Bernedoodle vs Bernese Mountain Dog: Main Differences (With Pictures)

Bernedoodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs: Understanding the Differences

If you‘re considering adding a large, loving dog to your family, you may be weighing the pros and cons of the Bernese Mountain Dog vs the Bernedoodle. While Bernedoodles are a newer hybrid breed that crosses the Bernese with the intelligent Poodle, Bernese Mountain Dogs are a long-established purebred with a rich history. Understanding the key differences between these breeds can help you determine which may be the ideal fit for your lifestyle and family. Let‘s take an in-depth look at how the Bernedoodle and the Bernese Mountain Dog compare in appearance, temperament, grooming needs, health, trainability, and more.

Breed Overview

The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of four mountain dog breeds originating in the Swiss Alps, initially kept as an all-purpose farm dog for herding, guarding, and pulling carts. They were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1937 and have grown in popularity as gentle family companions known for their striking tri-colored coats and calm, affectionate dispositions.

Bernedoodles are a much more recently developed hybrid, first appearing in 2003 with the aim of creating a large companion dog that combined many appealing traits of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle. With no breed standard, Bernedoodles can vary significantly in appearance and temperament based on their specific Poodle lineage (Toy, Mini, or Standard) and the traits they inherit from each parent breed. They are not currently recognized by the AKC but are registrable with the American Canine Hybrid Club.

Appearance Comparison

One of the most noticeable differences between the Bernedoodle and Bernese Mountain Dog is size. As a purebred, the Bernese Mountain Dog has a more predictable size range, with males standing 25-28 inches tall at the shoulder and females 23-26 inches tall. Adult Bernese typically weigh between 70-115 pounds, with males substantially outweighing females.

In contrast, the Bernedoodle‘s size can vary significantly based on the size of the Poodle used in the cross. Standard Bernedoodles with Standard Poodle lineage tend to be just slightly smaller than the Bernese Mountain Dog, standing 23-29 inches tall and weighing 70-90 pounds. However, there are also Tiny, Mini, and Medium Bernedoodles that result from crossing a Bernese with smaller varieties of Poodles:

• Tiny Bernedoodles: 12-17 inches, 10-24 pounds
• Mini Bernedoodles: 18-22 inches, 25-50 pounds
• Medium Bernedoodles: 19-25 inches, 30-65 pounds

In terms of coat, the Bernese Mountain Dog‘s coat is longer, either straight or slightly wavy, with a heavy undercoat that sheds seasonally. Their coats are always tricolored: jet black with symmetrical rust and white markings. White appears on the chest, toes, tip of the tail, and often as a "Swiss cross" on the face. Rust markings appear over the eyes, on the cheeks and chest, and sometimes on the legs.

The Bernedoodle‘s coat is quite different, with more variety in colors and textures based on the traits inherited from the parent breeds. They can have straight, wavy, or curly coats that tend to be low shedding and lower dander thanks to the Poodle influence. Bernedoodles can be tricolored like the Bernese, but can also be solid black, black and white, sable, brindle, merle, or even parti-colored.

Bernedoodles tend to have more prominent Poodle-type traits than Bernese in facial features — so longer, narrower muzzles, tighter-fitting lips, and high-set ears. Both breeds have long, feathered tails that curl slightly upwards.

Temperament

Both Bernese Mountain Dogs and Bernedoodles are prized for their sweet, affectionate temperaments. They are devoted family dogs that generally do well with respectful children and are not typically aggressive towards people. Both tend to be more reserved than overly outgoing with strangers.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for being calm, stable, and easygoing. While affectionate with their families, they do have an independent streak and may seem "aloof" at times. They are sensitive dogs that respond best to reward-based training approaches rather than harsh corrections. Most have moderate energy levels and do well with about an hour of exercise daily, plus some mental stimulation.

Bernedoodles tend to be a bit livelier and more playful than the Bernese Mountain Dog, with a slightly goofy, comedic side. They are highly intelligent and eager to please, but like all intelligent breeds, can become bored and resort to destructive behaviors without adequate mental stimulation and exercise. Most have moderate to high energy levels and greatly enjoy active play sessions with their owners. Some can be prone to alert barking.

