Both Bernedoodles and Golden Retrievers are excellent pet choices for people looking for a loving and intelligent dog. They’re both known for being good with children, but because they come from different dog families, they show a unique set of characteristics.
If you’re torn between a cuddly Bernedoodle and a loyal Golden Retriever, we’re here to guide you. Let’s explore their key differences so that you can decide which dog will best complement your lifestyle and family.
🐶 Key Takeaways
- Bernedoodles have hypoallergenic coats, while Golden Retrievers are classic, shedding dogs
- Bernedoodles thrive with balanced activity, Golden Retrievers need more exercise.
- Both are trainable and loving, but Bernedoodles are low-shedding, and Golden Retrievers are traditionally gentle.
- Bernedoodles require professional grooming, and Golden Retrievers need regular brushing.
Bernedoodle vs. Golden Retriever: Key Differences
Breed Overview and Origins
What is a Bernedoodle?
Bernedoodles are a mix of Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles and are popular family dogs due to their often friendly nature. They have a gentle and playful nature and don’t shed much, which makes them ideal for people with allergies. They are known to be intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training.
👉 Best for: Families looking for a playful, loving, and adaptable dog, particularly those with children or active lifestyles.
What Is a Golden Retriever?
The Golden Retriever is a purebred breed originating from Scotland. These dogs are highly intelligent and trainable, and have a friendly and tolerant nature. Golden Retrievers are known for their loyalty, eagerness to please, and gentle demeanor. Such a combination of traits makes them excellent family pets and therapy dogs.
👉 Best for: Families looking for a loyal, gentle, and trainable dog, those who enjoy outdoor activities, and individuals seeking a dog suitable for therapy or service work.
Bernedoodle vs. Golden Retriever: Size
Size is an important factor to keep in mind when considering a Bernedoodle or a Golden Retriever. The size of the Poodle parent in a Bernedoodle directly influences its adult size.
Bernedoodles come in a variety of sizes:
- Micro-Mini Bernedoodles: Under 18 inches tall and weigh between 10 and 25 pounds. They are well-suited for apartment living or smaller homes.
- Mini Bernedoodles: 18 to 22 inches in height and weighing 25 to 50 pounds. Their moderate size makes them suitable for a variety of living situations.
- Standard Bernedoodles: Over 23 inches tall and can weigh 70 to 90+ pounds. They require plenty of room to move and exercise.
In contrast, Golden Retrievers maintain a more consistent, medium-to-large size:
- Standard Golden Retrievers: 21.5 to 24 inches tall and weigh between 55 and 75 pounds. They are a high-energy breed that needs plenty of space and exercise.
Golden Retriever vs. Bernedoodle: Coat
Bernedoodles and Golden Retrievers both have beautiful, thick coats. However, their textures, shedding, and grooming needs differ significantly.
Bernedoodle
A Bernedoodle’s coat is a mix of soft waves and curls, thanks to their Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle parents. With a greater percentage of Poodle in their mix, Bernedoodles tend to have curlier coats and may be less prone to certain skin allergies.
- Shedding: They are low to non-shedding, especially the ones with more Poodle in them
- Grooming: You’ll need to brush them a few times a week and get them haircuts every couple of months.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers have a double coat, which means they have two layers of fur. It’s thick and water-resistant and can be either straight or have gentle waves.
- Shedding: They shed quite a bit, especially when the seasons change.
- Grooming: Brushing them several times a week will keep the shedding under control. They might also need baths sometimes, but not too often, because it can dry out their skin.
Bernedoodle vs. Golden Retriever: Training and Exercise
Bernedoodle
Bernedoodles are smart and have a medium amount of energy, so they need both playtime and brain games to be happy. They fit right in with families who like to be active and teach their dogs tricks.
They need about an hour of exercise every day, like walks, ball games, or you can even take them swimming if they like water. To provide them with enough mental stimulation, try agility courses or puzzle toys that make them think.
🐶 Bernedoodle Exercise & Training Tips:
- Engage their nose with scent work games
- Use interactive toys for mental stimulation.
- Teach fun tricks beyond basic commands.
- Create an obstacle course for physical and mental challenge.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are lively dogs and need at least an hour of daily exercise, which could include brisk walks, jogging, or playing fetch.
Because they’re naturally eager to please and quick learners, training comes easily to them. You can engage them with interactive games and puzzle toys, and even teach them new tricks to keep their minds sharp.
🐶 Golden Retriever Exercise & Training Tips:
- Use food-dispensing toys for mental stimulation and slower eating.
- Keep training sessions short and engaging.
- Change training locations.
Bernedoodle vs. Golden Retriever: Pick Your Ideal Companion
Bernedoodles and Golden Retrievers are both great family dogs, but they match different lifestyles and personalities.
If you want a dog that doesn’t shed much and comes in different sizes, a Bernedoodle might be perfect for you. But if you want a classic dog that’s known for being super friendly and easy to train, a Golden Retriever might be a better fit.
If you think a Bernedoodle is the dog for you, check out available puppies at Central Illinois Doodles. As a trusted Bernedoodle breeder, we’re very careful about how we raise our puppies, so you know you’re getting a happy and healthy dog.
FAQs
Are Bernedoodles or Golden Retrievers better for first-time dog owners?
Both breeds can be good for first-time owners as long as you’re prepared to give them the exercise, training, and attention they need.
Are Golden Retrievers hypoallergenic?
Golden Retrievers are not hypoallergenic and are known to shed moderately to heavily, making them less suitable for allergy sufferers.
What’s the lifespan of a Bernedoodle compared to a Golden Retriever?
Bernedoodles typically live a little longer than Golden Retrievers. Bernedoodles live for about 12-15 years, while Golden Retrievers live for about 10-12 years.
