The Importance of Bernedoodle Health Testing: What Every Breeder—and Buyer—Should Know

At Down Home Doodle, health isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a commitment.

For over 14 years, Samantha Nelson, the passionate breeder behind Down Home Doodle, has built her program around one core value: raising the healthiest, happiest Bernedoodles possible. This commitment starts long before the puppies are born—with rigorous Bernedoodle health testing.

Whether you’re a fellow Bernedoodle breeders or someone searching for the perfect puppy, understanding Bernedoodle health testing requirements is essential. Not only does it help improve the breed overall, but it also protects future families from heartbreak and expensive medical surprises.

Why Is Health Testing in Bernedoodles So Important?

Bernedoodles are a cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle, both of which come with their own breed-specific health risks. While hybrid vigor can help reduce some of these risks, responsible breeding practices—including comprehensive genetic and orthopedic testing—are what truly set the foundation for healthier generations.

Health testing isn’t about guaranteeing a perfect dog—it’s about stacking the odds in the puppy’s favor and continually bettering the breed.

Essential Bernedoodle Health Testing Requirements

Here are the most important tests every reputable Bernedoodle breeder should be performing:

Genetic Testing (DNA Panels)

Helps identify inherited diseases and recessive traits that may affect your puppy later in life. This should be done through reputable labs like Embark or Animal Genetics and should include checks for:

• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

• Von Willebrand Disease (vWD)

• PRA-prcd (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)

• IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease)

• Furnishings, curl, color genes (important for structure and coat type) 

Orthopedic Screening

These are critical for ensuring strong structure and mobility throughout the dog’s life:

• Hips – certified through OFA and PennHIP (either is acceptable, but one is a must)

• Elbows – OFA evaluation for dysplasia

• Shoulders – Optional but valuable for active families

• Patellas – Ensures the kneecaps are properly aligned

  
  

Cardiac (Heart) Exam

All breeding dogs should undergo a basic heart evaluation to rule out congenital or hereditary cardiac conditions.

Health Testing is Not a Guarantee—but It’s a Powerful Tool

Even with perfect test results, no breeder can promise a puppy will never have a health issue. But skipping these tests altogether dramatically increases the risk of preventable problems. Health testing is the best tool we have to:

• Reduce inherited disease

• Improve structural soundness

• Create a stronger foundation for future generations

As Samantha always says: “It’s not about perfection—it’s about progression.”

What Responsible Bernedoodle Breeding Looks Like

At Down Home Doodle, Samantha Nelson doesn’t just breed dogs—she breeds purposefully, selectively, and with integrity. Every dog in her program is hand-selected based on temperament, structure, and comprehensive health clearances.

Samantha is also the founder of Down Home Veterinary Services, allowing her team to oversee all OFA, PennHIP, and genetic testing in-house. This ensures results are timely, accurate, and always up-to-date.

You can view health clearances for every parent dog in Samantha’s program here:

👉 Click to view our Parent Dogs and Their Health Certifications

---

Dam Spotlight: Kassie – A Bernese Mountain Dog Worth Celebrating

One of the shining examples of our commitment to health-tested breeding is Kassie, a stunning Bernese Mountain Dog and daughter of our very own Moose. Kassie isn’t just beautiful—she’s also champion-sired and has OFA-certified excellent hips.

In the world of Bernese Mountain Dogs, earning an “excellent” hip rating is no small feat. It’s the highest rating a dog can receive and a rare achievement in this breed, where hip dysplasia is unfortunately common.

At Down Home Doodle, our standard is to only use Bernese Mountain Dogs with fair, good, or excellent hips in our breeding program. We were absolutely thrilled when Kassie’s results came back at the highest possible level. Her structure, temperament, and genetics represent everything we strive for in our program.

Kassie is a perfect example of why Bernedoodle health testing matters—and how responsible breeding makes a difference.

---

Bernedoodle Breeder & Puppy Seeker Health Checklist ✅

If you’re buying a Bernedoodle or starting your breeding program, don’t skip this checklist:

✅ Genetic DNA panel completed (Embark/Animal Genetics)

✅ Hips certified (PennHIP or OFA)

✅ Elbows certified (OFA)

✅ Patellas certified (OFA)

✅ Heart clearance

✅ Eyes checked (CAER optional but encouraged)

✅ Parents over 24 months of age when cleared

✅ Clear, honest communication with breeder

✅ Transparent website with posted test results

✅ Breeder stands behind their puppies with a health guarantee

Final Thoughts

In a world where anyone can throw together a litter of puppies, Samantha Nelson and Down Home Doodle stand out by doing things the right way. Bernedoodle health testing isn’t just about paperwork it’s about integrity, compassion, and a mission to raise healthy companions that thrive for years to come.

If you’re a new breeder, take notes. If you’re searching for a puppy, ask questions. Because every great dog starts with a responsible decision.

Looking for a health-tested Bernedoodle puppy?

Contact Us