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 playful, adaptable companion with bat-like ears and a charming personality. French Bulldogs thrive in city apartments and make excellent companions for singles and families alike.
Quick Answer
Choose Bernedoodle if you want easier to train and better with kids. Choose French Bulldog if you want more apartment-friendly.
Bernedoodle
Attribute
French Bulldog
Size
Weight
Height
Lifespan
Trainability
Energy
Good with Kids
Shedding
Grooming
Apartment
Health
Price
Bernedoodle tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Bernedoodle
French Bulldog
Lifespan (years)
Health Robustness
The lifespan difference is significant. Bernedoodles live 12–15 years on average, while French Bulldogs live 10–12 years.
Bernedoodle is the larger breed; French Bulldog is more compact.
Bernedoodle
French Bulldog
Weight (kg)
Height (cm)
Size is one of the most obvious contrasts between these breeds. The Bernedoodle tips the scales at 20–45 kg (44–99 lbs), dwarfing the French Bulldog's 8–13 kg (18–29 lbs).
Bernedoodle needs more exercise; French Bulldog is lower-maintenance.
Bernedoodle
French Bulldog
Energy Level
Exercise Needs
Apartment Friendly
The Bernedoodle needs slightly more exercise (3/5) than the French Bulldog (2/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have moderate to moderate energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the Bernedoodle.
French Bulldog sheds more; Bernedoodle is easier to maintain.
Bernedoodle
French Bulldog
Shedding
Grooming Needs
The French Bulldog 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.
French Bulldog is less expensive to own annually.
Bernedoodle
French Bulldog
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $2,000–$5,000 for a Bernedoodle versus $1,500–$5,000 for a French Bulldog. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Bernedoodle is generally easier to train.
Bernedoodle
French Bulldog
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.
Bernedoodle is better suited for families with children.
Bernedoodle
French Bulldog
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.
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
Bernedoodle
French Bulldog
Playfulness
Barking Level
Energy
When you live with a Bernedoodle, you'll notice their loyal, gentle and calm character in everything they do. A French Bulldog, by contrast, shows a playful, adaptable and affectionate nature.
The Bernedoodle comes out ahead in most categories — it's easier to train (4/5 vs 3/5), better with children (5/5), 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 French Bulldog if...
Looking for more options?
The Bernedoodle scores 5/5 for being good with kids, making it the better family choice compared to the French Bulldog's 4/5. The Bernedoodle is specifically recommended for families.
The Bernedoodle is easier to train with a score of 4/5, compared to the French Bulldog's 3/5. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well.
A Bernedoodle puppy costs $2,000–$5,000 while a French Bulldog costs $1,500–$5,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,830 for the Bernedoodle and $1,380 for the French Bulldog. The Bernedoodle is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
The Bernedoodle lives 12–15 years on average, while the French Bulldog lives 10–12 years. The Bernedoodle generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
The French Bulldog adapts better to apartment living (5/5) than the Bernedoodle (2/5). The French Bulldog ranks among our best apartment breeds.