Is the American Bully or the Bernedoodle better for families with children?

Both the American Bully and the Bernedoodle are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.

Which sheds more, the American Bully or the Bernedoodle?

The American Bully and Bernedoodle shed a similar amount (low).

Which is easier to train, the American Bully or the Bernedoodle?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is American Bully or Bernedoodle bigger?

Bernedoodle is the larger breed; American Bully is smaller and more compact.

Which barks more, American Bully or Bernedoodle?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, American Bully or Bernedoodle?

For apartment or flat living, American Bully has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

American Bully vs Bernedoodle: Which Needs Less Grooming?

American Bully vs Bernedoodle: full comparison

Trait	American Bully	Bernedoodle
Size	Medium	Large
Energy level	Medium	Medium
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Low	High
Shedding	Low	Low
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	High	Medium
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	11 years	11 years
Hypoallergenic	No	Yes

Key differences at a glance

The Bernedoodle is a larger dog than the American Bully, which affects space, food and exercise needs.
The Bernedoodle has noticeably higher grooming than the American Bully.

Size and living space

The American Bully is a mid-sized breed that settles into most homes, although a garden makes life easier. By comparison, the Bernedoodle is a big, substantial dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a garden to move around in. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.

Exercise and energy needs

The American Bully wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. The Bernedoodle wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The American Bully needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds very little. The Bernedoodle needs frequent grooming and benefits from professional trims and sheds very little. The Bernedoodle is also considered hypoallergenic, an advantage for allergy sufferers. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The American Bully learns quickly and enjoys the training process, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. The Bernedoodle learns quickly and enjoys the training process, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. On guarding instinct, American Bully is naturally watchful and protective of its family and home, whereas Bernedoodle will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

For apartment or flat living, American Bully has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Bernedoodle has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Bernedoodle has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, American Bully and Bernedoodle are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Bernedoodle has the edge, as it is hypoallergenic and lower-shedding.

Which should you choose?

Choose the American Bully if you prefer lower grooming upkeep, you want a more protective, watchful guardian, or you want a smaller, more apartment-friendly dog.

Choose the Bernedoodle if you need a hypoallergenic, low-dander coat, you want a more outgoing, sociable dog, or you want a bigger, more substantial dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the American Bully or the Bernedoodle better for families with children?: Both the American Bully and the Bernedoodle are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.
Which sheds more, the American Bully or the Bernedoodle?: The American Bully and Bernedoodle shed a similar amount (low).
Which is easier to train, the American Bully or the Bernedoodle?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is American Bully or Bernedoodle bigger?: Bernedoodle is the larger breed; American Bully is smaller and more compact.
Which barks more, American Bully or Bernedoodle?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, American Bully or Bernedoodle?: For apartment or flat living, American Bully has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

American Bully vs Bernedoodle