Which type of doodle is right for you?

Ashley Lyons
May 8
6 min read

Which Doodle is Right for You? Goldendoodle vs. Bernedoodle Puppies

Haven's Doodles primarily breeds goldendoodles and bernedoodles because they are my favorite of the personality types of all the doodles for the area I live in. I've been breeding for over 5 years now, and I just know how happy my families are that get these puppies. My goal is to always provide each family a new best friend for many years to come. We carefully consider each of these details before we match pairs for breeding. Breeds like Aussiedoodles or labradoodles need more land and jobs to keep them busy, so I just don't feel that they are the best fit for Eastern Virginia families lifestlyes. So I've chosen these two breeds to focus on, because they are the best!

Doodle dogs, with their perfect coats and charming personalities, have captured the hearts of families worldwide. Among the most popular are Goldendoodles (Golden Retriever x Poodle) and Bernedoodles (Bernese Mountain Dog x Poodle). Both breeds bring unique traits, making them wonderful companions, but which one is the perfect fit for your home? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the characteristics, care needs, and quirks of Goldendoodle and Bernedoodle puppies to help you decide. Plus, we’ll share expert tips on training, grooming, health, and raising these adorable doodles to be lifelong family members.

Meet the Goldendoodle: The Playful, Golden-Hearted Companion

Goldendoodles are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, blending the Retriever’s friendly, outgoing nature with the Poodle’s intelligence and low-shedding coat. Available in standard, medium, and mini sizes (depending on the Poodle parent), Goldendoodles are versatile and adapt well to various lifestyles.

Key Traits of Goldendoodles

Temperament: Affectionate, social, and eager to please. Goldendoodles love people, other pets, and even strangers, making them ideal for families or social households.
Energy Level: Moderate to high. They enjoy playtime, walks, and activities like fetch or agility training.
Size:
- Mini: 15–35 lbs
- Medium: 35–50 lbs
- Standard: 50–90 lbs
Coat: Wavy to curly, low-shedding (though not completely hypoallergenic). Colors include cream, gold, apricot, and red.
Lifespan: 10–15 years

Why Choose a Goldendoodle?

Goldendoodles are perfect for active families, first-time dog owners, or those seeking a dog that thrives on human interaction. Their intelligence makes them highly trainable, and their playful demeanor keeps life fun. They’re also a great choice if you want a dog that can adapt to apartment living or a spacious home with a yard.

Meet the Bernedoodle: The Gentle, Loyal Mountain Buddy

Bernedoodles combine the Bernese Mountain Dog’s calm, loyal nature with the Poodle’s smarts and low-shedding coat. Known for their striking tri-color coats (black, white, and brown), Bernedoodles come in standard, mini, and tiny sizes, offering options for different living situations.

Key Traits of Bernedoodles

Temperament: Gentle, loyal, and slightly more reserved than Goldendoodles. Bernedoodles form strong bonds with their families and can be protective.
Energy Level: Moderate. They enjoy outdoor activities but are also content lounging at home.
Size:
- Tiny: 10–24 lbs
- Mini: 25–49 lbs
- Standard: 50–90 lbs
Coat: Wavy to curly, low-shedding. Tri-color patterns are common, though solid colors like black or brown appear too.
Lifespan: 12–18 years (smaller sizes tend to live longer)

Why Choose a Bernedoodle?

Bernedoodles are ideal for families seeking a calmer, more laid-back doodle with a touch of protectiveness. They’re great for colder climates due to their Bernese heritage and suit owners who enjoy a mix of outdoor adventures and cozy nights in. Their loyal nature makes them excellent for those wanting a devoted companion.

Comparing Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles: Which Fits Your Lifestyle?

To help you decide, let’s break down the key differences:

Feature	Goldendoodle	Bernedoodle
Personality	Outgoing, social, eager to please	Gentle, loyal, slightly reserved
Energy Level	High, loves playtime and activities	Moderate, enjoys both activity and relaxing
Ideal Home	Active families, social households	Calmer homes, families wanting loyalty
Size Range	Mini to standard (15–90 lbs)	Tiny to standard (10–90 lbs)
Grooming Needs	Regular brushing, professional grooming	Regular brushing, professional grooming
Climate Preference	Adaptable to most climates	Prefers cooler climates
Trainability	Highly trainable, quick learners	Trainable, but may be slightly stubborn

Lifestyle Considerations

Active and Social? Choose a Goldendoodle. Their high energy and love for people make them perfect for busy households, dog parks, or frequent outings.
Calm and Cozy? Choose a Bernedoodle. Their relaxed demeanor suits quieter homes or owners who enjoy a balance of adventure and downtime.
Allergies? Both breeds are low-shedding, but no dog is 100% hypoallergenic.
Space? Mini or tiny sizes of either breed work well in apartments, while standard sizes need more room to roam.

