Newfiepoo vs Bernedoodle: Differences Explained (With Pictures)

Are you trying to decide between a Newfiepoo and a Bernedoodle for your next canine companion? Both of these adorable designer breeds have been gaining popularity in recent years, and for good reason. With their friendly personalities, low-shedding coats, and cute teddy bear looks, it‘s easy to fall in love with a Newfypoo or Bernedoodle. But while they have a lot in common, there are also some key differences to consider when choosing between these two doodle breeds.

As a veterinarian and dog lover, I‘m here to give you an in-depth comparison of the Newfiepoo vs Bernedoodle. We‘ll look at their history and origin, physical characteristics, temperament, grooming and exercise needs, health concerns, and more. By the end, you‘ll have a clear understanding of what sets these breeds apart so you can pick the perfect pup for your lifestyle. Let‘s dive in!

Breed Overview
First, let‘s start with a basic overview of the Newfiepoo and Bernedoodle. Both are mixed breeds, combining Poodles with another purebred dog.

The Newfiepoo, also known as a Newfypoo, Newdle, Poofoundland, or Newfoundlandpoo, is a cross between a Newfoundland and a Standard Poodle. These gentle giants originated in the 1980s and have been slowly growing in popularity as family companions. The goal in developing Newfiepoos was to create a large, cuddly dog with the Newfie‘s sweet, nurturing nature but a more manageable coat thanks to the Poodle genes.

Bernedoodles, on the other paw, are a mix of Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles (either Standard, Mini, or Toy sizes). They‘ve actually been around since the 1970s, developed by Swiss breeder Sherry Rupke, but have really exploded onto the designer dog scene more recently. These clever, goofy, affectionate pups aim to blend the best of the friendly, hardworking Berner with the Poodle‘s intelligence and low-shedding coat.

Physical Appearance
While the appearance of mixed breeds can vary quite a bit, Newfiepoos and Bernedoodles do tend to have some general physical differences. Size is one of the most obvious, with Bernedoodles coming in a wider range.

Newfiepoos are almost always bred from Standard Poodles, so they‘re reliably large dogs, averaging 22-30 inches tall and 80-150 pounds. Males are often substantially bigger than females. They have sturdy, muscular bodies designed for swimming, with the broad head and square muzzle of a Newfie but leaner and leggier than the purebred Newfoundland.

In contrast, Bernedoodles have more variety in size. Standard Bernedoodles, mixed with Standard Poodles, stand 23-29 inches and weigh 70-90 pounds on average. But there are also Mini Bernedoodles (18-22 inches, 25-50 lbs) and even Tiny/Toy Bernedoodles under 20 lbs. Within each size range, males tend to be on the larger end with females smaller. Bernedoodles are a bit lighter and more athletic in build compared to Newfiepoos.

Both breeds usually have a wavy to curly coat, with a fluffy, teddy bear-like look. The low-shedding Poodle influence means they‘re often good choices for allergy sufferers, though no dog is truly hypoallergenic. And with mixed breeds, you can get quite a range of coat types, even within the same litter.

Newfypoos‘ coats are typically thick and dense, and solid colors like black, brown, gray, and cream are most common. Some may have white markings on the chest and toes.

Bernedoodles‘ coats are also thick but not quite as dense and heavy as the Newfiepoo‘s. They come in a wider range of colors, with the classic tri-color pattern of the Bernese Mountain Dog being highly desirable. Other popular colors are black, black and white, sable, merle, and phantom.

Both the Newfiepoo and the Bernedoodle are undeniably cute and cuddly. But if you have a strong size preference, that may help guide your choice between these breeds. Now let‘s look at what they‘re like to live with in terms of personality and temperament.

Temperament
If you‘re looking for a loving, loyal companion, both Newfiepoos and Bernedoodles are excellent choices. They‘re known for forming deep bonds with their families and being affectionate, gentle pets. However, there are some general temperament differences to keep in mind.

