeful tasks. Regular engagement in such activities fulfills their mental and physical stimulation needs, creating a strong bond between dog and owner, and ensuring these loyal companions thrive.

Understanding the Poodle: Standard, Medium & Toy

Poodles come in three distinct sizes—Standard, Miniature, and Toy—each with unique characteristics. The Standard Poodle, the largest, showcases remarkable intelligence and athleticism, often excelling in various canine sports and activities. Their size accommodates their energetic nature, making them great companions for active lifestyles. Miniature Poodles, while smaller, are equally intelligent and exhibit a playful, affectionate disposition. Their manageable size allows them to adapt well to different living spaces while maintaining their spirited nature. Lastly, Toy Poodles, the smallest in the family, embody grace and charm, with big personalities that shine through their intelligence and lively demeanor. Each Poodle size shares exceptional intelligence, along with distinct temperaments that cater to various preferences and lifestyles, offering companionship and versatility.

Why Breed Golden Bernedoodles?

Imagine a dog that embodies the best traits of multiple worlds—a delightful blend of the friendly nature of a Golden Retriever, the robust energy and working instinct of a Bernese Mountain Dog, and the intelligence and adaptability of various Poodle sizes. This remarkable dog would inherit a gentle and affectionate personality, making it a loving companion to all. Its energy level strikes a balance between an enthusiastic playmate and a diligent worker, thriving on both physical activities and purposeful tasks. With intelligence inherited from Poodles of different sizes, this dog exhibits remarkable trainability and a quick wit, excelling in various activities and responding adeptly to training. Such a combination encompasses the best traits, offering a well-rounded companion—friendly, energetic, intelligent, and versatile in adapting to different lifestyles and tasks.

Care and Grooming Needs

Golden Bernedoodles have a thick, wavy coat that requires regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles. They are low to moderate shedders, depending on the coat type. Regular grooming is essential not just for appearance but also for skin and coat health.

While this breed does not shed as much as some others, neglecting grooming can lead to mats and skin issues. Frequent brushing helps distribute natural oils, promoting a healthy coat and reducing shedding.

Health and Lifespan

Golden Bernedoodles generally have a lifespan of 10-15 years. Like any breed, they are prone to certain health conditions, including hip and elbow dysplasia, eye disorders, and specific skin conditions. Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for early detection of potential issues and ensuring your pet's long, healthy life.

An often-overlooked aspect of health is dental care. Regular dental checks and cleaning can prevent dental diseases that could lead to serious health problems over time.

Training and Behavior Tips

Golden Bernedoodles are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. It’s important to start training at an early age, focusing on basic obedience, socialization, and good manners. This breed responds well to positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, or play.

Training is about building a bond with your pet and understanding their needs and behavior better. To train your Golden Bernedoodle effectively, practice patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Both Bernese Mountain Dogs and Golden Bernedoodles can learn basic obedience with ease.

Early training is vital for a Golden Bernedoodle to help socialize and set limits. As a slower-maturing breed, puppyhood lasts longer, so patience and consistency are essential. Given their heritage, these dogs can pull substantial weight, so it’s crucial to start leash training early to prevent pulling as they grow larger and stronger.

Suitable Environments for Golden Bernedoodles

Golden Bernedoodles are adaptable and can adjust to various living conditions. However, they are active dogs that require regular exercise to stay physically and mentally stimulated. A home with a backyard is ideal, but they can also adapt to apartment living as long as they receive sufficient exercise and mental stimulation.

Before bringing a Golden Bernedoodle into your home, consider your lifestyle, space, and availability. These dogs thrive on companionship and do not do well when left alone for extended periods.

Dogs for Search and Rescue

Both Bernese Mountain Dogs and Golden Retrievers are frequently utilized in search and rescue operations. Their friendly nature and love for people make them excellent candidates for animal-assisted therapy as well. This breed is known for its versatility, excelling in various activities such as tracking, herding, guarding, and search and rescue. Golden Retrievers possess an incredible sense of smell, with 300 million olfactory receptors compared to humans' 6 million, making them ideal for these tasks.

Golden Bernedoodles are gaining popularity in search and rescue missions due to their obedience, energy, and eagerness to please. They also excel in retrieving games in hunting sports, showcasing their exceptional instincts.

Avalanche dogs play a crucial role in locating individuals buried in snow. They signal rescue teams by digging to indicate where a victim is buried. The rescue mission is considered one of the most physically demanding tasks. Young dogs undergo slower-paced training to allow their bodies to mature, with an emphasis on building positive relationships, attentiveness, basic obedience, and exposure to diverse sights, sounds, social situations, and environments.

