King Bernedoodle Complete Breed Guide

If you've landed here wondering what a King Bernedoodle actually is, I'm so glad you asked, because the answer is a little different from what you'll find in other corners of the internet. A King Bernedoodle, in my program, is a Cavapoo (or a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) bred to a Mini Bernedoodle. That makes it a true three-breed blend, bringing together the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the Bernese Mountain Dog, and the Poodle in one family-friendly, ridiculously lovable package. The "cavapoo bernedoodle mix" gets described in different ways, so this guide tells you exactly what my King Bernedoodles are, what to expect in size, coat, temperament, and health, and how to find a responsible breeder. You can also learn more about my King Bernedoodles on the main hub page.

What Is a King Bernedoodle?

My King Bernedoodle is a Cavapoo or a Cavalier crossed with a Mini Bernedoodle. I want to be really clear about this, because if you search for King Bernedoodles you may find programs using that name for very different pairings. In my program, a Cavapoo (already a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle cross; read all about my Cuddle Cavapoos) is paired with a Mini Bernedoodle, which is a Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle cross. The goal is healthier puppies with hypoallergenic, low-shedding coats in a size that fits family life.

This is not a Bernese Mountain Dog crossed with a Standard Poodle. That's a Standard Bernedoodle, which is a beautiful dog, but a very different dog from the ones I raise.

The Three Breeds Behind My King Bernedoodles

Each of the three breeds contributes something, and I love that I can point to exactly what each one brings.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the heart of this cross. Cavaliers are among the most affectionate, gentle, people-oriented dogs there are. They want to be close to you, and they bring a softness to the whole personality.

The Bernese Mountain Dog adds that devoted, calm, family-loving quality. Berners are known for being good-natured and steady, the kind of dog that's just as happy on a hike as draped across your feet.

The Poodle brings intelligence, trainability, and the furnishing genetics that make low-shedding coats possible, which I explain below.

How the "King" Name Is Used Elsewhere

The king bernedoodle breed name has no registry definition, and different programs use "King" differently. Some use it for a larger Bernedoodle; others use it as a size tier. In my program, "King" means the Cavapoo or Cavalier × Mini Bernedoodle cross. Whenever you're researching any doodle, ask the breeder exactly which breeds and generations are behind the puppy. Don't assume the name tells the whole story.

Quick Facts About My King Bernedoodles

Parentage: Cavapoo or Cavalier × Mini Bernedoodle
Heritage breeds: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bernese Mountain Dog, Poodle
Typical size: 25–35 lbs
Life expectancy: 12–15 years
Coat: Furnishings and low-shed genes determine shedding, not curl pattern
Temperament: Chill, social, intelligent, people-loving; great with children
Grooming: Daily brushing; professional groom every 2–4 months

For a deeper dive, my King Bernedoodle size guide and lifespan and health guide cover the details.

The History of the Bernedoodle

The Bernedoodle (Bernese Mountain Dog × Poodle) has been bred intentionally in North America since the early 2000s. The idea was to combine the Bernese Mountain Dog's gentle, devoted nature with the Poodle's intelligence and low-shedding coat genetics. It isn't recognized as a breed by the major kennel clubs, but that has never stopped families from falling completely in love with them.

Why I Breed King Bernedoodles

Standard and even Medium Bernedoodles are wonderful, but they're big dogs, and I wanted a dog that was truly family-sized. They are the Goldilocks of dogs. Not too big. Not too small. Just right.

I also love what the Cavalier brings in temperament, and what careful pairing lets me do for coats and health. I health test every parent and make thoughtful pairings every generation, but I'll never promise you that a cross eliminates inherited health problems. What I can promise is that I'm always asking the genetics questions and making the most responsible pairings I can. I am OBSESSED with canine genetics, and I teach genetics classes to other breeders, so this is not something I take lightly.

How Big Does a King Bernedoodle Get?