Newfiepoos tend to be calm, patient dogs who love nothing more than cuddling up with their humans. They‘re famous for being great with kids, thanks to their sweet nature and high tolerance for grabby hands and roughhousing. Newfiepoos also usually get along well with other dogs and pets.

While they certainly have an energetic, playful side, especially as puppies, adult Newfiepoos are often more low-key and content to lounge around with their family. They‘re not as excitable or high-energy as some other doodle breeds. This mellower disposition makes them a good fit for households looking for a laidback companion.

Newfiepoos are also known for being very intuitive and attuned to their humans‘ emotions. They seem to have a sixth sense for when you need some extra cuddles and comfort. This sensitivity does mean they can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone too much, though.

Bernedoodles, in contrast, tend to be a bit more lively and outgoing than the average Newfiepoo. They‘ve got a goofier, more entertaining personality and are always up for playtime. Berners love being the center of attention and hamming it up with their families.

Like Newfiepoos, Bernedoodles are also amazing with kids and other pets. They‘ve got the patience and gentleness you want in a family dog. But they‘re usually more active and excited than the average Newfypoo, which can be great for households with energetic kids but not ideal if you‘re looking for a couch potato pup.

One thing to note is that Bernedoodles, especially Standards, tend to have a longer puppyhood than Newfiepoos. It‘s not unusual for a Berner to stay in that boisterous puppy phase up to 2-3 years old. Mini Bernedoodles typically mature faster. Newfiepoos are usually more quickly settled as calm adults.

Newfiepoos also tend to be a bit more naturally laid-back with strangers, while Berners can be a little wary at first. Both will warm up quickly with proper socialization, but the Newfiepoo is more likely to greet guests with a sleepy tail thump rather than an excited bark.

Of course, every dog is an individual, and a lot depends on breeding and upbringing. But in general, Newfiepoos are the more easygoing of these two breeds, while Bernedoodles tend to be silly, energetic, and outgoing. Consider your ideal canine personality and what would fit your household best.

Exercise and Training
With their differing energy levels, it‘s no surprise that Newfiepoos and Bernedoodles have somewhat different exercise needs. A Newfiepoo will certainly still need daily activity, usually an hour or more. They enjoy long walks, hikes, swimming (Newfs are famously water-loving!), and romping in a fenced yard.

But they‘re also content to spend much of the day napping and hanging out with their families. A few good play sessions and outings are usually sufficient to meet their physical activity needs as adults.

Bernedoodles, being more high-energy and excitable, typically need a bit more daily exercise. At a minimum, plan on 30-60 minutes per day for Mini and Standard Bernedoodles, but many will do best with even more activity. In addition to walks and playtime, Berners often enjoy dog sports like agility, dock diving, flyball, and more.

Mental stimulation is also key for this smart, energetic breed. Food-dispensing toys, puzzle games, scent work, and trick training are all great ways to keep their minds busy and prevent boredom.

Without adequate physical and mental outlets, a Bernedoodle is more likely to become destructive or hyperactive. A tired dog is a good dog! Newfiepoos, while still needing moderate activity and enrichment, are usually more content to chill out during the day.

When it comes to training, both breeds are generally quite biddable and pick up new commands quickly. They‘ve got the smarts of the Poodle combined with an eagerness to please. However, the Newfiepoo is often considered easier to train.

Newfiepoos are so intuitive and attuned to their people that they often seem to know what you want before you ask. They‘re sensitive and respond very well to positive reinforcement. A Newf can get their feelings hurt by harsh corrections, so keep things upbeat and reward-based.

Bernedoodles are also intelligent and trainable, but their goofiness and excitability can make them a bit more challenging, especially as young puppies. They need a firm but patient hand, lots of consistency, and positive methods. Mixing up training with play and using food rewards works well for Berners.

Both the Newfiepoo and the Bernedoodle need early socialization to a wide variety of people, pets, and places. This helps them grow into confident, well-adjusted dogs. Puppy classes are a great start, but socialization is an ongoing process throughout their first year of life and beyond.

With their calmer disposition, Newfiepoos may be more naturally tolerant of handling and new environments. But Bernedoodles also often take things in stride with good socialization behind them. Either way, don‘t skimp on this essential puppy raising step for a happy, balanced dog.

