Dog breed comparison
Bernedoodle vs Bernese Mountain Dog
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Bernese Mountain Dog is the bigger breed, about 19 kg heavier on average. The Bernedoodle tends to live about 7 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Bernedoodle | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Mixed Breed Dogs | Working Dogs |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Height | From 10 to 29 inches | 23 to 28 inches |
| Weight | From 10 to 90 pounds | 70 to 115 pounds |
| Life span | 12 to 18 years | 6 to 10 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Bernedoodle
First intentionally bred in 2003 by Sherry Rupke of SwissRidge Kennels in Ontario, Canada.
It was bred partly to offset the Bernese Mountain Dog's short lifespan, though crossing doesn't guarantee that.
Health to watch
- Histiocytic sarcoma and other cancers
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Addison's disease
- Bloat
The Bernese Mountain Dog
A Swiss farm dog from the canton of Bern, used to pull carts of milk and cheese to market, drive cattle and guard farms. It is the only Swiss mountain dog with a long coat.
Its life expectancy is short, often 7 to 9 years, mostly because of high cancer rates.
Health to watch
- Histiocytic sarcoma and other cancers
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Bloat
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Shedding
The Bernese Mountain Dog sheds more than the Bernedoodle.
General health
The Bernedoodle tends to have fewer health problems than the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Friendly with strangers
The Bernese Mountain Dog is friendlier with strangers than the Bernedoodle.
Apartment living
The Bernedoodle copes better in an apartment than the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Drooling
The Bernese Mountain Dog drools more than the Bernedoodle.
Intelligence
The Bernedoodle is quicker to learn than the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Which to choose
Bernedoodle or Bernese Mountain Dog?
Choose the Bernedoodle if…
- You want a dog that sheds less
- You want a dog that tends to have fewer health problems
- You want a more watchful dog (it is more reserved with strangers)
- You want a dog that copes better in an apartment
Choose the Bernese Mountain Dog if…
- You have lots of visitors (it is friendlier with strangers)
Questions.
Is the Bernedoodle or the Bernese Mountain Dog bigger, and which lives longer?
The Bernese Mountain Dog is the bigger breed, about 19 kg heavier on average. The Bernedoodle tends to live about 7 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Bernedoodle or the Bernese Mountain Dog?
They’re similarly easy to train. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Bernedoodle or the Bernese Mountain Dog?
Both are usually good with children when well socialised. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Bernedoodle sheds less than the Bernese Mountain Dog. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Bernedoodle and Bernese Mountain Dog have?
The Bernedoodle is prone to histiocytic sarcoma and other cancers, hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy. The Bernese Mountain Dog is prone to histiocytic sarcoma and other cancers, hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy. Both share a risk of histiocytic sarcoma and other cancers and hip and elbow dysplasia. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
