Bernedoodle Sizes:Toy, Petite, Mini, Medium & Standard.
How big does a Bernedoodle get? Adults range from Toy, up to 15 lb, to Standard, 51 lb and up, with most Standards finishing at 70 to 90 lb. Both parents set the size. In an F1 the Poodle’s size usually sets the class, and Stokeshire works with smaller Bernese lines to bring our F1 Bernedoodles down in size. Ultra describes ancestry, not size: more than 50 percent Bernese.
- Toy
- up to 15 lb
- Petite
- 16 to 25 lb
- Mini
- 26 to 35 lb
- Medium
- 36 to 50 lb
- Standard
- 51 lb and up
Bernedoodle size chart, class by class.
Five classes cover every Bernedoodle we raise, under the Stokeshire Doodle Size Standard. Heights are measured at the withers, the top of the shoulder. Most Stokeshire Bernedoodle pairings target the Mini or Standard class, and class availability depends on the pairings planned each year.
| Class | Adult weight | Height at withers | Growth complete | Typical lifespan | Typical cross |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toy | up to 15 lb | under 13 in | 8 to 12 months | 12 to 15 years | Multigen lines bred down in size |
| Petite | 16 to 25 lb | 12 to 15 in | 10 to 12 months | 12 to 15 years | Munchkin program (+CKCS) |
| Mini | 26 to 35 lb | 14 to 17 in | 10 to 14 months | 12 to 15 years | Miniature Poodle or Mini multigen |
| Medium | 36 to 50 lb | 17 to 21 in | 12 to 16 months | 12 to 15 years | Moyen or small Standard Poodle |
| Standard | 51 lb and up (typ. 70 to 90) | over 21 in | 18 to 24 months | 12 to 15 years | Standard Poodle |
Adult size is typical, not guaranteed. Adult weight is an estimate rather than a guarantee and may vary based on parentage, sex, generation, and individual development. Individual puppies may finish 15 to 20 percent above or below the band, and females tend toward the lower end of each range, males toward the upper. Ultra is not a row on this chart because it describes ancestry, not size; see What Is an Ultra Bernedoodle?
Lifespans are typical ranges drawn from parent-breed longevity research, not guarantees. Smaller dogs tend toward the longer end and larger dogs toward the shorter end. Parent health screening, body weight, diet, and consistent veterinary care all influence how long an individual dog lives.
Toy
Multigenerational lines bred down in size. Growth typically complete by 8 to 12 months. Suits apartments and frequent travel, and as an adult often fits an airline cabin carrier. Suited to households without rough play.
Petite
The lap-and-couch tier. Petite is the size class; Munchkin is the program and line. Stokeshire’s Petite-range Bernedoodles come through the Munchkin Bernedoodle program.
Mini
Miniature Poodle or Mini multigenerational cross, and F1 pairings from smaller Bernese lines. Growth typically complete by 10 to 14 months. The most requested Stokeshire tier across all breeds. Active families, urban professionals, suburban homes. See Mini Bernedoodles.
Medium
Moyen or small Standard Poodle cross. Growth typically complete by 12 to 16 months. Families with children, larger homes, and outdoor lifestyles. Comfortable on a trail and on the couch.
Standard
Standard Poodle cross. Typical adult range 70 to 90 lb, and some finish above 90 lb, especially from full-size Bernese lines. Skeletal maturity at 18 to 24 months. Deep-chested, so bloat awareness applies. Suits families with space and a vehicle that fits a Standard crate.
Smaller Bernese lines, smaller F1 Bernedoodles.
Both parents set a Bernedoodle’s adult size. In a first-generation (F1) cross both parents contribute equally, but because Poodles range from Toy to Standard, the Poodle parent’s size usually sets the class. The Bernese parent’s size then moves the result within it, and a Bernese Mountain Dog typically weighs anywhere from 70 to 115 lb, so where a line sits in that range matters.
At Stokeshire, we work with smaller Bernese lines to bring down the size of our F1 Bernedoodles. The same approach lets our Mini Ultra Bernedoodles keep a high share of Bernese ancestry while planning for an adult under 50 pounds.
The genetics behind it: six genes with large effects, including IGF1 and GHR, explain roughly half of the variation in body size between dog breeds, but they mostly separate small breeds from large ones. Within a large breed such as the Bernese, the parents’ own size is the more reliable guide. Sources and detail are on The Stokeshire Doodle Size Standard.
Petite Bernedoodles: the Munchkin program.
