Bernedoodle: A Guide to Chewing Bully Sticks

Bernedoodles are crossbred dogs that combine the gentle, mountain dog nature of Bernese Mountain Dogs with the intelligence and athleticism of Poodles. These friendly, family-oriented dogs inherit moderate to strong jaw mechanics from their large parent breeds, combined with high intelligence and substantial builds that make proper chew selection important for safety.

Large-Dog Bite Mechanics from Mountain Heritage
Bernedoodles typically inherit mesocephalic skull characteristics from both parent breeds, resulting in well-proportioned heads with balanced jaw mechanics. Their muzzles provide excellent leverage for their jaw muscles while maintaining good breathing efficiency essential for their large builds.

The bite force of Bernedoodles typically ranges from 200-250 PSI, reflecting the substantial strength inherited from both Bernese Mountain Dogs and Standard Poodles. Their dental structure usually features the excellent scissor-bite pattern where upper teeth slightly overlap lower teeth, promoting efficient chewing. Even though bully sticks are tough, doodles can chew them into a short enough stub to swallow before their human expects it. This makes securing the stick in an undefeatable holder critical.

In Short—Which EverChew Holder?
Many Bernedoodles will thrive with the green Medium EverChew Plus holder, which provides ideal durability and flexibility—if they are a more gentle chewer. But for the aggressive-chew Bernes, the nylon Superchew holder will be required.

Understanding Bully Stick Benefits and Why Holders Are Essential
Bernedoodles are natural, gentle chewers who inherit strong oral fixation tendencies from both their Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle ancestry. Their chewing behavior serves multiple important purposes: dental health maintenance, mental stimulation, stress relief, and jaw muscle exercise. Their high intelligence and substantial size mean they particularly benefit from chewing activities that provide both physical satisfaction and mental engagement to prevent boredom-induced destructive behaviors.

Bully sticks are pure protein treats (similar to beef jerky) that provide an ideal chewing texture for Bernedoodles. The stick’s firm but gradually softening consistency allows these thoughtful chewers to work systematically with their substantial bite, effectively scraping away plaque and tartar while providing satisfying resistance that matches their mountain dog heritage. The extended chewing time provides crucial mental stimulation for their intelligent minds, while the high protein content supports their large, muscular builds.

However, Bernedoodles' gentle nature inherited from Bernese Mountain Dogs may make them less cautious about swallowing inappropriately sized pieces, while their Poodle intelligence can lead them to manipulate a small stub in potentially dangerous ways. Additionally, their family-oriented nature can make them gulp items quickly when they perceive competition from other pets or during times of excitement around family activities. A chew holder will help keep them safe when the chew gets shorts

Life Stage Considerations and Growth Management
Puppy Phase (8 weeks - 18 months): Bernedoodle puppies experience extended development periods due to their large size, with teething typically peaking between 3-6 months but continued growth and development extending well into their second year. Their developing intelligence and substantial size mean they quickly outgrow puppy-appropriate items, requiring early transition to adult-appropriate chew options. Early introduction to proper chew items helps establish good habits while providing essential outlets for their developing energy.

Adult Phase (18+ months): Adult Bernedoodles continue moderate to enthusiastic chewing throughout their lives, often using it as their primary stress-relief mechanism and mental stimulation outlet. Their gentle nature means they typically prefer extended, leisurely chewing sessions rather than intense bursts of destructive activity.

Senior Phase: Older Bernedoodles particularly appreciate the low-impact dental exercise that bully sticks provide, as their gentle chewing style remains effective even as overall energy levels may decrease. Their continued intelligence makes mental stimulation through appropriate chewing valuable throughout their senior years.

Selection Guidelines
Choose the Medium EverChew Plus if your Bernedoodle:

• Weighs 16-40 pounds
• Demonstrates typical gentle chewing
• Has shown no destructive tendencies with similar materials

Consider the Large SuperChew if your Bernedoodle:

• Weighs over 40 pounds
• Has destroyed other chew toys or holders

Avoid the smallest holder as it's typically inadequate for their substantial size and strength.