19 Important Questions to Ask Your Bernedoodle Breeder: A Complete Guide for New Puppy Parents
Bringing a Bernedoodle into your home is an exciting, life-changing decision—one that brings joy, companionship, and a whole lot of fluffy cuddles. With their friendly nature, high intelligence, and low-shedding coats, Bernedoodles have quickly become one of the most popular doodle mixes among families, singles, and even first-time dog owners.
A cross between the loyal Bernese Mountain Dog and the clever, hypoallergenic Poodle, the Bernedoodle is known for its winning combination of traits. These dogs tend to be social, loving, and relatively easy to train, making them excellent companions for homes with children, other pets, or people looking for an affectionate shadow to follow them around. Their teddy bear looks and sweet temperaments are hard to resist—but it’s not just about the cuteness factor.
Before you fall head over heels for a puppy photo or make a quick decision based on price or proximity, it’s critical to understand that where and how your Bernedoodle is bred will have long-term effects on its health, behavior, and overall quality of life. The breeder you choose plays a massive role in your dog’s development, and not all breeders uphold the same standards. In fact, the growing popularity of designer breeds like Bernedoodles has unfortunately opened the door to unethical breeding practices, puppy mills, and under-socialized litters sold online or through pet stores.
Choosing the right breeder is the foundation for a healthy, happy dog. A reputable breeder does far more than pair two dogs together and wait for puppies. They invest significant time, care, and resources into ensuring the well-being of their dogs. This includes performing comprehensive health testing on parent dogs to screen for hereditary diseases, implementing early socialization practices to raise confident and resilient puppies, maintaining clean and enriching environments for their dogs, and staying available as a support system for new owners long after the puppy goes home.
It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of choosing a new family member, but patience and research are key. Asking the right questions upfront helps you avoid heartbreak, unexpected veterinary bills, and behavioral issues down the road. The breeder you choose should be knowledgeable, transparent, and passionate about the breed—not just about making a sale.
To help you make the best decision for your future fur baby, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the most important questions to ask your Bernedoodle breeder before committing. These thoughtful questions will help you uncover how dedicated the breeder is to ethical practices, responsible breeding, and the lifelong welfare of every puppy they raise. Let’s get started.
Why These Questions Matter
The questions below are designed to give you insight into:
- The breeder’s ethics and practices
- The health and temperament of the puppies
- Genetic screening and veterinary care
- Socialization and training efforts
- Your responsibilities as a future owner
Let’s dive in.
1. Can I Meet the Puppy’s Parents?
Meeting the puppy’s parents, especially the mother, gives you a good idea of what your Bernedoodle might be like in terms of temperament, size, and appearance. This also gives you a chance to observe their behavior—are they friendly, calm, or anxious? Responsible breeders are transparent and will introduce you to at least the dam (mother).
✅ What to Look For:
- Clean, healthy dogs with friendly demeanors
- Signs of affection and socialization
- Living conditions that are clean and spacious
2. Have the Parents Been Health Tested?
Bernedoodles can inherit health issues from both parent breeds. Reputable breeders will conduct genetic testing for common conditions like:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Degenerative myelopathy
- von Willebrand’s disease
Ask for documentation and make sure the tests were done by recognized laboratories such as Embark or the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
🚨 Red Flag: If the breeder says testing isn’t necessary or offers vague answers—walk away.
3. Can I See the Results of Genetic Testing and Vet Checks?
Health testing should be backed up with documentation. A trustworthy breeder will gladly share:
- DNA testing results
- OFA or PennHIP certifications
- Vaccination and deworming records
- Notes from a licensed vet
This transparency is key to avoiding future health issues that could cost thousands of dollars and emotional strain.
4. How Are the Puppies Socialized?
The first 8–12 weeks of a puppy’s life are critical for developing confidence and reducing fear-based behaviors. Ask your breeder how they expose puppies to:
- Children and adults
- Other dogs and animals
- Common household sounds
- Handling (like brushing and nail trimming)
Look for breeders who use programs like Puppy Culture or Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) to raise well-rounded pups.
📘 Learn more about these techniques at Puppy Culture.
5. What Generation Is the Bernedoodle? (F1, F1B, F2, etc.)
Different generations of Bernedoodles have different traits:
- F1 (First Generation): 50% Bernese Mountain Dog, 50% Poodle – typically healthier due to hybrid vigor but can vary in coat type.
- F1B: 75% Poodle, 25% Bernese – more hypoallergenic, curlier coats.
- F2: Two F1 Bernedoodles bred together – less predictable outcomes.
This matters for people with allergies or specific preferences about coat type or temperament.
