Goldendoodles vs. Bernedoodles: What Is The Difference

Goldendoodles vs. Bernedoodles: What is the Difference

Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles are two very popular ‘doodle’ breeds.  There are many different qualities that these dogs share and some that are different.  This article is going to explain the difference between a Goldendoodle and a Bernedoodle. 

What is the Difference between a Goldendoodle and a Bernedoodles?

A Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, where a Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain dog and a Poodle.

The main difference is the different breeds that make up the mix. There are some differences in personalities and lifestyles that you should also consider when trying to pick out which one you want as your pet. 

Goldendoodle vs. Bernedoodle

There are a few differences and many similarities between these two breeds. These are some factors that you should consider when purchasing one of these breeds.

Size – Who is Bigger?  

A Goldendoodle will be about 25 inches from the ground to their shoulder.  These dogs usually weigh between 30 and 45 pounds. Some Goldendoodles are can even be a little heavier.  The size of the Goldendoodle can significantly vary depending on what size poodle was used when breeding.  

A Bernedoodle can also come in 3 different sizes depending on the size of the poodle the Bernese Mountain Dog was bred with. 

A small dog will weigh about 15 to 20-pound, medium size dogs weighing around 50 pounds, and larger dogs can reach up to 90 pounds. Usually, males are a little larger than the females and usually are a little more loving.  The males also tend to be a little sillier and more playful.

Temperament – How do they act?

Goldendoodles are very smart and very high energy levels.  These dogs are very easy to train and can be very friendly dogs. 

The easy-going temperament of these dogs makes them a great dog have as a family pet.  These dogs have lots of energy that they can keep up with active kids without getting tired.

Bernedoodles has some of the same temperament as Goldendoodles and can be very social pets.  They also love to play and are very smart.  These dogs are very easy to train. 

Most kids love these dogs as pets, as they can quickly learn to do fun tricks. The Bernedoodles are known as the Velcro dog. 

These dogs are always paying attention to what their owner is doing and are right where their owners are at. Since these dogs are so attentive to their owners, this makes them a great therapy dog for people who are suffering from PTSD or anxiety.

Both of these breeds are playful and full of fun.  Their energy levels are great and keeping up with kids and busy lifestyles of families.  They also can be relaxed and do very well with single people or couples without kids. 

These dogs tend to get along with other dogs and actually love having another dog in the house to play with every day.  They also are not aggressive and love spending time with other people that you may have visited.

Life Expectancy – Who Lives Longer?

Goldendoodles can live long lives compared to other dogs their size.  By mixing two breeds of dogs, you usually get the better qualities and traits from each bread. 

This means some of the health problems associated with Poodles or Golden Retrievers are not always seen in Goldendoodles.  These dogs can live 10 to 15 years.  Sometimes even longer. 

Bernedoodles also tend to live a little longer than some other pure-bred dogs of the same size. A typical life expectancy of Bernedoodle is 12 to 18 years.  With the smaller dogs of this breed living longer than the bigger dogs.

Healthy Problems – Who is going to be the Healthiest?

Goldendoodles have very few major health problems that you need to be concerned with.  One of the most common issues vets see with Goldendoodles is ear infections.

These dogs have extra hair growing in their ears.  This makes it a great environment for bacteria and yeast to grown.  It is best to make sure that your Goldendoodles ears are dry and clean after having a bath or going for a swim. 

Dental disease is also commonly seen in Goldendoodles.  You can brush your dog’s teeth a few times a week to help decrease tartar build-up.  Dental treats are also great at helping prevent dental problems.  If your dog does get tartar build-up on their teeth, they can easily be removed by your vet with a professional dental cleaning.

Bernedoodles tend to be a little healthier than Goldendoodles.  Bernedoodles can have hip and elbow problems, eye problems, and some skin problems. 

These dogs also have a very thick coat and usually do not do well in very hot climates.  Heatstroke is a problem in these dogs if they are outside in the very hot summertime.  

