Bernedoodle vs. Goldendoodle: Which Is Right for You?

Introduction

There are few decisions more exciting than selecting what dog to bring home. Though filled with emotions and uncertainty, it’s also not a decision to be tackled lightly.

You and your family may have already begun researching the best breed for you. If so, you may have stumbled across two exceptional dog breeds: Bernedoodles and Goldendoodles. While both of these adorable breeds fit excellently into most homes, each comes with certain considerations that make them more appropriate for some families than others.

In this article we’ll delve deep into these two breeds, exploring their attributes, what makes them a match for certain lifestyles, and how to go about securing a pup for your home!

Bernedoodles: An Overview

A Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Standard Poodle. This is a newer breed, having first been “invented” in 2003.

Size & Appearance

Bernedoodles are absolutely gorgeous, with a striking mix of white, brown, and black fur. They tend to be larger in size, weighing 60-90 pounds and standing as tall as 29 inches. More rarely, a Bernese Mountain Dog is mixed with a Miniature Poodle, resulting in a Mini Bernedoodle weighing 25-45 pounds.

Their fur can be smooth and fluffy, or coarse and curly. Either way, their coats do require regular care and grooming.

Activity Level

Most would classify Bernedoodles as “moderately active.” They need at least 30 minutes of exercise every day, but may even enjoy cuddling with you on the couch. They’re a good fit for families with balanced activity levels.

Shedding

Bernedoodles are low-shedding dogs and fit well into homes with no major allergy concerns. However, if a family member is extra allergic to dander, then you should wait until your pup is 6 months or older to be sure of the shedding levels – as it varies by puppy based on what genes they inherit.

Goldendoodle: An Overview

The Goldendoodle is half Poodle and half Golden Retriever. It has a longer history than the Bernedoodle, having been developed as early as the 1960s, with its popularity rising in the 1990s.

Size & Appearance

Goldendoodles vary in size depending on the Poodle parent’s size and the puppy’s generation. Mini Goldendoodles weigh 15-35 pounds while Standard Goldendoodles can weigh 50-90 pounds.

Goldendoodles typically have curly fur with a color resembling the Golden Retriever’s, ranging between caramel, golden, rust-colored, and more. Some Goldendoodles also have swaths of white or black, depending on the Poodle parent’s colors.

Activity Level

Goldendoodles are very energetic, and while they don’t need an entire farm to play on, they absolutely benefit from daily exercise and a large yard to run around in. You can keep this dog very happy with an hour of daily exercise, but the more, the merrier.

Shedding

Goldendoodles don’t typically shed, given the low-shedding genes of their Poodle parents. This means that they may fit well in a home where individuals have allergy problems.

Some Goldendoodles generations are lower shedding, like F1Bs and F1BBs. Read our comprehensive guide to learn more about Goldendoodle generations and their differences.

Where They Overlap

With 50% of their parentage being the same, you would expect that the Bernedoodle and Goldendoodle to have some similarities – and you’d be right. In many areas, Bernedoodles and Goldendoodles have much in common. These include:

Friendly & Affectionate

Bernedoodles and Goldendoodles are people pleasers: They want to love and to be loved. If you bring home either of these breeds, you can absolutely expect a lot of cuddles and attempts to earn your approval. These dog breeds respond best to affectionate environments. In other words, if you have a family that shows love and wants to be loved by a dog, both breeds will make excellent choices for you.

These breeds also usually react well when interacting with other dogs and pets. This makes them a fit for multi-pet families.

Low-shedding

Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles are known for their low or no-shedding coats. As such, most people who aren’t severely allergic to dogs or dog hair should have no problem with these breeds.

If shedding is a key factor for you, consider bringing home an F1B or a Multigen Doodle dog that has been selectively bred for its low-shedding coat. This maximizes the presence of the Poodle parent’s hypoallergenic curly fur genes.

Kid-friendly

You are in luck if you have a family or kids or simply want a kid-friendly dog. Both Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles are known for their lack of aggression and general docile temperaments. This makes them excellent doodle companions to kids.

In fact, both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Golden Retriever made our list of the most kid-friendly dog breeds. These breeds make excellent family dogs for families with younger or older kids alike.

Intelligence

Many rankings of dog breeds have found that Poodles are among the smartest. They are easy to train, understand humans well, and often serve as excellent service dogs – all marks of high intelligence.

Bernese Mountain Dogs and Golden Retrievers are very smart breeds as well. As such, it is no surprise that both the Bernedoodle and Goldendoodle are highly intelligent breeds capable of quick learning, training, and socialization.

