Merry, curious, and always following their nose, Beagles are compact hounds with big personalities. They are wonderful family dogs who get along well with kids and other pets.
A striking Bernese Mountain Dog-Poodle cross that inherits the Bernese's loyal, calm temperament with the Poodle's intelligence and low-shedding coat. A gentle family giant with a longer lifespan than purebred Bernese.
Quick Answer
Choose Beagle if you want more apartment-friendly. Choose Bernedoodle if you want easier to train and less shedding.
Beagle
Attribute
Bernedoodle
Size
Weight
Height
Lifespan
Trainability
Energy
Good with Kids
Shedding
Grooming
Apartment
Health
Price
Beagle is less expensive to own annually.
Beagle
Bernedoodle
Be prepared for sticker shock: the Bernedoodle costs $2,000–$5,000 from a reputable breeder — significantly more than the Beagle's $500–$1,500. That's a $2,500 difference just to bring your puppy home.
Bernedoodle is calmer; Beagle is more energetic.
Beagle
Bernedoodle
Playfulness
Barking Level
Energy
If you've spent time around both breeds, the personality gap is unmistakable. A Beagle greets the world with a curious attitude, whereas a Bernedoodle leans more toward a loyal approach.
Bernedoodle is the larger breed; Beagle is more compact.
Beagle
Bernedoodle
Weight (kg)
Height (cm)
These two breeds look nothing alike. The Bernedoodle is a large breed at 20–45 kg (44–99 lbs) and 45–73 cm (18–29 in), while the Beagle is a small breed at just 9–14 kg (20–31 lbs) and 33–41 cm (13–16 in).
Beagle sheds more; Bernedoodle is easier to maintain.
Beagle
Bernedoodle
Shedding
Grooming Needs
Shedding is a major differentiator. The Beagle is a prolific shedder (3/5) — expect fur on your clothes, furniture, and car seats year-round.
Beagle needs more exercise; Bernedoodle is lower-maintenance.
Beagle
Bernedoodle
Energy Level
Exercise Needs
Apartment Friendly
The Beagle needs slightly more exercise (4/5) than the Bernedoodle (3/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have high to moderate energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the Beagle.
Bernedoodle is generally easier to train.
Beagle
Bernedoodle
Trainability
Intelligence
The Bernedoodle has a slight training edge (4/5 vs 3/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Bernedoodle tends to catch on a bit faster.
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Beagle
Bernedoodle
Good with Kids
Good with Dogs
Strangers
Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Beagle
Bernedoodle
Lifespan (years)
Health Robustness
Both breeds have comparable lifespans — 12–15 years for the Beagle and 12–15 years for the Bernedoodle. You can expect a similar length of companionship from either breed, all else being equal.
On balance, the Bernedoodle has the edge — it's easier to train (4/5 vs 3/5), lower exercise needs (3/5), less shedding (1/5). For most families, the Bernedoodle is the more practical choice, particularly if you value an easy-to-train companion.
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
Choose Beagle if...
Choose Bernedoodle if...
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The Beagle scores 5/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Bernedoodle at 5/5. The Beagle is specifically recommended for families.
The Bernedoodle is easier to train, scoring 4/5 versus the Beagle's 3/5. The Bernedoodle's eagerness to please makes training sessions more productive.
A Beagle puppy costs $500–$1,500 while a Bernedoodle costs $2,000–$5,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,030 for the Beagle and $1,830 for the Bernedoodle. The Bernedoodle costs more to maintain annually.
The Beagle lives 12–15 years on average, while the Bernedoodle lives 12–15 years. Both breeds have similar lifespans. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
The Beagle is better suited for apartments (3/5) compared to the Bernedoodle (2/5). It can manage in an apartment with enough exercise.