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.

An enthusiastic and versatile sporting dog built for endurance. German Shorthaired Pointers are tireless athletes who need an active owner to match their boundless energy.
Quick Answer
Choose Bernedoodle if you want better with kids and more apartment-friendly. Choose German Shorthaired Pointer if you want easier to train.
Bernedoodle
Attribute
German Shorthaired Pointer
Size
Weight
Height
Lifespan
Trainability
Energy
Good with Kids
Shedding
Grooming
Apartment
Health
Price
German Shorthaired Pointer is less expensive to own annually.
Bernedoodle
German Shorthaired Pointer
Be prepared for sticker shock: the Bernedoodle costs $2,000–$5,000 from a reputable breeder — significantly more than the German Shorthaired Pointer's $800–$2,000. That's a $2,100 difference just to bring your puppy home.
German Shorthaired Pointer needs more exercise; Bernedoodle is lower-maintenance.
Bernedoodle
German Shorthaired Pointer
Energy Level
Exercise Needs
Apartment Friendly
Activity needs are dramatically different here. The German Shorthaired Pointer has very high energy (5/5) and needs very high exercise (5/5) — think long runs, hiking, or agility courses.
German Shorthaired Pointer sheds more; Bernedoodle is easier to maintain.
Bernedoodle
German Shorthaired Pointer
Shedding
Grooming Needs
Shedding is a major differentiator. The German Shorthaired Pointer is a prolific shedder (3/5) — expect fur on your clothes, furniture, and car seats year-round.
Bernedoodle is calmer; German Shorthaired Pointer is more energetic.
Bernedoodle
German Shorthaired Pointer
Playfulness
Barking Level
Energy
If you've spent time around both breeds, the personality gap is unmistakable. A Bernedoodle greets the world with a loyal attitude, whereas a German Shorthaired Pointer leans more toward a enthusiastic approach.
German Shorthaired Pointer is generally easier to train.
Bernedoodle
German Shorthaired Pointer
Trainability
Intelligence
The German Shorthaired Pointer has a slight training edge (5/5 vs 4/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the German Shorthaired Pointer tends to catch on a bit faster.
Bernedoodle is better suited for families with children.
Bernedoodle
German Shorthaired Pointer
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.
Bernedoodle is the larger breed; German Shorthaired Pointer is more compact.
Bernedoodle
German Shorthaired Pointer
Weight (kg)
Height (cm)
There's a noticeable but not extreme size difference. The Bernedoodle (20–45 kg (44–99 lbs)) is somewhat heftier than the German Shorthaired Pointer (20–32 kg (44–71 lbs)).
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Bernedoodle
German Shorthaired Pointer
Lifespan (years)
Health Robustness
Both breeds have comparable lifespans — 12–15 years for the Bernedoodle and 12–14 years for the German Shorthaired Pointer. You can expect a similar length of companionship from either breed, all else being equal.
The Bernedoodle comes out ahead in most categories — it's better with children (5/5), more apartment-friendly (2/5), lower exercise needs (3/5). 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 German Shorthaired Pointer if...
Looking for more options?
The Bernedoodle scores 5/5 for being good with kids, making it the better family choice compared to the German Shorthaired Pointer's 4/5. The Bernedoodle is specifically recommended for families.
The German Shorthaired Pointer is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the Bernedoodle's 4/5. The German Shorthaired Pointer's eagerness to please makes training sessions more productive.
A Bernedoodle puppy costs $2,000–$5,000 while a German Shorthaired Pointer costs $800–$2,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,830 for the Bernedoodle and $1,210 for the German Shorthaired Pointer. The Bernedoodle is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
The Bernedoodle lives 12–15 years on average, while the German Shorthaired Pointer 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 better suited for apartments (2/5) compared to the German Shorthaired Pointer (1/5). Neither breed is ideal for apartments — both prefer more space.