A Guide to the F1B Bernedoodle – What Makes Them Unique?


Bernedoodles are a designer breed that crosses Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles.
Their genetic makeup will vary across each generation as they will carry different percentages of DNA from their parent breeds.
Different generations of Bernedoodles will have different characteristics, making certain generations more desirable than others.
This brings us to one of the most desirable generations in Bernedoodles, which is the F1B generation.
F1B Bernedoodles come from breeding a first-generation (F1) Bernedoodle with a pure Bernese Mountain Dog or a pure Poodle, resulting in them carrying more of one of their parent breeds’ DNA.
So, keep reading to learn all the information you need to know about F1B Bernedoodles and what makes them so desirable.

Brief Overview About F1B Bernedoodles

Other Names Backcross Bernedoodles
Weight 50 to 70 Pounds
Height23 to 27 inches 
Lifespan 10 to 12 years 
Colors Black, Brown, Tan, White, Cream, Chocolate, Tri-Color, Sable, Merle, Phantom
Coat TypesStraight, Curly
Health 7/10
Grooming Needs9/10
Exercise Needs8/10
Shedding Frequency5/10
Kid Friendliness 9/10
Pet Friendliness 9/10
Suitability as Family Dogs9/10
Suitability as Guard Dogs5/10
Suitability for Living in Apartments 8/10 
Average Puppy Cost $3000 to $5000

The Physical Characteristics of F1B Bernedoodles

F1b Bernedoodle dog
  • Height: 23 to 27 inches (Standard)
  • Weight: 50 to 70 Pounds (Standard)
  • Coat Colors:  Black, Brown, Tan, White, Cream, Chocolate, Tri-Color, Sable, Merle, Phantom
  • Coat Types: Straight, Curly

The F1B Bernedoodle’s Size

The size F1B Bernedoodles reach full growth depends mainly on their genetic makeup and the parent breed they take after the most since Bernese Mountain Dogs are bigger than Poodles.

It can also depend on the Bernedoodle’s gender since male dogs tend to be larger than female dogs.

F1B Bernedoodles are sorted into three main sizes: standard, medium, and mini.

  • Standard F1B Bernedoodles weigh 50 to 70 pounds and stand at 23 to 27 inches.
  • Medium F1B Bernedoodles weigh from 35 to 55 pounds and stand at 18 to 22 inches.
  • Mini F1B Bernedoodles weigh from 15 to 35 pounds and stand at 12 to 17 inches.

Medium and Mini Bernedoodles will be ideal for owners that live in small houses or apartments.

However, breeding them is more complicated, which makes them more expensive. They are also not as common as standard Bernedoodles.

The F1B Bernedoodle’s Coat Colors and Types

When it comes to the coat color, F1B Bernedoodles come in a wide variety of colors.

They come in traditional or standard colors such as black, brown, tan, white, cream, or a mix of 2 of these colors. They also come in rare colors such as tri-color, sable, chocolate, merle, or phantom.

You can learn about each of these coats in the following guides:

When it comes to the coat type, F1B Bernedoodles can either have a straight coat similar to Bernese Mountain Dogs or curly coats similar to Poodles. Each type has different characteristics, such as texture or shedding frequency.

The type of coat the dog will have depends mainly on its genetic makeup and which of its parent breeds it takes after more.

So, if the F1B Bernedoodle is a result of breeding a Bernedoodle and a pure Bernese Mountain Dog, it will be carrying more of the Bernese’s genes which means it’s most likely to have a straight coat.

On the other hand, if the F1B Bernedoodle is a result of breeding a Bernedoodle and a pure Poodle, then it will be carrying more of the Poodle’s genes which means it’s most likely to have a curly coat.

Parent Breeds

F1B Bernedoodles come from breeding a first-generation (F1) Bernedoodle with either a pure Bernese Mountain Dog or a pure Poodle which is known as backcrossing.

Before we get into the genetic makeup of F1B Bernedoodles, let’s quickly breakdown what the term “F1B” actually means:

  • The letter “F” refers to “filial hybrid,” which means that the Bernedoodle isn’t a pure breed but rather a cross between two different breeds, Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles.
  • The number 1 refers to the number of the generation the dog comes from, which is the first generation in this case.
  • The letter “B” refers to “backcross,” which means that the Bernedoodles are bred with one of their pure parent breeds to bring back more of their DNA essentially.

When it comes to the genetic makeup of F1B Bernedoodles, these dogs will carry 75% of the DNA of the parent breed they have been backcrossed to.

