What do the Bernedoodle generations (F1, F1b, F2, multigen) mean?

Bernedoodle generations describe the genetic makeup of the cross, how much Bernese Mountain Dog versus Poodle is in the dog, and they affect coat type, shedding, and appearance. The main generations: F1 Bernedoodle is a first-generation cross, a purebred Bernese bred to a purebred Poodle (50 percent each), and F1 dogs have the most variable coats (ranging from wavier and more shedding to curlier), with appearance and shedding less predictable. F1b Bernedoodle is an F1 Bernedoodle bred back to a Poodle (so about 75 percent Poodle, 25 percent Bernese), which produces a curlier, lower-shedding coat that is often preferred by allergy sufferers, F1b is a common choice for those wanting the lowest-shedding coat. F2 Bernedoodle is a second-generation cross (two Bernedoodles bred together, or various F1 combinations), with more variable results. Multigen (multigenerational) Bernedoodles are later generations bred over multiple generations, often specifically to produce consistent, curly, low-shedding coats, and are frequently the most predictable for coat type. In general, the more Poodle in the mix (higher Poodle percentage, as in F1b or many multigens), the curlier and lower-shedding the coat tends to be, while more Bernese (as in some F1s) can mean a wavier, higher-shedding coat and more of the Bernese look. For a rescue dog, the exact generation is often unknown, which is fine, what matters most is the individual dog's actual coat and shedding, which a rescue can describe, rather than the generation label.

How do sizes and generations affect coat and shedding?

The generation (and the amount of Poodle genetics) is the biggest factor affecting a Bernedoodle's coat type and shedding, while size affects the overall amount of coat but not the type. On coat type and shedding: the more Poodle in the cross, the curlier and lower-shedding the coat tends to be. F1b Bernedoodles and many multigen Bernedoodles (higher Poodle percentage) usually have curlier, lower-shedding coats that are often marketed as more hypoallergenic and preferred by allergy sufferers. F1 Bernedoodles (50/50) have more variable coats, some curlier and lower-shedding, others wavier and higher-shedding, and are less predictable. So if low shedding or allergy-friendliness is a priority, a curlier-coated dog (often F1b or multigen) is generally a better bet, but no coat guarantees zero shedding or allergy safety. On size: a larger Bernedoodle simply has more coat to groom (more brushing, bigger grooming bills), while the coat type (curly vs wavy) depends on generation rather than size. Importantly, all these are tendencies, not guarantees, individual dogs within any generation vary, and a rescue dog of unknown generation should be assessed on its actual coat. The practical bottom line for adopters: rather than relying on generation or size labels, look at (and ask about) the individual dog's actual coat type, curliness, and shedding, which is what really determines the grooming commitment and shedding level you will experience, and which a rescue can tell you about the specific dog.

Does size or generation affect a Bernedoodle's temperament?

Size and generation have some influence on temperament, but individual variation, upbringing, and socialization matter more, and Bernedoodles across sizes and generations generally share the affectionate, friendly, intelligent temperament the cross is known for. That said, there are some tendencies: smaller Bernedoodles (made with Toy or Miniature Poodles) may be a bit more energetic or lively (Miniature and Toy Poodles can be quite active and busy), while larger, Standard-based Bernedoodles may be somewhat calmer and more mellow (influenced by both the larger Standard Poodle and the laid-back Bernese), though this is a generalization with plenty of exceptions. Generation can also play a subtle role, more Poodle influence (as in F1b or high multigen) may bring more Poodle traits (high intelligence, energy, and sometimes more sensitivity), while more Bernese influence may bring more of the gentle, mellow, sometimes stubborn Bernese temperament, but again, individual dogs vary widely. The key point for adopters is that you should not rely on size or generation to predict a specific dog's temperament, instead, assess the individual dog. This is a major advantage of adopting a rescue Bernedoodle: rather than guessing a puppy's adult temperament based on generation and size, you can meet an adult or adolescent dog whose actual personality, energy level, and temperament a good rescue has assessed and can describe. So while size and generation offer rough tendencies, the individual dog's assessed temperament is what really matters, and adopting lets you choose based on that reality.

