Bernedoodle vs Goldendoodle: The 6 Key Differences Explained

Written by Heather Hall
Updated: February 10, 2023
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Key Points:

  • A Bernedoodle is a cross between a poodle and a Bernese mountain dog, while a Goldendoodle is a poodle/golden retriever mix. Both breeds are very friendly to children as well as other dogs, but the average cost of a Bernedoodle is $3,500, as opposed to $2000 for a Goldendoodle.
  • Since Bernese Mountain Dogs are larger than Golden Retrievers, a standard-size Bernedoodle can weigh between 55 and 90 pounds and stand between 23 and 29 inches tall. Whereas, a standard Goldendoodle weighs between 40 and 60 pounds and stands between 20 and 24 inches tall.
  • Healthwise, a Bernedoodle may develop hip or elbow dysplasia because of its size, and is more likely to go blind when older. Goldendoodles are more likely to get ear infections and can suffer from tooth or gum disease.

If you’re looking to adopt a new dog, you may be trying to decide between a Bernedoodle and a Goldendoodle. Both of these breeds are Poodle mixes and share some similar characteristics. However, since Bernedoodles have one parent that is a Bernese Mountain Dog and Goldendoodles have one parent that is a Golden Retriever, there definitely are a few key differences between the two breeds. Keep reading; we’ll share important details about each breed so you can choose whether a Bernedoodle or a Goldendoodle will be the right addition to your home.

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Comparing Bernedoodles vs Goldendoodles

Since Bernedoodles and Goldendoodles are mixed breeds, their exact size, appearance, temperament, and other traits can vary depending on the specific mix of features they inherited from each of their parents. The table below helps to highlight the general characteristics of each breed.

Bernedoodle Goldendoodle
Temperament Loving, playful, protective Friendly, energetic, curious
Height 23 to 29 inches 20 to 24 inches
Weight 55 to 90 pounds 40 to 60 pounds
Color Tri-color (white, black, and rust) Gold, red, cream, caramel, apricot, or phantom
Intelligence High High
Energy Level High High
Exercise Needs High Average to high
Friendly with Other Dogs Very friendly Very friendly
Friendly with Children Very friendly Very friendly
Health Average Average
Lifespan 12 to 15 years 10 to 15 years
Average Price $2,500+ $1500+
Goldendoodle lying on grass
A Goldendoodle is typically gold, red, caramel, cream, or apricot in color.

©cine-nomadic/Shutterstock.com

The 6 Key Differences Between Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles

Ready to take a closer look at the key differences between Bernedoodles and Goldendoodles? Let’s explore the 6 ways these two breeds differ from one another.

Bernedoodle vs Goldendoodle: Size

One notable difference between Bernedoodles and Goldendoodles is their size. Since Bernese Mountain Dogs are larger than Golden Retrievers, a standard-size Bernedoodle is larger than a standard-size Goldendoodle. Standard Bernedoodles can weigh between 55 and 90 pounds and stand between 23 and 29 inches tall. On the other hand, a standard Goldendoodle weighs between 40 and 60 pounds and stands between 20 and 24 inches tall.

Some Bernedoodles or Goldendoodles are made by mixing a miniature Poodle with either a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Golden Retriever. These dogs are naturally smaller than those mixed with a standard-sized Poodle. A miniature Bernedoodle weighs between 25 and 49 pounds and stands between 18 and 24 inches tall, and miniature Goldendoodles weigh between 15 and 35 pounds and stand between 13 and 20 inches tall.

Bernedoodles are also bred to be toy-sized. These dogs are 75% miniature Poodle and 25% Bernese Mountain Dog. Tiny Bernedoodles weigh between 10 and 24 pounds and stand between 12 and 17 inches tall.

Bernedoodle vs Goldendoodle: Appearance

One of the most obvious differences between Bernedoodles and Goldendoodles is their appearance. A Bernedoodle’s coat is tri-colored with black, white, and brown, though it is mostly black. Bernedoodles have either wavy or curly fur.

A Goldendoodle is typically gold, red, caramel, cream, or apricot in color. In some cases, Goldendoodles may have a phantom color, which is black or gray. A Goldendoodle’s coat is often curly like their Poodle parent’s coat, but in some cases, Goldendoodles may have straight or wavy fur.

To maintain their coats, the Goldendoodle should be brushed daily to keep its curling fur free from tangles. The Bernedoodle can get away with several brushings a week.

Bernedoodle puppy playing with a ball in the grass
Bernedoodles love to cuddle, play, and run. They are great family pets.

©jcburke/Shutterstock.com

Bernedoodle vs Goldendoodle: Temperament

While Bernedoodles and Goldendoodles are both very friendly breeds, there are some other differences in their temperament. Bernedoodles are much calmer and more relaxed than Goldendoodles. Many Bernedoodles are happy just to sit and cuddle with their owners, but Goldendoodles have higher energy levels and will be looking to play more.

Both breeds can be prone to separation anxiety. For the Goldendoodle, it arises from its social nature. Bernedoodles have a pack instinct that can cause anxiety for them if left alone for too long.

Bernedoodle vs Goldendoodle: Health

Overall, Bernedoodles and Goldendoodles are both healthy dog breeds. However, each breed has its own concerns that owners should be aware of. Since Bernedoodles are larger, they may develop hip or elbow dysplasia. Bernedoodles are also more likely to lose eyesight when they’re older.

Goldendoodles have a higher risk of developing an ear infection due to their floppier ears. They may also be more likely to suffer from tooth or gum disease.

Bernedoodle vs Goldendoodle: Lifespan

The lifespans of these two breeds can also differ. The lifespan of a standard Bernedoodle is between 12 and 15 years, while the lifespan of a Goldendoodle is about 10 to 15 years. The miniature versions of each breed typically have a longer lifespan and may live to be up to 18 years old.

Bernedoodle vs Goldendoodle: Price

While the price to purchase either a Bernedoodle or Goldendoodle can vary quite a bit depending on the breeder you use and the dog’s family history, Bernedoodles are generally more expensive. The average cost of a Bernedoodle is about $3,500, but they can cost anywhere between $2,000 and $5,000.

Goldendoodles are a bit cheaper with an average price of around $2,000. However, you may see some Goldendoodles that are as cheap as $500 and others that cost up to $5,000.

As you can see, both Bernedoodles and Goldendoodles have a lot of positive characteristics. Which breed feels like the best fit for your family?

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Bernedoodle vs Goldendoodle
Bernedoodle vs Goldendoodle
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About the Author

I am a freelance writer with 22 years of experience. I live in the Pacific Northwest and am surrounded by nature. When I go for my daily runs I often see herds of elk, deer, and bald eagles. I am owned by two dogs who take me on hikes in the mountains where we see coyotes, black bears, and wild turkeys.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Are Bernedoodles more calm than Goldendoodles?

Yes, Bernedoodles are a calmer breed than Goldendoodles. Goldendoodles have a lot of energy and look to play more than a Bernedoodle who will often be content sitting on the couch with its owner.

What is the difference between a Bernedoodle and Goldendoodle?

There are a few key differences between a Bernedoodle and a Goldendoodle. Since the Bernese Mountain Dog is larger than a Golden Retriever, Bernedoodles are larger than Goldendoodles. Bernedoodles also look different than Goldendoodles. They have a tri-color coat (black, white, and rust-colored). Goldendoodles typically have the golden coloring of a Golden Retriever and are often gold, caramel, cream, apricot, or caramel-colored.

Goldendoodles also have a higher energy level and will need more exercise than a Bernedoodle.

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