It’s one of the most common questions we get: should we get a Goldendoodle or a Bernedoodle? We raise Goldendoodles and are adding Bernedoodles to our program, so we’ve thought hard about this one. Both make wonderful family dogs. The right one depends on your family’s energy, your space, and what you want day to day.
The Short Version
A Goldendoodle is a Golden Retriever crossed with a Poodle. A Bernedoodle is a Bernese Mountain Dog crossed with a Poodle. They share the Poodle half, so the biggest differences come from the other parent.
Personality
Goldendoodles tend to be outgoing, social, and happy to meet everyone. They’re usually a bit more energetic and eager for activity. Bernedoodles tend to be calmer and more of a shadow: deeply attached to their own family, and sometimes a little reserved with strangers until they warm up. Both are gentle, affectionate, and great with kids when they’re well socialized.
Energy and Exercise
Both need daily exercise. Goldendoodles often want more of it and love fetch, swimming, and long walks. Bernedoodles are usually content with a good walk and some play, then a long nap at your feet.
Coat and Color
Goldendoodles come in cream, apricot, red, and other colors. Bernedoodles are best known for the black, white, and rust tri-color, plus black and white and other combinations. Both have low-shedding coats that need regular brushing and professional grooming every six to eight weeks.
Health
Each breed inherits some health concerns from its non-Poodle parent: Golden Retrievers and Bernese Mountain Dogs both carry a risk of hip and elbow dysplasia, among other conditions. That’s why health-tested parents matter more than the breed you pick. We Embark DNA test our parent dogs and back every puppy with a 5-year health guarantee.
Training
Both are smart and eager to please. Goldendoodles are often a bit more forgiving with first-time owners; Bernedoodles can be a little more sensitive and do best with gentle, consistent, positive training.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you want an outgoing, active companion who loves everybody, a Goldendoodle is a great fit. If you want a calmer, devoted shadow with that striking tri-color look, a Bernedoodle may be the one. Still can’t decide? On our adoption application you can choose “Either one,” and Logan will help you find the right puppy for your family.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Doodle?
Family-raised in Senoia, Georgia. Health-tested parents, a 5-year guarantee, and a family with 30+ years of experience.
