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
Labrador Retriever
America's most beloved family dog, known for a friendly temperament and eager-to-please attitude. Labs excel at everything from hunting to therapy work and are incredibly versatile.
Quick Answer
Choose Bernedoodle if you want less shedding and better health. Choose Labrador Retriever if you want easier to train.
Quick Comparison
Bernedoodle
Attribute
Labrador Retriever
large
Size
large
20–45 kg (44–99 lbs)
Weight
25–36 kg (55–79 lbs)
45–73 cm (18–29 in)
Height
55–62 cm (22–24 in)
Better12–15 yrs
Lifespan
10–13 yrs
4/5
Trainability
5/5Better
3/5
Energy
5/5
5/5
Good with Kids
5/5
Better1/5
Shedding
4/5
4/5
Grooming
2/5Better
2/5
Apartment
2/5
Better4/5
Health
3/5
$2,000–$5,000
Price
$800–$2,000Better
Attribute Comparison
Cost of Ownership
Labrador Retriever is less expensive to own annually.
Bernedoodle
Avg. Purchase$3,500
Annual Food$780
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$550
Annual Total$1,830
Labrador Retriever
Avg. Purchase$1,400
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$150
Annual Total$1,370 ✓
Be prepared for sticker shock: the Bernedoodle costs $2,000–$5,000 from a reputable breeder — significantly more than the Labrador Retriever's $800–$2,000. That's a $2,100 difference just to bring your puppy home.
Grooming & Shedding
Labrador Retriever sheds more; Bernedoodle is easier to maintain.
Bernedoodle
Labrador Retriever
Shedding
Better1/5
vs4/5
Grooming Needs
4/5
vs2/5Better
Shedding is a major differentiator. The Labrador Retriever is a prolific shedder (4/5) — expect fur on your clothes, furniture, and car seats year-round.
Temperament & Personality
Bernedoodle is calmer; Labrador Retriever is more energetic.
Bernedoodle
Labrador Retriever
Playfulness
4/5
vs5/5Better
Barking Level
Better2/5
vs3/5
Energy
3/5
vs5/5
If you've spent time around both breeds, the personality gap is unmistakable. A Bernedoodle greets the world with a loyal attitude, whereas a Labrador Retriever leans more toward a friendly approach.
Exercise & Activity
Labrador Retriever needs more exercise; Bernedoodle is lower-maintenance.
Bernedoodle
Labrador Retriever
Energy Level
3/5
vs5/5
Exercise Needs
3/5
vs5/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
vs2/5
If your daily schedule is packed, pay close attention here. The Labrador Retriever demands serious physical activity — we're talking 60-90+ minutes of vigorous exercise daily (5/5).
Health & Lifespan
Bernedoodle tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Bernedoodle
Labrador Retriever
Lifespan (years)
Better12–15
vs10–13
Health Robustness
Better4/5
vs3/5
The lifespan difference is significant. Bernedoodles live 12–15 years on average, while Labrador Retrievers live 10–13 years.
Training & Intelligence
Labrador Retriever is generally easier to train.
Bernedoodle
Labrador Retriever
Trainability
4/5
vs5/5Better
Intelligence
4/5
vs5/5Better
The Labrador Retriever has a slight training edge (5/5 vs 4/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Labrador Retriever tends to catch on a bit faster.
Family & Social Life
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Bernedoodle
Labrador Retriever
Good with Kids
5/5
vs5/5
Good with Dogs
4/5
vs5/5Better
Strangers
4/5
vs5/5Better
Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Size & Appearance
Both breeds are similar in size.
Bernedoodle
Labrador Retriever
Weight (kg)
20–45
vs25–36
Height (cm)
45–73
vs55–62
These breeds are near-identical in stature. The Bernedoodle weighs 20–45 kg (44–99 lbs) and the Labrador Retriever weighs 25–36 kg (55–79 lbs) — close enough that size alone won't drive your decision.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
The Bernedoodle comes out ahead in most categories — it's lower exercise needs (3/5), less shedding (1/5), better health profile (4/5). 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 less shedding
- • You want better health
Choose Labrador Retriever if...
- • You want easier to train
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Bernedoodle or Labrador Retriever?
The Bernedoodle scores 5/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Labrador Retriever at 5/5. The Bernedoodle is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Bernedoodle or Labrador Retriever easier to train?
The Labrador Retriever is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the Bernedoodle's 4/5. The Labrador Retriever's forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginners.
Which costs more, a Bernedoodle or Labrador Retriever?
A Bernedoodle puppy costs $2,000–$5,000 while a Labrador Retriever costs $800–$2,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,830 for the Bernedoodle and $1,370 for the Labrador Retriever. The Bernedoodle is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do Bernedoodles or Labrador Retrievers live longer?
The Bernedoodle lives 12–15 years on average, while the Labrador Retriever lives 10–13 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 Labrador Retriever live in an apartment?
The Bernedoodle is equally suited for apartments (2/5) as the Labrador Retriever (2/5). Neither breed is ideal for apartments — both prefer more space.