Dog breed comparison
Goldendoodle vs Bernedoodle
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Goldendoodle is the bigger breed, about 9 kg heavier on average. The Bernedoodle tends to live about 3 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Goldendoodle | Bernedoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hybrid Dogs | Mixed Breed Dogs |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Height | 20 to 24 inches | From 10 to 29 inches |
| Weight | 50 to 90 pounds | From 10 to 90 pounds |
| Life span | 10 to 15 years | 12 to 18 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 Goldendoodle
Bred in North America and Australia from the 1990s, following the Labradoodle, as a family dog with the Golden's temperament and a lower-shedding coat.
Size depends on whether a standard, miniature or toy Poodle is the parent.
Health to watch
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Subvalvular aortic stenosis
- Addison's disease
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
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Exercise needs
The Goldendoodle needs more exercise than the Bernedoodle.
Apartment living
The Bernedoodle copes better in an apartment than the Goldendoodle.
Good with other dogs
The Goldendoodle gets on better with other dogs than the Bernedoodle.
Friendly with strangers
The Goldendoodle is friendlier with strangers than the Bernedoodle.
Shedding
The Goldendoodle sheds more than the Bernedoodle.
Easy to groom
The Goldendoodle is easier to groom than the Bernedoodle.
Which to choose
Goldendoodle or Bernedoodle?
Choose the Goldendoodle if…
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
- You want a dog that gets on better with other dogs
- You have lots of visitors (it is friendlier with strangers)
- You want a dog that is easier to groom
Choose the Bernedoodle if…
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
- You want a dog that copes better in an apartment
- You want a more watchful dog (it is more reserved with strangers)
- You want a dog that sheds less
Questions.
Is the Goldendoodle or the Bernedoodle bigger, and which lives longer?
The Goldendoodle is the bigger breed, about 9 kg heavier on average. The Bernedoodle tends to live about 3 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Goldendoodle or the Bernedoodle?
They’re similarly easy to train. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Goldendoodle or the Bernedoodle?
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 Goldendoodle. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Goldendoodle and Bernedoodle have?
The Goldendoodle is prone to progressive retinal atrophy, hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma, hip and elbow dysplasia. The Bernedoodle is prone to histiocytic sarcoma and other cancers, hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy. Both share a risk of hip and elbow dysplasia and Addison's disease. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