The majority of F1B breeders will backcross to Poodles because carrying more of the Poodle genes will make the dog’s coat low shedding and more hypoallergenic, therefore, more desirable.

Meanwhile, backcrossing to Bernese Mountain Dogs is highly uncommon as it doesn’t offer any advantages.

You can learn more about what dog generations mean and how each generation is different in this guide to the Multigenerational Goldendoodle.

Temperament 

F1B Bernedoodles have a temperament that’s similar to their parent breeds. They have many positive traits that make them great companions for any family.

They’re very loyal and loving, so they will easily get along with others, including children and pets. They’re also intelligent, energetic, and playful, which makes them fun to be around.

They don’t have any negative traits; however, they might be considered clingy as they love getting attention. They won’t tolerate not getting attention or being alone as they are prone to developing separation anxiety.

Health and Lifespan 

The health of F1B Bernedoodles will depend on which parent breed they’ve been backcrossed to since Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally prone to develop more health problems than Poodles.

Some of the common health issues that F1B Bernedoodles might develop are:

  • Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
  • Von Willebrand’s Disease
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Cancer
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Epilepsy
  • Addison’s Disease
  • Thyroid Issues
  • Heart Problems
  • Allergies
  • Various Skin Conditions

The lifespan of F1B Bernedoodles ranges from 10 to 12 years, on average. It will depend mostly on their genetic makeup and overall health, and it will also depend on how well you take care of them.

Nutritional Needs 

The nutritional needs of F1B Bernedoodles will depend mainly on their size and energy levels.

The bigger and more energetic F1B Bernedoodles are, the more calories they will need to consume to grow and remain healthy. They also need to consume different nutrients such as proteins, fibers, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

It’s recommended to consult a pet nutritionist about the dog’s diet to determine its daily calorie intake and what kind of food would be best for it. It’s also recommended to consult a vet to check whether the dog is allergic to any kind of food.

Shedding Frequency

The shedding frequency of F1B Bernedoodles will depend on the type of coat they have.

F1B Bernedoodles with straight coats will be high shedding which means they’re the least hypoallergenic. Meanwhile, F1B Bernedoodles with curly coats will be low shedding which means they’re the most hypoallergenic.

Grooming Needs

The grooming needs of F1B Bernedoodles include maintaining their coat, clipping their nails, and brushing their teeth on a regular basis.

When it comes to maintaining their coats, you need to brush them at least once a week to prevent any tangling. 

You also need to bathe them at least once a month to prevent their coat from accumulating dirt and smelling bad.

The frequency will depend on the kind of coat the dog has since straight coats do not need to be brushed or washed as often as curly coats do.

Exercise Needs 

F1B Bernedoodles are highly energetic, so they need regular exercise to release energy. If they don’t get enough exercise, they will become hyperactive, which will cause them to display some destructive behaviors.

Their exercise needs will vary depending on their age and energy levels:

  • When they’re puppies, they will need to exercise for about 30 minutes a day.
  • When they’re adults, they will need to exercise for about 60 minutes a day.

Training 

F1B Bernedoodles are highly intelligent, and they have good intuition. They will be easy to train as long as you start their training early and remain consistent throughout the process.

Training as Family Dogs 

F1B Bernedoodles will make great family dogs since they’re originally bred for companionship.

When training them to be family dogs, you need to teach them to follow basic commands and manage their behavior by rewarding good behavior and discouraging bad behavior.

You also need to start socializing them early to teach them to get along well with others, whether it’s people or dogs. Socialization will also help them become more adaptable and less prone to violence.

Training as Guard Dogs 

F1B Bernedoodles will not make great guard dogs even though they’re loyal and protective of their family.

It’s part of their instinct to bark at strangers or anything unfamiliar to alert their family. However, it’s not part of their instinct to attack anyone, so you won’t be very successful in training them to attack someone on command.

How Much Do F1B Bernedoodles Cost?

F1B Bernedoodles cost from $3000 to $5000, on average.

There’s a high demand for F1B Bernedoodles as they tend to be the least shedding and the most hypoallergenic. 

This high demand makes them less available and therefore more expensive.

Some breeders have waitlists that are over a year long. They will also ask for a deposit fee to reserve one of the puppies in the litter before it’s even born.

The cost of F1B Bernedoodles is also determined by other factors such as:

  • The dog’s size
  • The dog’s coat color and type
  • The place of purchase
  • The reputation of the breeder

Where to Find F1B Bernedoodles? 