6. How Big Will the Puppy Get?
Bernedoodles come in three sizes:
- Standard: 70–90 lbs
- Mini: 25–49 lbs
- Toy/Micro: 10–24 lbs
Ask for the weight and size of both parents to get an estimate of your puppy’s full-grown size. A reputable breeder will be honest about expected size range but emphasize it’s an estimate, not a guarantee.
7. Can I See Where the Puppies Are Raised?
Visiting the breeder’s facility (or getting a virtual tour) is essential. This gives you insight into:
- Cleanliness and sanitation
- Safety and space
- Interaction with people and other animals
Puppy mills and backyard breeders often hide behind photos. Don’t settle for Instagram-perfect pictures—ask to see the real setup.
8. What Is Included in the Puppy Package?
Reputable breeders often send puppies home with:
- First round of vaccines and vet check
- Health certificate
- Microchip information
- Starter food and a toy or blanket with litter scent
- Spay/neuter agreement (if required)
Some also offer a limited health guarantee (usually 1–2 years) for genetic conditions.
9. Do You Offer a Health Guarantee?
A solid health guarantee indicates the breeder stands behind their breeding practices. It typically covers:
- Genetic illnesses
- Congenital defects
- Hip dysplasia (sometimes)
Make sure the contract is in writing and specifies what’s covered and for how long.
10. What Is Your Return Policy?
Life happens. Responsible breeders will always take a puppy back, regardless of age, if you can no longer care for them. This policy ensures that no puppy ends up in a shelter.
💡 Tip: If a breeder won’t take their dogs back under any circumstances, that’s a red flag.
11. Can I Speak With Past Puppy Buyers?
Testimonials are great—but direct references are better. Ask the breeder if you can contact previous buyers or read recent reviews.
A reputable breeder should be proud of their dogs and have happy families who are willing to vouch for them.
12. Are You a Member of Any Breeder Associations or Clubs?
While the AKC doesn’t register Bernedoodles (as they’re a hybrid breed), breeders can still be members of ethical groups such as:
- Continental Kennel Club (CKC)
- Good Dog’s Responsible Breeding Program
- GANA (for doodle breeders)
Membership shows a commitment to ethics, education, and ongoing improvement.
13. How Do You Match Puppies With Families?
Great breeders don’t operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, they match puppies to homes based on:
- Temperament testing
- Energy level
- Family dynamics
- Experience with dogs
Ask how the breeder assesses each puppy and whether you’ll be part of the decision-making process.
14. When Can I Take the Puppy Home?
Puppies should not go home before 8 weeks of age. Earlier than that can lead to:
- Poor bite inhibition
- Separation anxiety
- Behavioral issues
If a breeder offers to release puppies at 6 weeks—this is a huge red flag.
15. What Support Do You Offer After Adoption?
A responsible breeder will stay in touch and offer ongoing support for:
- Training
- Health concerns
- Behavior questions
They should be a resource for the lifetime of the dog.
16. How Many Litters Do You Have Each Year?
A breeder focused on quality, not quantity, will limit the number of litters per year to ensure:
- Proper care for the mother
- Adequate socialization for each puppy
- Time for rest and recovery between litters
Avoid breeders with excessive litters or who always have puppies available.
17. Do You Have a Spay/Neuter Contract?
Some breeders require you to sign a contract agreeing to spay or neuter the dog by a certain age unless the puppy is sold with full breeding rights.
This prevents irresponsible breeding and protects the puppy’s health long-term.
18. Are You Open to a Home Visit or Video Call?
Even if you can’t visit in person, a reputable breeder will offer:
- Virtual meet-and-greets
- Video calls to see the puppies in real time
- Transparent communication
Be cautious of breeders who refuse to show the environment or won’t let you meet the pups.
19. What Is Your Puppy Reservation Process?
Ask how deposits are handled, what the total cost is, and if deposits are refundable under any circumstance. Clarify the payment schedule and get everything in writing.
💲 A reputable breeder will also disclose:
- What the total cost covers
- What happens if your chosen puppy isn’t available
- Any waitlist policies
20. Do You Have Any Recommendations for Vets, Trainers, or Groomers?
A breeder who truly cares about their puppies will help you set up for success by recommending trusted professionals, especially if you’re new to the breed or area.
Final Thoughts: Why Choosing the Right Bernedoodle Breeder Matters
A responsible breeder is your first and best resource when adding a Bernedoodle to your family. By asking the right questions, you’ll avoid unethical breeders and ensure that your future pup comes from a loving, responsible environment.
A happy, healthy Bernedoodle starts with informed decisions. Your breeder should be a partner—not just a seller.
