Dogs are a wonderful, human companion. They became domesticated from wolves over 20,000 years ago and have been with us ever since. Whether for hunting or protection or companionship, dogs are amazing. Originally, canines were developed into distinct groups of sighthounds, guard dogs, and hunting dogs.
They were intentionally mated to produce desired characteristics but as people moved to agrarian societies, dogs were bred to be smaller and more docile, making it easier for them to live together with us. Today we have over 300 breeds of dogs in the world with many more being developed.
When you are looking for a unique dog breed to get, there are many things to consider. Taking the time to research different varieties is important as well as talking to dog owners about their experience with different breeds.
Size, temperament, and lifespan should be considered but sometimes you have to see the dog to know what you want. You can have an instant connection with a dog and that will last their entire life. Personality can make all the difference and if you were looking for a dog breed that has it all, look no further than the Swiss Doodle.
Swiss Doodles
Swiss Doodles are a second-generation hybrid breed. This means careful selection was made by breeders taking other breeds to create this amazing dog. They are half tri-color mini Bernedoodle and half tri-color Aussiedoodle. Confused yet? It goes deeper.
The Bernedoodle was bred as a hybrid between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. They have beautiful tri-color markings on their coat and a laid back temperament. They love to cuddle and be around their owners and they make a great family dog. Their heritage is hunting so they can focus on tasks but be a little hard-headed.
The Aussiedoodle is a hybrid of an Australian Shepard and a Poodle. They are smaller in stature with good health and tend to be very intelligent. They are also pretty active and like to play and go for walks.
When you cross breed these two, the results are incredible. You combine the Poodle’s intelligence, the ease of training you get from a Shepard, and the Bernese loyalty. They also have wonderful color patterns and are eager to please. The mix produces a well-rounded breed that loves to be loved.
Swiss Doodles can be traced back to 2014 with several breeders claiming to be the first creators. While we may not know their exact origin, one thing is for sure. They all combine the Australian Shepherd, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Poodle.
This Swiss moniker comes from the Bernese Mountain Dog’s Swiss Alps origin. Make sure and seek out a reputable breeder with a history and proven track record of breeding Bernedoodle and Aussiedoodle dogs.
Key Features
- Laid-back temperament
- High intelligence
- Hypoallergenic
- High trainability
People love the teddy bear appearance of the Swiss Doddle puppies. They fit perfectly with families looking for a loving pet and your children will adore them.
Size
Swiss Doodles can weigh in around 30 – 55 lbs and stand up to 20 inches at the shoulder when fully grown, but some breeders use Toy Poodles to breed a smaller dog. Their small stature is due to the desire to breed a little dog and using the smallest parents possible.
This size of dog works well in smaller homes like condos where there is a size restriction on pets. They have a calm disposition too so they can adapt to apartment living.
Lifespan
Bernedoodles have a fairly long life span, ranging from 12 to 18 years so it is expected that Swiss Doddles will live much the same life. Since the breed is relatively new, there is some debate about how long this dog breed can actually live.
By breeding pure bred dogs with Poodles, it can increase life span and lessen the occurrence of hip issues and loss of bone density. Providing good quality food and regular exercise with help extend the life of your dog as well.
Training
They are well adapted to training and thrive on a positive reinforcement style. Swiss Doodles respond positively to this method of rewarding good behavior and redirecting bad behavior.
Because they have an active mind, you need to keep them interested and engaged with something. Various toys work well because when bored they can start chewing, digging, and marking.
Appearance
Coat Swiss Doodles have soft coats of straight or wavy hair that rarely sheds so they work great as pets for people with allergies. Usually, a curlier coat means more hypoallergenic but the Swiss Doodles can occasionally lose some hair. You will also have to keep up on grooming so the hair doesn’t get matted.
Color Most dogs are tri-color but can come in several different colors. Single or two colors occur as well as unique blends of sable and merle. This makes it much harder to pick your favorite when they are all so cute. It can also affect the price of a one-color animal. Black is the least expensive.
Stature They have a medium-sized build giving them a stocky body and a short muzzle. Swiss Doodles are a smaller dog but that makes them perfect for your home. The Poodle cross produces this smaller size. While they can be affected by disease, like most dogs, these pure bred crosses are usually healthier.
Grooming
Doodles can be high maintenance with their type of coat. They have thick fur that will need lots of attention so be prepared for a daily bushing. It can be a bit of a chore to detangle your beloved dog. If you have left it for some time you may need to de-matt your Swiss Doodle and it will require the right type of grooming tools.
It is preferable to keep your dog’s hair shorter to be able to maintain it easier. This is also essential because since their coat is hypoallergenic, it continually grows. You can take them to a pet salon every two months for a trim so their hair remains manageable. It’s also a great time for trimming nails and getting a bath.
Health
This crossbreed of pure-bred dogs usually produces a much healthier animal but there are disease and genetic mutations that can occur in all dogs. Different breeds are susceptible to sickness but the Swiss Doodle is a much more resilient breed.
The Swiss Doodle has only been around for 6 years so we don’t know what health issues they may develop. Bernedoodles can be prone to eye disease, epilepsy, allergies, deafness, and hip dysplasia. Time will tell if these or other afflictions show up in Swiss Doodles.
You can talk to your breeder about their lines and get a DNA test to look at the parent’s lineage for genetic defects. Use a breeder that also breeds Bernedoodles and Aussiedoodles. Also, get regular vet checkups and provide your dog with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise.
Activities
Your new Swiss Doodle will have a moderate level of energy which makes them perfect for a house dog in smaller homes or for those that are less active.
Short, daily walks will give this breed plenty of fitness and because they love to play, make sure to supply a few toys to keep them occupied. They can be pretty vocal and want to play a lot. Take them with you during outdoor family activities. They also are a great hiking companion.
They are very eager to please and love affection. They would be a compassionate service dog or a great choice for a person who is single.
Prices
Prices can vary with breeders and there are several factors that go into the cost of your Swiss Doodle. The average prices are around $900-$3500. The big price swing is due to color variation and size.
They start at the low end with a single color pup with solid black as the least expensive. It goes up from there with two-color and tri-color pups. Sable and Merle colors are more unique and can drive up the cost too.
If you can find a rescue dog in this breed it can be more affordable but you have no way of knowing their lineage. They still need a loving home and if you make a connection, please consider adopting one. Because they are a new breed they may be hard to find in a shelter.
Is a Swiss Doodle on your mind for your next dog? Getting this breed will bring you and your family years of close companionship because they are very well rounded with the perfect blend of affectionate and calm. They love people and other dogs too and would be a wonderful addition to your family.
Breeders have given us a new variety of dog that takes all that is great in the Australian Shepherd, the Bernese Mountain Dog, and the Poodle. Now go have fun with your new Swiss Doodle puppy!
Image Source:
crockettdoodles.com/swiss-doodles
