Bernedoodle vs Boxerdoodle: full comparison
| Trait | Bernedoodle | Boxerdoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Large |
| Energy level | Medium | Very High |
| Trainability | High | High |
| Friendliness | Very High | Very High |
| Good with children | Very High | Very High |
| Grooming needs | High | Medium |
| Shedding | Low | Low |
| Barking | Low | Medium |
| Protectiveness | Medium | Medium |
| Adaptability | High | High |
| Typical lifespan | 11 years | 11 years |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes | Yes |
Key differences at a glance
- The Boxerdoodle has noticeably higher energy than the Bernedoodle.
Size and living space
The Bernedoodle is a large and powerful breed that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. By comparison, the Boxerdoodle is a large and powerful breed that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. 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 Boxerdoodle is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.
Grooming and shedding
The Bernedoodle requires frequent brushing and regular professional trims and sheds very little. The Boxerdoodle wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and sheds very little. Both are considered hypoallergenic, so either works well for allergy-conscious homes. 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 learns quickly and enjoys the training process, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. The Boxerdoodle learns quickly and enjoys the training process, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. On guarding instinct, Bernedoodle announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Boxerdoodle announces visitors but stops short of guarding.
Which is better for…
- For apartment or apartment living, Bernedoodle has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
- For families with young children, Bernedoodle and Boxerdoodle are an even match — either can work well.
- For first-time dog owners, Bernedoodle and Boxerdoodle are an even match — either can work well.
- For being left alone during the workday, Bernedoodle has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
- For allergy sufferers, Bernedoodle and Boxerdoodle are an even match — either can work well.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Bernedoodle if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion or you prefer a quieter dog.
Choose the Boxerdoodle if you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure or you prefer lower grooming upkeep.
Not sure which breed is right for you?
Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.
Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Bernedoodle or the Boxerdoodle better for families with children?
- Both the Bernedoodle and the Boxerdoodle are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
- Which sheds more, the Bernedoodle or the Boxerdoodle?
- The Bernedoodle and Boxerdoodle shed a similar amount (low).
- Which is easier to train, the Bernedoodle or the Boxerdoodle?
- Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
- Is Bernedoodle or Boxerdoodle bigger?
- Bernedoodle and Boxerdoodle are a similar size (Large).
- Which barks more, Bernedoodle or Boxerdoodle?
- Boxerdoodle tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Bernedoodle is the quieter choice.
- Which is better for apartment living, Bernedoodle or Boxerdoodle?
- For apartment or apartment living, Bernedoodle has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.