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Understanding the Aussie Bernedoodle

Updated: 3 days ago

The Aussie Bernedoodle—also known as the Aussie Mountain Doodle (AMD), Australian Mountain Doodle, or Swiss Doodle—is as versatile in name as it is in appearance and temperament.

For the purpose of this article, we will refer to the breed as AMD (Aussie Mountain Doodle).

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of:

  • The genetic makeup of the AMD

  • The different breeding pathways

  • What to expect in temperament

  • What makes each AMD beautifully unique in appearance


What’s in the Mix?

The Aussie Mountain Doodle is a hybrid developed from three highly people-oriented breeds:

  • Poodle

  • Bernese Mountain Dog

  • Australian Shepherd

The most widely recognized AMD today is typically produced through the pairing of an Aussiedoodle and a Bernedoodle, resulting in a multigenerational hybrid. However, there are several established pathways that can be used to achieve this mix.

Common AMD Breeding Paths

Path 1: One parent is a Poodle, the other is an Australian Mountain Doodle.This offspring is often referred to as F1 (first generation).

Path 2: One parent is a Poodle, the other is an F1 AMD.This offspring is commonly referred to as F1B (second generation).

Path 3 (Reverse AMD): One parent is a Bernese Mountain Dog and the other is an Aussiedoodle.

Path 4 (Reverse AMD): One parent is an Australian Shepherd and the other is a Bernedoodle.

Path 5 (Most common multigenerational path): One parent is an Aussiedoodle and the other is a Bernedoodle.This is the most widely recognized AMD pairing and is typically what people refer to when they hear the term “Aussie Mountain Doodle.”




Aussie Mountain Doodle Puppy
Photo by @Dreamdoods

At DreamDoods, our Aussie Mountain Doodle program focuses on Path 1 and Path 2, and we are proud to be among the first programs in Canada to intentionally develop AMDs using these approaches.

We are drawn to these pathways because they allow us to preserve the integrity of all three foundational breeds while offering greater predictability in temperament, structure, and overall development. These paths also allow us to more clearly observe how each breed expresses itself in the puppies, which supports our intentional pairing philosophy.



Personality & Temperament

There is no single “standard” personality for an AMD—and that’s part of the beauty of this hybrid.

Because they draw from three intelligent, people-centered breeds, their temperament often reflects a thoughtful blend of:

  • The loyalty and affection of the Bernese Mountain Dog

  • The intelligence and trainability of the Poodle

  • The engagement and intuition of the Australian Shepherd

Most AMDs are known to be:

  • Highly intelligent

  • People-oriented

  • Affectionate and emotionally connected

  • Playful and engaging

  • Eager to learn and responsive to training

While individual personalities will vary, families are often pleasantly surprised by how deeply connected, intuitive, and expressive their AMD becomes. These dogs tend to thrive when they are treated as true companions rather than simply pets.


Merle Aussiedoodle Bernedoodle Puppy
Photo by @Dreamdoods


Appearance & Coat

An AMD’s appearance can vary significantly depending on generation and genetic expression.

Coat types may range from:

  • Wavy

  • Loose curls

  • Tight curls

Shedding levels may range from:

  • Low shedding

  • Minimal shedding

  • Non-shedding (in some lines)

They are often described as having:

  • A sturdy yet athletic build

  • Expressive eyes

  • Floppy ears

  • A soft, thick coat

  • Balanced proportions

Color is one of the most visually striking features of this hybrid. Thanks to the combination of Australian Shepherd, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Poodle genetics, AMDs can express a wide range of coat patterns and colors, including:

  • Merle

  • Phantom

  • Tri-color

  • Brindle

  • Parti

  • Sable

  • And many complex combinations

Even with careful knowledge of parental genetics, exact markings can still be unpredictable—making each puppy truly one of a kind.



Tri color phantom bernedoodle
Photo by @Dreamdoods


Aussie Mountain Doodle Highlights

  • Excellent candidates for therapy and emotional support work due to their people-focused nature

  • Typically have hair rather than fur, making many more allergy-friendly than traditional shedding breeds

  • Highly intelligent and responsive to training

  • Often live 10–15 years, with some reaching longer lifespans when supported with thoughtful care

  • Thrive as family companions and do well with children when properly socialized

  • Loyal and attentive, but not typically guard dogs by nature

  • Growing steadily in popularity worldwide as more families discover their temperament and versatility

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