Is the Bernedoodle or the Irish Doodle better for families with children?

Both the Bernedoodle and the Irish Doodle are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Bernedoodle or the Irish Doodle?

The Bernedoodle and Irish Doodle shed a similar amount (low).

Which is easier to train, the Bernedoodle or the Irish Doodle?

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

Is Bernedoodle or Irish Doodle bigger?

Bernedoodle and Irish Doodle are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, Bernedoodle or Irish Doodle?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Bernedoodle or Irish Doodle?

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

Bernedoodle vs Irish Doodle: Which Is Calmer?

Bernedoodle vs Irish Doodle: full comparison

Trait	Bernedoodle	Irish Doodle
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	Very High
Shedding	Low	Low
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Medium	Low
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	11 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	Yes

Key differences at a glance

The Irish Doodle has noticeably higher energy than the Bernedoodle.

Size and living space

The Bernedoodle is a large dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. By comparison, the Irish Doodle is a large dog 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 wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. The Irish Doodle is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns 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 Irish Doodle is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits 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 takes to training fast and works willingly, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. The Irish Doodle takes to training fast and works willingly, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. On guarding instinct, Bernedoodle will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive, whereas Irish Doodle is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly.

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 Irish Doodle are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Irish Doodle has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Irish Doodle has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Bernedoodle and Irish Doodle are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Bernedoodle if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion, you want a more protective, watchful guardian, or you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

Choose the Irish Doodle if you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure or you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Bernedoodle vs Irish Doodle