When looking for a new puppy, always ask for medical history on the parents of the puppy and make sure that the puppy and the parents have been properly screened for any genetic problems before you take them home.

Both of these breeds will need yearly checkups to keep them happy and healthy.  Your vet will examine your dog and help you schedule routine maintenance like ear cleanings and dental cleaning to keep your pet healthy for as long as possible.

Goldendoodles Vs. Bernedoodles: What Is The Difference

Appearance – What do they look like?

The appearance of these two breeds is probably the biggest difference.  Most people pick their new dogs based on how they look.  These are the differences between the looks of the Goldendoodle and the Bernedoodle.

Goldendoodles can have many different coat types.  These can range from straight like a Golden Retriever to very curly like a poodle.  These can also come in many different colors.  The most common type of fur is very tight curls like poodles have.

Bernedoodles are usually black and white or tri-colored – brown, black, and white.  This is a very typical color of the Bernese Mountain Dogs that is seen in the Bernedoodles.  Very occasionally, you may see a Bernedoodle that is a different color. 

Sheading – Which one sheds more?

The reason that most people like the ‘doodle’ breeds is because they do not shed as much if at all.  Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles are both mixed with a poodle. 

Poodles are known to shed very little if at all. Goldendoodles fur is usually a combination of tight curls and wavy hair, and they may look a little shaggy if they do not regularly go to a groomer. 

When it comes to keeping them looking their best, they need lots of attention, or their fur will easily get matted.  A Goldendoodle will need its hair brushed at least every other day and groomed every 3 months to keep their fur nice and pretty.  

A Bernedoodle is also considered to be one of the non-sheadings to low shedding breeds.  These are also known to be allergy-free dogs due to their limited shedding.  People who are allergic to dogs are allergic to the dander they leave behind when they shed.

This makes Bernedoodles a great dog for people who suffer from allergies.  This breed still needs to be brushed and groomed regularly or their fur with mat and tangle. They do not get mats as easily as a Goldendoodle and may only require brushing a few times a week.

Grooming – Who needs more grooming appointments? 

Goldendoodle’s fur can vary from one dog to another.  Since they do not shed their fur will need to be groomed regularly.  Even when they do not need their hair trimmed, they will need baths every few weeks to help keep their coat clean and shiny.

Goldendoodles tend to have lots of hair growth around and near the eyes.  This fur may need to be trimmed more frequently in order to prevent eye infections. 

Some people even learn how to groom their Goldendoodles themselves.  Many times, this is a task that is better left to professionals, especially if your Goldendoodle is very active.

Bernedoodles are very similar to Goldendoodles as they also will need frequent grooming.  Your Bernedoodle may need a hair trim every 3 to 4 months. 

If your dog spends time in a lot of time outside hiking, running, or swimming, you may want to trim them more often to keep them cool and clean.  The good thing about Bernedoodles is that you do not want to bathe them very often, as this can strip their coats of needed oils.

Both breeds will need their nails trimmed regularly.  This is something that you can learn to do at home.  With a little training, your dog will easily offer you their paw for nail trimming. 

Bonus Material – Find Out More About The 3 Must-Own Doodle Brushes! (it’s not what you think!)

Training – Who learns new tricks quicker?

Goldendoodles learn very well and are very easy to train.  This breed is smart and obedient, as well as very agile. This makes them a great dog for agility courses.  These dogs are very treat motivated, and you can easily teach them a new trick for a tasty reward.  

Bernedoodles are also like Goldendoodles in that they are very smart and quick learners.  Bernedoodles make better watchdogs than Goldendoodles.  If you want a dog that will protect your house against intruders, then Bernedoodles are the way to go. 

When training your Bernedoodle, you may notice that they are a little more stubborn, especially the males. 

This can cause a little more difficult when training because they are constantly trying to push the boundaries.  Females are usually less stubborn, but they are more independent. 

Exercise – Who needs more walks?

Goldendoodles need to be taken outside for daily walks. This breed loves to go for long runs, hike in the woods, or swim in the pool or lake.  This breed is great for an adventurous, outdoors person. 

