Bernedoodle
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.
VS
Irish Water Spaniel
The tallest of all spaniels, with a distinctive curly liver coat and a rat-like tail. Irish Water Spaniels are hardworking retrievers with a clownish sense of humor and a natural love of water.
Quick Answer
Choose Bernedoodle if you want better with kids. Choose Irish Water Spaniel if you want a great companion.
Quick Comparison
Bernedoodle
Attribute
Irish Water Spaniel
large
Size
large
20–45 kg (44–99 lbs)
Weight
20–30 kg (44–66 lbs)
45–73 cm (18–29 in)
Height
51–61 cm (20–24 in)
Better12–15 yrs
Lifespan
12–13 yrs
4/5
Trainability
4/5
3/5
Energy
4/5
Better5/5
Good with Kids
4/5
1/5
Shedding
1/5
4/5
Grooming
4/5
2/5
Apartment
2/5
4/5
Health
4/5
$2,000–$5,000
Price
$1,200–$2,500Better
Attribute Comparison
Cost of Ownership
Irish Water Spaniel is less expensive to own annually.
Bernedoodle
Avg. Purchase$3,500
Annual Food$780
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$550
Annual Total$1,830
Irish Water Spaniel
Avg. Purchase$1,850
Annual Food$660
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$250
Annual Total$1,410 ✓
Be prepared for sticker shock: the Bernedoodle costs $2,000–$5,000 from a reputable breeder — significantly more than the Irish Water Spaniel's $1,200–$2,500. That's a $1,650 difference just to bring your puppy home.
Family & Social Life
Bernedoodle is better suited for families with children.
Bernedoodle
Irish Water Spaniel
Good with Kids
Better5/5
vs4/5
Good with Dogs
Better4/5
vs3/5
Strangers
Better4/5
vs2/5
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.
Temperament & Personality
Bernedoodle is calmer; Irish Water Spaniel is more energetic.
Bernedoodle
Irish Water Spaniel
Playfulness
4/5
vs5/5Better
Barking Level
Better2/5
vs3/5
Energy
3/5
vs4/5
The Bernedoodle and Irish Water Spaniel bring very different personalities to the table. Bernedoodles are loyal, gentle and calm, while Irish Water Spaniels tend to be alert, hardworking and clownish.
Exercise & Activity
Irish Water Spaniel needs more exercise; Bernedoodle is lower-maintenance.
Bernedoodle
Irish Water Spaniel
Energy Level
3/5
vs4/5
Exercise Needs
3/5
vs4/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
vs2/5
The Irish Water Spaniel 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 Irish Water Spaniel.
Size & Appearance
Bernedoodle is the larger breed; Irish Water Spaniel is more compact.
Bernedoodle
Irish Water Spaniel
Weight (kg)
20–45
vs20–30
Height (cm)
45–73
vs51–61
There's a noticeable but not extreme size difference. The Bernedoodle (20–45 kg (44–99 lbs)) is somewhat heftier than the Irish Water Spaniel (20–30 kg (44–66 lbs)).
Health & Lifespan
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Bernedoodle
Irish Water Spaniel
Lifespan (years)
Better12–15
vs12–13
Health Robustness
4/5
vs4/5
Both breeds have comparable lifespans — 12–15 years for the Bernedoodle and 12–13 years for the Irish Water Spaniel. You can expect a similar length of companionship from either breed, all else being equal.
Training & Intelligence
Both breeds are equally trainable.
Bernedoodle
Irish Water Spaniel
Trainability
4/5
vs4/5
Intelligence
4/5
vs5/5Better
Both breeds score 4/5 for trainability — you'll have a similar experience training either one. Both are cooperative, eager learners.
Grooming & Shedding
Both breeds have similar grooming needs.
Bernedoodle
Irish Water Spaniel
Shedding
1/5
vs1/5
Grooming Needs
4/5
vs4/5
Both breeds shed at the same rate (1/5), so fur management will be identical for either choice. Neither breed will leave much hair around the house.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
The Bernedoodle comes out ahead in most categories — it's better with children (5/5), 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.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
Choose Bernedoodle if...
- • You want better with kids
Choose Irish Water Spaniel if...
- • You want it matches your lifestyle
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Bernedoodle or Irish Water Spaniel?
The Bernedoodle scores 5/5 for being good with kids, making it the better family choice compared to the Irish Water Spaniel's 4/5. The Bernedoodle is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Bernedoodle or Irish Water Spaniel easier to train?
The Bernedoodle is equally easy to train with a score of 4/5, matching the Irish Water Spaniel. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well.
Which costs more, a Bernedoodle or Irish Water Spaniel?
A Bernedoodle puppy costs $2,000–$5,000 while a Irish Water Spaniel costs $1,200–$2,500. Annual maintenance runs about $1,830 for the Bernedoodle and $1,410 for the Irish Water Spaniel. The Bernedoodle is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do Bernedoodles or Irish Water Spaniels live longer?
The Bernedoodle lives 12–15 years on average, while the Irish Water Spaniel lives 12–13 years. The Bernedoodle generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Bernedoodle or Irish Water Spaniel live in an apartment?
The Bernedoodle is equally suited for apartments (2/5) as the Irish Water Spaniel (2/5). Neither breed is ideal for apartments — both prefer more space.