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.
A large, shaggy French herding dog with a heart of gold beneath its impressive coat. Briards are intelligent, loyal protectors that have served as war dogs, herders, and devoted family companions for centuries.
Quick Answer
Choose Bernedoodle if you want better with kids and less shedding. Choose Briard if you want a great companion.
Bernedoodle
Attribute
Briard
Size
Weight
Height
Lifespan
Trainability
Energy
Good with Kids
Shedding
Grooming
Apartment
Health
Price
Bernedoodle is better suited for families with children.
Bernedoodle
Briard
Good with Kids
Good with Dogs
Strangers
The Bernedoodle has a slight edge with children (5/5 vs 4/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Bernedoodle's loyal temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Briard is less expensive to own annually.
Bernedoodle
Briard
Be prepared for sticker shock: the Bernedoodle costs $2,000–$5,000 from a reputable breeder — significantly more than the Briard's $1,500–$3,000. That's a $1,250 difference just to bring your puppy home.
Bernedoodle tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Bernedoodle
Briard
Lifespan (years)
Health Robustness
Both breeds have comparable lifespans — 12–15 years for the Bernedoodle and 12–14 years for the Briard. You can expect a similar length of companionship from either breed, all else being equal.
Bernedoodle is calmer; Briard is more energetic.
Bernedoodle
Briard
Playfulness
Barking Level
Energy
When you live with a Bernedoodle, you'll notice their loyal, gentle and calm character in everything they do. A Briard, by contrast, shows a loyal, protective and intelligent nature.
Briard needs more exercise; Bernedoodle is lower-maintenance.
Bernedoodle
Briard
Energy Level
Exercise Needs
Apartment Friendly
The Briard 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 Briard.
Briard sheds more; Bernedoodle is easier to maintain.
Bernedoodle
Briard
Shedding
Grooming Needs
The Briard sheds a bit more (2/5) than the Bernedoodle (1/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Bernedoodle has a slight edge.
Both breeds are equally trainable.
Bernedoodle
Briard
Trainability
Intelligence
Both breeds score 4/5 for trainability — you'll have a similar experience training either one. Both are cooperative, eager learners.
Both breeds are similar in size.
Bernedoodle
Briard
Weight (kg)
Height (cm)
These breeds are near-identical in stature. The Bernedoodle weighs 20–45 kg (44–99 lbs) and the Briard weighs 27–41 kg (60–90 lbs) — close enough that size alone won't drive your decision.
The Bernedoodle comes out ahead in most categories — it's better with children (5/5), lower exercise needs (3/5), less shedding (1/5). If you can meet its moderate exercise needs and don't mind regular grooming, the Bernedoodle is the more versatile choice for most households.
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
Choose Bernedoodle if...
Choose Briard if...
Looking for more options?
The Bernedoodle scores 5/5 for being good with kids, making it the better family choice compared to the Briard's 4/5. The Bernedoodle is specifically recommended for families.
The Bernedoodle is equally easy to train with a score of 4/5, matching the Briard. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well.
A Bernedoodle puppy costs $2,000–$5,000 while a Briard costs $1,500–$3,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,830 for the Bernedoodle and $1,680 for the Briard. The Bernedoodle is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
The Bernedoodle lives 12–15 years on average, while the Briard lives 12–14 years. The Bernedoodle generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
The Bernedoodle is equally suited for apartments (2/5) as the Briard (2/5). Neither breed is ideal for apartments — both prefer more space.