Mini Bernedoodle vs Mini Aussiedoodle: Which One To Choose
- JennaLeeDesignerDoodles
- 18 minutes ago
- 5 min read
If you’ve been researching doodles for any length of time, you’ve probably come across both the Mini Bernedoodle and the Mini Aussiedoodle. On paper, they look pretty similar.
Both are intelligent, low-shedding mixes. Both are family-friendly. Both come in a manageable size compared to their standard counterparts.
But here’s the thing — these two dogs often fit very different types of homes.
One of the biggest mistakes we see families make is choosing a puppy based mostly on looks. Cute photos are easy to fall in love with. Living with a dog’s personality and energy level for the next 12–15 years is the part that really matters.
As professionals who breed and raise dogs, we don't see either one as better than the other. The real question is which dog matches your lifestyle.
Mini Bernedoodle vs Mini Aussiedoodle: Quick Comparison
Trait | Mini Bernedoodle | Mini Aussiedoodle |
Energy Level | Moderate | High |
Trainability | Eager but relaxed | Extremely fast learner |
Temperament | Gentle, affectionate | Alert, driven |
Exercise Needs | Moderate daily activity | High physical + mental exercise |
First-Time Owner Fit | Often easier | Can be challenging |
Family Lifestyle Fit | Relaxed to moderately active | Very active households |
What You're Getting with a Mini Bernedoodle
A Mini Bernedoodle is a mix between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Miniature Poodle. The goal behind the mix is to combine the Bernese’s calm, affectionate nature with the intelligence and lower-shedding coat of the Poodle.
In general, Mini Bernedoodles tend to be:
Very people-oriented
Affectionate and gentle
Moderately active
Happy to relax once their exercise needs are met
Many families are drawn to Mini Bernedoodles because they often have an “off switch.”
They enjoy walks and playtime, but they’re also content hanging out with their people at home. That balance makes them appealing for families who want a companion dog rather than a high-performance athlete.
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What You're Getting with a Mini Aussiedoodle
A Mini Aussiedoodle is a mix between an Australian Shepherd and a Miniature Poodle. Australian Shepherds were originally bred as herding dogs, and that working background shows up strongly in many Aussiedoodles.
Typical Mini Aussiedoodle traits include:
High intelligence
Strong desire to work or stay busy
High energy levels
Quick learning and problem-solving ability
These dogs often thrive when they have a job to do. That might mean advanced training, agility, hiking, or regular structured activity. For active households, this can be a great match. For more relaxed homes, it can feel like trying to keep up with a dog that never runs out of gas.
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Good Fit vs Poor Fit: Real-Life Examples
Lifestyle | Better Fit |
Apartment or lower activity home | Mini Bernedoodle |
Hiking, running, or dog sports | Mini Aussiedoodle |
First-time dog owner | Mini Bernedoodle |
Wants a highly trainable working partner | Mini Aussiedoodle |
Family wanting calmer companion | Mini Bernedoodle |
Very active single or couple | Mini Aussiedoodle |
Behavior Differences: Calm Companion vs High-Drive Partner
This is where the biggest differences show up.
Mini Bernedoodles tend to lean toward the softer, more easygoing side. They usually want to be near their people and are happy to follow the flow of the household. While they still need exercise and training, they often settle more easily inside the home.
Mini Aussiedoodles, on the other hand, often have a stronger drive. The herding influence can make them more alert and more sensitive to movement and activity around them. Some will try to “organize” kids or other pets simply because that instinct is part of their wiring.
Neither temperament is wrong — but they feel very different day to day. Families looking for a calmer companion often find the Bernedoodle to be a better fit, while highly active owners may love the energy and responsiveness of an Aussiedoodle.
Mini Bernedoodle vs Mini Aussiedoodle: Energy Levels and Exercise Needs
Energy level is one of the most important factors to get right.
Mini Bernedoodles typically do well with daily walks, playtime, and regular interaction. Once those needs are met, many are happy to relax with the family for the rest of the evening.
Mini Aussiedoodles usually need more than just physical exercise. They also need mental stimulation. Training games, puzzle toys, structured activities, or dog sports help keep them balanced. Without enough activity, they may create their own entertainment — and that’s not always something owners enjoy.
It’s also worth noting that smaller size doesn’t automatically mean lower energy. Mini versions can actually be quite energetic, especially when strong Poodle or Australian
Shepherd traits come through.
Each Dogs Size, Coat Type, and Grooming Needs
Both Mini Bernedoodles and Mini Aussiedoodles typically fall in the 25–45 pound range, though size can vary depending on genetics.
Coat types can range from wavy to curly in both breeds, and both are considered low-shedding when bred responsibly.
Regular grooming is part of life with either dog. Most families should expect professional grooming every 6–8 weeks along with regular brushing at home.
In terms of maintenance, neither breed has a major advantage over the other.
Trainability and Smarts
Both of these mixes are highly intelligent, but they learn differently.
Mini Bernedoodles tend to be cooperative learners. They want to please their people and respond well to consistent, positive training.
Mini Aussiedoodles often learn extremely fast — sometimes faster than their owners expect. That intelligence is a double-edged sword. A bored Aussiedoodle may outsmart an inconsistent training routine pretty quickly.
For experienced or very active owners, that intelligence can be incredibly rewarding. For first-time owners, it can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Health Considerations and Responsible Breeding
Both mixes can be healthy dogs when bred responsibly, but each parent breed brings its own health considerations.
Bernese Mountain Dogs can be prone to joint issues and certain cancers, while Australian Shepherds may carry risks such as hip dysplasia, eye conditions, and genetic sensitivities common in herding breeds.
This is why health testing matters so much. Reputable breeders screen parent dogs for genetic conditions and focus on temperament and structure — not just appearance or trends.
In many cases, the quality of the breeder has a bigger impact on long-term health than the specific doodle mix itself.
Which Breed Is Easier for First-Time Dog Owners?
In most cases, Mini Bernedoodles tend to be easier for first-time dog owners. Their temperament is often more forgiving, and they usually adapt well to typical family routines.
Mini Aussiedoodles can absolutely work for first-time owners, but only if the household is prepared for the activity level and training commitment that comes with a high-drive dog.
To put it simply, Aussiedoodles are amazing dogs — but they’re not always the easiest starting point.
How Ethical Breeders Help Families Choose the Right Dog
Good breeders don’t just match families with puppies based on color or coat type. They look at energy level, household activity, experience, and expectations.
Sometimes that means recommending a different puppy — or even a different breed — than what a family originally had in mind. The goal isn’t just sending a puppy home. It’s making sure that puppy fits the family for years to come.
When temperament and lifestyle line up, everything becomes easier. Training goes smoother. The dog settles faster. And families enjoy the experience more.
The Best Doodle Is the One That Matches Your Life
Both Mini Bernedoodles and Mini Aussiedoodles can make incredible companions. The difference comes down to energy, temperament, and what you want daily life with your dog to look like.
If you want a gentle, affectionate dog that balances activity with relaxation, a Mini Bernedoodle is often a great choice. If you want a highly active, incredibly smart partner who thrives on activity and engagement, a Mini Aussiedoodle may be right up your alley.
At the end of the day, the best doodle isn’t the trendiest one — it’s the one that fits naturally into your lifestyle.
Authored by the JLDD Team
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