Official Standard for the Munchkin Bernedoodle

General Description

The Munchkin Bernedoodle is a deliberately developed small companion type derived from multigenerational Bernedoodle lines with purposeful Spaniel ancestry, particularly Cavalier King Charles Spaniel influence.

The defining characteristic of the Munchkin is not simply reduced size.

A Munchkin should possess a recognizably different head, expression and companion type from the conventional Bernedoodle, with visibly greater Spaniel influence.

Except where specifically modified within this standard, the Munchkin should conform to the general structural, health, movement and temperament principles established in the Bernedoodle Standard.

A small Bernedoodle does not automatically constitute a Munchkin.

Munchkin designation should be based upon both ancestry and phenotype, particularly the characteristic Spaniel-influenced head, expression, compactness and companion type.

Ideal Munchkin Type

The ideal Munchkin is:

Small, sturdy and soft in appearance, with a broad Spaniel-influenced head, shortened full muzzle, expressive eyes, drop ears, compact body, straight-to-wavy furnished coat and exceptionally affectionate temperament.

The overall impression should be soft, charming, substantial for size and distinctly companion-oriented.

The Munchkin should retain recognizable Bernedoodle characteristics in coat, coloring, substance and overall balance while displaying noticeably more Spaniel influence than the traditional Bernedoodle.

The Munchkin should not resemble merely a very small Bernedoodle.

Head

The head is the most important distinguishing characteristic of Munchkin type.

The desired head should show clear Spaniel influence while retaining sufficient width, substance and furnishings to remain recognizable within the Bernedoodle family.

The head should appear broad, soft and expressive rather than long, narrow or sharply refined.

A traditional elongated or finely chiseled Poodle-type head is distinctly undesirable.

Skull

The skull should be moderately broad with a soft, gently rounded appearance.

Some Spaniel-like roundness is desirable.

The skull should possess sufficient width through the cheeks and muzzle to create the characteristic soft Munchkin expression.

The stop should be clearly defined and somewhat more pronounced than in the conventional Bernedoodle.

The combination of skull width, stop and muzzle length should create a compact, soft and somewhat more youthful facial appearance.

Muzzle

The muzzle should be noticeably shorter and broader than that of the conventional Bernedoodle.

This shortened muzzle is one of the defining characteristics of the Munchkin.

The muzzle should be full through the base and maintain adequate width through the jaw.

A soft, shortened or somewhat “smooshed” appearance is desirable.

However, the Munchkin should never be bred toward unhealthy facial exaggeration.

The muzzle must remain sufficiently developed to permit:

• Unrestricted breathing
• Normal eating
• Normal jaw function
• Proper dentition
• Healthy eye placement

The nostrils should be open and well developed.

Extreme shortening of the muzzle, pinched nostrils, excessive facial folds, respiratory noise associated with airway restriction or any degree of functional respiratory compromise are incorrect.

The goal is a shorter, broader Spaniel-influenced muzzle, not brachycephalic exaggeration.

A long, narrow, pointed or distinctly Poodle-like muzzle is undesirable for ideal Munchkin type.

Lips and Cheeks

The cheeks may be somewhat fuller than those preferred in the conventional Bernedoodle and should contribute to the soft Spaniel-influenced appearance.

The lips should be soft and relatively close fitting.

A slightly fuller lip is acceptable.

Heavy, pendulous flews are undesirable.

Eyes

The eyes are a defining component of Munchkin expression.

They should be large, soft and highly expressive while remaining proportionate to the head.

A somewhat larger and rounder eye than preferred in the conventional Bernedoodle is desirable when it contributes to the characteristic Spaniel-influenced expression.

The eyes should convey:

• Affection
• Gentleness
• Intelligence
• Curiosity
• Engagement

Brown, blue, green and hazel eyes are permissible.

Different-colored eyes are permissible.

Eyes should remain healthy and properly positioned.

Excessively protruding eyes are undesirable.

Eyelids should fit properly and should not expose excessive conjunctiva.

Ears

The ears should display greater Spaniel influence than those of the traditional Bernedoodle.

They should be drop ears of moderate length and should frame the face naturally.

Longer ear leather and fuller ear furnishings are desirable when proportionate to the dog.

The ears should contribute to the soft, Spaniel-like expression without becoming excessively long, heavy or exaggerated.

Expression

Expression is one of the defining characteristics of the Munchkin.

The ideal expression should be:

• Soft
• Sweet
• Affectionate
• Gentle
• Curious
• Youthful
• Highly people-oriented

The combination of the broader skull, shortened muzzle, fuller cheeks, expressive eyes and Spaniel-influenced ears should create a noticeably softer and more compact expression than that of the conventional Bernedoodle.

