In recent years, crosses between poodles and other dog breeds, known as doodles or poos, have been swiftly gaining popularity. It’s easy to understand why when you look at their luscious coats, cute expressions, and lively personalities.
However, when you’re trying to choose between breeds like the Aussiedoodle and Bernedoodle, it can be fairly difficult to decide. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about Aussiedoodle vs. Bernedoodle and help you decide which breed is right for you.
Table of Contents
Bernedoodle vs. Aussiedoodle: At a Glance
We know that you probably want to cut straight to the chase and get the information as soon as possible, so we’ve put together this brief chart comparing Bernedoodle vs. Aussiedoodle so you can see everything at a glance.
Understanding Doodle and Poo Sizes
If you’re interested in acquiring a doodle or poo, then you should understand how the genetics related to size work. In most doodles, the resulting cross’s size depends on the poodle’s size.
In some cases, both breeds have multiple breed sizes, but generally, the poodle is the determining factor in a doodle cross.
There are three main sizes of poodles: the toy, which measures 11 inches or less, the miniature, which measures 15 inches or less, and the standard, which measures 15 inches or more.
Toy and miniature poodles give small poos and doodles, while standard poodles are used to create larger crosses.
Bernedoodle vs. Aussiedoodle: Bernedoodle Background
The Bernedoodle is a cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and a poodle. It tends to be larger than some other doodles and has a thick, luscious coat.
Bernedoodle Personality
Bernedoodles have big personalities, making them ideal for people who like lively, active dogs. They can be very loving, but they also tend to be aloof and standoffish if not socialized from an early age.
They will be affectionate and possibly even slightly possessive over their loved ones but may not take readily to strangers unless they are used to meeting new people regularly.
They are eager to please, making them easy to train, though they tend toward distractibility.
Energy and Exercise for Bernedoodle
These dogs have moderate to high energy levels, requiring regular exercise (at least 60 minutes daily, preferably closer to 90).
Thanks to their easy trainability, they respond well to activities like basic obstacle courses, which allow them to use their high intelligence levels and energy effectively.
Lifespan of a Bernedoodle
Bernedoodles have an average life expectancy of 12-18 years. Bear in mind that this can vary significantly between individual breeds. It’s also worth noting that smaller crosses are likely to live longer than standard or large Bernedoodles. There may be as much as a six to eight year difference between mini and large Bernedoodles.
Bernedoodles Are Best For…
These dogs are best suited to individuals and families who are active and spend a lot of time with their dogs. They quickly become attached to their family members and will not enjoy being left alone for long periods.
They handle small children quite well and are fairly patient, but they require a fair bit of space to get the necessary exercise.
Bernedoodle Health Challenges
Both poodles and Bernese Mountain dogs are prone to a few major health conditions, and the cross between the two is susceptible to the same problems. Some major health conditions you may encounter in your Bernedoodle include dysplasia of the hips and elbows, Heart problems, eye problems, and even epilepsy.
Less severe problems may include skin irritations, ear infections, and allergies.
Fun Facts About Bernedoodles
- Most Bernedoodles love to swim.
- Bernedoodles are considered hypoallergenic, thanks to their low-shedding coats, making them an ideal choice for dog lovers with allergies.
- Thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to please, Bernedoodles make excellent service dogs.
- Because of their dense coat, Bernedoodle puppies are actually better suited to cool climates.
- Because of their inquisitive and social nature, Bernedoodles do not make good guard dogs. While they can be standoffish, they’re not good at repelling strangers.
- The first Bernedoodle was bred in 2003, nearly 50 years after the first Cavapoo.
Bernedoodle vs. Aussiedoodle: Aussiedoodles Background
The Aussiedoodle is a cross between an Australian shepherd and a poodle. It has high energy levels and a lot of intelligence, but it is somewhat smaller in size than the Bernedoodle.
Aussiedoodle Personality
These dogs have personalities similar to those of the Bernedoodle. However, their high energy levels mean they can be considerably more boisterous and may seek more attention.
That said, these are extremely loyal, caring, and fun-loving (albeit a bit bossy) dogs that will quickly become family members rather than just pets.
Energy and Exercise for Aussiedoodle
Unlike the Bernedoodle, which has fairly moderate energy levels, the Aussiedoodle is energy personified. These animals can benefit from a much more rigorous exercise regime (around two hours daily) than their counterparts.
You want to invest the time to teach this breed some high-energy activities requiring muscle power and brainpower. If left to their own devices and only taken for basic activities like walks, these dogs will quickly become bored and boisterous.
Aussiedoodle Health Challenges
Since Australian Shepherds and poodles are prone to a few health conditions, you can expect to encounter similar issues with an Aussiedoodle. Some of the major health concerns you may face include hip dysplasia, cataracts, autoimmune disorders, and eye problems.
As with most other canines, this breed may also suffer from less severe problems, such as ear infections, skin irritations, and allergies.
Lifespan of an Aussiedoodle
As with Bernedoodles, Aussiedoodles have a life expectancy of up to 18 years. However, in rare cases they may live even longer. It largely depends on their genetic background, and the quality of care they receive throughout their lives. As with Bernedoodles and other doodles, the smaller crosses tend to live longer than standard or large doodles.
Fun Facts About Aussiedoodles
- Aussiedoodles are sometimes also called Aussiepoodles or Aussiepoos.
