Is the Bernedoodle or the Bernese Mountain Dog better for families with children?

Both the Bernedoodle and the Bernese Mountain Dog are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Bernedoodle or the Bernese Mountain Dog?

The Bernese Mountain Dog sheds more than the Bernedoodle. If shedding is a concern, the Bernedoodle is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Bernedoodle or the Bernese Mountain Dog?

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

Is Bernedoodle or Bernese Mountain Dog bigger?

Bernedoodle and Bernese Mountain Dog are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, Bernedoodle or Bernese Mountain Dog?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Bernedoodle or Bernese Mountain Dog?

For apartment or apartment living, Bernedoodle and Bernese Mountain Dog are an even match — either can work well.

Bernedoodle vs Bernese Mountain Dog: Which Sheds Less?

Bernedoodle vs Bernese Mountain Dog: full comparison

Trait	Bernedoodle	Bernese Mountain Dog
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	Medium	Medium
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	High	High
Shedding	Low	Very High
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	High	Medium
Typical lifespan	11 years	8 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	No

Key differences at a glance

The Bernese Mountain Dog has noticeably higher shedding than the Bernedoodle.

Size and living space

The Bernedoodle is a large dog that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. By comparison, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a large dog that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Bernedoodle needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. The Bernese Mountain Dog needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Bernedoodle needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and sheds only lightly. The Bernese Mountain Dog needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and drops hair heavily in every season. 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 Bernedoodle is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. The Bernese Mountain Dog is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. On guarding instinct, Bernedoodle will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Bernese Mountain Dog will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Bernedoodle and Bernese Mountain Dog are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Bernedoodle and Bernese Mountain Dog are an even match — either can work well.
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, Bernedoodle and Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernedoodle if you want less shedding around the home, you need a hypoallergenic, low-dander coat, or you want a longer-lived breed.

Choose the Bernese Mountain Dog if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Bernedoodle on temperament, size and care.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Bernedoodle or the Bernese Mountain Dog better for families with children?: Both the Bernedoodle and the Bernese Mountain Dog are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Bernedoodle or the Bernese Mountain Dog?: The Bernese Mountain Dog sheds more than the Bernedoodle. If shedding is a concern, the Bernedoodle is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Bernedoodle or the Bernese Mountain Dog?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Bernedoodle or Bernese Mountain Dog bigger?: Bernedoodle and Bernese Mountain Dog are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, Bernedoodle or Bernese Mountain Dog?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Bernedoodle or Bernese Mountain Dog?: For apartment or apartment living, Bernedoodle and Bernese Mountain Dog are an even match — either can work well.

Bernedoodle vs Bernese Mountain Dog