Should I worry about generation labels when adopting a rescue Bernedoodle?

No, you generally should not worry too much about generation labels when adopting a rescue Bernedoodle, because for a rescue dog, the exact generation is often unknown or uncertain, and what matters far more is the individual dog's actual traits, which you can observe and which a good rescue can describe. Generation labels (F1, F1b, multigen, etc.) are most relevant when buying a puppy from a breeder, where they are used to predict coat type and shedding before you can see the adult dog. But when you adopt an adult or adolescent Bernedoodle from rescue, you have something better than a prediction, you have the actual dog, whose real size, coat type, coat condition, shedding level, energy, and temperament can be seen and assessed directly. So rather than asking what generation a rescue Bernedoodle is (which may be unknown anyway), ask the more useful questions: How big is the dog? What is its coat like, curly or wavy, and how much does it shed? What is its energy level and temperament? How does it do with kids, other pets, and being alone? A good rescue will have assessed these things and can tell you, and this real information about the specific dog is what you should base your decision on. The beauty of adopting is precisely that you are not gambling on generation-based predictions, you are choosing a known, assessed dog, so focus on the individual dog in front of you rather than the generation label, and you will make a much better-informed adoption decision.

Bernedoodle Sizes & Generations Explained (Vancouver)

Q: What are the different Bernedoodle sizes?

Bernedoodles come in several size categories, determined mainly by which size of Poodle is used in the cross (Toy, Miniature, or Standard Poodle) combined with the large Bernese Mountain Dog. The general size categories are: Tiny or Toy Bernedoodle (the smallest, made with a Toy Poodle, typically under about 25 pounds, sometimes much smaller); Miniature or Mini Bernedoodle (made with a Miniature Poodle, typically around 25 to 50 pounds); Medium Bernedoodle (an intermediate size, sometimes a category on its own, roughly 40 to 60 pounds); and Standard Bernedoodle (the largest, made with a Standard Poodle, typically 50 to 90-plus pounds, and often quite large given the Bernese size). The size affects a lot: space needs, exercise requirements, cost of food and care, and lifespan (smaller dogs generally live longer). It is worth noting that size predictions, especially for a puppy or a mixed-generation dog, are estimates and the adult size can vary, one advantage of adopting an adult Bernedoodle from rescue is that you can see the dog's actual size rather than guessing. For Vancouver adopters, consider your living space and lifestyle: a Mini or Medium Bernedoodle may suit an apartment or smaller home better, while a Standard Bernedoodle is a large dog needing more space. When browsing rescue Bernedoodles, the listed or foster-assessed size is a key piece of information, and the size category tells you a lot about what owning that particular dog will involve.

Q: Which Bernedoodle size and type is best for Vancouver?

The best Bernedoodle size and type for you in Vancouver depends on your living situation, lifestyle, and priorities, rather than there being one universally best option. Consider size based on space and activity: if you live in an apartment or smaller home, or want a more manageable dog, a Mini or Medium Bernedoodle may suit you better than a large Standard, which needs more space, though even Minis need proper exercise and grooming. If you have a house with space, an active lifestyle, and want a larger companion, a Standard Bernedoodle can be a great fit. Consider coat and shedding based on your preferences and any allergies: if low shedding is a priority (for cleanliness or mild allergies), a curlier-coated dog (often F1b or multigen) is generally preferable, though remember no dog is guaranteed hypoallergenic and you should meet the specific dog if allergies are a concern. All sizes and types share the need for regular grooming and the doodle coat care that Vancouver's wet climate makes especially important (drying and brushing to prevent matting). Ultimately, for a rescue adopter, the most practical approach is not to fixate on getting a specific size or generation, but to look at the individual dogs available and choose the one whose size, coat, energy, and temperament, as assessed by the rescue, fit your home and lifestyle. Adopting lets you match a real dog to your situation, which is more reliable than choosing by size and generation labels alone.

