Is the Bernedoodle or the Spinone Italiano better for families with children?

Both the Bernedoodle and the Spinone Italiano are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Bernedoodle or the Spinone Italiano?

The Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano?

The Bernedoodle is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Bernedoodle or Spinone Italiano bigger?

Bernedoodle and Spinone Italiano are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, Bernedoodle or Spinone Italiano?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Bernedoodle or Spinone Italiano?

For apartment or apartment living, Bernedoodle and Spinone Italiano are an even match — either can work well.

Bernedoodle vs Spinone Italiano: Which Sheds Less?

Bernedoodle vs Spinone Italiano: full comparison

Trait	Bernedoodle	Spinone Italiano
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	Medium	Medium
Trainability	High	Medium
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	High	High
Shedding	Low	Medium
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Medium	Low
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	11 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	No

Size and living space

The Bernedoodle is a big, substantial dog that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. By comparison, the Spinone Italiano is a big, substantial 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 wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. The Spinone Italiano 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 Bernedoodle needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and sheds very little. The Spinone Italiano needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. 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 learns quickly and enjoys the training process, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is famously gentle and patient with children. The Spinone Italiano trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is famously gentle and patient with children. On guarding instinct, Bernedoodle will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive, whereas Spinone Italiano is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Bernedoodle and Spinone Italiano are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Bernedoodle and Spinone Italiano 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, Spinone Italiano has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Bernedoodle has the edge, as it is hypoallergenic and lower-shedding.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Bernedoodle if you need a hypoallergenic, low-dander coat, you want an easier dog to train, or you want a more protective, watchful guardian.

Choose the Spinone Italiano if you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Bernedoodle or the Spinone Italiano better for families with children?: Both the Bernedoodle and the Spinone Italiano are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Bernedoodle or the Spinone Italiano?: The Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano?: The Bernedoodle is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Bernedoodle or Spinone Italiano bigger?: Bernedoodle and Spinone Italiano are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, Bernedoodle or Spinone Italiano?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Bernedoodle or Spinone Italiano?: For apartment or apartment living, Bernedoodle and Spinone Italiano are an even match — either can work well.

Bernedoodle vs Spinone Italiano