Bernedoodle vs Poodle: Personality, Energy & Coats
- JennaLeeDesignerDoodles
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
If you’ve found yourself comparing a Bernedoodle and a Poodle, you’re not alone. Both are savvy, affectionate dogs that can make wonderful friends — but they’re not the same dog, and they don’t fit every household in the same way.
As doodle breeders, this comparison usually comes down to expectations. Some families want a highly trainable, athletic dog that thrives on structure and activity. Others want a calmer, more easygoing companion that blends into family life a little more naturally.
Neither choice is better. It’s just about finding the right match for your lifestyle.
Below we explain the real differences so you can decide which direction makes the most sense for your home.
Comparing Different Traits: Bernedoodle vs Poodle
Trait | Bernedoodle | Poodle |
Temperament | Affectionate, easygoing, family-focused | Alert, intelligent, driven |
Energy Level | Moderate | Moderate to high |
Trainability | Smart but sometimes stubborn | Extremely trainable |
Coat Type | Wavy to curly, varies by dog | Consistently curly |
Shedding | Low shedding | Low shedding |
Grooming Needs | High | High |
Predictability | Moderate (mixed traits) | High (consistent traits) |
Best For | Families wanting a softer temperament | Owners wanting high engagement and training |
Temperament Differences Between Berendoodles & Poodles: Easygoing vs Highly Driven
This is usually where families start to see the biggest difference.
Bernedoodles tend to lean toward the Bernese Mountain Dog side when it comes to temperament. They’re affectionate, often a little goofy, and typically happy just being near their people. Many families describe them as emotionally intuitive dogs that settle nicely into family routines.
Poodles, on the other hand, are more mentally driven. They’re quick learners and often very aware of their environment. That intelligence is a huge benefit in training, but it also means they need consistent mental engagement.
Neither temperament is better — it just depends on what you want day to day. Some families love the energy and responsiveness of a Poodle. Others prefer the slightly more relaxed personality that many Bernedoodles bring to the table.
Activity and Exercise Requirements for Bernedoodles & Poodles
Both breeds need regular exercise, but they use their energy differently.
Poodles tend to enjoy structured activity. Training sessions, agility work, long walks, and games that challenge their minds are right up their alley. They’re athletes at heart.
Bernedoodles still enjoy exercise, but many are content with moderate daily activity followed by downtime with their family. Especially in standard sizes, they often mature into calmer adult dogs compared to a standard Poodle.
Of course, individual dogs vary. A mini Bernedoodle may have more energy than a standard, and some Poodles are more relaxed than others. That’s where understanding the parents and the breeding goals really matters.
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Grooming Schedule, Shedding, and Coat Maintenance
One thing these two breeds absolutely have in common is grooming responsibility.
Both Bernedoodles and Poodles are considered low-shedding dogs, but low shedding does not mean low maintenance. Most of these dogs need consistent brushing to keep tangles and mats from forming, and in many cases, a professional grooming appointment every six to eight weeks helps keep their coat in good shape.
Poodle coats tend to be more predictable in texture. Bernedoodle coats can range from wavy to tightly curled, which means grooming needs can vary slightly from dog to dog.
We always tell families the same thing — if you want the low-shedding coat, grooming is part of the deal. There’s really no way around that.
Smarts & Listening Skills are Both High for Bernedoodles & Poodles
Poodles are incredibly trainable. They pick up commands quickly and often enjoy the learning process itself. For experienced dog owners or families interested in advanced training, that can be a huge advantage.
Bernedoodles are also intelligent, but they sometimes inherit a bit of the Bernese stubbornness. They learn well with positive reinforcement and consistency, but they may not have the same intense drive to work that a Poodle does.
For first-time dog owners, this can actually be a positive. Bernedoodles often feel a little more forgiving when mistakes happen during training.
Health Factors and Responsible Breeding
Both Bernedoodles and Poodles can be healthy dogs when bred responsibly. Health testing of parent dogs is essential, regardless of breed.
Bernedoodles typically live around 12–15 years, depending on size and overall health, while Poodles often have a slightly longer average lifespan of 12–18 years, with smaller Poodles generally living the longest.
Poodles can be prone to conditions such as hip dysplasia, eye disorders, and certain autoimmune issues. Bernedoodles may inherit health concerns seen in Bernese Mountain
Dogs, including joint issues or certain genetic conditions, which is why careful breeding and testing are so important.
The biggest factor isn’t whether you choose a Bernedoodle or a Poodle — it’s choosing a breeder who prioritizes health, temperament, and long-term soundness over trends.
Predictability vs Personality
One advantage of a purebred Poodle is predictability. Temperament, coat type, and energy level are generally consistent within the breed standard.
Bernedoodles offer something a little different. You often get a blend of traits that creates a very family-friendly personality, but there can be more variation from one dog to another.
This is where thoughtful family matching becomes important. Matching a puppy’s temperament to a family’s lifestyle often matters more than the label attached to the breed.
What Is the Lineage of a Bernedoodle?
A Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, created to combine the Bernese’s calm, affectionate nature with the intelligence and lower-shedding coat of the Poodle.
Because they are a mix, personality, coat type, and energy level can vary from dog to dog, which makes responsible breeding and thoughtful puppy matching especially important. Bernedoodles come in several sizes, including mini and standard, depending on the size of the Poodle parent.
Where Did Poodles Come From?
Poodles are often misunderstood. They were originally bred in Germany. While many people associate them with show grooming, they were actually bred as working water retrievers.
Bernedoodle vs Poodle: Which Dog Is the Better Fit?
In simple terms:
A Poodle may be the better fit if you want a highly trainable, active dog that enjoys mental challenges and structured activity.
A Bernedoodle may be the better fit if you want an affectionate, family-oriented dog with a slightly more relaxed personality.
Families with young children often lean toward Bernedoodles for their softer temperament. Owners who enjoy training and activity-based bonding often fall in love with Poodles.
It’s About Getting the Right Dog or Puppy Match Based on Personality
At the end of the day, both Bernedoodles and Poodles are wonderful dogs when placed in the right homes. The goal shouldn’t be finding the “better” breed — it should be finding the dog that is a great match.
The truth is, the best dog is the one whose temperament, energy level, and needs match what your family can realistically provide. When that alignment happens, everything just clicks. And that’s really what everyone is hoping for in the first place.
Authored by the JLDD Team
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