The Munchkin Bernedoodle: The Definitive Guide to the Smallest Bernedoodle
The Munchkin Bernedoodle:
The Definitive Guide to the Smallest Bernedoodle
Everything you need to know about genetics, temperament, coat science, and choosing a responsible breeder
A Munchkin Bernedoodle is an intentionally downsized Bernedoodle created by crossing a Bernedoodle with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, producing a compact, low-shedding companion that typically weighs between 10 and 25 pounds. Unlike many "teacup" doodles, bred by introducing more the tiny poodle into the genetics, sometimes losing the temperament and rounded features that we love in the bernedoodles, the Munchkin achieves its smaller size through a deliberate infusion of Cavalier genetics — bringing along one of the most affectionate temperaments in the canine world without sacrificing the Bernedoodle traits, families love.
I have spent over a decade refining this program at Rocky Road Doodles, and in that time, the single most common question I hear is some version of: "I love Bernedoodles, but is there one that is small enough for my lifestyle that is still like the larger bernedoodles?" The Munchkin Bernedoodle is the answer I have spent years developing — not through just breeding in more "toy poodle" and losing the temperament and essence of a bernedoodle, but through careful, multigenerational mini bernedoodles, infused with Cavalier genetics.
This guide covers everything you need to know: the genetics behind the cross, how Munchkins compare to Micro mini bernedoodles, Petite mini, Mini and Standard Bernedoodles, health considerations, temperament, coat science, and what to look for in a responsible breeder.
How the Munchkin Bernedoodle Is Created
The Role of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
A true Munchkin Bernedoodle introduces the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel into carefully selected and genetically specific Bernedoodle lines. The Cavalier is not just a convenient small dog — it is a strategic genetic choice. Here is what the Cavalier contributes to the cross:
Natural smaller frame. The Cavalier typically weighs 12 to 18 pounds. That smaller architecture is encoded across dozens of genes affecting bone density, growth-plate timing, and overall skeletal proportion. You are not shrinking a big dog. You are blending in a naturally small one but also one that rounds out the features of the smallest bernedoodle features, preventing them from looking like "toy poodles".
Affectionate, biddable temperament. The Cavalier was bred for centuries as a lap dog and companion to royalty. Its eagerness to please and deep attachment to its people is legendary among breed enthusiasts. That soft, willing nature blends beautifully with the Bernedoodle's playful intelligence.
Genetic diversity. Adding a third breed to the Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle combination broadens the gene pool. In genetics, we call this hybrid vigor — the tendency for crossbred animals to exhibit greater health and vitality than their purebred parents. Cancer rates and purebred health issues are greatly reduced by the genetic diversification.
The Multigenerational Approach
At Rocky Road Doodles, our Munchkin program is built on a foundation of YEARS of work, from the Bernedoodle side. We are working with many generations of documented breeding data.
Why does that matter? Because early-generation crosses are unpredictable. We have spent over a decade getting the genetics perfected from our bernedoodle side, so that when we have added in Cavaliers and Cavapoos, we have predictable hair types, for predictable low to non shedding coats, color intensity that has been worked on from years of work and an expertise in structure, temperament and health, that can only come from long term work in this breed. By the time you reach multigenerational lines, the genetics have stabilized. Size, coat type, temperament — all of these traits become far more consistent and predictable.
Multigenerational breeding is like building a curated deck over years, card by card, until you know almost exactly what hand you will draw every time.
