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Bernedoodle vs. Bernese Mountain Dog

Our two-year-old Bernedoodle, Penny, is such a great addition to our family. If you have questions about the similarities and differences between the Bernedoodle breed and the Bernese Mountain Dog, you aren’t alone. There are pros and cons to owning both breeds, but we have been so happy with our Bernedoodle. If you are trying to decide between a Bernedoodle vs. Bernese Mountain Dog, I’ll go over all you need to know before owning one.

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Bernedoodle puppy in a chair swing.

Bernedoodle vs. Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernedoodle dogs and Bernese Mountain Dogs are two popular breeds of dogs that are gaining a lot of attention. Bernedoodles are a mix between a Poodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog, while the Bernese Mountain Dog is a purebred breed.

Both breed types are loyal and affectionate, but there are some major differences between them that should be considered when deciding which one is the right dog for you. Let’s go over the subtle differences and many similarities between a Bernedoodle vs. Bernese Mountain Dog.

All About Bernedoodles

A cross breed between the Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles, Bernedoodles are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and loving nature.They come in different sizes, ranging from mini to standard and have a thick double coat that comes in black, white, or a variety of colors.

Bernedoodles are highly trainable and make great pets due to their friendly temperament. They love attention and need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Common health issues include hip dysplasia, eye problems, allergies, and ear infections.

Grooming is essential for Bernedoodles as they shed throughout the year. Regular brushing will help keep Bernedoodle coats clean and prevent matting. 

Bernedoodles range in many different sizes. Traditionally, Bernedoodles are larger dogs. However,  mini Bernedoodle puppies can be found at reputable breeders or rescue organizations all over the country if you’re looking for one as a pet.

4 kids holding Bernedoodle puppy.

Breed Information

In 2003, the Bernedoodle, a cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle, came on the scene. Known for companionship, attention and cuddles, this breed is gaining popularity among families. Though the American Kennel Club does not currently recognize the Bernedoodle as an official breed, they are quickly becoming one of the most popular breeds in America.

Bernedoodles have high intelligence and high energy levels. It is important to keep them active for their health. They are highly trainable due to their intelligence and require plenty of mental stimulation.

Appearance

Bernese mountain dogs have black, tan and white coat colors, but Poodles can have a wider range of colors. Because of this, Bernedoodles can range in color. Often, they are tricolor, but they can also be pure black, black and white, or another color.

Bernedoodles can have curly coats like their poodle parent or straighter fur like their Bernese Mountain Dog parent. Typically, the straighter the coat, the more the dog will shed. Bernedoodles have thick coats which makes them suitable for cold weather temperatures. A curly Bernedoodle coat is highly sought after because of its hypoallergenic qualities.

Bernedoodle puppy laying on a king canopy bed.

There are multiple sizes of Poodles – Toy Poodles, Miniature Poodles and Standard Poodles. Bernese Mountain Dogs are bred with each size of poodle parent, though their smallest size is called tiny instead of toy. This allows for dog owners to raise Bernedoodles in different environments, including apartments. As long as they get proper exercise, smaller sizes will be happy in smaller locations.

Sizes of Different Bernedoodle Dogs:

  • Tiny Bernedoodle – 12 to 17 inches tall and 10 to 24 pounds
  • Miniature Bernedoodle – 18 to 22 inches tall and 20 to 45 pounds
  • Standard Bernedoodle – Up to 29 inches tall and up to 90 pounds
Bernedoodle puppy laying on back with belly showing.

Temperament

Bernedoodles make a wonderful family pet because they are affectionate and playful. They are fond of young children and provide great companionship to them. They are intelligent and love human interaction.

They may be apprehensive or nervous around strangers, which is why it is important to socialize your Bernedoodle puppy early on and often so he or she will be comfortable around others. They will be very sweet and gentle with positive reinforcement training.

Bernedoodles love to be active, but also love to snuggle. They are happy to accompany you on hikes, swims and runs, but also enjoy lounging on the couch. They don’t like to be left alone at home. If they are too often, this could cause nervous habits like chewing or whining to appear.

Family dog Bernedoodle vs. Bernese Mountain Dog

Common Health Issues

The Bernedoodle lifespan is 12 to 18 years, much longer than its Bernese Mountain Dog counterpart. The dogs have fewer health issues than their Bernese Mountain Dog parent and are generally a more healthy breed than a purebred Bernese overall.

However, they are still predisposed to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, ocular diseases and some allergies. Some warning signs to look out for are excessive drooling and gaining weight quickly as this could indicate a serious problem.

Skin issues such as hot spots can occur in Bernedoodles due to their thick coats. They are primarily caused by excessive licking or chewing of an area of their fur. This means it is very important to keep up with their grooming so their coat isn’t dirty or matted.

Bernedoodle puppy laying in a white hanging chair swing.