Health Concerns

Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles benefit from hybrid vigor and its inherited longevity given their mixed breed lineage. That said, there are some health conditions that are common in the lineages of both mixed breeds.

Genetic conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia are common, especially in larger Goldendoodles or Bernedoodles. Epilepsy and certain types of cancer may also be common, as well as vision issues.

Fortunately, both dogs can live relatively long lives, ranging from 10 to 18 years. Of course, like any other dog, regular veterinary visits and preventative care can ensure a happy, healthy life.

Where They Differ

Each breed has enough of their non-Poodle parent – i.e., Bernese Mountain Dog and Golden Retriever – to have some pretty significant differences! Here’s a rundown of the most common differences:

Size

Owing to the relative size difference between Bernese Mountain Dogs and Golden Retrievers, Bernedoodles are larger than Goldendoodles, and not by a small amount. Indeed, the size difference between the largest Bernedoodles and Goldendoodles can be as much as 25 pounds!

Also, Bernedoodles are typically a cross with a Standard Poodle, while Goldendoodles are more typically a cross with Toy or Miniature Poodles. This leads to size differences, too.

If you are considering a Bernedoodle, you need to be prepared to manage their larger size. Not all Bernedoodles are 90 pounds, of course – that largely depends on their genetics, and how much they inherit from each parent. But if you’re bringing a Bernedoodle puppy home, make sure you have adequate space to manage!

Appearance

The most pronounced difference (outside of size) is their color difference. Bernedoodles tend to be black, brown, and white, while Goldendoodles typically have the coloring of their Golden Retriever lineage.

Coloring aside, the fur of both breeds tends to be curly.

Energy Levels

Golden Retrievers are more energetic and playful dogs, while Bernese Mountain Dogs are typically more chill and laid-back animals. Both dogs of course require play, activity, and exercise. However, Goldendoodles are usually regarded as the more active of the two breeds, given the higher energy level of Golden Retrievers.

As such, if you are looking for a more active partner, a Goldendoodle may be best; while if you’re seeking a calmer companion, Bernedoodles may be your better bet.

Price

Perhaps owing to their comparative rarity, Bernedoodles typically cost $1,000 to $1,500 more than Goldendoodles. Both breeds can be expensive, with Goldendoodles usually costing around $1,500-$2,500 and Bernedoodles around $2,500-$3,500.

Keep in mind that the purchase price isn’t the only expense you’ll have to take on. There’s ongoing care, training, veterinary costs, food, pet insurance, and more. Even on this front, again, Bernedoodles are more expensive: They are larger, meaning they eat more and may need to visit the vet more often.

Read our hero guide on this topic for a comprehensive breakdown of Doodle prices.

Guarding Instincts

Remember that the Bernese Mountain Dog was originally bred as a guide and herding dog. To that end, Bernedoodles tend to guard children more. They may also exhibit some herding behavior, sometimes guiding or bumping little kids to get them to a certain area. Goldendoodles do not display such behavior.

Some may find such behavior just adorable. But if it’s a concern for you, don’t worry: You can usually control these behaviors with the right training and socialization.

Bernedoodle vs. Goldendoodle: Which Is Right for You?

To be as clear as possible: There is no “better” or “worse” dog breed. Both the Goldendoodle and Bernedoodle are wonderful family breeds that fit into any loving home. That said, there are certainly some scenarios in which one breed fits a home’s needs better than another. For example:

• Do you prefer calmer dogs? A Bernedoodle may be better.
• Is a small size important for you? Then Goldendoodles may be better.
• Is price a concern for you? Goldendoodles are typically cheaper.

Of course, this can be a complex decision, and you may need help finding the right solution. At Mawoo Pets, we’re here to help. That’s why we put together a Puppy Match Quiz to find the best puppies for your lifestyle. Crafted by experts, this quiz asks you a series of questions to give you a better idea of what pet may be a perfect fit in your home.

As you unquestionably know, getting a puppy from a reputable breeder is an excellent decision that can enhance your life, teach your kids lessons about responsibility, and ensure that you and your family are happy for many years to come.

Ready to make your selection? Check out our specific pages for Bernedoodles and Goldendoodles. If you’re ready to select, you can rest assured that Mawoo Pets is the right place to get the dog of your dreams. At Mawoo Pets, we only work with certified, responsible breeders who obey all relevant laws and adhere to the strictest breeding standards. We also offer various financing options to ensure you can afford the pet of your dreams.

At Mawoo Pets, we’re here to help put the perfect puppy in your home!