The desired expression should immediately distinguish the Munchkin from a standard Micro or Mini Bernedoodle.

Body Type

The Munchkin should be compact and sturdy rather than fine, fragile or excessively refined.

Moderate bone and sufficient body are strongly preferred.

The dog should not appear delicate or toy-like despite its smaller size.

The body may be slightly longer than tall.

The chest should possess good depth.

The rib cage should be well developed.

The dog should remain athletic and capable of normal activity without restriction.

Extremely shortened limbs, disproportionate dwarfism or structural abnormalities associated with extreme miniaturization are undesirable.

Size

The Munchkin is intended to remain within the smaller end of the Bernedoodle size spectrum.

Exact mature size may vary because of parental size, generation, Spaniel contribution, Bernese percentage, bone and individual development.

Size alone does not determine Munchkin status.

A dog should not be identified as a Munchkin solely because it matures at a very small size.

The defining characteristics remain ancestry, phenotype, head type, expression and overall companion type.

Coat

The preferred Munchkin coat is straight to loose-wavy.

Softness and natural movement are desirable.

A straight or gently flowing coat is particularly complementary to the Spaniel-influenced type.

Loose waves are equally acceptable.

Strong Poodle-like curl is less desirable.

The long-term direction should favor straight and loose-wavy coats over tightly curled coats.

Facial furnishings are desirable but should not obscure the characteristic shortened muzzle or soft head type.

No amount of coat should be used to disguise poor structure.

Color and Markings

The Munchkin follows the preferred Bernedoodle colors and marking principles established in the primary Bernedoodle Standard.

Traditional Bernese-inspired marking distribution is preferred where genetically possible.

Rich, clearly defined tan or rust points are desirable.

Color and markings should never take precedence over temperament, health, structural soundness or correct Munchkin type.

Temperament

Temperament is central to Munchkin type.

The Munchkin should possess an exceptionally affectionate, gentle and companion-oriented disposition.

The increased Spaniel influence should be evident in a strong desire for human interaction and closeness.

The ideal Munchkin is:

• Affectionate
• Social
• Gentle
• Confident
• Adaptable
• Trainable
• Intelligent
• Engaged with people
• Comfortable with physical affection
• Curious without excessive reactivity

The ideal Munchkin should genuinely enjoy human companionship.

Persistent fearfulness, severe reactivity or inappropriate aggression are serious faults.

Although closeness to people is highly desirable, the Munchkin should remain capable of normal independence and should not be selected toward pathological dependence or severe separation-related behavior.

Movement and Structure

Except where modified by the compact Munchkin body type, structural and movement principles should follow the primary Bernedoodle Standard.

Movement should remain free, balanced and efficient.

Small size should never excuse poor structure.

The Munchkin should not display:

• Restricted movement
• Extreme dwarfism
• Severely shortened limbs
• Unstable joints
• Weak topline
• Structural exaggeration
• Movement abnormalities caused by miniaturization

The dog should remain a sound, functional companion.

Faults

Faults should be evaluated according to severity and their effect upon health, function or recognizable Munchkin type.

Particular concern should be given to:

• Long, narrow or highly refined Poodle-like head
• Muzzle lacking the desired shortened, broad character
• Excessively fine bone
• Fragile or toy-like construction
• Lack of Spaniel-influenced expression
• Extremely prominent eyes
• Strongly Poodle-like curl
• Excessive legginess
• Structural abnormalities associated with miniaturization
• Persistent shyness
• Inappropriate aggression

Serious Faults

The following should be considered serious faults:

• Any respiratory compromise associated with facial structure
• Severely pinched nostrils
• Extreme facial shortening
• Significant eye exposure caused by poor eyelid or skull structure
• Structural deformity associated with extreme miniaturization
• Persistent temperament instability
• Extreme shyness in a mature dog
• Structural abnormalities materially interfering with normal movement
• Severe bite abnormalities affecting normal function
• Chronic or visibly unstable joints

Guiding Principle

The Munchkin should not simply be judged as the smallest possible Bernedoodle.

Its defining characteristic is type.

The ideal Munchkin combines recognizable Bernedoodle coat, coloring and substance with visibly increased Spaniel influence, particularly through:

a broader and softer skull, shortened full muzzle, fuller cheeks, expressive eyes, Spaniel-influenced ears, compact sturdy body, straight-to-wavy furnished coat and exceptionally affectionate companion temperament.

The desired facial appearance should be softer, rounder and more “smooshed” than that of the conventional Bernedoodle, but never to a degree that compromises breathing, eye health, bite, movement or normal function.

The objective is a distinctive, healthy and immediately recognizable companion type rather than simply a miniaturized Bernedoodle.