If you’re thinking about adding a furry friend to your family, you might be stuck choosing between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Bernedoodle. They are both wonderful dogs, but aside from their appearance they can be quite different and one
may suit you better than the other.
So, come explore the wonderful world of these dogs and hopefully by the time you are done reading this post you will have found out which one is meant for your home!
What is a Bernese Mountain Dog?
The Bernese Mountain Dog is also called a Berner and is a large to giant sized dog breed that originated primarily from Switzerland. They used to be working dogs on farms. They are very friendly and this combined with their gentle nature makes them a perfect dog for families.
Key Traits:
- Size: Berners are large. Typically over 85 pounds.
- Lifespan: They live about 7–10 years.
- Grooming: They possess a thick double coat which requires regular brushing to keep them shiny and clean.
- Exercise Needs: To stay energetic and happy, they must get a minimum of one hour of exercise every day.
Berners are known for their loyalty and people-loving nature. They can be possessive at times, Yet if trained and socialized properly this is the dog to own. They are also great with children, making them a perfect option for families.
What is a Bernedoodle?
The Bernedoodle is a mix of a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. This means they combine the best traits of both breeds. Bernedoodles range in weight from about 10 pounds to over 55 pounds (so many different sizes are possible, depending on the Poodle parent.)
Key Traits:
- Size: Toy, Mini, Medium and Standard sizes available
- Lifespan: Bernedoodles typically live longer than Berners, about 10 to 13 years.
- Grooming: Their coat may be curly like a Poodle, or it can be wavy just like a Bernese Mountain dog — both will shed less hair than normal, making them more hypoallergenic.
- Exercise Needs: Very energetic, Needs over 2 hours of exercise a day.
Bernedoodles are extremely social. They are playful and friendly. And they are also good with kids as well as other pets. They are intelligent like their Poodle parent so they can be easily trained, while also showing a little of the stubborn side. Are you searching for a dog that is friendly and affectionate? Bernedoodle should be your first choice!
Size Matters: Bernese Mountain Dog vs Bernedoodle
Size is one of the most significant differences between these two breeds. Bernese Mountain Dogs are large in size and they really need the space to stretch. They do the best in a home with a large yard. In contrast, Bernedoodles are available in different sizes and you can adopt the right size based on your lifestyle. If you are in an apartment or have less space at home then the Mini Bernedoodle is ideal for you.
Fun Fact: Berners think they are small lap dogs. They love to curl up with you even though hardly any of them actually fits in your lap.
Grooming Needs: Which Dog is Easier to Care For?
Although both breeds have lovely coats, they do require some care. Berners have dense double coats that shed generously, especially during the shedding season. They will require brushing regularly to prevent their fur from becoming completely matted.
Bernedoodles, depending on their coat type, can be easier to groom. If you tend to want less fur around your house because they normally shed much less than Bernese Mountain Dogs. Their coat can however get tangled if not brushed regularly. And if you need a low shedding canine, then perhaps a Bernedoodle is the way to go.
Temperament: Which Dog is Better with Kids?
The Bernese Mountain Dog and the Bernedoodle are both good with families. They are calm, patient and they love children. They are gentle giants, not aggressive. They are great family dogs as a result of this.
Bernedoodles are also great with kids. They like to play and take part in family activities. As they are part Poodle, it makes them very smart and eager to please so teaching these dogs is quite easy. Due to their energetic personality, they would be more suited for active families who love the great outdoors.
Training: Which Dog is Easier to Train?
As far as training, Bernedoodles may have the upper hand. They are very intelligent and typically easy to train given they get that from their Poodle genes. They respond well to positive build-up and can learn commands and tricks quickly. However, they can also be a bit stubborn at times, so consistency is key.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are quite intelligent as well, but they tend to be a little slower when it comes to training them. They’re very faithful and motivated to please but will potentially require more time to learn new commands. With Berners, patience and gentle training methods will be most effective.
Lifespan: Which Dog Lives Longer?
If you’re looking for a dog with a longer lifespan, the Bernedoodle can be better than others. Bernese Mountain Dogs only live 7–10 years. First, this is because they are big resulting in a shorter life span for the dog.
Bernedoodles, on the other hand, will generally live 10 to 13 years. The fact they are a mixed breed can result in them living longer and healthier. So, you will be able to have your little furry friend around for many more years!
Final Thoughts: Which Dog is Right for You?
Choosing between the Bernese Mountain Dog vs Bernedoodle depends on your lifestyle and what you’re looking for in a dog. If you are looking for a large, loyal, and very gentle dog with kids as well as of mild mannered breed, then Bernese Mountain Dog may be the one. You should be prepared to deal with a lot of grooming over the years.
If you want a dog that is available in three sizes, and doesn’t shed so much but does have more energy, then the Bernedoodle may be the right one.They are a playful, intelligent, and do well with kids so you can very easily keep them as your family pet.
No matter which breed you decide on, both have so much love to offer and are sure to be your loyal best friend! So take your time, think about what you want in a dog, and soon enough, you’ll have the perfect furry friend by your side!