The short answer

Bernedoodle size depends on the Poodle used: Toy/Tiny (under ~25 lbs), Mini (~25 to 50), Medium (~40 to 60), and Standard (50 to 90-plus). Generation describes the genetic mix: F1 (50/50, variable coat), F1b (~75% Poodle, curlier and lower-shedding, often preferred for allergies), F2 and multigen (later generations, often bred for consistent curly coats). Generally, more Poodle = curlier, lower-shedding coat; size affects the amount of coat, not the type. But these are tendencies, not guarantees. For a rescue adopter, the generation label barely matters, you can see and ask about the actual dog's real size, coat, shedding, and temperament, which is far more reliable than any label.

Browse Adoptable Bernedoodles in Vancouver →

Bernedoodles of different sizes and coat types side by side — “Bernedoodle” spans a wide range of sizes and coats. For a rescue adopter, the individual dog's actual traits matter far more than the size or generation label.

The Bernedoodle sizes

Bernedoodle sizes are determined mainly by which size of Poodle is used in the cross (Toy, Miniature, or Standard) combined with the large Bernese Mountain Dog.

Size	Poodle used	Typical weight
Tiny / Toy	Toy Poodle	Under ~25 lbs (sometimes much smaller)
Miniature / Mini	Miniature Poodle	~25 to 50 lbs
Medium	Intermediate	~40 to 60 lbs
Standard	Standard Poodle	50 to 90-plus lbs

Size affects space needs, exercise, cost of food and care, and lifespan (smaller dogs generally live longer). Size predictions for a puppy or mixed-generation dog are estimates, so one advantage of adopting an adult is seeing the actual size. For Vancouver, a Mini or Medium may suit an apartment or smaller home, while a Standard needs more space.

The generations (F1, F1b, F2, multigen)

Generations describe how much Bernese versus Poodle is in the dog, and they affect coat type, shedding, and appearance.

•F1: a first-generation cross, purebred Bernese bred to purebred Poodle (50/50). The most variable coats, from wavier and more shedding to curlier, less predictable.
•F1b: an F1 Bernedoodle bred back to a Poodle (~75% Poodle, 25% Bernese). A curlier, lower-shedding coat often preferred by allergy sufferers.
•F2: a second-generation cross (two Bernedoodles, or various F1 combinations), with more variable results.
•Multigen: later generations bred over multiple generations, often specifically for consistent, curly, low-shedding coats. Frequently the most predictable.

In general, the more Poodle in the mix (higher Poodle percentage, as in F1b or many multigens), the curlier and lower-shedding the coat tends to be; more Bernese can mean a wavier, higher-shedding coat and more of the Bernese look. For a rescue dog, the exact generation is often unknown, which is fine, what matters most is the individual dog's actual coat and shedding.

How sizes and generations affect coat and shedding

The generation (and amount of Poodle genetics) is the biggest factor affecting coat type and shedding, while size affects the amount of coat but not the type. The more Poodle in the cross, the curlier and lower-shedding the coat tends to be, F1b and many multigens usually have curlier, lower-shedding coats often marketed as more hypoallergenic, while F1s are more variable. A larger Bernedoodle simply has more coat to groom (more brushing, bigger grooming bills).

Importantly, all these are tendencies, not guarantees, individual dogs within any generation vary, and no coat guarantees zero shedding or allergy safety. The practical bottom line for adopters: rather than relying on generation or size labels, look at (and ask about) the individual dog's actual coat type, curliness, and shedding, which is what really determines the grooming commitment and shedding level you will experience, and which a rescue can tell you about the specific dog. Our adoption guide covers the grooming commitment in more detail.

