The Micro Mini Bernedoodle has quickly become the talk of the town, and for all the right reasons. Dog lovers cannot help but drool over them. Their teddy-bearish looks, compact size, and affectionate personality make them an automatic choice as pets. Precisely speaking, they seem too perfect to be real. So, if you are considering one or are lucky enough to have one, then you might have one question on your mind, and that is how big the Micro Mini Bernedoodle turns into when it grows up fully.
Let us explore all the aspects related to the breed’s full-grown size, weight, growth timeline, temperament, lifestyle, and most importantly, the significance of the word “Micro”; we have got you fully covered in each of these.
What is a Micro Mini Bernedoodle?
As the name suggests, the breed is a smaller version of the Mini Bernedoodle, created by crossing a Bernese Mountain Dog with a Miniature or Toy Poodle. The procedure is often created through multi-generation breeding. The idea of breeding them is intentional so that the breed is significantly smaller than standard or even regular Bernedoodles, while retaining the essential characteristics of its unique traits, which are a gentle nature, a family-friendly temperament, a low-shedding coat, and an intelligent and trainable personality.
In this context, one should understand that the term “Micro Mini” is a descriptive term, not an officially recognized breed size. Thus, adult size can vary slightly depending on genetics and breeding practices.
The size of the Micro Mini Bernedoodle
When fully grown, most of the Micro Mini Bernedoodle fall into the following range:
- Height: It reaches 12 to 16 inches at the shoulder.
- Weight: The weight gains up to 15 to 25 pounds.
- Build: The breed is usually compact, balanced, and lightly athletic.
Of course, they are visibly smaller than their standard versions, but are robust enough to feel like a proper dog, and not fragile or like a toy. Their manageable size appeals to the small apartment dwellers, first-time dog owners, and families that prefer a smaller and more manageable dog.
How Big is the Micro version compared to the other Bernedoodle breeds?
This comparison should help you understand the difference between the Micro Mini Bernedoodle and the standard versions better:
The Standard Bernedoodle: The height of this breed ranges from 23 to 29 inches, and it weighs up to 70-90 lbs. The Mini Bernedoodles grow up to 18-22 inches and weigh in the range of 25-50 lbs. The Toy Bernedoodle does not grow more than 10-14 inches and weighs around 10-15 lbs. Lastly, the Micro Mini version grows up to 12-16 inches and weighs 15-25 lbs.
As it is evident from the above figures, the Micro Minis are somewhere between the Toy and Mini versions, offering a balance of portability and presence.
When to consider a Micro Mini Bernedoodle fully-grown?
Typically, when the breed reaches 10-14 months, they are considered fully grown. The various growth stages are as follows:
- 0-5 months: You can witness rapid growth during this period.
- 6-9 months: This is the stage when steady development takes place.
- 10-14 months: This is the period when they start filling out in muscle tone.
While height usually reaches its maximum limit around one year, some dogs do carry on to gain slight weight and chest depth till 15 months.
Factors that influence a Micro Mini Bernedoodle’s size
Various factors can contribute to the size it will reach when fully grown. Let us take a glimpse at the most common influencing aspects:
- Parent dog genetics: Inarguably, this is the most significant factor determining its size. The size of both the Bernedoodle parent and the Toy or Mini Poodle parent can have a direct impact on the size of the adult. Ethical breeders make careful considerations and select smaller, healthy parent dogs to achieve consistent results.
- Generation Type: F1b and F2 Micro Minis are generally more predictable in size. Then again, early-generation crosses may show more size variations.
- Nutrition and feeding: Proper nutrition can play a crucial role in its healthy development. However, dog parents must keep an eye on them so that they never overfeed them. It will not help increase the adult size; it can lead to strain on the joints and make them overweight.
- Overall health: Healthy puppies tend to grow steadily. If they are undergoing any health issues or have gone through poor breeding, it can affect their development.
How does a full-grown Micro Mini Bernedoodle look?
Once the breed reaches adulthood, it will exhibit the following characteristics:
- Rounded and expressive faces.
- Soft, wavy, or curly coats.
- Compact bodies with proportionate legs.
Moreover, they would retain the teddy-bear appearance that makes them the most appealing.
Their small size, in addition to fluffy coats, often makes them look even cuter and slightly larger than they actually are. After grooming, many owners are surprised by how little their pet actually is.
Temperament of a Full-Grown Micro Mini Bernedoodle
Although the size of the breed makes them appear cute and small, it hardly affects their personality. Once they grow fully, they tend to be:
- Affectionate and people-oriented.
- Gentle with children.
- Loyal and emotionally active.
- Playful, but will never overdo their enthusiasm.
They will unmistakably form deep bonds with their families and thrive best on companionship. This makes them excellent companions for emotional support, and they are thus regarded as therapy dogs.
However, they never like to be left alone for extended periods. In such situations, they tend to suffer from separation anxiety, resulting in aggressive behavior.
Is a Micro Mini Bernedoodle the best choice for an apartment?
As long as their requirements are met, the breed is the best option for small apartment residents. As you can understand, their size makes them ideal for apartments, condos, and smaller homes. They do not yearn for large yards and ample spaces for playing. However, they regularly need daily walks, interactive play sessions, and mental stimulation. All these activities would make you fall in love with them without thinking twice.
Sometimes, dog owners take their dog’s size for granted and think these dogs do not need much physical activity, or else they would become tired. This is not the case; the best daily routine for them would be:
- 30-45 minutes of daily walking.
- Short play sessions.
- Puzzle toys or basic training games.
They are far more energetic than they may appear, and they need the above to stay fit and calm to settle indoors.
Size comparison of male and female Micro Mini Bernedoodles
There would obviously be a subtle difference in size when it comes to the genders. The males would be a touch taller and heavier, while the females would be a tad leaner and more compact. However, temperament differences are not noticeable, and personality in this aspect matters more than gender in most cases.
Some myths associated with Micro Mini Bernedoodles
- Myth 1: They forever stay puppy-sized and would never grow,
- The reality is that they do stay small, but they aren’t as tiny as puppies. They do grow up into well-built adult dogs.
- Myth 2: Micro mini makes them fragile.
- This is another popular myth: a well-bred Micro Mini can be sturdy and healthy.
- Myth 3: They can do without exercise.
As mentioned already, despite being small dogs, they still need proper physical and mental activities to stay healthy.
Health considerations related to their size
Owing to their compact size, the Micro Mini Bernedoodles can be vulnerable to the following:
- Patellar luxation.
- Dental issues.
- Weight gain occurs when one is overfed.
- In this case, responsible breeding and regular vet checkups can reduce their health risks considerably.
To wrap it up, the Micro Mini Bernedoodle is indeed easy to manage, and they are infinitely affectionate. Furthermore, they can adapt to all situations. Thus, for all the right reasons, the small-sized dog becomes an attractive option as a pet.