Munchkin vs. Mini vs. Standard Bernedoodle: A Complete Comparison
One of the biggest sources of confusion in the Bernedoodle world is the overlap between size categories. Here is a clear breakdown:
| Trait | Munchkin Bernedoodle | Mini Bernedoodle | Standard Bernedoodle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Weight | 10–25 lbs | 25–49 lbs | 50–90 lbs |
| Typical Height | 10–15 inches | 15–22 inches | 22–29 inches |
| Primary Cross | Bernedoodle × Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Bernese × Miniature Poodle | Bernese × Standard Poodle |
| Shedding | Low | Low | Low |
| Energy Level | Moderate to low; adapts to owner's activity level | Moderate | Moderate to low |
| Ideal Living Space | Apartments, condos, smaller homes | Small to mid-size homes | Homes with yard space |
| Lap Dog Tendency | High — strong Cavalier influence | Moderate | Low |
| Trainability | High — eager to please | High | High but can be stubborn |
| Best Suited For | Seniors, apartment dwellers, families wanting a smaller companion, emotional support, therapy work | Families, moderate spaces, therapy work, emotional support | Families with space, therapy work, emotional support |
A key distinction: the Munchkin is not simply a smaller Mini. The Cavalier genetics fundamentally alter the dog's temperament profile in the best possible ways. Munchkins tend to be softer, more content to curl up in your lap, and less driven by the high-energy Poodle athleticism you sometimes see in Minis. They still enjoy a good walk or play session, but they have an off switch that many Mini owners wish their dogs came with.
Understanding the Munchkin Bernedoodle Coat
The Furnishings Gene (RSPO2)
The gene most responsible for the Bernedoodle's signature low-shedding, "teddy bear" coat is called RSPO2, commonly referred to as the furnishings gene. Dogs that carry at least one copy of this gene develop the longer facial hair — the beard, mustache, and eyebrows — that give Bernedoodles their distinctive look. More importantly, furnishings are strongly associated with reduced shedding.
I like to call double furnishings — two copies of the RSPO2 gene — the "backup battery." If a dog carries one copy (F/IC, or furnished/improper coat), it will have furnishings and shed less and most people would consider them "hypoallergenic" and to have "non shedding" hair. But if that single copy is not as robust or "strong", there can be an increase in the hair turn over rate. Two copies (F/F) means that each copy of that hair gene backs up the other. Think of it like a person with really thick, robust hair vs the person that might wish that their hair was thicker and more robust. It is genetic insurance.
In our Munchkin program, we prioritize double-furnished breeding dogs. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel does not carry the furnishings gene naturally, so it takes intentional, multigenerational work to re-establish consistent double furnishings in the Munchkin line. This is one of the reasons a responsible Munchkin program takes years to develop — you cannot rush the genetics. First generation munchkin bernedoodles (where one parent is a King Charles Cavalier) have the most Cavalier influence, in both temperament and look. They will be low shedding and have sweet little faces that are unique to this mix. The munchkins that have a cavapoo mom have more of the low-non shedding genes, typically less cavalier, they are more typical of our smaller bernedoodles.
The Curl Gene (KRT71)
Coat texture — wavy versus curly — is governed by a separate gene called KRT71, the curl gene. This gene operates independently of the furnishings gene. A Munchkin Bernedoodle can have:
Straight coat (two copies of the straight variant) — softer looser waves, easier maintenance
Wavy coat (one copy of curl, one copy of straight) — waves that have some curl, moderate grooming needs
Curly coat (two copies of the curl variant) — tighter curls, more brushing needed
Most families prefer straight or wavy coats for the balance of manageable grooming and brushing and that softer feel and look. Because the Cavalier carries the straight-coat variant, early-generation Munchkin crosses tend to produce straighter, looser wavy coats and our bernedoodles have been bred to have straighter, softer, hair textures while having the highest non shedding genes. These pair together well to produce puppies that have low to non shedding hair thats soft and easy to brush and maintain.
Health Testing: The Non-Negotiable Foundation
This is the section where I will not sugarcoat anything.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a wonderful breed — affectionate, gentle, beautiful. But it is also a breed with well-documented health challenges that no responsible breeder can afford to ignore. Thankfully the outcrossing to two completely unrelated breeds brings with it an automatic health improvement due to genetic diversity and less doubling up of at risk genes.
Cavaliers were developed from a very small group of dogs and that lack of genetic diversity has plagued them from the beginning. It is well documented that when populations receive an infusion of diversity, hybrid vigor follows. The shorter skulls and faces of the cavalier are brought back into healthier proportions, the eyes are less likely to have the extreme flattened facial issues, the issue of over crowding in the brain/skull structure is mitigated. Cavaliers, like many of the brachycephalic breeds, were bred to have extreme facial flattening. Poodles and Bernese mountain dogs have healthier facial structures and bring those proportions back into a place of healthy breathing and function for this beautiful breed.
