Labradoodles and Bernedoodles are popular dog breeds. They’re both highly similar and incredibly dissimilar in varying ways. In this article, we will take a closer look at the similarities and differences between the two breeds and give you all the information you need to decide which breed is better for you.

Bernedoodle vs Labradoodle: At a Glance

We know that you probably want to get right into the details, so we’ve made a basic comparison so you can see all the main points at a glance.

Labradoodle Bernedoodle
Height 14-24 inches (depending on the size of the poodle parent) 12-29 inches (depending on the size of the poodle parent)
Weight 15-63 pounds 10-90 pounds
Energy High Moderate to High
Exercise needs 1 hour + 1 hour + (more willing to cuddle)
Trainability Highly trainable, but excitable Highly trainable, but easily distracted
Temperament Friendly, social, often excitable Friendly, not fond of strangers, can be more cuddly

Understanding Doodle and Poo Sizes

Whenever you cross a poodle with another breed of dog, you get something known as a doodle or poo. It’s essential to understand how their sizes happen if you’re looking into getting one of these lovely dogs.

Whether you buy a Bernedoodle or a Labradoodle, the size is dependent on the size of the poodle used.

Labradoodle vs Bernedoodle

If you’re a dog enthusiast, you’re probably familiar with the several different sizes of poodles.

Toy poodles are by far the smallest type of poodle, measuring no more than 10 inches tall. This makes them ideally suited for creating small-breed Bernedoodles. Miniature poodles are 15 inches or less, and standard poodles must be at least 15 inches tall.

Breeders can also establish the size of the doodle they’d like to produce by breeding with a specific poodle size.

Labradoodles Vs Bernedoodles: Bernedoodle Background

Bernedoodle Puppy

While this is more challenging to decipher than a Labradoodle, the name suggests the origin of this dog breed. Bernedoodles are a cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and a poodle.

Since Bernese Mountain dogs are a standard size, the resulting Bernedoodles’ overall size depends on the poodle size used.

Bernedoodle Personality

Bernedoodles have a social and loving temperament, but early socialization is essential. They tend to be a bit aloof, and lack of socialization will lead to adult dogs that don’t take readily to other people and animals.

It’s worth noting that Bernedoodles get very attached to their owners and will want to stay in your presence.

If you have a lifestyle that doesn’t allow this, or you simply don’t want a dog with you all the time, this may not be the best breed for you.

Bernedoodle Health Challenges

Both Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles face some health challenges, which may also be present in Bernedoodles.

Some of the major issues include the following:

  • Tumors
  • Hip and elbow issues
  • Seizures
  • Heart problems
  • Eye problems

Minor problems may include allergies, ear infections, and skin conditions. Remember that each animal is unique and may suffer from different conditions.

Energy and Exercise

Bernedoodles are moderate to high-energy animals, requiring at least one hour of daily exercise. If you can give them 90 minutes instead, that would be even better.

Though distractible, they’re a fairly active breed and aren’t hard to train. Teaching them fun, active activities like fetch or obstacle courses would be good.

Bear in mind that these animals have thick coats, so it’s best to take them out early in the morning or late in the afternoon during the warm seasons.

Bernedoodles Are Best For…

Active individuals and families that spend much time at home will benefit most from this breed. They’re great with children, though care should be taken with larger Bernedoodles as they may be too playful around little ones still finding their feet.

Bernedoodle sitting on green grass wearing an orange bandana

Bernedoodle Traits

  • Affectionate, gentle, and goofy personality

  • Calm, docile energy

  • Excellent emotional support dogs

  • Good with children

  • Low-to-non shedding

  • For allergy-friendly needs, F1b puppies are optimal

  • Standard-sized need space to stretch

  • Mini or tiny sizes available for smaller spaces

Labradoodles Vs Bernedoodles: Labradoodle Background

Labradoodles

Labradoodles are crosses between Labradors and Poodles, meaning they’re still active breeds, but their coats aren’t as curly as those of Bernedoodles.

Labradoodle Personality

Like the Bernedoodle, the Labradoodle is very excitable and outgoing. They may even be considered quite silly and playful, but they tend to be a lot more cuddly than their counterparts.

They are a lot more outgoing and will happily take in new people and animals, which means that early socialization is not as important as with a Bernedoodle. It’s worth noticing that both Labradors and Poodles are quite vocal, so your Labradoodle will be as well.

Energy and Exercise

As with Bernedoodles, these animals are moderate to high energy and require at least one hour of exercise per day.

They are also quite trainable, though they are easily distracted, so teaching them to play games or perform activities like running through obstacle courses is a valuable option.

Though they lack the thick curls of Bernedoodles, their coats are still quite thick, so it’s best to exercise during the cooler hours during the warm seasons.

Labradoodle Health Challenges

You will likely face similar health challenges with this breed as with a Bernedoodle. Major health challenges you may face include:

  • Certain canine cancers
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Tears of the cranial cruciate ligament

As with Bernedoodles, You may also face minor conditions like skin irritation, allergies, and ear infections.

Labradoodles Are Best For…

Labradoodles are best for active individuals, couples, or families that spend much time at home. They are loving, social animals that require human presence. Though they’re great with children, larger-breed Labradoodles may be too much for small children.

Tri-color Bernedoodle Puppy
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Bernedoodle Vs Labradoodle: Which Breed is Right for You?

There are only a few questions you need to ask when choosing between these two breeds.

First, how much space do you have? If you have plenty of yard space, you can easily keep the larger version of either breed. However, if you live in an apartment, you probably want to opt for a toy or miniature poodle cross.

Labradoodles are more likely to shed, which can be problematic if you have many carpets. However, Bernedoodles are more likely to drool, so they might not be right for you if you’re averse to saliva.

Are you willing to pay for grooming? Both breeds require significant grooming, though Bernedoodle grooming may require more regular professional help.

Finally, do you have young children? Both of these animals deal well with children, though a Bernedoodle has slightly more patience with young children. Both breeds are fairly active, which means that they’re best suited to active families and individuals.

In the end, it comes down to you and your preferences. We wish you all the best on your journey to acquiring a new pup.

Mini Bernedoodle

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Sources

Bernedoodle Breed Profile by Zooplus – Accessed 17/07/2024

Labradoodle Breed Profile by ZooPlus – Accessed 17/07/2024

Rise of the Doodle by Modern Dog Magazine  – Accessed 17/07/2024