Petite is a size class under the Stokeshire Doodle Size Standard: 16 to 25 lb and 12 to 15 in at the withers. Munchkin is the program and line. Stokeshire’s Petite-range Bernedoodles come through our Munchkin Bernedoodle program, which adds Cavalier King Charles Spaniel heritage to help bring the adult size down.
A typical Petite Bernedoodle matures under the 25-pound limit many condos and co-ops enforce. We hedge that intentionally. Adult size is not guaranteed, and we do not recommend selecting a Petite puppy to meet a strict weight threshold without talking with your veterinarian and your building first.
The Toy class (up to 15 lb) sits below Petite on the ladder and comes from Bernese and Poodle multigenerational lines bred down in size. The Munchkin program is a distinct three-breed cross that includes Cavalier King Charles Spaniel heritage. Both deliver a smaller Bernedoodle, but they come from different breeding programs.
What Is an Ultra Bernedoodle?
An Ultra Bernedoodle is a Bernedoodle with more Bernese Mountain Dog ancestry than Poodle ancestry, typically 60 to 80 percent Bernese. Most Ultras come from a Reverse F1B cross (an F1 Bernedoodle bred to a Bernese Mountain Dog, about 75 percent Bernese and 25 percent Poodle), or from a multigenerational pairing bred back toward the Bernese. Ultra is a marketing term for ancestry, not a size class: it describes how much of the dog is Bernese, not how big the dog will grow.
The usual goal of an Ultra pairing is to reduce the Poodle’s influence while keeping more of the Bernese: the frame, the head, and the classic tricolor look. An Ultra carries mostly Bernese DNA, so it usually looks and moves more like a Bernese, but because a few genes have large effects, littermates can still differ.
Where Ultras finish
More Bernese ancestry usually means a larger dog, but adult size depends on the size of the parents. Ultras from full-size Bernese and Standard Poodle lines often finish in the Standard class, sometimes above 90 pounds. Ultras from smaller parents finish smaller: our Mini Ultra Bernedoodles start with smaller Bernese and are planned to finish under 50 pounds. Adult weight is an estimate rather than a guarantee and may vary based on parentage, sex, generation, and individual development. Stokeshire does not breed for maximum size.
Furnished or Unfurnished
Furnishings, the beard and eyebrows that give a doodle its look, are set by the RSPO2 gene, not by the Bernese percentage. Furnishings are dominant and come from the Poodle side, so a Reverse F1B from an F1 parent is expected to be about half unfurnished, while a multigenerational parent with two copies passes furnishings to every puppy. Unfurnished Ultras have the short, Bernese-style face and shed about as much as a Bernese; furnished Ultras keep a wavy or straight coat that tends to shed less. Stokeshire DNA-tests breeding dogs for furnishings so the likely coat outcomes of a pairing are known before it is planned. See unfurnished Bernedoodles for the full breakdown.
Planning for a large Ultra
Ultras that finish in the Standard class or above need more space, more food, and more veterinary attention than smaller Bernedoodles. A deep-chested, heavy-boned frame tends to carry more risk of bloat (GDV), hip and elbow dysplasia, and orthopedic stress during a growth phase that can last 18 to 24 months. Grooming costs are higher because of the larger coat, and insurance premiums are typically higher for giant-frame dogs. Larger dogs tend to live shorter lives than smaller dogs of the same breed or cross.
Growing puppies need regular movement, play, exploration, and age-appropriate exercise. During growth, favor self-paced, low-impact activity and avoid forced distance running, repeated high-impact jumping, and other strenuous repetitive exercise. Skeletal maturity varies by dog and size, so families should work with their veterinarian before beginning sustained running or other high-impact activities.
Toy Bernedoodles.
Toy Bernedoodles come from multigenerational Bernedoodle lines that have already been bred down in size over several generations, sometimes with a Toy Poodle in the pairing. Adults typically mature at up to 15 lb and stand under 13 in at the withers, finishing primary growth by 8 to 12 months. Whether a Toy-range Bernedoodle is available in a given year depends on the pairings we have planned; see planned litters.
A Toy Bernedoodle offers the Bernedoodle look in the most portable frame. Toys generally suit apartment living, urban homes, and families who travel often and want a dog that can ride in an airline-approved cabin carrier. Their size also makes them manageable for older owners or anyone who needs a dog they can lift and carry.
