Micro Bernedoodles Explained: F1B vs. Multigen — Which Is Right for You?
A micro Bernedoodle is a small-sized Bernedoodle — typically 12 to 25 pounds full grown — bred down using Toy or small Mini Poodle lines. The two generations most breeders offer are the **F1B micro Bernedoodle** (an F1 Bernedoodle bred back to a toy Poodle) and the **multigen micro Bernedoodle** (a Bernedoodle bred to another Bernedoodle, usually F2 or F3). Both are non-shedding and family-friendly.
At Bernedoodles & Co in California, we breed both micro F1B and multigen litters, so this guide walks through exactly how the two compare and how to decide which fits your family.
What Is a Micro Bernedoodle?
“Micro” refers to size, not a separate breed. A micro Bernedoodle is created by crossing Bernedoodle lines with Toy or small Miniature Poodles, producing adults that mature around 12 to 17 inches tall and 12 to 25 pounds. Compared to Standard Bernedoodles (70–90 lbs) and Mini Bernedoodles (25–49 lbs), micros are the smallest size category, making them a popular choice for apartments, small homes, and owners who want a Bernese Mountain Dog temperament in a lap-sized package.
Micros also mature faster than larger Bernedoodles — most reach full adult size between 10 and 14 months, compared to 18 to 24 months for Standards.
Micro Bernedoodle Generations Explained
Breeders label generations using an “F” system (F stands for filial, meaning offspring) plus a number showing how many generations removed the puppy is from the original Bernese-Poodle cross. The letter “B” means the litter was backcrossed to a Poodle.
F1: The Original Cross

An F1 Bernedoodle is 50% Bernese Mountain Dog and 50% Poodle — one purebred parent of each breed. F1s have the most genetic diversity and often the classic “wavy” doodle coat, but shedding and hypoallergenic qualities vary more from puppy to puppy. F1 is not available in micro size because one of the parents Bernese.
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F1B: The Backcross
An F1B micro Bernedoodle comes from breeding an F1 Bernedoodle back to a Toy or Mini Poodle, resulting in a puppy that is roughly 75% Poodle and 25% Bernese. That extra Poodle influence produces:
– A curlier, denser coat that doesn’t shed and is considered the most allergy-friendly Bernedoodle option
– Strong Poodle intelligence and trainability, balanced by the Bernese Mountain Dog’s calm, affectionate nature
– Adult weights generally in the 15–25 lb range for the micro size
F1B is the generation most breeders recommend for h
Multigen: Bernedoodle Bred to Bernedoodle
A multigen (multigenerational) micro Bernedoodle comes from breeding two Bernedoodles together — for example, an F1B to an F1B, or an F2 to an F1B — rather than crossing back to a purebred Poodle or Bernese. Multigen litters are usually F2B, F3, or later generations.
Because both parents are already Bernedoodles with established coat and temperament traits, multigen breeding is used to:
– Stabilize a specific coat type (wavy or curly) generation over generation
– Lock in consistent size, structure, and temperament with fewer surprises litter to litter
– Maintain non-shedding, hypoallergenic coats without repeatedly reintroducing purebred Poodle genetics
Multigen Bernedoodles tend to look and act more uniformly like “Bernedoodles” as a stable type, rather than showing a strong pull toward one parent breed.
F1B vs. Multigen Micro Bernedoodle: Key Differences

Both generations are excellent family companions. The right choice usually comes down to whether you prioritize a fresh infusion of Poodle genetics each litter (F1B) or a more standardized, predictable outcome bred over multiple generations (multigen).
Size and Growth: What to Expect
icro Bernedoodles, whether F1B or multigen, typically follow this growth pattern:
– **Birth to 8 weeks:** 2–5 lbs
– **6 months:** roughly half of adult weight
– **10–14 months:** full adult size, generally 12–25 lbs and 12–17 inches at the shoulder
Because growth plates close earlier in smaller dogs, micro Bernedoodles reach their adult size noticeably faster than Standard or even Mini Bernedoodles.
Temperament and Trainability
Both micro F1B and multigen Bernedoodles inherit the Bernese Mountain Dog’s gentle, people-oriented nature and the Poodle’s sharp intelligence. Expect a dog that is:
– Eager to please and quick to learn with positive-reinforcement training
– Affectionate and loyal, often described as “velcro dogs” that want to be near their people
– Good with children and other pets when properly socialized
– Playful but generally calmer than a purebred Poodle, thanks to the Bernese influence
Early socialization and consistent, reward-based training bring out the best of both breeds in either generation.
Grooming and Shedding
The higher Poodle percentage in both F1B and multigen micro Bernedoodles means a low-shedding, often hypoallergenic-friendly coat — but it comes with a grooming commitment:
– Brushing 2–4 times per week to prevent matting, especially behind the ears and around the legs
– Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks for a trim
– Occasional bathing as needed; the dense undercoat traps dirt less than a Bernese but more than a straight-coated dog
Health and Lifespan
Micro Bernedoodles benefit from hybrid vigor and generally enjoy longer, healthier lives than purebred Bernese Mountain Dogs, which are prone to shorter lifespans. A well-bred micro Bernedoodle typically lives **12–18 years**.

What Affects Micro Bernedoodle Pricing
Prices for micro Bernedoodles vary widely based on generation, coat rarity, health testing, and breeder reputation. Generally:
– Multigen litters with highly stabilized coats and colors often command a premium due to predictability
– F1B litters can vary in price based on the Poodle parent’s size, coloring, and health-testing depth
We have puppies from $3800 to $6500. $6200-$6500 is for our smallest multigenerational bernedoodles, typically only 1-3 puppies available in a season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a micro F1B and a multigen Bernedoodle?
An F1B micro Bernedoodle is bred from an F1 Bernedoodle crossed back to a purebred Toy or Mini Poodle, while a multigen micro Bernedoodle is bred from two Bernedoodles (F2 or later) crossed together. F1B litters introduce fresh Poodle genetics each generation; multigen litters build on established Bernedoodle-to-Bernedoodle lines for more predictable outcomes.
Are micro Bernedoodles hypoallergenic?
No dog is 100% hypoallergenic, but micro Bernedoodles — especially F1B and multigen generations with higher Poodle percentages — consider non-shedding and produce less dander than many breeds, making them a popular choice for allergy-sensitive households.
How big does a micro Bernedoodle get?
Most micro Bernedoodles mature to 12–25 pounds and 12–17 inches tall at the shoulder, reaching full adult size by 10–14 months of age.
Do multigen Bernedoodles shed less than F1B Bernedoodles?
Both generations are considered non-shedding, since both carry a high percentage of Poodle genetics.
How long do micro Bernedoodles live?
Micro Bernedoodles typically live 12 to 18 years when bred responsibly from health-tested parents.
Which generation is better for a family with allergies?
Both F1B and multigen micro Bernedoodles are strong choices for allergy-sensitive families, since both carry a high percentage of Poodle coat genetics.
Why Choose Bernedoodles & Co
At Bernedoodles & Co, we specialize in raising both micro F1B and multigen Bernedoodle litters in Roseville, CA, with health-tested parents, early socialization, and full transparency about each puppy’s generation and expected adult size.





