What Are the Bernedoodle Generations and What Do They Mean?
The Bernedoodle is a popular designer breed that combines the intelligence and low-shedding qualities of the Poodle with the loyal and affectionate nature of the Bernese Mountain Dog. While all Bernedoodles share a friendly temperament and allergy-friendly coats, their generation plays a key role in determining coat type, shedding propensity, and even personality traits. Understanding Bernedoodle generations can help potential owners find the perfect fit for their lifestyle. In this guide, we’ll break down each generation, explain what they mean, and help you determine which one is best for your home.
Understanding Bernedoodle Generations
What Does “Generation” Mean in Bernedoodles?
When talking about Bernedoodle generations, we refer to how many times a Bernedoodle has been bred back to a Poodle or another Bernedoodle. This classification helps predict characteristics like:
- Coat type – straight, wavy, or curly
- Hypoallergenic properties – all Bernedoodles from Fox Creek Farm are DNA tested to know their allergy-friendly characteristics.
- Size and temperament – slight variations depending on genetics
Each generation of Bernedoodle is labeled with a combination of letters and/or numbers, such as F1, F1B, or Multigen. These distinctions help owners understand the balance of Bernese Mountain Dog vs. Poodle genes in their puppy.
Breakdown of Bernedoodle Generations
F1 Bernedoodle (First Generation)
The F1 Bernedoodle is a 50/50 mix of a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog and a purebred Poodle. This first-generation mix offers a great balance of both parent breeds and is known for its wavy or straight coat, friendly personality, and moderate maintenance needs.
Key Traits of the F1 Bernedoodle:
- 50% Bernese Mountain Dog, 50% Poodle
- Coat type: Can be wavy, straight, or lightly curly
- Hypoallergenic: Some shedding
- Temperament: Loyal, intelligent, and affectionate
F1 Bernedoodles are a great choice for families looking for a classic Bernedoodle with a mix of both parent breeds’ characteristics. However, F1’s are not the best choice for families with allergies to shedding dogs.
F1B Bernedoodle (First Generation Backcross)
The F1B Bernedoodle is created by crossing an F1 Bernedoodle (50% Bernese Mountain Dog, 50% Poodle) back with a purebred Poodle. This results in a dog that is approximately 75% Poodle and 25% Bernese Mountain Dog, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a Poodle tempered dog.
Key Traits of the F1B Bernedoodle:
- 75% Poodle, 25% Bernese Mountain Dog
- Coat Type: Typically curly or wavy
- Shedding Level: Half the puppies in an F1B litter will inherit only one furnishing gene meaning only half the puppies will be non-shedding. DNA testing on each individual puppy is necessary to determine the shedding and non-shedding puppies.
- Hypoallergenic: Approximately half of each litter will be ideal for families with allergies
- Temperament: Intelligent, affectionate, and highly trainable
Since the F1B Bernedoodle inherits more Poodle genes, it often has a curlier coat, which requires regular grooming to prevent matting. This generation can be a fantastic option for families who want a low-shedding, allergy-friendly Bernedoodle with a loving and playful personality, but DNA testing on individual puppies is necessary to determine if they have one of two furnishing genes. Half the puppies in an F1B litter will have the same shedding traits as an F1 Bernedoodle.
Multigen Bernedoodle
The Multigen Bernedoodle is a cross between two Bernedoodles and is sometimes labeled as an F3 Bernedoodle. This generation can have the widest variety of coat type and color. These Bernedoodles have been selectively bred to refine coat consistency, temperament, and hypoallergenic properties. By this stage, experienced breeders have carefully chosen pairings to produce predictable coats and a balanced temperament.
Key Traits of the Multigen Bernedoodle:
- Coat Type: Can be straight, wavy, or curly
- Hypoallergenic: When utilizing DNA on the parents, entire litters of non-shedding puppies can be produced.
- Temperament: Loyal, social, and intelligent
Because Multigenerational Bernedoodles come from generations of carefully selected parents, they often have the most predictable coat, size, and temperament. These Bernedoodles are a fantastic option for families who want a well-balanced, hypoallergenic, and loving companion with a reliable personality and coat type.
Choosing the Right Bernedoodle Generation
With so many Bernedoodle generations available, it’s important to select the one that best fits your family’s needs.
Factors to Consider:
- Allergies – If allergies are a concern, Bernedoodles are one of the best choices. Bernedoodles from Fox Creek Farm Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles are allergy friendly and highly chosen among allergy sufferers.
- Coat Maintenance – Curlier coats require more grooming.
Personality Traits – All Bernedoodles are affectionate and intelligent, but generations with more Poodle influence tend to be higher-energy. - Size & Appearance – Later generations often have more predictable sizes and coat types, while early generations can have more variation.
Final Thoughts on Bernedoodle Generations
Understanding the generations of Bernedoodles is essential when choosing the perfect companion. While every Bernedoodle is known for its affectionate personality, intelligence, and striking appearance, their generational differences help determine coat type, grooming needs, and overall predictability in traits.
At Fox Creek Farm, most of our Bernedoodle litters are 100% hypoallergenic, no matter their generation or coat type. In litters where one parent carries just one furnishing gene, DNA testing is done to determine the shedding factor for each individual puppy. Puppies will be individually DNA tested and placed appropriately with families. Regardless of the generation, you can rest assured that your puppy has been carefully bred to ensure the best possible traits. Each Bernedoodle is a loving, social, and devoted family member who will bring years of joy, companionship, and fun.
By understanding these generations, you can make an informed decision that best fits your lifestyle, ensuring that your Bernedoodle becomes the perfect addition to your home. No matter which generation you choose, you are guaranteed a loyal and affectionate companion who will thrive as a cherished part of your family.
