Compare · Doodles
Aussiedoodle vs Bernedoodle: Which Is Right for You?
These two Poodle crosses often turn up on the same shortlist because both come in eye-catching colors. In daily life they're very different dogs: the Aussiedoodle is a busy, brainy herder, and the Bernedoodle is a calmer, cuddlier companion.
The short answer
Pick an Aussiedoodle if you're an active owner who enjoys training and can provide lots of exercise and mental work every day. Pick a Bernedoodle if you want a more relaxed family dog and are prepared for some stubbornness and the Bernese side's health and lifespan questions. If your days are busy and your evenings quiet, the Bernedoodle is usually the easier match.
| Aussiedoodle | Bernedoodle | |
|---|---|---|
| Cross | Australian Shepherd × Poodle | Bernese Mountain Dog × Poodle |
| Adult weight | 15–70 lb | 10–90 lb |
| Height | 12–23 in | 12–29 in |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years | 9–14 years |
| Puppy price (US) | $1,500–$4,000 | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Energy | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Good with kids | ||
| Copes when left alone | ||
| Apartment-friendly |
Temperament
The Aussiedoodle is usually intense, smart and work-focused, while the Bernedoodle is usually easygoing and affectionate.
The Aussiedoodle inherits the Australian Shepherd's herding drive and sharp intelligence. Many are loyal to their family, watchful with strangers and happiest with a job to do. Without enough stimulation they can become anxious or destructive.
The Bernedoodle gets the Bernese Mountain Dog's gentle, steady nature. Most are sweet, cuddly and devoted, if a bit silly at home. They're generally less reactive to movement and noise than herding breeds, though young Bernedoodles still have plenty of energy.
Size
Both come in mini and standard sizes, and the facts table above shows typical ranges. Standard Bernedoodles are generally noticeably heavier and bulkier than standard Aussiedoodles.
An Aussiedoodle is typically a medium, athletic dog with a lighter build. A standard Bernedoodle is a large, solid dog. Mini versions of both are common. As with any early-generation cross, size can vary within a litter, and the puppy weight calculator can help you estimate adult size as your puppy grows.
Coat & shedding
Either can be low-shedding, but both Australian Shepherds and Bernese Mountain Dogs shed heavily, so generation matters and neither is hypoallergenic.
- F1 dogs may shed noticeably.
- F1b and multigenerational dogs are more likely to have curly, low-shedding coats.
Aussiedoodles are popular for merle coats (blue merle, red merle) and sometimes have blue or odd-colored eyes. Bernedoodles are known for tri-color black, white and rust. Both coats need brushing several times a week and a professional groom every 6 to 8 weeks.
A note on merle: breeding two merle dogs together can produce puppies with serious hearing and sight problems. A responsible Aussiedoodle breeder never pairs two merles and can explain their parents' genetics.
Energy & training
Aussiedoodles need a lot more exercise and mental work than Bernedoodles. This is the most important difference between the two.
An Aussiedoodle typically needs well over an hour of activity a day, plus training, puzzle toys or a dog sport such as agility. A Bernedoodle adult is usually content with daily walks and play, and its mountain-dog heritage makes it less tolerant of heat.
Aussiedoodles are usually very quick learners, which is great for training and also means they pick up bad habits fast. Herding behavior such as nipping at heels or chasing bikes needs early management. Bernedoodles are smart but can be stubborn and need patience and short, positive sessions. Both benefit from early socialization and solid leash training.
Health
Both share the Poodle's risks, and each adds its own parent's concerns. Lifespan tends to favor the Aussiedoodle; see the table above.
- Shared: hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and ear infections.
- Australian Shepherd side: epilepsy, hereditary cataracts, collie eye anomaly, and the MDR1 gene mutation, which causes sensitivity to some common medications.
- Bernese side: a high rate of cancers such as histiocytic sarcoma, degenerative myelopathy, von Willebrand disease and bloat.
- Poodle side: Addison's disease, sebaceous adenitis and epilepsy.
Ask either breeder for OFA hip and elbow results and an eye exam on both parents. For Aussiedoodles, also ask for MDR1, hereditary cataract and collie eye anomaly DNA results. For Bernedoodles, ask about degenerative myelopathy testing and the longevity of the Bernese line.
Cost
Both are premium doodles, and the table above shows typical puppy prices. Merle Aussiedoodles and well-marked tri-color Bernedoodles often cost the most.
A large Bernedoodle costs more to feed and groom than a medium Aussiedoodle. An Aussiedoodle may cost more in training classes, dog sports or daycare to keep it busy. Avoid any breeder who charges extra for rare colors without health testing, and never buy without meeting the mother.
Families & living situations
The Aussiedoodle suits active, outdoorsy families, experienced owners and people who want a dog for hiking, running or dog sports. The Bernedoodle suits families who want a gentle, affectionate companion and a slower pace.
An under-exercised Aussiedoodle is hard to live with in an apartment. Mini Bernedoodles adapt more easily, though they still need daily walks. Neither does well left alone for long days. Read the full Aussiedoodle and Bernedoodle profiles, or compare the Bernedoodle with another fluffy cross in Bernedoodle vs Sheepadoodle.