Both breeds have some guarding instincts and make excellent watchdogs, but are not typically aggressive. They generally get along well with other dogs and pets if raised together, but some Bernese may have a higher prey drive. Early socialization is important for both breeds to ensure comfort with new people, places, other dogs, and smaller pets. Neither breed should be left alone for long periods, as they thrive on human companionship.

Grooming Comparison

The Bernese Mountain Dog‘s thick double coat requires quite a bit of maintenance. They are seasonal heavy shedders that "blow coat" at least twice a year. Weekly brushing is a must, with daily brushing often needed during shedding season to keep loose fur under control. They only need occasional baths unless dirty. Some owners opt to shave their Bernese in hot summer months to keep them comfortable. As a larger breed, Bernese Mountain Dogs also need regular nail trimming every 1-2 months, as their nails typically don‘t wear down naturally.

Bernedoodles tend to have much lower grooming requirements, particularly if they inherit the low-shed Poodle coat. Regular brushing is still important to prevent matting, usually at least several times per week. Curly or wavy-coated Bernedoodles may need professional grooming every 8-12 weeks, including trimming around the eyes, ears, and paw pads. They don‘t typically shed seasonally like the Bernese, but may shed more as puppies until their adult coats come in. Occasional bathing is sufficient unless the dog gets dirty often.

Health Considerations

Bernese Mountain Dogs are sadly more prone to serious health conditions than many other breeds, largely due to genetic issues exacerbated by their small breeding pool. Hip and elbow dysplasia are very common, and owners should ask about family history and screening of parent dogs before acquiring a puppy. Other orthopedic issues like patellar luxation and cruciate ligament ruptures can develop. Eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy or cataracts sometimes occur. They are also prone to life-limiting inherited conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy, histiocytic sarcoma, gastric torsion, and von Willebrand‘s disease. The average lifespan for a Bernese is just 7-10 years.

As a mixed breed dog, Bernedoodles benefit from hybrid vigor and tend to be healthier than their purebred parent breeds overall. However, they can still inherit health conditions common to either the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Poodle. Potential issues to be aware of include hip and elbow dysplasia, eye disorders, allergies, skin problems like sebaceous adenitis, thyroid disorders, and certain cancers. The average lifespan for a Bernedoodle is 12-15 years.

Lifestyle Considerations

The Bernese Mountain Dog is best suited to homes with plenty of space for a large dog to move around comfortably. They tend to be homebodies that love napping right at your feet and would not thrive if left in a yard or kennel for long periods without human interaction. Although they only need moderate exercise, a large fenced yard is ideal for providing safe outdoor playtime. With their thick coats, they do best in cooler climates and are prone to heatstroke if very active in high temperatures.

Bernedoodles are quite adaptable companion dogs that can do well in a variety of home situations, from apartments to spacious houses, as long as they receive adequate exercise, mental stimulation, and time with their beloved humans. As higher energy dogs, they do need lots of interactive play and typically require more exercise than the Bernese. They tend to be happiest with active families and should always live indoors as close companions rather than yard dogs. Some may inherit the tendency to alert bark from the Poodle side, which is something to consider in close living quarters like apartments. They have a higher heat and cold tolerance than the Bernese thanks to their Poodle lineage.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to deciding between the Bernedoodle vs Bernese Mountain Dog, both breeds have endearing qualities that would make them cherished companions to the right family. Bernese Mountain Dogs are ideal for those seeking a calm, loyal gentle giant that doesn‘t require extreme amounts of exercise. Bernedoodles may be the better choice for active families looking for a more compact canine companion with an outgoing, goofy streak and lower maintenance grooming needs.

Both breeds require dedicated owners prepared for lots of regular grooming and the costs of caring for a large dog. Regardless of whether you decide on a Bernese Mountain Dog or Bernedoodle, choosing a responsible breeder and providing loads of love, socialization, and preventative healthcare will set these gorgeous dogs up for long, happy lives as irreplaceable family members.