- Because Australian Shepherds are herding dogs, Aussiepoos may try to herd other animals. This also makes them highly intelligent and prone to boredom.
- Smaller Aussiepoos tend to have considerably longer lifespans than standard Aussiepoos, and standard Aussiepoos generally live longer than large Aussiepoos.
- Even though they come from pedigree lines, Aussiepoos aren’t recognized by the American Kennel Club. This is because they’re a cross rather than a pure breed. The same is true of the UK Kennel Club.
Aussiedoodles Are Best For…
While this breed is somewhat smaller than your largest Bernedoodle, it has far more energy. As a result, these dogs are best suited to individuals and families willing to spend a lot of active time with their pets.
While they can be loving and affectionate, Aussiedoodles are sometimes stubborn and may not want to spend as much time cuddling as a Bernedoodle. Therefore, these dogs are better suited to people looking for an active companion and may not be the best choice for people with small children since they can be quite boisterous.
- Aussiepoos come in a range of colors, including black, cream, copper, and multicolor.
- Aussiepoos usually have litters of three to eight puppies.
- Unlike dogs like the Cavapoo, which date back to the 1950s, Aussiepoos were first bred in the late 90s.
- Australian Shepherds are excellent swimmers, a trait inherited by most Aussiedoodles. Swimming also helps them stay cool with their thick coats.
More About Poo and Doodle Health Concerns
While we’ve briefly discussed the health concerns that your Aussiedoodle or Bernedoodle may encounter at some point, it’s important to understand them, their severity, and treatment in case it happens to your fur companion and what it means for them.
Dysplasia of the Hips and Elbows
Because all poos and doodles are descended from poodles, they face a certain amount of risk for dysplasia. Nearly 12% of poodles may suffer from this condition, which means that the genes for it are relevantly prevalent within the poodle community.
Dysplasia is a disorder that causes incorrect or incomplete formation of the hip and elbow joints. This can lead to loose joint fitting, joint pain, and joint degeneration. Ultimately, this is a painful condition that can leave a dog with low movement and high pain levels. Various surgical options are available, including hip replacement.
Allergies
Just like humans, doodles and poos are subject to a range of allergies. Some may be allergic to pollen, while others may be allergic to certain proteins, or even bee stings. Generally, this won’t be a problem, but if you suspect that your dog has a serious allergy, it’s best to have them professionally tested so you can manage the symptoms.
Epilepsy
While it isn’t a common disorder by any means, some doodles can suffer from epilepsy. As with humans, the symptoms include salivating, loss of consciousness, seizures and involuntary movement of body parts. Fortunately, a veterinarian can give your dog a prescription for medication that will help manage the condition.
Heart Conditions
Many dogs are susceptible to heart conditions such as mitral valve disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, and pulmonary hypertension. While any of these conditions may occur in your doodle or poo, neither Aussiedoodles nor Bernedoodles are particularly susceptible to these conditions.
Bleeding Disorders
Since doodles and poos are direct descendants of poodles, they are subject to a bleeding disorder called Von Willebrand disease type I (VWDI). This genetically-transmitted disorder leads to profuse bleeding since it cuts down on the proteins that cause blood coagulation.
Fortunately, even though it increases the bleeding your dog experiences, the problem is rarely serious enough to be fatal. That said, some cases are more severe than others. In mild cases, Desmopressin acetate (DDAVP) may be used to improve the dog’s ability to coagulate blood.
Skin Conditions
Most dogs are susceptible to different types of skin conditions, and doodles are no exception. From dry skin to eczema, there are a range of different afflictions that can affect your poodle. If you provide them with a good diet, rich in healthy oils, and take them for regular grooming, then you shouldn’t encounter this problem. However, in some cases, you may need to get an ointment or topical treatment from your veterinarian.
Eye and Ear Infections
Another common problem, not only with doodles but dogs as a whole, is ear and eye infections. Because eyes are so sensitive, even a relatively small irritant can lead to significant problems. Ears are also quick to get infected, especially when they’re wetter than they ought to be.
Fortunately, both these problems are easy to treat naturally, or with an over-the-counter medication.
Bernedoodle Vs. Aussiedoodle: Which Breed is Right for You?
Choosing between a Bernedoodle vs. an Aussiedoodle is largely a matter of preference. That said, there are two major considerations to bear in mind when trying to make a decision.
First of all, are small children involved? If your family has small children, Bernedoodles handle children well since they are much calmer and more patient. Aussiedoodles are constantly on the move and a lot more boisterous, which can make them less than ideal for small children.
The other big question is how much time you can dedicate to exercising your dog. Bernedoodles have moderately high energy levels, which means they need at least an hour of exercise a day. On the other hand, Aussiedoodles are the Flash of the doodle world. They require consistency and regular exercise every day to avoid getting bored.
In terms of most other aspects, the two breeds are similar. Both require regular grooming and constant exposure to their owners. The Aussiedoodle is also slightly smaller than the Bernedoodle.
Bearing these things in mind, you should be able to decide between these two loyal dog breeds. You’ll surely get a loving, kind, and fun companion whichever choice you make.
Sources
Aussiedoodle Breed Profile by Good Dog – Accessed 17/07/2024
Bernedoodle Breed Profile by Zooplus – Accessed 17/07/2024
Bernedoodle Breed Profile by MaxiZoo – Accessed 17/07/2024