Bernedoodle VS Goldendoodle

Bernedoodles and Goldendoodles are two of the most popular doodles one can ever have. So, if you’re torn between these curly-coated doods, we can’t blame you. After all, they’re both irresistibly cute and cuddly!

The most obvious difference between Bernedoodles and Goldendoodles are that the former is a mix between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, while the latter is a mix between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Bernedoodles also tend to eat WAY more than a Goldendoodle, and cost about 3 times more as well.

Full of personality and with fascinating quirks, both the Bernedoodle and Goldendoodle are hands down one of the best hybrid pups in dogdom. Find out why these doodle doggies rock many canine lovers’ worlds, and you might just call yourself a proud owner of either one of these doodles one day!

16. Appearance: Coat Colors

Image from Instagram:@bymeghang

When it comes to color variety, Bernedoodles have more coat color options. They typically have a tricolor coat in shades of brown, white, and black while others can be a solid black or white. There are also broader color combinations.

Although Goldendoodles are usually golden-coated pups, they can also have other coat colors. Among their common colors are gray, cream, black, apricot, and red. But most Goldendoodles have the typical golden shimmer to their curly coats.

15. Diet

Image from Pet Plate

Bernedoodles love to eat, so they could use between 4 to 5 cups of food each day. They are also not picky eaters, and they can easily munch more than the recommended amount. So, it is best to monitor their meals to prevent them from becoming obese.

Goldendoodles require about 3 to 4 cups of dry kibble a day. Make sure you check for allergies and stick to high protein food that’s grain free and packed with prebiotics.

14. Appearance: Height

Image from Instagram:@fullmerdoodles

Just one glance at these two hybrid pups, and it’s easy to spot which one’s the smaller doggo. Bernedoodles are big fellows that can grow as tall as 25 inches at the shoulder. However, there are different varieties such as the mini, toy and standard. Still, Bernedoodles tower over Goldendoodles.

Since Goldendoodles are more compact, they do better as lap dogs or apartment pets. Their average height is 18 inches for the standard variety and can go as small as under a foot tall for the toy and a little over 12 inches for the mini version.

13. Appearance: Weight

Image from Instagram:@rocky_doode

Thanks to their Berner parent, Bernedoodles are large, heavy pups. They typically weigh between 55 to 75 lbs while others can tip the scale at nearly 100 lbs.

Goldendoodles are leaner and lighter, on the other hand. Their average weight is 35 lbs and can be as heavy as 60 lbs. Miniature Goldendoodles, however, are significantly lighter at 15 lbs and barely go over 30 lbs.

12. Drooling Tendency

Image from Instagram:@dood_named_kai

Because of their lower jowls, purebred Berners can be a bit problematic in the drooling department. So expect to have more slobber episodes with a Bernedoodle.

As for Goldendoodles, they don’t have a lot of issues with drooling. With their low drooling concerns, they should be perfect for fastidious owners.

11. Health Issue: Obesity

Image from Instagram:@wheres.wallydoodle

When Bernedoodles eat, they REALLY eat. These are voracious munchers, so it’s best to keep not to give them a free-flowing supply of food. Otherwise, your fur baby will end up becoming obese.

Goldendoodles are prone to food allergies just like their Golden Retriever parents. They don’t do well with wheat and dairy products, so whole vegetables and grain-free food work best for them. Since they don’t overdo their munching, obesity is the least of your concern for these doods.

10. Temperament: Stubbornness

Image from Instagram:@poppythebernadoodle

Both doodles are smart and hardworking dogs. However, Bernedoodles are a bit more stubborn, especially the males. Females are independent creatures but not void of that stubborn streak.

So, if you’re a novice owner looking for your first doodle, then a Goldendoodle is a more suitable option. They take quite well to training and excel in agility courses.

9. Temperament: Clinginess

Image from Instagram:@yogitheminidood

Bernedoodles are Velcro dogs – they crave human affection and companionship. They are clingy pups that simply want you to be by their side at all times. If you leave them alone for several hours a day, separation anxiety is bound to set in.

But it’s not an issue with a Goldendoodle. In fact, they are cool to be left alone for a few times a day. They are independent but will always enjoy showering you with lots of love and kisses each time you come home.