It’s not common to find F1B Bernedoodles in shelters or pet stores, so your best chance to find a healthy F1B Bernedoodle is to go directly to the breeder.

Purchasing dogs directly from the breeder will cost more than purchasing them from a shelter or a pet store, especially if it’s a reputable breeder.

However, the high cost will be worth it because reputable breeders take all the necessary safety measures and follow ethical practices to ensure that their litters will be healthy.

Here’s a list of some trusted, reputable breeders across the United States that will have F1B Bernedoodles available:

Highfalutin Furry Babies

Highfalutin Furry Babies focus on breeding F1 and F1B Bernedoodles in all sizes and colors, so they will be able to provide you with a puppy that will suit your needs and preferences.

They are located in Florida, but they can safely deliver puppies across the United States as well as other countries, including Canada, the UK, Italy, France, Norway, and Germany.

They have a hand delivery system without any extra charges, so they can meet each buyer personally to hand off the puppies and go over important information.

You can check their website for information about their adoption process and delivery system.

Great Lakes Bernedoodles

Great Lakes Bernedoodles focus on breeding different generations of standard size Bernedoodles. They provide some basic training for all of their dogs, including potty training and crate training.

They are located in Michigan, and they only deliver within their area. They also no longer allow visitors to meet the puppies as they believe it jeopardizes their health.

You can check their website to learn more about their policy and adoption process.

Country Lace Bernedoodles

Country Lace Bernedoodles focus on breeding F1 and F1B Bernedoodles in different sizes. They offer a pre-written two-year health warranty with all of their dogs.

They are located in Tennessee, and they usually encourage owners to pick up the puppies in person. However, they can safely deliver puppies across the United States.

You can check their website for more information about their adoption and delivery process.

Rocky Mountain Bernedoodles

Rocky Mountain Bernedoodles breed different generations of Bernedoodles. They test all of their dogs, and they provide a three-year health warranty.

They are located in Colorado, but they can safely deliver the puppies across the United States. They also allow owners to visit so they can meet the puppies or pick them up in person.

You can check their website for more information about their adoption and delivery process.

 Utah Bernedoodles

Utah Bernedoodles breed different generations of Bernedoodles in different sizes and colors. They were actually the first to breed mini-sized Bernedoodle in the United States.

They are located in Utah, but they can safely deliver the puppies to over 30 states as well as other countries such as the UK and Canada.

You can check their website for more information about their adoption and delivery process.

What You Need to Know About the F1B Bernedoodle In A Nutshell 

F1B Bernedoodles are ideal for families because they have good temperaments with many positive traits. It will be easy to train them and take care of them. Since they tend to carry more of the Poodle gene, they will also have hypoallergenic coats.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can F1B Bernedoodles have Furnishings?

F1B Bernedoodles can have furnishings if they carry more of their Poodle parent’s genes since the gene that’s responsible for furnishings mostly comes from Poodles. F1B Bernedoodles that have furnishings will have long hair on their faces, especially their eyebrows, mustache, and beard.

What Are F1BB Bernedoodles?

F1Bb Bernedoodles are the result of breeding an F1B Bernedoodle with a purebred dog. They will carry 87.5% of the genes from either Bernese Mountain Dogs or Poodles. Most breeders prefer to breed F1B Bernedoodles with Poodles because carrying more of the Poodle genes makes them more desirable.

Can F1B Bernedoodles Get Registered with Any Kennel Cubs?

Bernedoodles can get registered with some kennel clubs for hybrid breeds, such as the American Canine Hybrid Club. However, they cannot get registered with major kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club or the United Kennel Club, as they only recognize pure breeds.

Which Bernedoodle Generation Is Considered the Best?

There’s no Bernedoodle generation that’s considered the best. However, some generations have characteristics that are more desirable than others, depending on your preference. F1 and F2 Bernedoodles tend to be the healthiest. Meanwhile, F1B and F1BB Bernedoodles tend to be the most hypoallergenic.

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Matt

Hey there, I'm Matt, the author behind Retrievershub.com. With a deep love for dogs and a dedication to strengthening the bond between owners and their retrievers, I've created a hub of resources for enthusiasts like you. Through engaging articles, training guides, and product reviews, I aim to provide practical advice that makes a real difference in your life as a dog owner. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the world of retrievers, my approachable and informative writing style ensures that you'll find valuable insights. Join me on this incredible journey of discovering what makes retrievers tick, unlocking their potential, and creating an unbreakable bond with your furry companion. Let's embark on an adventure of dog ownership together. Thank you for visiting Retrievershub.com and being part of our vibrant community.

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