Breed guide
Bernedoodle lifespan and temperament
A healthy Munchkin Bernedoodle can be part of your family for well over a decade, and it will spend that time wanting to be wherever you are. Here is how long they tend to live and what they are like to share a home with.
- Typical lifespan12 to 15 years
- Daily activity30 to 60 minutes
- Time aloneShort stretches, not long days
How long they live
Small doodles like the Munchkin often reach twelve to fifteen years. Their size works in their favor, because as a rule small dogs outlive big ones. Past that, how long a dog lives comes down mostly to how it is looked after. Keeping it at a healthy weight, feeding it well and keeping up with vet checkups do more for a long life than anything written on its pedigree.
Where the personality comes from
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel half is where the gentleness comes from: a calm, cuddly dog that is happiest in a lap. The Bernedoodle half adds a playful streak and a quick mind that takes well to training.
Most Munchkins land somewhere between the two, and each puppy is its own mix of them, which is why we get to know every puppy before we suggest one to a family.
With children and other dogs
Our puppies grow up around children and other dogs from their first days, so a busy house is ordinary to them by the time they leave. We still ask families with very young children to keep an eye on things, mostly for the puppy's sake, because a small dog is easy for a toddler to hurt by accident. You can read more about how we raise them.
Day to day
What they need day to day
Activity
Half an hour to an hour a day covers most of what they need, and it does not all have to be walking. Training games and puzzle toys wear out a clever dog as well as a run does.
Company
What they handle badly is long hours on their own, because this is a companion dog through and through. They would rather greet a visitor than guard against one, so do not count on a watchdog.
A first dog
Give them company and a steady routine, and their affection and willingness to learn make them a forgiving choice for a first dog.
Ask us about the personality of the puppy you are considering.