The Retriever side of the Goldendoodle loves to play fetch.  These dogs will gladly join in on family playtimes.  You would need to dedicate at least 30 minutes or more each day to spend exercising with your Goldendoodle.  Not only will this be a great bonding time for you and your pup, but it also forces you to exercise daily. 

Both Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles need a fenced in yard where they can run and play.  Sometimes these dogs would rather spend more time playing outside than in the house with their family. 

Bernedoodles also enjoy outdoor activities.  These dogs do tend to get hot very quickly. Their darker, thick fur makes it very easy for them to overheat quickly. 

This is something that you need to consider when allowing your Bernedoodle a lot of outside time in the summer months.  These dogs also need daily exercise; they are usually very happy playing in the yard with kids or playing a game of fetch.

Diet – How much do they eat?

Some large dogs will eat a lot of food each day.  Many large breed dogs are known to go through at least one bag of food a week.  Both the Goldendoodle and the Bernedoodle will need a good quality diet to stay healthy.  Neither of these breeds is known to eat tons of food each day.

Goldendoodles are known to have food allergies and may require a special diet.  Your veterinarian can test your dog for food allergies and help your dog get on a diet that is suitable for your dog’s diet. 

Berendoodles are very voracious eaters, so you need to take preventative measures to prevent them from vomiting their food or becoming overweight. 

This breed will eat food until there is no more in front of them.   When Bernedoodles are puppies, they need a diet that is very high in vitamins and minerals to develop a healthy heart and lungs.

Both of these breeds will need a lot of water.  Both breeds love to drink and play in their water.  Make sure to keep plenty of clean, fresh water. 

Living Environment – Who is better with kids?

Goldendoodles need to live inside your house and not stay outside all the time.  These are great family dogs and need constant companionship to be happy.  

The main reason that Goldendoodles are so popular is due to their looks.  Most people love the curly fluffy hair. They look like a curly cuddly teddy bear. 

They love to be cuddled and curl up on the sofa with their family or snuggle up next to the kids in bed at night.  Goldendoodles are very good at adapting to change and would make a great pet for someone who is always moving.

Bernedoodles are just like Goldendoodles, and they do not want to be left alone.  This breed actually may have separation anxiety if you leave them alone for too long. 

This breed of dog loves spending time with the family.  They would love to join you on any adventure that you are going on or just stay inside right beside you all day.  These dogs are also very adaptable and can easily adjust to changes or even moving homes. 

The expense of Owning – who is cheaper to own?

A Goldendoodle from a reputable breeder will cost about $2,000 to $3,000.  A Bernedoodle will cost between 3,000 to 5,000.  The tricolored Bernedoodles are the most desirable color and usually cost the most.

The cost of care will be about the same for each bread.  Food cost will depend on the type of food that you purchase, but you should look for high-quality food no matter what breed of dog you have.

How to Choose Which Breed is Best for Me?

It may seem like a very difficult task to choose the best breed for you. Your lifestyle will help determine which dog is best for you.  Bernedoodles are like giant teddy bears and love to cuddly on the couch.

They also will love going for a walk outside.  These dogs will make great guard dogs or therapy dogs.  Bernedoodles are a great pick if you want a dog that is both cuddly and very active.

These tend to be large than Goldendoodles, but they do come in miniature versions. These can live in a small apartment as they do not need as much exercise as Goldendoodles.

Goldendoodles are great for people with a very active life or who have many kids. These dogs will never get tired of running and playing.  Goldendoodles are always up for a new adventure or doing anything to make you happy.

FINAL THOUGHTS

There are many wonderful qualities in both Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles; it makes it very hard to choose which one is the best. 

When looking for one of these dogs, either would make a great dog for a family or a single person.  These dogs are always up for an adventure or just sitting on the couch watching TV all day. 

As long as they are with their owner, they are perfectly happy and content.  When looking for your next dog, consider all the different qualities mentioned in this article to help you pick out the best dog for you.

Goldendoodles vs. Bernedoodles: What is the Difference

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