Temperament, and which type is best for Vancouver

Size and generation have some influence on temperament, but individual variation, upbringing, and socialization matter more. Some tendencies: smaller Bernedoodles (Toy/Mini Poodle) may be a bit more energetic and lively, while larger Standard-based ones may be calmer and more mellow. More Poodle influence may bring more intelligence, energy, and sensitivity; more Bernese may bring a gentle, mellow, sometimes stubborn temperament. But individual dogs vary widely, so do not rely on size or generation to predict a specific dog's temperament.

The best size and type for you in Vancouver depends on your space, lifestyle, and priorities: a Mini or Medium suits an apartment or smaller home; a Standard suits a house with space and an active lifestyle. If low shedding is a priority, a curlier-coated dog (often F1b or multigen) is generally preferable, but meet the specific dog if allergies are a concern. All sizes and types need regular grooming and the coat care Vancouver's wet climate makes especially important. Ultimately, for a rescue adopter, look at the individual dogs available and choose the one whose size, coat, energy, and temperament, as assessed by the rescue, fit your home, adopting lets you match a real dog to your situation.

Should I worry about generation labels when adopting?

No, you generally should not worry too much about generation labels when adopting a rescue Bernedoodle, because for a rescue dog, the exact generation is often unknown or uncertain, and what matters far more is the individual dog's actual traits, which you can observe and which a good rescue can describe. Generation labels are most relevant when buying a puppy from a breeder, where they predict coat and shedding before you can see the adult dog.

When you adopt an adult or adolescent from rescue, you have something better than a prediction, the actual dog, whose real size, coat type and condition, shedding, energy, and temperament can be seen and assessed. So rather than asking what generation a rescue Bernedoodle is, ask the useful questions: How big is the dog? What is its coat like and how much does it shed? What is its energy and temperament? How does it do with kids, other pets, and being alone? A good rescue will have assessed these and can tell you. The beauty of adopting is precisely that you are not gambling on generation-based predictions, you are choosing a known, assessed dog, so focus on the individual dog in front of you.

Browse adoptable Bernedoodles in Vancouver

Forget guessing generations, adopting lets you meet the real dog and choose the size, coat, and temperament that fit your home. Each Lower Mainland rescue Bernedoodle comes with a foster's assessment. Refreshed regularly.

See Available Bernedoodles →

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different Bernedoodle sizes?

Tiny/Toy (under ~25 lbs), Mini (~25 to 50), Medium (~40 to 60), and Standard (50 to 90-plus), determined by the Poodle used. Size affects space, exercise, cost, and lifespan. Adopting an adult lets you see the actual size rather than guessing.

What do F1, F1b, F2, and multigen mean?

F1 is 50/50 Bernese-Poodle (variable coat); F1b is ~75% Poodle (curlier, lower-shedding); F2 is second-generation (variable); multigen is later generations often bred for consistent curly coats. More Poodle generally means curlier and lower-shedding.

How do they affect coat and shedding?

Generation (Poodle percentage) is the biggest factor, more Poodle means curlier, lower-shedding. F1b and multigens tend to shed least; F1s vary. Size affects the amount of coat, not the type. All are tendencies, not guarantees, so assess the individual dog's actual coat.

Does size or generation affect temperament?

Some, smaller ones may be livelier, larger ones mellower, and more Bernese may mean a gentler, sometimes stubborn temperament. But individual variation and socialization matter more. Do not predict a dog's temperament from labels; assess the individual dog.

Which type is best for Vancouver?

Depends on your space and priorities, Mini/Medium for apartments, Standard for a house with space. Curlier coats (F1b/multigen) shed less. All need grooming and coat care, especially in damp Vancouver. Choose the individual rescue dog whose traits fit your home.

Should I worry about generation labels when adopting?

No, for a rescue dog the generation is often unknown and matters far less than the actual dog. Ask instead about size, coat and shedding, energy, and temperament, all of which a good rescue can describe. Adopting means choosing a known, assessed dog rather than gambling on labels.