Thankfully, due to the genetic diversity and healthier (unaffected) breeds that make up the majority of the genetic makeup of Munchkin bernedoodles (with the majority being Poodle and Bernese mountain dog) the munchkin bernedoodles have been healthier than their purebred counterparts.
A responsible Munchkin Bernedoodle program should include:
Hip and elbow evaluations (from the Bernese and Poodle side)
DNA panel testing for degenerative myelopathy (DM), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), von Willebrand's disease, and other breed-relevant conditions
Patellar luxation evaluation (particularly important in smaller dogs)
Temperament and Lifestyle Fit
The Munchkin Bernedoodle inherits a unique temperament blend that sets it apart from other Bernedoodle sizes.
Who Is the Munchkin Bernedoodle Ideal For?
Apartment and condo dwellers. At 10 to 25 pounds, approximately, Munchkins are genuinely apartment-compatible. They do not need a yard to burn off energy, though they certainly enjoy one.
Seniors and retirees. The Cavalier influence produces a dog that is content with moderate exercise and thrives on companionship. A Munchkin will happily spend the afternoon beside you on the couch.
Families with children. Munchkins are patient and gentle. Their smaller size also means less risk of accidental knockdowns with toddlers compared to a 70-pound Standard Bernedoodle.
First-time dog owners. The biddable, eager-to-please nature inherited from the Cavalier makes Munchkins highly trainable and forgiving of beginner mistakes.
Therapy and emotional support work. Their calm demeanor, manageable size, and deep human attachment make Munchkins excellent candidates for therapy and emotional support roles.
What the Munchkin Bernedoodle Is Not
I want to be equally clear about what this dog is not:
It is not a teacup dog. "Teacup" is a marketing term that usually signals irresponsible breeding for extreme smallness at the expense of health. Munchkins are small but robust. They have solid bone structure, healthy organ proportion, and the stamina for a full day of activity.
It is not a purely sedentary dog. While Munchkins have a better "off" switch than many Doodles, they still benefit from daily walks, play sessions, and mental stimulation.
It is not a guard dog. If you need a dog to alert you to every delivery truck, a Standard Bernedoodle might be a better fit. Munchkins tend to greet strangers with tail wags, not barking.
Grooming and Maintenance
Munchkin Bernedoodles require regular grooming — there is no way around that. Low-shedding coats come with a tradeoff: the hair that does not fall out on your furniture grows and grows and can mat if not maintained. Brushing and hair cuts!
Expect to:
Brush thoroughly one to three times per week (daily for curlier coats)
Schedule professional grooming every 2–5 months
Clean ears weekly — the Cavalier influence can contribute to longer, heavier ears that trap moisture
Maintain dental hygiene — smaller dogs are more prone to dental crowding, so regular tooth brushing and veterinary dental checks are important
The good news: Munchkins are generally cooperative groomers, especially if you start handling their paws, ears, and mouth from puppyhood. Their people-pleasing nature works in your favor here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a Munchkin Bernedoodle?
A Munchkin Bernedoodle is a smaller Bernedoodle created by intentionally crossing Bernedoodle lines with Cavalier King Charles Spaniel genetics. This produces a compact companion dog in the 10 to 25 pound range that retains the Bernedoodle's low-shedding coat and friendly temperament while adding the Cavalier's natural smaller frame and affectionate lap-dog nature. It is not achieved by breeding runts together — it is a deliberate, multigenerational program.
How big do Munchkin Bernedoodles get?
Most Munchkin Bernedoodles reach 10 to 25 pounds and stand 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown. In well-established multigenerational programs, size is quite consistent. However, in early-generation crosses, there can be more variability. Always ask your breeder about the size range of previous litters from the same parent pairing.
Do Munchkin Bernedoodles shed?
Munchkin Bernedoodles with proper furnishings (the RSPO2 gene) shed very little. Dogs with double furnishings (F/F) or one strong copy (F/n) shed the least, while those with a single copy that is slower or weaker, still shed significantly less than an unfurnished dog but may have some times where some turn over is seen. No dog is truly zero-shedding, but a well-bred Munchkin Bernedoodle comes close.
