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
Labradoodle
The original designer dog, a Labrador Retriever-Poodle cross bred for low-shedding guide dog work. Labradoodles are intelligent, energetic, and famously friendly — ideal for active families with allergies.
Quick Answer
Choose Bernedoodle if you want a great companion. Choose Labradoodle if you want easier to train and more apartment-friendly.
Quick Comparison
Bernedoodle
Attribute
Labradoodle
large
Size
medium
20–45 kg (44–99 lbs)
Weight
15–30 kg (33–66 lbs)
45–73 cm (18–29 in)
Height
43–61 cm (17–24 in)
12–15 yrs
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
4/5
Trainability
5/5Better
3/5
Energy
4/5
5/5
Good with Kids
5/5
1/5
Shedding
1/5
4/5
Grooming
4/5
2/5
Apartment
3/5Better
4/5
Health
4/5
$2,000–$5,000
Price
$1,500–$4,500Better
Attribute Comparison
Exercise & Activity
Labradoodle needs more exercise; Bernedoodle is lower-maintenance.
Bernedoodle
Labradoodle
Energy Level
3/5
vs4/5
Exercise Needs
3/5
vs4/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
vs3/5Better
The Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle.
Cost of Ownership
Labradoodle is less expensive to own annually.
Bernedoodle
Avg. Purchase$3,500
Annual Food$780
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$550
Annual Total$1,830
Labradoodle
Avg. Purchase$3,000
Annual Food$660
Annual Vet$450
Annual Grooming$500
Annual Total$1,610 ✓
Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $2,000–$5,000 for a Bernedoodle and $1,500–$4,500 for a Labradoodle. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
Temperament & Personality
Bernedoodle is calmer; Labradoodle is more energetic.
Bernedoodle
Labradoodle
Playfulness
4/5
vs5/5Better
Barking Level
2/5
vs2/5
Energy
3/5
vs4/5
One of the most important factors in choosing between these two breeds is temperament. The Bernedoodle is typically loyal, gentle and calm, making them well suited for families, allergy sufferers and houses with yards.
Size & Appearance
Bernedoodle is the larger breed; Labradoodle is more compact.
Bernedoodle
Labradoodle
Weight (kg)
20–45
vs15–30
Height (cm)
45–73
vs43–61
The Bernedoodle stands 45–73 cm (18–29 in) and weighs 20–45 kg (44–99 lbs), while the Labradoodle measures 43–61 cm (17–24 in) and 15–30 kg (33–66 lbs). The Bernedoodle is the larger of the two, though not by a dramatic margin.
Training & Intelligence
Labradoodle is generally easier to train.
Bernedoodle
Labradoodle
Trainability
4/5
vs5/5Better
Intelligence
4/5
vs5/5Better
The Labradoodle has a slight training edge (5/5 vs 4/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Labradoodle tends to catch on a bit faster.
Grooming & Shedding
Both breeds have similar grooming needs.
Bernedoodle
Labradoodle
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.
Health & Lifespan
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Bernedoodle
Labradoodle
Lifespan (years)
12–15
vs12–15
Health Robustness
4/5
vs4/5
Lifespan is a near-tie: the Bernedoodle lives roughly 12–15 years while the Labradoodle averages 12–15 years. Neither breed has a clear longevity advantage, so other factors should drive your choice.
Family & Social Life
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Bernedoodle
Labradoodle
Good with Kids
5/5
vs5/5
Good with Dogs
4/5
vs4/5
Strangers
4/5
vs4/5
Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the Bernedoodle if you value lower exercise needs (3/5).
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
Choose Bernedoodle if...
- • You want it matches your lifestyle
Choose Labradoodle if...
- • You want easier to train
- • You want more apartment-friendly
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Bernedoodle or Labradoodle?
The Bernedoodle scores 5/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Labradoodle at 5/5. The Bernedoodle is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Bernedoodle or Labradoodle easier to train?
The Labradoodle is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the Bernedoodle's 4/5. The Labradoodle's forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginners.
Which costs more, a Bernedoodle or Labradoodle?
A Bernedoodle puppy costs $2,000–$5,000 while a Labradoodle costs $1,500–$4,500. Annual maintenance runs about $1,830 for the Bernedoodle and $1,610 for the Labradoodle. The Bernedoodle is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do Bernedoodles or Labradoodles live longer?
The Bernedoodle lives 12–15 years on average, while the Labradoodle lives 12–15 years. Both breeds have similar lifespans. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Bernedoodle or Labradoodle live in an apartment?
The Labradoodle adapts better to apartment living (3/5) than the Bernedoodle (2/5). However, neither breed is an ideal apartment dog — daily outdoor exercise is essential.