Considerations specific to the Toy class
Smaller dogs are more physically fragile. A Toy Bernedoodle may not suit a household with very young children who play roughly or might drop the dog. Dental health matters more at Toy size, because smaller jaws are more prone to crowding, retained baby teeth, and periodontal disease. Low blood sugar can be a concern in very small puppies, particularly in the first weeks in a new home when stress may reduce appetite.
Toy Bernedoodles need less total exercise than Standards but still need daily structured activity and mental stimulation. Small size does not mean low maintenance.
“Micro Bernedoodle” and “Teacup Bernedoodle” are marketing terms without standardized definitions. There is no distinct Micro class. Dogs marketed as Micro are typically Toy Bernedoodles at the smaller end of the range, or Petite Bernedoodles labeled inaccurately. Stokeshire uses the five-class Stokeshire Doodle Size Standard. Extremely small dogs (under 10 lb) may face added health challenges related to fragile bones, dental issues, and difficulty regulating body temperature. Stokeshire does not endorse extreme miniaturization, and we recommend veterinary consultation before choosing any puppy targeted at the very low end of the band.
Bernedoodle growth stages by class.
Smaller classes reach skeletal maturity faster than larger ones. Standard Bernedoodles may keep adding muscle and bone density until 18 to 24 months, while Toy Bernedoodles often finish primary growth by 8 to 12 months. Knowing the timeline for your puppy’s class helps you plan exercise, feeding, and veterinary care during development.
| Class | 8 weeks | 4 months | 6 months | 12 months | Full maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toy | 2 to 4 lb | 5 to 9 lb | 7 to 12 lb | up to 15 lb | up to 15 lb (8 to 12 mo) |
| Petite | 3 to 5 lb | 7 to 12 lb | 10 to 18 lb | 16 to 25 lb | 16 to 25 lb (10 to 12 mo) |
| Mini | 5 to 8 lb | 12 to 18 lb | 18 to 26 lb | 22 to 32 lb | 26 to 35 lb (10 to 14 mo) |
| Medium | 7 to 12 lb | 16 to 25 lb | 22 to 35 lb | 32 to 45 lb | 36 to 50 lb (12 to 16 mo) |
| Standard | 10 to 20 lb | 25 to 40 lb | 40 to 60 lb | 60 to 80 lb | 51 lb+, typ. 70 to 90 (18 to 24 mo) |
Weight ranges are approximate, drawn from parent-breed data and Stokeshire breeding observations. Individual variation is normal, and puppies from the same litter may finish at different adult sizes because each one inherits a different mix of its parents’ size genes.
Estimating adult size: the 16-week doubling rule of thumb
A rough rule of thumb many breeders use: take the puppy’s weight at 16 to 18 weeks and multiply by two. A 20 lb puppy at 16 weeks would land near 40 lb as an adult. Treat the result as an estimate, not a forecast. Adult weight may vary based on parentage, sex, generation, and individual development, and F1 puppies in particular may favor the larger Bernese or the smaller Poodle parent late in growth. Plan for variation of 15 to 20 percent above or below the estimate. The Stokeshire Growth Calculator gives a class-specific estimate.
Exercise during growth
Growing puppies need regular movement, play, exploration, and age-appropriate exercise. During growth, favor self-paced, low-impact activity and avoid forced distance running, repeated high-impact jumping, and other strenuous repetitive exercise. Skeletal maturity varies by dog and size, so families should work with their veterinarian before beginning sustained running or other high-impact activities. This matters most for Standard Bernedoodles, whose larger frames place more mechanical stress on developing joints.
Every Stokeshire puppy goes home on the food we feed across our program, Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Real Salmon & Potato Formula. Its AAFCO statement covers all life stages including growth of large size dogs (70 lb or more as an adult), which means it meets the calcium limits set for large growing puppies. We recommend staying on it through the growth window.
If you change foods, choose one whose AAFCO statement includes growth of large size dogs, and talk with us and your veterinarian first. Feed to body condition rather than the bag chart, keep your puppy lean, and do not add calcium or bone-health supplements. Panosteitis, often called growing pains, occasionally appears in our larger, fast-growing lines. It is usually self-limiting. If your puppy is diagnosed, please tell us so we can track it across our program.
Which Bernedoodle class fits your household?
