Bernedoodle vs. Goldendoodle: Which Doodle is Right for Your Family?

Sep 1, 2025

Choosing the perfect furry family member is one of life’s most exciting decisions, and at Island Grove Pet Kennels, we’re here to help you make the best choice for your household. Two of our most beloved breeds, Bernedoodles and Goldendoodles, consistently capture hearts with their intelligence, loving nature, and gorgeous coats. But which one is the right fit for your family?

Meet the Parents: Understanding the Foundation

Bernedoodles are a cross between the gentle giant Bernese Mountain Dog and the intelligent Standard Poodle. This combination creates a dog that inherits the Bernese’s calm, affectionate nature and the Poodle’s smarts and hypoallergenic coat potential.

Goldendoodles blend the beloved Golden Retriever’s friendly, outgoing personality with the Poodle’s intelligence and low-shedding coat. The result is an energetic, social companion that thrives on human interaction.

Size and Physical Characteristics

Bernedoodles

  • Standard: 70-90 pounds, 24-29 inches tall
  • Mini: 25-49 pounds, 18-22 inches tall
  • Micro: 10-24 pounds, 12-17 inches tall

Bernedoodles often showcase the striking tri-color pattern of their Bernese parent (black, white, and brown), though they can also come in solid colors like black, brown, or cream.

Goldendoodles

  • Standard: 50-90 pounds, 20-24 inches tall
  • Mini: 35-50 pounds, 17-20 inches tall
  • Micro: 15-35 pounds, 13-20 inches tall

Goldendoodles typically have golden, cream, or apricot coats, though they can occasionally inherit darker colors from their Poodle lineage.

Temperament: Where They Shine

Bernedoodle Personality

Bernedoodles are known for their:

  • Calm and gentle demeanor – perfect for families with young children
  • Moderate energy levels – content with daily walks and some playtime
  • Affectionate but not overly demanding nature
  • Strong loyalty to their family unit
  • Patient temperament that makes them excellent therapy dog candidates

Goldendoodle Personality

Goldendoodles are characterized by their:

  • High energy and enthusiasm for life and activities
  • Extremely social nature – they want to be everyone’s best friend
  • Playful attitude that lasts well into their adult years
  • Eagerness to please making them highly trainable
  • Outgoing personality that thrives in active households

Energy Levels and Exercise Needs

Bernedoodles are the more laid-back choice. They’re happy with:

  • 30-60 minutes of daily exercise
  • Leisurely walks around the neighborhood
  • Moderate play sessions in the yard
  • Mental stimulation through puzzle toys and training

Goldendoodles are the athletes of the doodle world. They need:

  • 60-90 minutes of daily exercise
  • Active play like fetch, swimming, or hiking
  • Regular opportunities to run and explore
  • Consistent mental challenges to prevent boredom

Training and Intelligence

Both breeds inherit the Poodle’s impressive intelligence, but they express it differently:

Bernedoodles are thoughtful learners who:

  • May take a moment to consider commands before responding
  • Respond well to gentle, positive reinforcement
  • Can be slightly more independent in their thinking
  • Benefit from patient, consistent training approaches

Goldendoodles are eager students who:

  • Pick up commands quickly and enthusiastically
  • Thrive on praise and positive reinforcement
  • May need help focusing due to their social nature
  • Excel in obedience training and dog sports

Grooming Requirements

Both breeds require regular grooming, but there are subtle differences:

Coat maintenance for both breeds includes:

  • Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks
  • Daily brushing to prevent matting
  • Regular ear cleaning due to their floppy ears
  • Nail trimming every 2-3 weeks

Bernedoodles may have slightly less demanding coat care due to their typically wavy rather than curly texture, while Goldendoodles often inherit the Poodle’s tighter curls that require more frequent brushing.

Family Compatibility

Choose a Bernedoodle if your family:

  • Prefers a calmer, more relaxed companion
  • Has young children who need a patient, gentle dog
  • Wants a loyal family dog that’s content with moderate activity
  • Appreciates a more independent, thoughtful personality

Choose a Goldendoodle if your family:

  • Leads an active lifestyle with lots of outdoor activities
  • Has older children who can match their energy level
  • Wants a highly social dog that loves meeting new people
  • Enjoys training and teaching new tricks
  • Has time for regular, vigorous exercise and play

Visit Island Grove Pet Kennels

The best way to know which breed is right for you is to meet them in person. At Island Grove Pet Kennels, we’re passionate about matching families with their perfect companion. We encourage you to visit our facility, meet our dogs, and see firsthand the temperaments and characteristics that make each puppy special.

Remember, regardless of which breed you choose, you’re gaining a loyal, intelligent, and loving family member who will bring joy, laughter, and unconditional love to your home for years to come.

Ready to learn more about our available puppies or schedule a visit? Contact Island Grove Pet Kennels today – we can’t wait to help you find your perfect doodle match!

At Island Grove Pet Kennels, we’re committed to raising healthy, well-socialized Bernedoodles and Goldendoodles in a loving, family environment. All our breeding dogs undergo comprehensive health testing, and we provide lifetime support to our puppy families.

Categories:

Categories