If you’re here, you’ve probably fallen in love with the Bernedoodle’s adorable face and unique, teddy-bear-like charm. And now you’re asking the most important question of all: “Are they good with my family?”

I get asked this all the time here at Goldendoodle Lovely, and the short answer is a resounding yes!

Bernedoodles are not just good family dogs—they are fantastic. But like any dog, they’re not a perfect fit for every family. The key is to understand their unique personality, which comes from their incredible parent breeds: the gentle Bernese Mountain Dog and the intelligent Poodle.

Let’s dive into why so many families are finding their perfect match in a Bernedoodle.

1. Their Temperament: The Gentle (or Mini) Giant with a Goofy Side

The Bernedoodle’s personality is truly a perfect blend of its parents.

From the Bernese Mountain Dog, they get a calm, patient, and incredibly loyal nature. Bernese are known for being affectionate and devoted companions, and that love of family is a hallmark of a Bernedoodle. They often have a “gentle giant” quality about them – even the mini version, preferring to be close to their people rather than constantly running around.

From the Poodle, they get their intelligence and a bit of playful goofiness. Poodles are smart, eager to please, and can be quite clever. This balances out the Bernese’s more laid-back nature, giving the Bernedoodle a wonderful sense of humor and a playful streak that’s just contagious.

2. Bernedoodles and Kids: A Match Made in Heaven?

This is where Bernedoodles really shine as family dogs. Their patience is legendary! They are known to be incredibly tolerant and gentle with children of all ages. They seem to understand the delicate balance of being a kid’s best friend while also being a calm and steady presence.

That said, it’s always important to teach children how to properly interact with any dog, and to supervise playtime. A Bernedoodle will happily lie by your child’s side while they read a book, but they’ll also join in on a game of fetch in the backyard.

3. Their Energy Level: The Perfect Balance

While they are playful, Bernedoodles are not typically high-energy dogs. They are not like some other doodles that need hours of intense running every single day. Their energy level is a great match for a wide variety of families.

They thrive on a good daily walk, a game of tug-of-war, or some dedicated playtime in the yard. After that, they are usually happy to come inside and curl up for a nap at your feet. This makes them a great fit for families who want an active dog but don’t have the time for a marathon every day.

4. Trainability: Smart, but You Need to Be Consistent

Thanks to their Poodle heritage, Bernedoodles are very intelligent and quick to learn. They respond well to positive reinforcement training. However, the Bernese Mountain Dog side can sometimes introduce a stubborn streak.

This isn’t a bad thing! It just means they need a consistent and patient leader. Starting early with puppy obedience classes and being firm and fair with your expectations will help you raise a well-mannered and responsive family member.

The Bottom Line: So, Are They Right for Your Family?

If you are looking for a loyal, patient, and loving companion with a balanced energy level, the Bernedoodle could be your perfect match. They thrive on being a part of the family and their gentle nature makes them a wonderful addition to homes with children.

Of course, a good family dog starts with a responsible breeder who focuses on health, temperament, and socialization. That’s our top priority here at Goldendoodle Lovely.

Ready to find out if a Bernedoodle is right for you? We are passionate about raising healthy and happy Bernedoodles (and Goldendoodles, Cavapoos, and Sheepadoodles!) for wonderful families just like yours.

Visit our website to learn more about our available puppies and our amazing Guardian Home Program! Check Out Available Puppies