Are Munchkin Bernedoodles hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic — that is a biological impossibility because allergens come from proteins in skin cells, saliva, and urine, not just hair. However, Munchkin Bernedoodles with furnished, wavy-to-curly coats produce and distribute far fewer airborne allergens than heavy-shedding breeds. Many allergy sufferers report living comfortably with furnished Bernedoodles. If you have severe allergies, I recommend spending time with a dog carrying the same coat genetics before committing.
What health issues should I watch for?
The primary health concerns in a combination that is outcrossed (thus preventing many of the small gene pool weaknesses) revolve around patellar luxation (common in smaller dogs), hip dysplasia (from the Bernese side), and eye conditions or allergies. A well-tested breeding program significantly reduces these risks, but no living creature comes with a zero risk of issues. You can check out our parent's health testing on our website "Parents" pages.
How much does a Munchkin Bernedoodle cost?
Munchkin Bernedoodles from reputable breeders typically range from $3,500 to $15,000 or more, depending on the breeder's program, health testing protocols, coat color, and generation. This price reflects the extensive health screening, years of multigenerational breeding development, and the expertise required to produce healthy, well-tempered puppies. Be cautious of significantly lower prices, as they may indicate corners cut on health testing or breeding practices.
What is the difference between a Munchkin and a Mini Bernedoodle?
The primary difference is genetic composition and size. A Mini Bernedoodle is typically a Bernese Mountain Dog crossed with a Miniature Poodle, producing a dog in the 25 to 49 pound range. A Munchkin Bernedoodle incorporates Cavalier King Charles Spaniel genetics, resulting in a 10 to 25 pound dog. Beyond size, the Cavalier influence gives Munchkins a softer, more lap-oriented temperament compared to the often more energetic Mini Bernedoodle. They are different programs with different genetic foundations, not just different sizes of the same thing.
Are Munchkin Bernedoodles good with kids?
Munchkin Bernedoodles are typically excellent with children. The Cavalier influence brings a patient, gentle disposition, while the Bernedoodle side contributes playfulness and sturdiness. Their smaller size can actually be an advantage with very young children because there is less risk of an enthusiastic dog accidentally knocking over a toddler. As with any breed, early socialization and teaching children how to interact respectfully with dogs are essential for building a safe, lasting bond.
Choosing a Responsible Munchkin Bernedoodle Breeder
Not all Munchkin programs are created equal. Here is what to look for:
Verifiable health testing.
Multigenerational data. A breeder should be able to show you pedigrees going back several generations with health and temperament outcomes documented.
Transparency about the Cavalier cross. If a breeder is evasive about how they achieve smaller size, that is a warning sign. Responsible breeders are upfront about their genetic strategy.
Puppy socialization protocols. Look for programs that incorporate early neurological stimulation (ENS), sound desensitization, and varied environmental exposure.
Lifetime support. A responsible breeder stands behind their puppies for life and should be willing to take a dog back at any age if the owner can no longer care for it.
Final Thoughts
The Munchkin Bernedoodle represents what is possible when a breeder commits to doing things the right way — not the fast way, not the cheap way, but the right way. It took years of health testing, genetic evaluation, and careful selection to build a program that produces consistently small, healthy, temperamentally sound dogs.
If you have been searching for a dog that combines the Bernedoodle's intelligence and low-shedding coat with the Cavalier's gentle, lap-loving soul — all in a package that fits comfortably in your apartment, on your lap, and in your life — the Munchkin Bernedoodle may be exactly what you have been looking for.
Written by Emily Scott, founder of Rocky Road Doodles. Emily has over 10 years of hands-on breeding experience and is a pioneer of the Munchkin Bernedoodle and Ultra Bernedoodle programs. Her multigenerational approach — built on five to eight or more generations of documented health, temperament, and genetic data — has set the standard for responsibly bred, downsized Bernedoodles. Emily's mission is to produce healthy, well-tempered companions through science-backed breeding practices, never shortcuts.