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
Poodle
One of the most intelligent dog breeds, the Poodle combines elegance with athleticism. Their hypoallergenic curly coat and keen mind make them ideal for allergy sufferers who want a trainable companion.
Quick Answer
Choose Bernedoodle if you want better with kids. Choose Poodle if you want easier to train and more apartment-friendly.
Quick Comparison
Bernedoodle
Attribute
Poodle
large
Size
medium
20–45 kg (44–99 lbs)
Weight
18–32 kg (40–71 lbs)
45–73 cm (18–29 in)
Height
38–61 cm (15–24 in)
12–15 yrs
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
4/5
Trainability
5/5Better
3/5
Energy
4/5
Better5/5
Good with Kids
4/5
1/5
Shedding
1/5
Better4/5
Grooming
5/5
2/5
Apartment
3/5Better
4/5
Health
4/5
$2,000–$5,000
Price
$1,000–$3,000Better
Attribute Comparison
Cost of Ownership
Poodle is less expensive to own annually.
Bernedoodle
Avg. Purchase$3,500
Annual Food$780
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$550
Annual Total$1,830
Poodle
Avg. Purchase$2,000
Annual Food$600
Annual Vet$450
Annual Grooming$600
Annual Total$1,650 ✓
The upfront cost gap is substantial. A Bernedoodle puppy runs $2,000–$5,000, while a Poodle is $1,000–$3,000.
Temperament & Personality
Bernedoodle is calmer; Poodle is more energetic.
Bernedoodle
Poodle
Playfulness
4/5
vs5/5Better
Barking Level
Better2/5
vs3/5
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.
Exercise & Activity
Poodle needs more exercise; Bernedoodle is lower-maintenance.
Bernedoodle
Poodle
Energy Level
3/5
vs4/5
Exercise Needs
3/5
vs4/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
vs3/5Better
The Poodle 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 Poodle.
Training & Intelligence
Poodle is generally easier to train.
Bernedoodle
Poodle
Trainability
4/5
vs5/5Better
Intelligence
4/5
vs5/5Better
The Poodle has a slight training edge (5/5 vs 4/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Poodle tends to catch on a bit faster.
Size & Appearance
Bernedoodle is the larger breed; Poodle is more compact.
Bernedoodle
Poodle
Weight (kg)
20–45
vs18–32
Height (cm)
45–73
vs38–61
The Bernedoodle stands 45–73 cm (18–29 in) and weighs 20–45 kg (44–99 lbs), while the Poodle measures 38–61 cm (15–24 in) and 18–32 kg (40–71 lbs). The Bernedoodle is the larger of the two, though not by a dramatic margin.
Grooming & Shedding
Both breeds have similar grooming needs.
Bernedoodle
Poodle
Shedding
1/5
vs1/5
Grooming Needs
Better4/5
vs5/5
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.
Family & Social Life
Bernedoodle is better suited for families with children.
Bernedoodle
Poodle
Good with Kids
Better5/5
vs4/5
Good with Dogs
4/5
vs4/5
Strangers
4/5
vs4/5
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.
Health & Lifespan
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Bernedoodle
Poodle
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 Poodle averages 12–15 years. Neither breed has a clear longevity advantage, so other factors should drive your choice.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the Bernedoodle if you value better with children (5/5) and 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 better with kids
Choose Poodle 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 Poodle?
The Bernedoodle scores 5/5 for being good with kids, making it the better family choice compared to the Poodle's 4/5. The Bernedoodle is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Bernedoodle or Poodle easier to train?
The Poodle is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the Bernedoodle's 4/5. The Poodle's eagerness to please makes training sessions more productive.
Which costs more, a Bernedoodle or Poodle?
A Bernedoodle puppy costs $2,000–$5,000 while a Poodle costs $1,000–$3,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,830 for the Bernedoodle and $1,650 for the Poodle. The Bernedoodle is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do Bernedoodles or Poodles live longer?
The Bernedoodle lives 12–15 years on average, while the Poodle 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 Poodle live in an apartment?
The Poodle adapts better to apartment living (3/5) than the Bernedoodle (2/5). The Poodle ranks among our best apartment breeds.