Breed comparison
Bernedoodle vs Labradoodle
Bernedoodle or Labradoodle? Both are Poodle crosses that come in several sizes, so families who want a fluffy, friendly, trainable dog end up comparing them. The short answer: the Bernedoodle is the calmer, fluffier, more cold-loving cross with the Bernese Mountain Dog's health risks, while the Labradoodle is the livelier, more athletic and slightly better health bet on our meters. Neither is a recognized breed or a guaranteed hypoallergenic dog, and both depend heavily on the parents and the Poodle size.
Photo: Jsinghmpls · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Anton Porsche · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
| Bernedoodle | Labradoodle | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Height | 12–29 in (30–74 cm) | 16–24 in (41–61 cm) |
| Weight | 10–90 lb (5–41 kg) | 18–75 lb (8–34 kg) |
| Life span | 12–15 years | 12–14 years |
| Group | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Coat | Wavy to curly or straight, variable; low to moderate shedding depending on the puppy | Variable: straight, wavy or curly; shedding ranges from low to moderate |
| Lower-allergen coat | No | No |
| Energy level | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Good with kids | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly to strangers | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| Tolerates being alone | ||
| Good for first-time owners | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Barking | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Trait scale 1–5. Shedding, grooming, barking and drooling: 5 = more. Highlighted rows are where the two breeds differ.
The key differences
Size
Both come in several sizes, so check the Poodle parent. PetMD reports Bernedoodles from toy dogs under 20 lb (9 kg) to standards of 61 to 100 lb (28 to 45 kg) and up to 29 in (74 cm). Labradoodles are reported at about 18 to 28 lb (8 to 13 kg) for miniatures and 45 to 75 lb (20 to 34 kg) for standards, up to about 24 in (61 cm). Standard Bernedoodles can run bigger than standard Labradoodles.
Energy and exercise
The Labradoodle is the more active dog, with scores of 4 out of 5 for energy and exercise against 3 for the Bernedoodle. PetMD says Bernedoodles need at least two walks a day plus mental games. Labradoodles typically want an hour or more of activity. Neither suits a small apartment (2 out of 5 for both), although miniature versions manage better.
Coat and grooming
Both score 4 out of 5 for grooming, and wavy or curly coats of either cross mat easily. The Bernedoodle's fluffy tricolor coat sheds a bit more (3 versus 2 out of 5) and handles cold better (4 versus 3). The Labradoodle copes better with heat (3 versus 2). Plan on brushing down to the skin several times a week and booking a professional groom about every 6 to 8 weeks, or as your groomer advises.
Temperament and training
Both are affectionate (5 out of 5) and great with kids (5). The Labradoodle is more playful (5 versus 4), more trainable (5 versus 4) and friendlier with strangers (4 versus 3). The Bernedoodle leans gentler and sometimes more reserved, and PetMD calls it goofy and gentle. Both are poor guard dogs and prefer company to long hours alone (2 out of 5).
Health and life span
Bernedoodles are typically reported at 12 to 15 years and Labradoodles at 12 to 14. PetMD lists hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, allergies and bloat (mostly in standards) for the Bernedoodle, and the Bernese Mountain Dog parent brings a high cancer risk, including histiocytic sarcoma. For the Labradoodle it lists hip dysplasia, eye disease, heart disease and ear infections. Our health meter rates the Labradoodle higher (3 versus 2 out of 5).
Cost and care
Expect similar grooming bills, which are the main recurring cost of both crosses. Standard Bernedoodles cost more to feed because of their size, and the Bernese parent's cancer risk is worth discussing with your vet and insurer. Ask any breeder for proof of hip, elbow and eye testing on both parents. Pet insurance is worth pricing early.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Bernedoodle if you want a gentle, cuddly, cold-weather dog with a teddy-bear look, you can handle more shedding and heat limits, and you are comfortable with extra health uncertainty from the Bernese side. Choose the Labradoodle if you want a more athletic, playful, trainable dog with a slightly better health score and heat tolerance, and you can offer an hour of activity a day. Either way, meet the parents, pick the Poodle size that suits your home and ignore hypoallergenic guarantees. A breeder who shares health test results and answers questions about the parents' size and coats is worth far more than a fashionable coat color.
Bernedoodle profile Labradoodle profile
Frequently asked questions
Which is calmer, a Bernedoodle or a Labradoodle?
The Bernedoodle, at 3 out of 5 for energy against 4 for the Labradoodle. Both still need daily walks and play.
Which lives longer, a Bernedoodle or a Labradoodle?
They are close, at about 12 to 15 years for Bernedoodles and 12 to 14 years for Labradoodles. The Bernese parent's cancer risk is the main caution for Bernedoodles.
Are Bernedoodles and Labradoodles hypoallergenic?
No dog is guaranteed hypoallergenic, and coat type varies between puppies. Spend time with the specific dog before committing.