Conclusion

Golden Mountain Doodles: The Ultimate Family Companion

Golden Mountain Doodles are not only a delightful breed, but they also possess a unique combination of qualities that make them an exceptional choice for any dog lover. With the loyalty of a Bernese Mountain Dog, the intelligence of a Poodle, and the friendliness of a Golden Retriever, these dogs truly have it all.

Grooming and Care Needs

While they are relatively easy to care for, it's important to note that Golden Mountain Doodles still require regular grooming, exercise, and plenty of love and attention. Their curly, hypoallergenic coats need to be brushed frequently to prevent matting, and regular baths will keep them looking clean and fabulous. This breed's coat can vary, with some being more wavy and others curlier, but all will benefit from a consistent grooming routine to maintain their health and appearance.

Exercise and Lifestyle Requirements

Golden Mountain Doodles are active pups that thrive on physical activities, so daily walks and playtime are essential to keep them happy and healthy. Engaging in fetch games, agility training, or simply exploring the outdoors together will not only satisfy their physical needs but also strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend.

Their friendly and social nature means they enjoy human interaction and companionship, making them excellent family pets. It’s crucial to remember that these dogs are social creatures who require ample opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation.

Training and Socialization

Providing them with appropriate training and socialization from a young age will ensure that they grow into well-rounded and obedient companions. Golden Mountain Doodles are eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement methods, which makes training a rewarding experience. Consistency, patience, and love are key ingredients in helping them learn commands and proper behavior.

Ideal Home Environment

With their loving nature and adorable looks, Golden Mountain Doodles can make a wonderful addition to many homes. They are great with children and other pets, making them an ideal choice for families. However, they do require an active lifestyle that can be met by individuals or families who are committed to providing them with the love, care, and attention they deserve.

Creating a loving, safe environment for them to thrive in is key. Consider your lifestyle, space, and availability when welcoming a Golden Mountain Doodle into your home.

Coat Genetics of Golden Bernedoodles: Understanding the Challenges and Opportunities

Golden Bernedoodles, a charming blend of Golden Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Poodles, exhibit a variety of coat colors and patterns. However, producing tri-colored puppies presents unique challenges due to the genetic makeup of the parent breeds, particularly the Golden Retriever.

Coat Genetics Overview

The coat color of Golden Bernedoodles is influenced by the genes inherited from their parent breeds. Golden Retrievers typically have a solid coat pattern, characterized by the KBKB genotype, which denotes a dominant black gene that suppresses the expression of other colors and patterns. This genetic limitation makes it difficult to produce tri-colored offspring, as the gene necessary for this pattern—commonly associated with the Bernese Mountain Dog—may not be expressed.

On the other hand, the Bernese Mountain Dog is known for its striking tri-color coat, which consists of black, white, and rust markings. When breeding a Golden Bernedoodle, the potential for tri-color puppies is significantly hampered by the solid coat genetics of the Golden Retriever.

Focus on Chocolate GMDs and Red Merle

At Stokeshire, we are currently focusing on producing Chocolate Golden Mountain Doodles (GMDs) and Red Merle varieties. These coat colors are not only beautiful but also carry unique genetics that can result in a stunning and diverse range of puppies. By selectively breeding for these colors, we aim to enhance the visual appeal and uniqueness of our GMDs.

Our commitment to Chocolate GMDs allows us to explore the recessive genes that can bring about these rich hues while maintaining the temperament and physical traits that make Golden Mountain Doodles or Golden Bernedoodles such beloved family companions. Meanwhile, incorporating Red Merle into our breeding program provides an exciting opportunity to introduce a visually striking pattern that stands out in the breed.

Ensuring Active Lifestyles: Retrieving and Swimming

In addition to the aesthetic aspects of coat color, we prioritize the functional traits of our Golden Mountain Doodles. We want our GMDs not only to be visually appealing but also to embody the athleticism and drive associated with their heritage. With their lineage rooted in Golden Retrievers and Bernese Mountain Dogs, we aim to create dogs that are eager to retrieve and enjoy swimming—activities that are integral to their breed characteristics.

These active pursuits are essential for a dog’s physical and mental well-being. Retrieving is an inherent trait of Golden Retrievers, while the sturdy build of the Bernese Mountain Dog contributes to their strength and endurance. By breeding for these characteristics, we ensure that our GMDs will thrive in environments that promote exercise and outdoor adventures, enriching their lives and deepening the bond with their families.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a furry friend that will bring endless joy and love to your life, consider welcoming a Golden Mountain Doodle into your home. With their winning personalities and irresistible charm, they are sure to become an inseparable part of your family in no time. These playful pups not only offer companionship but also embody the essence of loyalty, intelligence, and warmth, making every day with them a joyful adventure.

Our Golden Bernedoodle Puppies

Our Golden Bernedoodle Litters