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Mini Bernedoodles and mini Goldendoodles are both mixed breeds, which means that they can vary a lot. You never know what traits a mixed-breed puppy is going to inherit. They may be like one parent, like the other, or somewhere in between.
A Bernedoodle that took after its mini Poodle parent would be almost identical to a mini Goldendoodle that also took after its poodle parent. However, if the puppies took after the other parent, they would be strikingly different.
That said, these dogs do tend to have certain identifiable traits. While they aren’t nearly as set in stone as purebred dog breeds, their usual traits can help you pick between these two breeds.
Visual Differences
At a Glance
Mini Bernedoodle Overview
The Mini Bernedoodle is a mix between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Miniature Poodle. They’re friendly and have affectionate personalities, for the most part. They often have a low-shedding coat, as well (though not all the time). Because they’re intelligent, they’re often easy to train, too.
Physical Characteristics
Mini Bernedoodles are typically small to medium-sized dogs. They have a height of 18–24 inches and can weigh up to 50 pounds. Therefore, they aren’t always as “mini” as many people consider.
They can come in many different colors, though black, white, and brown are the most common. They also have a range of coat types, and some are not low-shedding. It really depends on what parent they take after.
Temperament
Mini Bernedoodles are often friendly and affectionate. They get along well with children and other pets, especially when socialized properly. They can make great family dogs for this reason.
If they take after their Poodle parent, they will also be intelligent and easy to train. These dogs love to learn new things and demand plenty of mental stimulation. They do best when given a job to do, though. If not mentally stimulated enough, they can become bored and destructive.
Health
As a mixed breed, these dogs are generally healthy. They may experience joint problems, though, especially if they are on the bigger side. Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia can be inherited from their parents. Sometimes, they may also develop eye problems, many of which are genetic.
It’s important to purchase a Bernedoodle from a qualified breeder. Otherwise, they can inherit health conditions from either parent. Only healthy canines that have passed certain health screenings should be bred.
Grooming
These dogs may shed very little, or they may shed a lot. The grooming they need largely depends on their coat type. Some may need to be brushed daily and rarely trimmed. Others may need to be trimmed every few weeks to keep their coat in check. It all depends on what parent they take after.
Either way, these dogs do have significant grooming needs. Plan on spending some time daily taking care of their coat, and be prepared to spend money on professional grooming.
Activity Needs
Mini Bernedoodles are often active dogs. They require a significant amount of exercise and do best in active families for this reason. However, they do only need about 60 minutes of exercise a day, which is less than some other breeds.
Plus, these dogs are sometimes smaller, allowing them to meet their exercise needs in smaller spaces. Either way, you should plan on taking these canines on daily walks (at the bare minimum).
Training
The mini Bernedoodle is relatively easy to train usually. They’re intelligent and eager to please, so they can often learn a variety of tasks with ease. They’re fine for new dog owners, though you should plan on spending a considerable amount of time training them.
Suitable For:
If you’re looking for a friendly, hands-on dog, the mini Bernedoodle may be a good choice. They may be cute and fluffy, but they are not lapdogs. They need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Many people underestimate how much time these dogs require each day.
These canines are best for active families who don’t mind spending an hour a day exercising them. Training is pretty straightforward, so experience isn’t necessary.
Mini Goldendoodle Overview
Mini Goldendoodles are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Miniature Poodle. They’re fairly similar to mini Bernedoodles, as they do share one parent. They’re often known for their friendly nature and low-shedding coat. However, just like any mixed breed, their traits can vary a lot.
Physical Characteristics
These dogs are often a bit smaller than mini Bernedoodles. They weigh between 15–35 pounds and are 13–20 inches in height. Their coats can vary a lot. Some will have straight fur that sheds considerably, while others will have a wavy or curly coat. It really just depends on the traits they inherit.
Their color can vary a lot, too. They may be red, caramel, gold, cream, or apricot, as well as a variety of other colors.
Temperament
Temperament is partially genetic. However, how you raise the dog is important, too. Typically, these dogs are rather friendly when properly socialized. They can get along well with other children and pets, and they are relatively easy to train, thanks to their intelligence.
In many cases, their temperament matches what most families are looking for in a companion dog.
Health
Like most mixed breeds, the mini Goldendoodle is pretty healthy. They can have the same health problems as their parent breeds, though. Usually, these include joint issues and eye problems, both of which have genetic factors.
It’s important to adopt these dogs from qualified breeders who do genetic testing before breeding. Dogs with genetic eye and joint problems shouldn’t be bred. Luckily, there are tests that can help pick out many of these issues early in a dog’s life, preventing unhealthy puppies from being born.
Grooming
As you may expect, the mini Goldendoodle has a decently high grooming need. While their coat type can vary, they’ll almost always need daily brushing. For those with straight fur, this daily brushing helps remove dead fur. For dogs with curly hair, it helps prevent tangles. You’ll need to choose a brush that works well for your dog’s coat type.
In many cases, these dogs need the occasional trim. For some dogs, you may be able to go months without professional grooming. However, for others, you may need to get them trimmed every 6 weeks.
Activity Needs
Both the Poodle and Golden Retriever are pretty active dogs, so you can expect this mixed breed to be pretty active, too. They usually need at least an hour of exercise every day. Daily walks are recommended, and you should also consider playing fetch or doing another active activity every day, too.
Training
Because these dogs are intelligent, they’re pretty easy to train. Often, they’re eager to please and want to make their owners happy, so they tend to follow their owner’s commands in real-world settings, too. They can often be trained to do a variety of tasks.
They do well in obedience and agility competitions. Mini Goldendoodles require quite a bit of mental stimulation, though. Therefore, they don’t do well when left at home alone for long periods, as they can easily become bored.
Suitable For:
These dogs are often a good choice for active families. They’re a great choice for families with kids of all ages as long as they are socialized properly. They’re pretty active, though, so families that are mostly looking for a cuddly lapdog won’t find the pet they need here.
Mini Goldendoodles are often a good choice for new dog owners as long as they are prepared for the amount of work these dogs need.
Which Breed is Right for You?
Both these breeds are a great choice, and it depends largely on what you are looking for and your current life situation. Both of these dogs require a lot of work, are good with children, and tend to be friendly.
Mini Goldendoodles tend to be slightly smaller than mini Bernedoodles. However, sizing can vary. Goldendoodles may also be more energetic and playful, while Bernedoodles are often calmer.
That said, because these are a mixed breed, you never quite know what you’re going to get. If you’re looking for a very particular kind of dog, a purebred is often a better option. They tend to have their traits more set in stone than a mixed breed, which can inherit traits from either parent.
Featured Image Credit: Top – JasonYoder, Shutterstock | Bottom – Marcello Sgarlato, Shutterstock
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