Class affects more than physical dimensions. It shapes exercise needs, grooming costs, veterinary expenses, living space, travel logistics, and lifespan. The right tier is rarely the one a family arrives wanting. It is the one their household actually accommodates.
| Factor | Toy | Petite | Mini / Medium | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Living space | Apartments, small spaces | Apartments, condos with a 25 lb ceiling | Houses or larger apartments | Larger home, yard preferred |
| Exercise | 30 to 45 min/day | 30 to 45 min/day | 45 to 75 min/day | 60 to 90 min/day |
| Children | Older children; fragile frame | All ages with supervision | All ages | All ages; handles active play |
| Travel as an adult | Often airline cabin eligible | Most vehicles; small cabin carriers at the low end | Most vehicles | SUV or larger vehicle |
| Annual food cost | ~$250 to $500 | ~$300 to $600 | ~$500 to $900 | ~$900 to $1,500 |
| Grooming cost | Lower; smaller coat area | Lower to moderate | Moderate | Higher; larger coat area |
| Bloat (GDV) risk | Minimal | Minimal | Low | Elevated; deep-chested |
| Joints | Patellar luxation possible | Patellar luxation possible | Moderate weight-bearing stress | Higher weight-bearing stress |
| Typical lifespan | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years; dogs above 90 lb tend shorter |
| Roles sometimes pursued | Emotional support, therapy visits | Therapy, medical alert | Therapy, psychiatric service | Therapy, mobility assistance |
Food cost figures are rough annual estimates and vary by food, region, and the individual dog. Therapy and service roles require specialized training and independent evaluation; suitability is individual and never guaranteed.
Class changes the physical management, not a dog’s need for people: space, food, grooming, veterinary cost, and exercise logistics all scale with size. Choose the class that fits your household’s reality, not the one that photographs well.
Bernedoodle classes at Stokeshire.
Stokeshire’s Bernedoodle size ladder follows the Stokeshire Doodle Size Standard. Most of our Bernedoodle pairings target the Mini or Standard class, the Petite tier comes through our Munchkin Bernedoodle program, and we work with smaller Bernese lines to bring our F1 Bernedoodles down in size. Which classes are available in a given year depends on the pairings we have planned; see planned litters.
Each dog considered for the Stokeshire breeding program undergoes comprehensive, breed-appropriate health screening, including OFA-recorded evaluations, PennHIP hip evaluations where completed, genetic health testing through Embark, and cardiac and ophthalmologic examinations as appropriate. Embark screening includes the coat genes (RSPO2, KRT71, MC5R, FGF5) that shape furnishings, curl, and shedding, so likely coat outcomes can be estimated before a pairing is planned. No planned Stokeshire pairing exceeds 15 percent estimated coefficient of inbreeding (COI). Public Embark profiles on Our Dogs let families review genetic testing independently.
Crossing distinct breed lines can increase genetic diversity and may reduce the likelihood that some recessive inherited conditions are expressed. It does not eliminate genetic disease or the health considerations present in the parent breeds. That is why every dog considered for the program is screened before a pairing is planned. Stokeshire is a Good Dog Certified breeder.
Ultra Bernedoodles, those with majority Bernese ancestry, come from Reverse F1B and multigenerational pairings bred back toward the Bernese. Our Mini Ultra pairings start with smaller Bernese and are planned to finish under 50 pounds, and we do not breed for maximum size.
Size is one of the first questions families ask during matching. We use the 16-week doubling rule as a starting point and prepare every family for typical variation of 15 to 20 percent. Adult size is typical, not guaranteed. Being plain about that is part of the Stokeshire approach: clarity over hype, structure over persuasion.
Bernedoodle size FAQs.
How big do Standard Bernedoodles get when fully grown?
How big do Mini Bernedoodles get?
What is a Petite Bernedoodle and is it the same as a Mini?
What is a Micro Bernedoodle?
What is an Ultra Bernedoodle?
How can I predict my Bernedoodle puppy’s adult size?
When do Bernedoodles stop growing?
Do smaller Bernedoodles live longer than larger ones?
How much exercise does each Bernedoodle class need?
Which Bernedoodle class fits apartment living?
Found the size that fits?
Stokeshire raises Bernedoodles in Medford, Wisconsin, from parents that complete comprehensive, breed-appropriate health screening, including OFA-recorded evaluations, PennHIP hip evaluations where completed, and genetic health testing through Embark. Stokeshire is a Good Dog Certified breeder. Puppies travel home in the cabin with a Stokeshire handler or by ground; see delivery options.
Back to the full Bernedoodle Breed Guide · Reviewed by the Stokeshire Breeding Team · Updated October 13, 2026 · Reconciled to The Stokeshire Doodle Size Standard