If you're just starting out on your Bernedoodle journey, you've probably run across a lot of "F's" in your research !! This section is dedicated to our wonderful F2 puppies.
An F2 Bernedoodle is a second-generation cross that is the result of breeding two F1 (first-generation) Bernedoodles together. This combination produces puppies that remain roughly 50% Poodle and 50% Bernese Mountain Dog. We love the variety of the F2 litters, since they can express a wider range of traits like coat type, size, physical structure and breed specific temperament. They are all gorgeous but it's important to be aware that the range in size of F2 Mini Bernedoodle puppies in any given litter can be anywhere from 20 lbs to 65+ lbs ( yes, we've had this happen several times !!). This is due to the genetics of having 2 Miniature Poodle grandfathers and 2 Bernese Mountain Dog Grandmothers. For the same reason, there are invariably a few flat-coated, unfurnished puppies in a litter (taking after the coat of the Bernese Mountain Dog), as well as a few that will have a very curly "poodle-like" coat texture. The same principle applies to temperament too.
Usually by the time a puppy is 5/6 weeks old, we can tell if it will have a flatter coat. Although we may have a pretty strong hunch about the size a puppy will be as an adult (especially if there's a particularly big or particularly small puppy in the litter), it's a little harder to predict, so in choosing an F2 bernedoodle, be prepared for a little variance around the averages.
If you or someone in your family has severe allergies to dog dander, we generally recommend and F1b puppy due to the large proportion of poodle genetics specifically relating to dander. We never refer to any Bernedoodle as hypoallergenic, but rather to degrees of allergy friendliness. Most of the puppies in an F2 litter will be allergy friendly.