Coat Care and Grooming
One thing the Newfiepoo and the Bernedoodle definitely have in common is high grooming requirements. As mentioned, both usually have a wavy to curly coat that, while low-shedding, is also prone to matting and tangles without frequent care.

At a minimum, you‘ll need to thoroughly brush your Newfypoo or Bernedoodle at least 3 times a week, more often if their coat is on the curlier side. Daily brushing is ideal to prevent painful mats and keep the coat clean and fluffy.

In addition to brushing at home, plan on taking your doodle to the groomer every 6-8 weeks for a bath, blow-out, and haircut. Many owners keep their Newfiepoo or Bernedoodle in a shorter teddy bear trim to make coat maintenance easier. But even with a shorter ‘do, regular brushing is still a must.

Both breeds can also be prone to ear infections, thanks to their floppy Poodle ears and love of water (especially the Newfiepoo). Check and clean their ears weekly with a vet-approved solution to prevent problems. And don‘t forget regular nail trims, dental care, and other basic grooming tasks.

If you‘re not prepared to deal with considerable coat upkeep, neither the Newfiepoo nor the Bernedoodle is the right breed for you. They‘re definitely high-maintenance in the grooming department! Factor in both the time and cost of caring for their coats before bringing one home.

Health and Lifespan
As mixed breeds, both Newfypoos and Bernedoodles are generally healthy dogs. The combination of diverse genes often lessens the risk of certain inherited disorders. However, they can still be prone to some of the same health issues as their parent breeds.

For the large and giant Newfiepoo, potential health concerns include hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems like cherry eye and entropion, heart conditions such as subvalvular aortic stenosis, and thyroid issues. Newfiepoo owners should also watch for bloat, a potentially life-threatening condition more common in deep-chested breeds.

Bernedoodles may be predisposed to hip and elbow dysplasia, certain eye diseases, allergies and skin problems, and certain cancers. Standard Bernedoodles in particular should be screened for hip and elbow issues before breeding.

To stack the odds in your favor of getting a healthy pup, choose a reputable breeder who does thorough health testing on their dogs. Avoid pet stores, puppy mills, and online ads, which often cut corners on health and genetics. And plan to keep your Newfiepoo or Bernedoodle at a lean, healthy weight to minimize orthopedic stress.

With responsible breeding and care, the average lifespan of a Newfiepoo is around 9-12 years. The slightly smaller Bernedoodle often lives a bit longer at 12-18 years, especially Mini Bernedoodles. Standard Bernedoodles usually fall on the lower end of that range.

Of course, many factors impact an individual dog‘s lifespan, including genetics, diet, exercise, and preventive care. Work with your vet to keep your Newfypoo or Bernedoodle in tip-top shape through all their life stages.

Which Breed is Right For You?
Now that we‘ve gone over the key similarities and differences between the Newfiepoo and the Bernedoodle, you may have a better idea of which one suits your lifestyle. Both can make wonderful companions in the right home, but they‘re not interchangeable.

A Newfiepoo may be the perfect fit if you‘re looking for a mellow, intuitive dog to be a devoted family member and cuddle buddy. Their patience and gentleness make them naturals with kids, and they‘re content with moderate exercise. Just make sure you‘re up for their substantial grooming needs.

A Bernedoodle, on the other paw, maybe a better choice if you want a goofy, energetic sidekick who‘s always ready to play and go on adventures. Their entertaining antics and outgoing nature make them endearing pets. But they do need ample exercise and enrichment to thrive, plus plenty of training to channel their enthusiasm.

Whichever breed you choose, do your research to find a responsible breeder committed to health and temperament. And get ready to welcome a loving, loyal new friend into your family!

I hope this breed comparison has been helpful as you decide between a Newfiepoo and a Bernedoodle. Both have so much to offer the right owner. By understanding their unique traits and needs, you can pick the perfect fluffy partner. Here‘s to many joyful years with your new doodle dog!