Guide: Goldendoodle vs Bernedoodle
Goldendoodle vs Bernedoodle: Size, Coat and Lifespan Compared
Goldendoodle vs Bernedoodle comes down to the non-Poodle parent. The Bernese Mountain Dog is larger and heavier than the Golden Retriever, sheds more and has a shorter life expectancy of 7 to 10 years. The Golden Retriever is lighter, a little easier to train and lives 10 to 12 years. Both crosses are affectionate family dogs.
Goldendoodle vs Bernedoodle at a glance
The Poodle parent is shared, so this table compares the other parent of each cross, using American Kennel Club (AKC) figures.
| Golden Retriever | Bernese Mountain Dog | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 55 to 75 lb | 70 to 115 lb |
| Height | 21.5 to 24 in | 23 to 27.5 in |
| Life expectancy | 10 to 12 years | 7 to 10 years |
| Shedding | 4 out of 5 | 5 out of 5 |
| Energy | 3 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
| Trainability | 5 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
| Good with young children | 5 out of 5 | 5 out of 5 |
Sources: the AKC pages for the Golden Retriever and the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Size
A standard Bernedoodle is usually the bigger dog, because the Bernese parent can weigh over 100 pounds. Both crosses also come in smaller versions when the Poodle parent is a Miniature. Therefore, ask for the actual weight of both parents, whichever cross you are considering. See Goldendoodle sizes and generations.
Temperament
The AKC describes Golden Retrievers as outgoing, loyal and eager to please. Bernese Mountain Dogs are affectionate and gentle, but they are also sensitive. Their feelings are easily hurt, according to the AKC, so harsh corrections do not work. In addition, a Berner wants to be with its family and may misbehave if it is often left alone.
So a Goldendoodle is typically the more outgoing dog, while a Bernedoodle can be a little more reserved with strangers. Read Goldendoodle temperament for detail.
Coat and shedding
The Bernese sheds the most of any breed here, with an AKC score of 5 out of 5. As with every Poodle cross, shedding in the puppy depends on which coat genes it inherits. See Goldendoodle coat types.
Many people choose a Bernedoodle for the tricolor coat. That is a fair reason to like a dog. However, color should never outrank health and temperament.
Lifespan and health: Goldendoodle vs Bernedoodle
This is the biggest difference. The AKC lists just 7 to 10 years for the Bernese Mountain Dog, and it advises breeders to screen for hip and elbow dysplasia, blood disorders, some cancers and progressive retinal atrophy. Large dogs are also at risk of bloat.
Golden Retrievers live a little longer, at 10 to 12 years, and they carry their own cancer risk. In both crosses, the Poodle side may add years, but no one can promise that. See Goldendoodle lifespan.
Goldendoodle vs Bernedoodle: which should you choose?
- Choose a Goldendoodle for a lighter, more outgoing dog that is easy to train.
- Choose a Bernedoodle if you want a bigger, calmer-looking dog and accept more shedding risk and a possibly shorter life.
- Either way, ask for hip, elbow and eye results on both parents.
Goldendoodles are one of our two main breeds. The Bernedoodle side of this page rests on AKC breed data. See our Goldendoodle puppies.
Related guides
- Mini Goldendoodle: Size, Temperament, Coat and Care
- Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle: The Key Differences
- Mini Goldendoodle vs Cavapoo: Which Is Right for You?
- Goldendoodle Exercise Needs for Adults and Puppies
- Are Goldendoodles Good Family Dogs? An Honest Look
See all our puppy guides, or meet our Goldendoodle puppies for sale.
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