King Bernedoodle size varies a little from puppy to puppy, because they inherit from several breeds and individual parents, but they typically fall around 25–35 pounds. For context, here's how Bernedoodle sizes generally break down:

Standard Bernedoodle: about 60–90 pounds
Medium Bernedoodle: about 40–60 pounds
Mini Bernedoodle: about 25–40 pounds
Toy/Petite Bernedoodle: about 15–25 pounds

Size names and ranges vary by program, so always ask about the specific parents. The size guide goes into much more detail, and if you're curious how they compare to a traditional Bernedoodle, I have a full King Bernedoodle vs Standard Bernedoodle breakdown too.

Temperament and Personality

My King Bernedoodles are generally chill, loving, and social in the best way. If you're a family that loves hiking, camping, and being active but also likes lazy days at home with moderate walks, this is your dream dog. They love other dogs and people of all ages, and they're not inherently barkers (though every dog is an individual). They're intelligent and very social, which means early training and socialization matter a lot.

You can read everything I've observed about their personality in my full King Bernedoodle temperament guide.

Are King Bernedoodles Easy to Train?

They are a delight to train and love to please. That said, "easy to train" isn't an excuse to skip the early work. These are smart, social dogs, and they do best when training and socialization start early and stay consistent. I introduce my puppies to crates and car rides before they go home, so they already have those first experiences behind them. My King Bernedoodle puppy training guide is a great next step.

Are King Bernedoodles Good Family Dogs?

Yes! My King Bernedoodles are raised in my home with my young kids, or in a guardian home under my instruction, so family life is part of their earliest experiences. They're great with children thanks to the loving, affectionate Cavalier, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Poodle in them.

I always encourage families to teach children how to be gentle with puppies, and to supervise the early days. Young kids and puppies both need guidance. My guide to the first year with a King Bernedoodle helps set realistic, joyful expectations.

Coat Types and Shedding

This is the part I really want you to read, because there's so much misinformation about doodle coats. The idea that a curly coat sheds the least is a myth. Coat texture (curly, wavy, straight) does not determine shedding. Furnishings and low-shed genes do.

The furnishing gene is what gives doodles their beard and eyebrows. If a dog has even a single furnishing, they have hair instead of fur, and hair keeps growing instead of falling out the way fur does.

One furnishing: hair, not fur; considered hypoallergenic. All F1 puppies have one.
Two furnishings: sheds even less than one. F1b puppies can have one or two.
Two furnishings plus two low-shed genes: the least shedding and the softest coat, best for allergy sufferers.
Zero furnishings: fur, and it sheds noticeably.

Fun fact: Cavaliers have zero furnishings but two low-shed genes, which is why their coats are silky soft but shed. Multigenerational puppies can have zero to two furnishings, and the goal is always two.

Always ask your breeder how many furnishings a puppy will have. That question tells you far more than whether the coat is curly. And a realistic note: every dog sheds at least as much as a human, even Poodles. Learn more in my guide, Are King Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic?

Are King Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic?

No, but yes. Let me explain: no dog is completely allergy-proof, because it's mostly proteins in dander and saliva that trigger allergies, not just the hair. But King Bernedoodles with two furnishings and two low-shed genes are the most allergy-friendly coats I can breed for, and for many allergy-sensitive families that makes a real difference. If anyone in your home has significant allergies, think carefully about your own sensitivity and talk with me before committing.

Exercise Requirements

King Bernedoodles are a wonderful fit for active families who also appreciate slower days, which, let's be honest, is most real family life. Moderate walks, outdoor play, and lots of time with their people are what they're built for. They're not high-strung, and they're not couch-only dogs either.

One thing I always remind new families: no dog parks, no walks, and no paws on the floor anywhere other dogs go until your puppy is fully vaccinated, including rabies. You don't have to stay home, though. Carry them or use a stroller to get them out into the world safely.

Grooming Requirements

Daily brushing at home is important, and a professional groom every two to four months keeps things comfortable for your dog. A wavy or straight coat is easier to maintain than a curly one. My King Bernedoodle grooming guide has the details to help you build good habits from day one.

Health and Lifespan

Bernedoodles generally live 12–15 years, and smaller ones even up to 18. I love that about my King Bernedoodles: their family-friendly size isn't just about fitting in your home, it's good for their hearts and joints too. Regular vet visits matter, especially in the senior years starting around age 8.

