Bernedoodle Guide

Bernedoodle vs Goldendoodle: How Do They Compare?

Bernedoodle vs Goldendoodle is the most common doodle decision, and both are good dogs. A Bernedoodle is a Bernese Mountain Dog crossed with a Poodle. A Goldendoodle is a Golden Retriever crossed with a Poodle. They share the Poodle half, so the real question is whether you prefer the Bernese or the Golden Retriever for the other half.

This page compares the two honestly, then looks more briefly at the Aussiedoodle and the Sheepadoodle. None of these is an AKC breed, so there is no official standard, and sizes and generations follow breeder convention. For more on the cross itself, read what a Bernedoodle is.

What is the main difference between a Bernedoodle and a Goldendoodle?

It comes down to the non-Poodle parent. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large Swiss farm dog, calm and affectionate, with a thick tricolor coat. The Golden Retriever is a Scottish-bred gundog, outgoing and eager, with a feathered golden coat. Each passes on a bit of its character and looks.

Bernedoodle: often a little more laid back and cuddly, sturdier, and available in the Bernese tricolor pattern as well as solid colors.
Goldendoodle: often more outgoing and eager to please, usually lighter in build, and most often seen in cream, apricot, red and chocolate shades.

Both are friendly family dogs, and both depend on the individual puppy as much as the label. Remember, the same cross can produce quite different dogs. A Bernedoodle from a calm Bernese-leaning pairing can be more laid back than a typical Goldendoodle, and a Goldendoodle from a mellow line can be quieter than a lively Bernedoodle, so the parents tell you more than the breed name does. Ask about their temperaments, their size and how they behave around people before you decide.

Which is bigger, a Bernedoodle or a Goldendoodle?

Standard Bernedoodles tend to be the sturdier of the two. Sizes in both crosses are breeder conventions, not official categories, and they depend on the size of the Poodle used. A standard Bernedoodle is commonly described as about 50 to 90 pounds, often 70 or more, and some reach well past that. Standard Goldendoodles fall in a similar range, but they are often leaner.

Both come in miniature versions, and in both cases a mini is typically a Bernese or Golden Retriever bred with a Miniature Poodle. Bernedoodle minis are commonly quoted at about 25 to 49 pounds. Check the size and weight chart and the mini Bernedoodle page for how each size is usually described. Always ask how big the parents are, since a puppy's adult size follows them.

How do the coats and shedding compare?

Both crosses can have wavy, curly or straight coats, and both need regular brushing and professional trims. The Poodle coat is low-shedding, while the Bernese coat is dense and sheds heavily. A Golden Retriever coat also sheds. So a Bernedoodle or Goldendoodle that takes after its non-Poodle parent can shed more than a curly one.

No dog is truly allergy-proof, and neither cross is a guaranteed hypoallergenic choice.
Bernedoodle coats are often thick and dense and can mat close to the skin if not brushed.
Goldendoodle coats are frequently a little lighter, though they mat too.
Expect grooming costs and time on either one.

The details are in the guide to Bernedoodle shedding and allergies and the grooming guide. Colors differ more noticeably: look through all Bernedoodle colors, including tri-color, which the Goldendoodle does not offer in the same way.

Which has the better temperament for a family?

Both rank as good family dogs, and the difference is subtle. The AKC describes the Golden Retriever as friendly, intelligent and devoted, and the Bernese as good-natured and calm. Goldendoodles often come across as bouncier and more eager to meet everyone. Bernedoodles often come across as a bit more reserved at first and then deeply attached to their own people.

Energy is similar, moderate to high in both. The Bernese side tends to give more lounging, and the Golden side more fetching. If you want a dog for a very active household that hikes and swims, a Goldendoodle may suit slightly better on average. If you want a gentle shadow who also enjoys a walk, a Bernedoodle may. See the Bernedoodle temperament guide for more.

Which is healthier and longer lived?

Neither cross has large studies behind it, so no clear winner can be named. What can be said with confidence comes from the parent breeds. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a short-lived breed, often cited at about 7 to 10 years, with a high rate of certain cancers. The Golden Retriever is cited at around 10 to 12 years by the AKC and also has a significant cancer burden. Both carry hip and elbow dysplasia risk.

Poodles generally live longer. That is why a Bernedoodle with more Poodle in it, such as a smaller one, is often expected to live longer than a Bernese, though that expectation is not proven. Smaller dogs of any breed also tend to live longer than giants. Read the lifespan guide and the health problems guide for sources and the questions to ask a breeder.

How does a Bernedoodle compare with an Aussiedoodle?

An Aussiedoodle is an Australian Shepherd crossed with a Poodle. Australian Shepherds are herding dogs, known for intensity, stamina and a strong need for work. Aussiedoodles tend to be busier and more demanding than most Bernedoodles, and they often do best with active owners who run, hike or train in dog sports.

Energy: typically higher in Aussiedoodles.
Size: usually medium, often a bit smaller than a standard Bernedoodle.
Looks: merle patterns and blue eyes are more common in Aussiedoodles, because merle comes from the Australian Shepherd side.
Health: merle needs care, since breeding two merles together can cause serious eye and hearing problems.

A Bernedoodle is generally the calmer and more cuddly of the two.

How does a Bernedoodle compare with a Sheepadoodle?

A Sheepadoodle is an Old English Sheepdog crossed with a Poodle. It is similar in spirit to a Bernedoodle: big, fluffy, affectionate and good with families, and usually black and white. The two are often confused, and both have thick coats that need serious grooming.

Looks: Sheepadoodles are usually black and white, while Bernedoodles can be tricolor, solid black, sable, chocolate and more. See black and white Bernedoodles for the overlap.
Temperament: both are friendly and playful. Old English Sheepdogs are herding dogs, so Sheepadoodles can be a little more active.
Health: each parent breed has its own list of conditions, and both crosses need parent screening.

How do you choose between them?

Start with how you live. Think about space, activity level, grooming budget, climate and what you want from the dog's personality.

You want a gentle, affectionate dog with a distinctive tricolor look: Bernedoodle.
You want a sporty, outgoing partner for swimming and fetch: Goldendoodle.
You want a clever, high-drive dog and have time for training sports: Aussiedoodle.
You want a shaggy black and white dog who loves family: Sheepadoodle or Bernedoodle.

Neither is the right answer for everyone, and a thoughtful owner of either one will tell you the same thing: the best match is the dog whose size, coat and energy fit the life you already have. Whichever you choose, meet the parents if you can, ask about health screening for both parent breeds, and compare puppies as individuals. The price page explains what affects cost, and you can see the puppies available at KK Doodles whenever you are ready.

Quick Answers

Is a Bernedoodle or Goldendoodle better for first-time owners?

Either can work. Both are trainable and friendly, but both need grooming and exercise. Choose based on size, coat care and the personality you enjoy, not on the label.

What is the difference between a Bernedoodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog?

A Bernese is a purebred AKC breed with a written standard. A Bernedoodle is a Bernese crossed with a Poodle, so it varies more, usually sheds less and is often expected to live longer, although that is not proven.