8. Energy Level

Image from Instagram:@paveysdoodlebabies

Cool, calm, and relaxed, Bernedoodles are your “Netflix and chill” buddies. They love to snooze and cuddle, so these are not exactly your exercise pals.

If you’re an active fellow, you’ll find the Goldendoodle to be more game for your outdoor activities. They love to swim, run, hike, and pretty much anything that involves using their stamina and power. There’s not a whole lot that they will say no to, as long as it’s in the fun and games category.

7. Temperament: Laid-Back

Image from Instagram:@mini.kobi.doodle

We’ve already established that Bernedoodles are snooze machines. They love to just relax and take it slow and easy. So when it comes to being laid-back, they play the part perfectly well.

But it’s a different story with Goldendoodles… They are energetic, agile, and active pups that simply love to play. If Bernedoodles are the epitome of chill and calm, Goldendoodles are bouncy energy bunnies.

6. Ease of Training

Image from Instagram:@ella_the_bernedoodle

Stubborn, yet willful, Bernedoodles can be a bit more of a challenge to train, especially to novice owners. These pups are also a bit more anxious, so crate training is a good way to go for these big fellows.

If you have less experience with dog training, then by all means go for a Goldendoodle. These dogs live to please their owners, so they won’t make training a pain for you.

5. Living Environment

Image from Instagram:@luca.dood

Because of their enormous size, Bernedoodles are not exactly perfect apartment pups. They would need a bigger space, so it won’t be ideal to keep them cooped up in such a modest space.

On the other hand, Goldendoodles are compact canines that should fit well in an apartment. But do take note that they need their daily exercise – and lots of it – so be sure to give them their walkies and much-needed playtime.

4. Lifespan

Image from Instagram:@vern.the.bern

Both of these doodles are generally healthy pups, so you can expect them to live a moderately long life. However, size is always a factor in determining a dog’s lifespan; the bigger the dog, the shorter they tend to live, as outlined in the 2013 research journal by the American Naturalist.

Bernedoodles have an average lifespan of 9 years to about 14 years. As for Goldendoodles, they live slightly longer because of their smaller build. Their typical life expectancy is between 10 and 15 years.

3. Price

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Between the two, the Bernedoodle is the more expensive pooch. The starting cost of owning this doodle is $2,000 and can go up to $5,000 depending on the background and breeder.

Goldendoodles are a little bit cheaper at $1,500 per pup. But similarly, the price can become steeper based on the dog’s history and background of parents.

2. Breed History And Origins

Image from Instagram:@labradoodletobster

The very first Bernedoodle was born in Ontario, Canada, in 2001. This hybrid pooch was the brainchild of a breeder who was quite fond of the Bernese Mountain Dog but would like to develop a low-shedding version of this pooch. Enter the Bernedoodle…

As for the Goldendoodle, this cutie first came out as far back as 1992. Just like the Bernedoodle, the pure intention of developing this doodle is to merge a Golden’s sunny character with a Poodle’s hypoallergenic quality.

1. Breed Ancestry

Image from Instagram:@moose_bernedoodle

Bernedoodles are a crossbreed with the Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle as their parents. They look quite like a purebred Berner but without as much shedding power.

On the other hand, Goldendoodles are a cross between a Golden Retriever and Poodle. They come in different sizes (more on that in a minute) but they are smaller than a Bernedoodle. Thanks to the Poodle gene, these pups don’t shed much, so they are suitable for allergy sufferers.



Are Goldendoodles Good With Bernedoodles? Goldendoodles are good with Bernedoodles and can get along well with them. They are friendly and sociable hybrid dogs that get along with humans and dogs alike. So, if you have a Bernedoodle in the same household, you don’t have to worry about these two being comfortable with being the best of pals. Early socialization also goes a long way when it comes to getting these two doodles to have a better relationship with each other.

Can You Breed A Goldendoodle With A Bernedoodle? Yes, definitely. When you breed a Goldendoodle with a Bernedoodle, this gives you a Golden Mountain Doodle. These are usually big dogs that can grow up to 29 inches tall and weigh as much as 90 lbs.

Can Bernedoodles Swim? Bernedoodles can swim but they won’t actively crave the water since they don’t have a high energy level. They won’t always be game for some swim time but they can paddle when there’s a need to do so.

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Pete Decker