Bernese Mountain Dog vs. Bernedoodle: Which is Right for You?
Bernese Mountain Dog vs. Bernedoodle: Which is Right for You?
Are you dreaming of adding a furry companion to your family but can’t decide between the soulful Bernese Mountain Dog and the playful Bernedoodle? Both are lovable, loyal, and oh-so-cuddly, but they cater to very different lifestyles. Choosing the right breed is a big decision, and the goal of this blog is to help you determine which four-legged friend belongs by your side.
Whether you prefer the classic, dependable demeanor of a Bernese Mountain Dog or the intelligent, allergy-friendly nature of a Bernedoodle, this comparison will guide you through the key traits, quirks, and charms of both breeds. By the end, you’ll know exactly which one will fit seamlessly into your life.
Getting to Know the Breeds
Bernese Mountain Dog
Breed History
Originating from the pastoral beauty of the Swiss Alps, Bernese Mountain Dogs (or Berners) were bred for hardworking tasks like herding livestock, pulling carts, and guarding farmland. At their core, Berners are gentle giants with a strong sense of loyalty and a heart full of love.
Typical Size and Appearance
These majestic dogs are large, weighing between 70–115 pounds, with a height of 23–27 inches at the shoulder. Their thick, tricolor coats—with trademark rust and white markings—make them easily recognizable and utterly charming.
Temperament and Personality
Loyal, affectionate, and devoted
Excellent with children and other pets
Prone to separation anxiety when left alone for long periods
Exercise Needs
Berners enjoy a moderate energy-filled life. A long walk, some rough-and-tumble outdoor play, or even a hiking adventure will keep them happy and healthy.
Grooming Requirements
With their luxurious double coats, Berners shed year-round and require brushing 2–3 times per week to manage shedding and prevent matting.
Bernedoodle
Breed Overview
A delightful hybrid of the Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, the Bernedoodle offers the perfect balance of charm, intelligence, and low-shedding ease. This designer breed was developed to combine the best traits of both dogs, making it a standout choice for many families.
Size Variations and Appearance
Miniature Bernedoodles: 25–50 pounds
Standard Bernedoodles: 50–90+ pounds
Coats: Wavy or curly; typically hypoallergenic; available in various colors, often tricolor
Temperament and Personality
Playful, intelligent, and incredibly social
Leads with a goofball-like charm
Poodle DNA makes them highly trainable
Exercise Needs
Mini Bernedoodles are slightly more energetic. Both sizes benefit from daily structured exercise like walks, playtime, or mental stimulation through games.
Grooming Requirements
Low to non-shedding thanks to their Poodle lineage. Curly coats require regular brushing and professional grooming every 6–8 weeks.
Health and Longevity
Bernedoodles are often favored over Bernese Mountain Dogs due to their longer lifespan—averaging 12–18 years compared to the Berner’s 6–8. This is largely due to "hybrid vigor," a benefit of crossbreeding that often results in reduced risk of inherited conditions. While both breeds can be prone to hip dysplasia and certain cancers, Bernedoodles—especially multigenerational ones—have a stronger track record for health and longevity.
Exploring Alternatives
Unfurnished Bernedoodles: A Natural Alternative
For families who love the loyal, grounded energy of the Bernese but want a slightly easier-to-maintain coat and longer lifespan, unfurnished Bernedoodles are a standout alternative. These dogs lack the "furnishings" (beard and eyebrows), giving them a cleaner, more Bernese-like appearance.
They tend to shed more than furnished Bernedoodles, but significantly less than a purebred Berner. Their straighter coats require less grooming while offering many of the allergy-friendly benefits of their Poodle ancestry. They’re ideal for families seeking a more natural look with moderate shedding.
Unfurnished Australian Mountain Doodle: A Balanced Berner Alternative
If you love the calm demeanor of a Berner but want more trainability and coat manageability, the unfurnished Australian Mountain Doodle (AMD) may be your perfect fit. A three-way cross of Bernese, Australian Shepherd, and Poodle, the AMD blends loyalty, intelligence, and a social personality. Unfurnished AMDs offer a softer, straighter coat and moderate shedding—ideal for families wanting a lower-maintenance, allergy-conscious dog with hybrid vigor.
Comparing Key Traits
Size and Appearance
Bernese Mountain Dog: Large, traditional working-dog build, heavy coat
Bernedoodle: Comes in Mini to Standard; curly, wavy, or straight coats
Unfurnished AMD: Medium build, moderate coat
Temperament and Personality
Berner: Grounded, affectionate, loyal
Bernedoodle: Playful, intelligent, affectionate
Unfurnished AMD: Balanced, trainable, social
Exercise Needs
Berner: Moderate
Bernedoodle: Varies; Minis tend to be more energetic
Unfurnished AMD: Moderate – ideal for active families
Grooming
Berner: Heavy shedding; requires frequent brushing
Bernedoodle (Furnished): Low shedding, high grooming needs
Bernedoodle (Unfurnished): Moderate shedding, lower grooming needs
Unfurnished AMD: Moderate shedding; lower maintenance than curls
Health & Lifespan
Berner: 6–8 years; higher risk of cancer and joint issues
Bernedoodle: 12–18 years; hybrid vigor improves longevity
Unfurnished AMD: 12–16 years; strong hybrid health
Lifestyle Compatibility
Living Space
Berner: Needs ample space
Bernedoodle: Adaptable, Minis do well in apartments
Unfurnished AMD: Flexible for most living situations
Family Dynamics
All three breeds are excellent with kids and pets:
Berners bring a calm presence
Bernedoodles offer playful engagement
Unfurnished AMDs provide a balanced mix of calm and smarts
Which Breed Belongs by Your Side?
Choose a Bernese Mountain Dog if you:
Want a large, loving companion steeped in tradition
Can manage heavy shedding and a shorter lifespan
Prefer a calm, steady family presence
Choose a Bernedoodle (furnished or unfurnished) if you:
Need a more allergy-conscious, low-shedding dog
Want a longer-lived, trainable companion
Enjoy an energetic and adaptable family dog
Consider an Unfurnished Australian Mountain Doodle if you:
Want the Berner's temperament with added trainability
Prefer a coat that sheds moderately and is easy to care for
Are seeking a healthier, lower-maintenance family pet
Ready to Meet Your Match?
At Stokeshire Designer Doodles, we offer both furnished and unfurnished Bernedoodles and Australian Mountain Doodles, bred with care for health, temperament, and beauty. If you’re considering a doodle for your family, reach out to schedule a puppy planning call. Let us help you find the best companion for your lifestyle—without compromising on love, loyalty, or luxury.