Expert Tips for Raising a Happy Doodle Puppy

Whether you choose a Goldendoodle or Bernedoodle, proper care is key to raising a healthy, well-behaved companion. Here’s how to set your puppy up for success:

1. Training Tips

Start Early: Begin socialization and basic commands (sit, stay, come) at 8–12 weeks. Goldendoodles often pick up commands quickly, while Bernedoodles may need consistent reinforcement.
Positive Reinforcement: Use treats, praise, and play to reward good behavior. Both breeds respond well to encouragement.
Crate Training: Helps with housebreaking and provides a safe space. Introduce the crate as a positive place with toys and treats.
Socialization: Expose your puppy to new people, pets, and environments to build confidence. Goldendoodles thrive on social interaction, while Bernedoodles benefit from gradual exposure to avoid shyness. Haven's Doodles always socializes our puppies from an early ages to insure they are use to children and new people. With 5 kids and a bunch of friends and neighbors the meet a whole variety of people between 4-8 weeks. We live on 2 acres of land, so the puppies have plenty of space to roam and play outside, as well as lots of playtime while the kids are all over the house being noisy and active. Then they head right back to safe warm mama to rest. This sets them up to learn the world is safe even if its new.

2. Grooming Needs

Brushing: Brush 3–4 times a week to prevent matting, especially for curly coats. Use a slicker brush and detangling spray.
Professional Grooming: Schedule grooming every 6–8 weeks for trims, baths, and ear cleaning. Regular grooming keeps their coat healthy and reduces shedding.
Ear Care: Doodles are prone to ear infections due to floppy ears. Clean ears weekly with a vet-approved solution.
Nail Trimming: Trim nails monthly or as needed to prevent discomfort.

3. Health Care

Vet Checkups: Schedule regular vet visits, especially during the first year, for vaccinations, deworming, and health screenings.
Genetic Testing: We genetically test all of our breeding dogs to make sure we are not passing on any genentic diseases that could shorten your puppies quality of life!
Spay/Neuter: Discuss timing with your vet, typically between 6–12 months, to promote long-term health.

4. Nutrition

Puppy Food: Feed high-quality puppy food formulated for medium to large breeds. Look for protein-rich options with no artificial fillers. We recommend Pawtree or TLC. Ask for my details of why!
Portion Control: Follow feeding guidelines based on your puppy’s size and age to prevent obesity. Mini doodles need less food than standards. Overfeeding is a lot for their bodies to process, which can take a toll on their health longterm.
Treats: Use healthy treats like carrots or small training treats to avoid overfeeding.
Hydration: Ensure constant access to fresh water, especially after playtime.

5. Exercise and Play

Goldendoodles: Need 30–60 minutes of daily exercise, like walks, fetch, or swimming. Mental stimulation (puzzle toys, training) keeps them engaged.
Bernedoodles: Require 20–40 minutes of activity, such as walks or light hikes. They enjoy low-key play like tug-of-war.
Playdates: Both breeds love interacting with other dogs, so dog parks or playdates are great for socialization.

Bringing Your Doodle Home: Building a Lifelong Bond

Welcoming a Goldendoodle or Bernedoodle into your family is the start of a beautiful journey. Here’s how to make the transition smooth:

Puppy-Proof Your Home: Remove hazards like cords, toxic plants, and small objects.
Create a Routine: Establish consistent feeding, potty, and play schedules to help your puppy feel secure.
Bond Through Play: Spend quality time with games, cuddles, and training to build trust.
Be Patient: Puppies take time to learn. Celebrate small victories and stay consistent.

Which Doodle is Your Match?

Goldendoodle if you want a bubbly, social dog who loves adventure and thrives in active, outgoing households.
Bernedoodle if you prefer a loyal, gentle companion who enjoys a mix of outdoor fun and cozy relaxation.

No matter which doodle you choose, you’re in for a lifetime of love, laughter, and wagging tails. Ready to find your furry friend?

Have a doodle story or question? Share it with us! And for more tips on raising your Goldendoodle or Bernedoodle, follow our blog for updates on training, grooming, and doodle adventures.