Here's how I approach health testing:

Embark DNA testing for 175+ diseases on every parent dog
Animal Genetics testing when deeper testing is needed
OFA evaluations by a certified veterinarian: eyes, heart, patellas, hips, and elbows
I work with Riverside Pet Care, canine fertility specialists in Saratoga Springs, Utah

Every puppy is examined by my vet at around 6–8 weeks, and every puppy comes with a 2-year health guarantee (see the Purchase Agreement for details). Because there are so many scammers stealing my pictures, I don't post my parent dogs' health results online, but I'm always happy to email or text them to you privately.

Why Health Testing Still Matters in a Mixed-Breed Dog

People sometimes ask, "Isn't a mixed breed automatically healthier?" The truth is more nuanced. Mixing breeds can lower the chance of certain recessive conditions showing up, and that's meaningful. But it doesn't replace genetic and orthopedic screening. Every parent dog has their own genetic profile, and I want to know what's in there before I make a pairing. Learn more about why I health test and raise my puppies the way I do, and read my post on what CDDY is and its link to IVDD.

Choosing a Responsible Breeder

Whether you come to me or go somewhere else, please do your research. Here are the questions I'd ask any breeder:

Exactly what breeds and generations are in this cross?
How many furnishings will this puppy have?
What genetic and orthopedic testing have the parents had?
Where and how are the puppies raised and socialized?
What health guarantee and ongoing support do you offer?

In my program, puppies are dewormed every two weeks starting at 3 weeks, get their first vaccines around 6 weeks, and need their next shots around 9–10 weeks with their new family. Crate introduction and car rides happen before go-home, so your puppy isn't experiencing those for the first time on a big, stressful day. Every family also gets a printed puppy go-home packet.

For current pricing, see my price page. I don't list prices here because they change by litter.

Why Wonderful World Doodles

I'm a mom with young kids and a former voice teacher who came to dogs later in life and fell completely in love. I raise my puppies in my home, with my own children running around, or in guardian homes under my instruction. These puppies grow up learning that the world is safe, people are kind, dogs are friendly, and they can do hard things.

You can pick up your puppy at our home in South Jordan, Utah, about 20 minutes from the Salt Lake City airport, meet me at the SLC airport, or use an in-cabin flight nanny who brings your puppy to your local airport (usually $700–$1,000 round trip). We place puppies with families all over the US.

Check out my upcoming litters, start your puppy application, or read the steps to adopt. And follow along on Instagram @wonderful_world_doodles, where I post our puppies all the time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do King Bernedoodles get?

My King Bernedoodles typically range from 25 to 35 pounds. Size varies a little with the individual parents, so always ask about the specific mom and dad behind a litter.

Are King Bernedoodles good with children?

Yes. They're great with children thanks to the loving, affectionate Cavalier, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Poodle in them, and mine are raised around young kids from the start. Always supervise young children and puppies together and teach kids to be gentle.

Do King Bernedoodles shed?

No, but yes. Shedding depends on furnishings and low-shed genes, not curl. One furnishing means hair instead of fur; two furnishings shed even less; two furnishings plus two low-shed genes shed the least. Every dog sheds at least as much as a human, so expect very low shedding, not zero.

How long do King Bernedoodles live?

Bernedoodles generally live 12–15 years, and smaller ones can live even up to 18. Size, genetics, diet, exercise, and preventative care all play a part.

Are King Bernedoodles easy to train?

They're a delight to train: intelligent, social, and eager to please. Start training and socialization early and stay consistent, because smart dogs need engagement just as much as any other dog.

What is the difference between a King Bernedoodle and a Standard Bernedoodle?

A Standard Bernedoodle is a Bernese Mountain Dog crossed with a Standard Poodle, usually 60–90 pounds. My King Bernedoodle is a Cavapoo or Cavalier crossed with a Mini Bernedoodle, so it brings in the Cavalier's temperament and is a much smaller dog at 25–35 pounds. For more answers, see my FAQs.

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