All About Bernese Mountain Dogs

Bernese Mountain Dogs are loyal, affectionate and intelligent dogs. Originating from the Swiss Alps, they are large, sturdy dogs with a thick double coat that comes in black, white and rust colors. This breed is known for their calm and gentle nature, making them great family pets. They have a shorter life expectancy of around 7 to 10 years with proper care and nutrition.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are an active breed that require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Grooming is also important as they have a long coat that needs to be brushed at least twice per week to prevent mats and tangles. Common health concerns include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat, eye problems and cancer. If you’re looking for a loyal companion with an even temperament, Bernese Mountain Dogs may be the perfect choice for you.

Bernedoodle full sized

Breed Information

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, strong, and loyal breed of dog that originated in the Swiss Alps. They are known for their gentle, affectionate nature and have become popular family pets. The Bernese mountain dog was originally bred as a working farm dog, but has since been recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most popular breeds in the world. 

The Bernese Mountain Dog is an intelligent breed that loves to work and play with its family members and are incredibly loyal. They make great companions for people of all ages and is known for a good-natured temperament with friendly personality traits.

Bernedoodle dog on a fireplace

The history of this breed dates to hundreds of years ago when it was first found in Switzerland helping with farm work such as herding cattle and pulling carts filled with milk or cheese from farms to marketplaces. Today, they still make excellent working dogs, but are primarily kept as beloved family pets due to their loving personalities and playful behaviors. 

Bernedoodle posing in white kitchen.

Appearance

Bernese Mountain Dogs can measure between 23 and 28 inches tall at the shoulder. They weigh between 70 and 115 pounds. Their fur is tricolored with a thick black coat and white and rust markings on the face. Their coats are somewhat long and soft with straight or wavy fur. 

Their eyes are big and brown and Bernese puppies are often compared to stuffed animals. They have droopy ears that make them look more like miniature bears than dogs, which gives them their name in the local dialects of Swiss German – “Brummbär” which translates to “bear-dog”.

Temperament

Bernese Mountain Dogs are very trainable as they are eager to please their owners. They are smart, quick learners and very loyal dogs. They enjoy downtime by their owner’s side and don’t like to spend much time alone.

They are calm and affectionate, which makes them a great family dog. They may be shy around strangers, but with proper socialization, they will become more comfortable. They also do well with cats and other dogs when socialized young. 

Bernese dogs have a history of guarding livestock on farms because they are a protective breed. Their large size and bark makes them fit to be guard dogs, though they aren’t likely to actually harm anyone.

Because of their thick coats, Bernese Mountain Dogs love to live in cold climates. They like to have space to explore freely, so a fenced in yard is a good idea for these dogs. Regular walks are important for Bernese Mountain Dogs and they would make a great companion on runs or hikes.

Bernedoodle puppy laying on a leather couch.

Common Health Issues

Unfortunately, Bernese Mountain Dogs may face a handful of health conditions throughout their lives. They are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia, as large dogs often are. They may also deal with blood disorders, eye conditions, and cancer. Gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV), which is bloating of the stomach is another thing to look out for when owning a Bernese Mountain Dog.

Bernedoodle vs. Bernese Mountain Dog Comparison

The standard Bernedoodle is a smaller dog than the purebred Bernese Mountain Dog, but still larger than most other breeds. They tend to be more active dogs than the Bernese Mountain Dog, so they need more exercise and long periods of time to play. They also require regular grooming due to their long coats.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a larger dog than the Bernedoodle and has an impressive stature. They are known for being gentle giants and tend to be calmer than other breeds like Golden Retrievers or Old English Sheepdogs. They require less exercise than the Bernedoodle but still need daily walks and playtime to stay healthy. They need regular grooming in the form of brushing and they shed a lot.

Both dogs are a great family dog, but one may be more well suited for your family depending on your family’s circumstances.

Bernedoodle playing with young boy.

A Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle mix, the Bernedoodle is a popular combination. They are an active breed that enjoys being outside and can be very energetic dogs. This breed will require more exercise than other breeds, so long walks or playtime are important for this breed’s health. 

The Bernedoodle loves to bark and cuddle with its family members. They tend to be calmer than other breeds. They have a high intelligence level and require proper training and early socialization. This breed is also known for its loyalty, so it’s important to give them a job to do as they tend to be quite stubborn when they don’t have something to focus on.

Reputable Breeders

Bernedoodles are a hybrid breed of dog, created by crossing two purebred dogs – a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. This new breed has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its intelligence, loyalty, and low-shedding coat. When looking for a reputable breeder of Bernedoodles, it is important to do your research and make sure you are getting this designer dog from parent dogs that have been properly health tested.

 It is also important to consider the temperament of both the Bernese parent and the Poodle parent when selecting your puppy. Reputable Bernedoodle breeders will be able to provide information about their dogs’ lineage as well as any health tests that have been done on the parents. With proper research and care, you can find the best dog for your family.

Bernedoodle puppy laying on a porch swing.

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I hope this answers any questions you may have had around a Bernedoodle vs. Bernese Mountain Dog. Both dogs are great companions and will make your family complete. We have loved Penny so much and I will continue to try to convince Sam to get another friend for Penny. There is nothing better than the love of a dog.

Be sure to pin the photo below for later, and if you don’t already – follow me on Instagram (@arinsolange) and Tik Tok (@arinsolange) for more fun!

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