Bernedoodles and Goldendoodles are highly sought-after hybrid dog breeds in the United States. People love them due to their personalities, temperament, size, and non-shedding hypoallergenic coats. These adorable pups look quite similar in appearance.
Bernedoodles result from a cross between Poodles and Bernese mountain dogs (BMDs), whereas Goldendoodles are a mix of Golden Retriever and Poodle parents. Both mixed breeds enjoy their owners’ company and love cuddling with them.
Like most dog hybrids, they are very kind and gentle with young children and other animals. However, some distinguishing traits set them apart.
Are you stuck in the Bernedoodle vs. Goldendoodle debate? I would recommend having a look at their distinct personality traits, grooming requirements, and the type of lifestyle they fit in. This comparison will let you choose the ideal canine for your home.
This article highlights the key differences between Bernedoodle vs. Goldendoodle hybrids.
Bernedoodle vs. Goldendoodle
Both Bernese Mountain dogs and Golden Retrievers are great dogs known for their even temperaments, loyalty, and affectionate nature. On the other hand, Poodles are one of the most intelligent pups. Their cross-breeding resulted in intellectual and adorable Bernedoodles and Goldendoodles.
Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles have a friendly nature. Although both hybrids contain only 50% of their original DNA, they are highly energetic and need plenty of exercise and attention. Both Doodles are called “designer breeds” because they have been deliberately crossed by breeders.
Origins of the Bernedoodle and Goldendoodle
Bernedoodles were developed by Sherry Rupke by combining a Poodle’s intellect and hypoallergenic coat with BMD’s sturdiness and affection. The Bernese Mountain Dog was originally bred in Berne, Switzerland. According to the AKC, the Bernese is a working dog. It is used for many purposes, such as:
Pulling supply carts.
Herding and protecting cattle
Protecting land and animals from intruders
A Goldendoodle is a versatile Poodle hybrid that combines the Poodle’s intelligence with the Golden Retriever’s friendliness. Golden Doodles were developed by Dudley Couts Marjoribanks. The Golden Retrievers hail from Scotland, where they served to retrieve waterfowl.
Size and Physical Appearance Comparison
Standard Bernedoodles are a bit larger in size than their Goldendoodle counterparts. Bernedoodles stand 29 inches tall under the shoulder and weigh around 65 to 105 pounds. According to PetMD, standard goldendoodles have a height of 20 to 24 inches and weigh between 50 to 90 pounds.
Although Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles come in a variety of sizes, Goldendoodles tend to be a bit smaller. Both breeds are suitable for apartment dwellers. However, they need space to stretch their legs. So, if you have a limited space, consider adopting a mini Bernedoodle or Goldendoodle.
With mini Poodle and Bernese mountain dogs as parents, a mini Bernedoodle weighs 25 to 50 pounds and has a height of 22 inches. Mini Goldendoodles typically stand 13 to 20 inches tall and weigh around 10 to 35 pounds.
The physical appearance of both breeds also varies. Bernedoodles tend to have a tricolored coat or Merle coat patterns. Coat colors include rust, black, and white. Goldendoodles may exhibit a variety of coat colors, including caramel, cream, apricot, red, and gold.
The coat type also varies for both Bernedoodles and Goldendoodles. Bernedoodles typically have a wavy to curly coat, whereas Goldendoodles can have a straight, wavy, or curly coat similar to that of a Poodle. The coat types are similar to an extent that they might end up confusing you.
Temperament: Bernedoodle vs. Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles make excellent family pets. They get along well with small children and other pets. Both Bernedoodles and Goldendoodles can integrate well into an outdoor-loving family. However, they have different personalities.
Goldendoodle temperament is more fun-loving and playful, whereas Bernedoodle is a slightly calmer dog. Bernedoodles are gentle, goofy, and friendly with children but need early introductions and supervision, says Central Illinois Doodles.
Goldendoodles are as kid-friendly as their Bernedoodle counterparts. They are also patient and gentle with other pets. These traits indicate their non-aggressive and sociable temperament.
Activity Needs and Exercise Requirements
Bernedoodles can keep up with an active lifestyle, but they are calm and docile. They require relatively less exercise for physical and mental stimulation. One and a half hours of regular exercise will suffice. It requires an hour of playtime combined with two to three daily walks.
However, Goldendoodles have moderate to high energy levels with vigorous exercise needs. They need at least two hours of exercise every day to stay healthy and happy. If you are looking for a canine buddy to accompany you on a hike or a jog, we recommend you opt for a Goldendoodle.
Grooming Needs and Coat Maintenance
Grooming requirements for Bernedoodles and Goldendoodles include coat care, skin care, and nail clipping. Regular grooming is important for maintaining overall health, addressing skin issues, and preventing matting.
The hypoallergenic coat of Bernedoodles requires frequent grooming. Brush your puppy’s wavy coat daily or at least two to three times a week to prevent matting and keep them tangle-free. Bathe them every 6 to 8 weeks and brush beforehand to handle matting.
Use high-quality shampoo for bathing your Bernedoodle. Also, schedule a professional grooming session every 6 to 8 weeks. Regular grooming can help your puppy get comfortable with the process.
Due to their varied coat types, grooming is a bit crucial for Goldendoodles. Goldendoodles with curly coats shed less, whereas doodles with straight coats shed more, just like Golden Retrievers. You should follow a specific grooming regimen for your pup, regardless of whether they are curly-coated or straight-coated.
Consider pairing regular grooming sessions with treats and rewards. Schedule regular vet check-ups to detect potential health issues early on.
Common Health Issues and Life Expectancy
Bernedoodles and Goldendoodles are generally healthy. But just like all other dog breeds, they are vulnerable to various health issues. Common health problems they might encounter include:
Hip dysplasia
Cardiac problems
Patellar luxation
Eye infections
Von Willebrand’s disease, a blood clotting disorder
Goldendoodles are more prone to developing gum disease, ear infections, dental problems, heart stenosis, glaucoma, and cancer. Bernedoodles are susceptible to allergies, progressive retinal atrophy, and bloating. Goldendoodles have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, whereas Bernedoodles have a lifespan of 12 to 18 years.
Trainability and Adaptability
Both Bernedoodles and Goldendoodles are highly trainable due to their intellect and eagerness to please. Employing positive reinforcement methods can work wonders for these hybrids. Bernedoodles are relatively easier to train due to their Bernese heritage as working dogs.
However, some Bernedoodles may have a stubborn streak. Goldendoodles are accommodating and have a laid-back nature. Training Goldendoodles is not that tough for first-time dog owners due to these traits. In fact, pet owners claim that training Bernedoodles and Goldendoodles is a lot of fun.
Choosing the Right Doodle for Your Lifestyle
To sum it up, while Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles have a lot of similarities, they tend to be completely different breeds. They have different personalities, traits, and temperaments. They also have varying exercise and grooming needs, and both are susceptible to different diseases.
No matter what breed you choose, brace yourself to enjoy the calmness, friendliness, and loyalty that both doodles exude.
