Defining the Doodles: Understanding the Doodle Breeds

Here are some facts to help you decide between the lovable Goldendoodle puppy and the adorable Bernedoodle puppy to find the one that’s right for you! You’ll see why these dog breeds make some of the best family pets.

Both these mixed breeds have one poodle parent. Goldendoodle puppies are the product of golden retrievers and poodles, while Bernedoodle puppies have poodles and Bernese mountain dogs as parents. Like many mixed-breed dogs, these two breeds are extremely friendly and great with small children and other dogs.

Bernedoodle vs. Goldendoodle Size

Standard-size Bernedoodle dogs are slightly larger than their golden retriever-based counterparts, which makes sense since the Golden retriever is smaller than the Bernese mountain dog.

A Standard Goldendoodle is 20 to 24 inches tall and weighs 40 to 60 pounds. Bernedoodles tend to reach 23 to 29 inches in height and 65 to 100 pounds in weight.

While both breeds can do well in an apartment setting, it’s important to note that standard-sized Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles need more space to stretch their legs. Opt for a mini or tiny size Bernedoodle or Goldendoodle if you have minimal space.

A Mini Bernedoodle, with the parent breeds of a mini poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog, weighs 25 to 50 pounds and stands 18 to 24 inches tall. Mini Goldendoodles weigh 25 to 40 pounds and stand 15 to 20 inches tall.

Bernedoodle vs. Goldendoodle Coat Color and Type

These popular breeds are distinguished from one another by their colors. Bernedoodles typically have rust, black and white coats, or Merle coat patterns while the Goldendoodle’s coat may come in a range of colors, including apricot, caramel, cream, red and gold.

The coat type varies from wavy to curly for Bernedoodles, while Goldendoodles may have straight, wavy, or curly hair that’s more like a poodle coat. Both Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles have very similar hair coats.

Bernedoodle vs. Goldendoodle Temperament

If you love to exercise, run, hike and generally be active outdoors, the Goldendoodle might be a better option because it’s a higher-energy dog than the Bernedoodle. This dog needs a family that’s up for vigorous exercise. The Bernedoodle can keep up with an active lifestyle; however, it generally has a calmer, more docile demeanor and doesn’t require as much exercise.

Both breeds are good with children. However, their personalities tend to be a little different. Goldendoodles are more fun-loving and playful, while Bernedoodles have a reputation for being affectionate, gentle and sometimes goofy.

If you like a dog with character and a lighthearted personality, the Bernedoodle may be a better option. Both pets are quite intelligent dogs.

Adult Bernedoodle sitting in front of a window

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

Goldendoodle dog sitting on the bank of a lake

Goldendoodle Traits

  • Fun-loving and playful personality

  • Higher-energy, love to run and be active

  • Excellent service dogs for those with disabilities
  • 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

Bernedoodle vs. Goldendoodle as Therapy Dogs

Are you considering these doodle hybrids as possible support animals? Goldendoodles are extremely intelligent, making excellent service animals and often trained to assist people with disabilities. Consider a Goldendoodle if you’d like to train your dog as a service animal to support you.

Also very intelligent and trainable dogs, Bernedoodles are more emotionally supportive and tend to be highly aware of and responsive to their owner’s emotional states. If you’re looking for a companion dog for emotional support reasons, the Bernedoodle may be a good choice.

Bernedoodle vs. Goldendoodle Grooming Requirements

Both the Bernedoodle and Goldendoodle will need to have their hair cut, typically every 4-6 weeks for a trim or 10-12 weeks for a complete haircut. You will also want to daily brush your dog in between groomings to keep their hair clean and free from tangles or mats.

All our dogs are low-shedding or non-shedding, although frequent grooming helps keep their hair soft and healthy. 

However, if you’re very concerned about shedding and looking for an allergy-friendly dog, our F1b Bernedoodles or F1b Goldendoodles are optimal.

Bernedoodle vs. Goldendoodle Health and Life Span

Bernedoodles and Goldendoodles have a similar life expectancy of up to 15 years. The low end of the Bernedoodle life span is 12, compared to 10 for Goldendoodles.

Both the Bernedoodle and the Goldendoodle may experience breed-specific health problems. The larger size of the Bernedoodle creates the risk for hip or elbow dysplasia, and they also tend to go blind with age. Goldendoodles are more prone to gum disease, dental problems and ear infections.

Contact Central Illinois Doodles for more information about whether a Bernedoodle or a Goldendoodle is suitable for your household. We also have smaller dogs if you’re interested in a miniature Goldendoodle or miniature Bernedoodle. Reach out today to learn more about adopting one of our Doodle companion dogs.

 

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We believe in getting to know all of our customers to ensure that your puppy is an excellent fit for you and your family. That’s why before placing a deposit, we ask that you please get in touch with us and let us help you find the perfect puppy.

Goldendoodle and Bernedoodle puppies laying on a blanket