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You might not be able to guess all the differences between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Bernedoodle, but you probably have a pretty good idea of their similarities. The bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, which makes them very similar in some ways but different in others.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the bernedoodle and the Bernese Mountain Dog so you can learn how to tell the difference between these two different breeds. Plus, if you’re interested in adopting these two amazing dogs, we’ll review their lineages and behavioral differences. Let’s get started now!
Comparing the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Bernedoodle

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bernese mountain dog | Benedo | |
---|---|---|
size | 22-27 inches tall; 80-110 lbs | 12-29 inches tall; 10-90 lbs |
appearance | The thick, straight fur is only rust, black and white. There is a mane on the neck and distinct markings or colors on the face.A large dog with a coat for cold weather and large paws for walking through the snow | The curly fur comes in a variety of colors, including brown, black, white, and gray. May look more like a Poodle or more like a Bernese Mountain Dog, depending on the breed.Comes in 3 sizes depending on the size of the poodle it’s bred with |
ancestor | Dating back over 2,000 years; originally bred for agricultural work such as cart pulling and herding.dedicated watchdog | Between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle; originally bred in 2003 for companionship and a dog that outlives the Bernese Mountain Dog |
Behavior | Loyal, alert, friendly. Tends to be particularly dependent on one person rather than the entire family.Very active and large, so may not be suitable for every lifestyle | Focused, playful and patient. Great with kids and eager to be with family.Needs some exercise, but not as much as other breeds; may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone |
life | 6-8 years old | 13-16 years old |
Key Differences Between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Bernedoodle

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There are a number of key differences between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the bernedoodle. The Bernese Mountain Dog is larger in weight than the bernedoodle, but not in height. Also, the bernedoodle comes in a variety of colors compared to the standard colors of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Finally, the bernedoodle has a much longer lifespan on average than the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Let us now discuss all these differences in more detail.
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Bernedoodle: Size

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One of the ways you can easily tell the bernedoodle apart from the Bernese Mountain Dog is by their size. The Bernese Mountain Dog weighs more than the average bernedoodle, although the bernedoodle occasionally grows taller than the Bernese Mountain Dog. Now let’s take a closer look at the numbers.
Depending on gender, the Bernese Mountain Dog averages 22 to 27 inches, while the Bernedoodle averages 12 to 29 inches. Also, depending on the size of the poodle it is crossed with, the bernedoodle can range from 10 to 90 pounds, while the Bernese mountain dog can range from 80 to 110 pounds.
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Bernedoodle: Appearance

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The appearance of the Bernese Mountain Dog shares many similarities with that of the Bernedoodle. However, the fur of the Bernese mountain dog is thicker and straighter than that of the bernedoodle. Depending on the amount of Poodle DNA present in a bernedoodle, it may have a very wavy or curly coat compared to the average Bernese Mountain Dog.
Also, the bernedoodle has more colors on average than the strict Bernese Mountain Dog breed standard. Finally, the Bernese Mountain Dog has much larger paws compared to the bernedoodle because it uses its large feet to traverse snow and climate. Now let’s talk a little more about their lineage and breeding.
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Bernedoodle: Ancestry and Breeding

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As you may have guessed, the bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese mountain dog and a poodle, and the Bernese mountain dog is a purebred dog recognized by the AKC. This makes the Bernese Mountain Dog significantly older on average compared to the bernedoodle, as they date back over 2,000 years, whereas the bernedoodle originated in the early 2000s.
One of the main reasons why the bernedoodle was originally bred was to create a dog with the temperament of the Bernese Mountain Dog but with a longer lifespan. Additionally, the Bernese Mountain Dog was originally bred for farm work, while the Bernedeau has always been a hypoallergenic companion animal.
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Bernedoodle: Behavior

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There aren’t many behavioral differences between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the bernedoodle. However, Bernese Mountain Dogs have a higher energy level than the average Bernese, which makes them unsuitable for certain lifestyles or home situations. Also, the bernedoodle tends to bond with the whole family, while the average Bernese Mountain Dog prefers to bond with just one person.
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Bernedoodle: Lifespan

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The main and final difference between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Bernedoodle has to be their lifespan. The bernedoodle has a much longer lifespan than the Bernese Mountain Dog, which is one of the reasons it was originally bred. Now let’s take a closer look at the numbers.
Depending on the individual dog’s health and breeding, the average lifespan for a Bernese Mountain Dog is 6 to 8 years, while a Bernedoodle can live 13 to 16 years. With proper nutrition and plenty of exercise, both breeds can live their best lives, although the bernedoodle will always live longer than the average Bernese Mountain Dog.
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I am broadly interested in how human activities influence the ability of wildlife to persist in the modified environments that we create.
Specifically, my research investigates how the configuration and composition of landscapes influence the movement and population dynamics of forest birds. Both natural and human-derived fragmenting of habitat can influence where birds settle, how they access the resources they need to survive and reproduce, and these factors in turn affect population demographics. Most recently, I have been studying the ability of individuals to move through and utilize forested areas which have been modified through timber harvest as they seek out resources for the breeding and postfledging phases. As well I am working in collaboration with Parks Canada scientists to examine in the influence of high density moose populations on forest bird communities in Gros Morne National Park. Many of my projects are conducted in collaboration or consultation with representatives of industry and government agencies, seeking to improve the management and sustainability of natural resource extraction.