Bernedoodle vs Aussiedoodle
Overview
Bernedoodle vs Aussiedoodle: The Quick Answer
Both are popular Doodle hybrid breeds. The decisive practical differences: energy level (Aussiedoodle is significantly more energetic), temperament with kids (Bernedoodle is famously gentle; Aussiedoodle can be nippy due to herding instinct), size (Standard Bernedoodles are heavier - typically 66+ lbs by breeder estimates, vs 45-70 lbs for a Standard Aussiedoodle), and signature look (Bernedoodle's tri-color vs Aussiedoodle's merle).
Last updated May 2026 - by Kailun Zhang
Quick Answers
5 Questions Most People Ask First
Short answers to the questions most people ask before comparing these two:
Q: Which is calmer?
A: Bernedoodle, clearly. Bernese contributes calm temperament; Aussie contributes herding-breed energy.
Q: Which is smarter?
A: Both are bright. Their shared Poodle parent ranks #2 in Stanley Coren’s working-intelligence list (Bernese #22, Australian Shepherd #42); in practice Aussiedoodles are busier and need more daily mental work.
Q: Which is better with kids?
A: Bernedoodle, generally, for homes with toddlers. Aussiedoodles can be nippy at running children (herding instinct), though many do well with older kids.
Q: Which sheds less?
A: Both shed similarly when bred from F1B or multigen lines. F1 puppies can shed more.
Q: Which lives in an apartment better?
A: Bernedoodle Mini. Aussiedoodles need 60-120 min daily exercise plus mental work.
Side by Side
Specs Compared
| Attribute | Bernedoodle | Aussiedoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Parent breeds | Bernese Mountain Dog x Poodle | Australian Shepherd x Poodle |
| Size (Standard) | 66+ lbs, 22-29 in (breeder estimate) | 45-70 lbs, 18-23 in (estimate) |
| Lifespan | 10-15 yrs; smaller sizes often longer (breeder estimates) | 12-15 years (estimate) |
| Signature coloring | Tri-color (black + white + rust) | Merle (blue or red) most iconic |
| Energy level | Low-moderate - calmer | High - more active |
| Trainability | Easy - sometimes stubborn | Easy - very eager and clever |
| Family-friendliness | Excellent - gentle with kids | Excellent - but more nippy/herdy |
| Main health risks | Cancer (Bernese side), hip/elbow dysplasia | MDR1, hip dysplasia, cataracts, double-merle risk |
| Cost (reputable) | $2,500-$5,500 | $1,800-$4,500 |
| Best for | Calm families with young kids | Active families with school-age kids |
Personality
Temperament: Gentle Giant vs Working Brain
Bernedoodle: gentle, patient, calmer-paced
Bernedoodles inherit Bernese Mountain Dog's calm demeanor. Notably gentle with young children, less reactive to noise.
Aussiedoodle: smart, agile, herding-driven
Aussiedoodles inherit Australian Shepherd working drive and intelligence. They learn faster, excel at agility, but herd children (nipping at heels of running kids).
Health
Health: Hybrid Vigor With Different Specific Risks
Bernedoodle-specific
Cancer risk from Bernese side. Addison's disease from Poodle side. Sebaceous adenitis.
Aussiedoodle-specific
MDR1 mutation (drug sensitivity, DNA testable) - critical. Collie Eye Anomaly. Double-merle risk in puppies from poorly-bred litters.
Personal Take
What I'd Tell a Friend Choosing Between These Two
A first-time owner's take
If you're choosing between these two and have young children, get the Bernedoodle. Aussiedoodles are wonderful dogs for school-age kids who can play structured games and don't trigger herding instincts with random running and screaming. With toddlers, the Aussiedoodle's herding nips - even when 'just play' - become a real management challenge.
If you don't have kids and want a smart agility partner, Aussiedoodle wins. Match the dog to the actual household activity level, not the look you want.
Common Mistakes
Mistake Index: Buyer Errors to Avoid
These are buyer mistakes that come up repeatedly in owner forums and rescue intake stories. Knowing them ahead of time is the cheapest way to avoid years of regret.
Mistakes new Bernedoodle owners often make
- Buying F1 without understanding shedding lottery. F1 Bernedoodles get one set of coat genes from each parent, so shedding varies from puppy to puppy. F1B and multigen litters are more likely to be low-shedding, but no generation guarantees it.
- Not asking about cancer history from Bernese side. Bernese have one of the highest cancer rates of any breed. Ask for longevity history of Bernese grandparents.
- Assuming a registry or badge means health testing. No kennel club sets health-testing standards for Bernedoodles, so ask to see both parents’ OFA and DNA results yourself.
- Underestimating Standard size at maturity. Standard Bernedoodles typically reach 66 lbs or more (breeder estimate). Budget for large-breed food and vet costs.
- Not committing to professional grooming. Coats mat severely without professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.
Mistakes new Aussiedoodle owners often make
- Buying from a merle-to-merle breeding. Double-merle puppies are at high risk of deafness and eye defects. Reputable breeders never breed two merles together.
- Underestimating the energy requirement. Aussiedoodles need 60-120 min intense daily exercise plus mental work.
- Apartment living without exercise commitment. A 2-bedroom apartment and one daily walk often leads to a frustrated, destructive dog.
- Not asking about MDR1 testing. The MDR1 mutation can cause severe, sometimes fatal reactions to some common veterinary drugs, including ivermectin and loperamide. DNA test on both parents is essential.
- Buying for 'smart dog' without committing to mental work. Smart dogs without jobs find their own jobs, often destructive ones.
Breeder Vetting
How to Vet a Breeder for Either Doodle
Both breeds have committed reputable breeders and a wide pool of backyard breeders with no health testing. The questions below separate the two.
Ask any Bernedoodle breeder
- OFA hip and elbow certificates for both parents.
- OFA cardiac clearance on both parents.
- Longevity history of Bernese grandparents - past age 9?
- DM DNA test on the Bernese parent and vWD DNA test on the Poodle parent?
- Which generation is the puppy (F1, F1B, F2, multigen)?
Ask any Aussiedoodle breeder
- OFA hip and elbow certificates for both parents.
- MDR1 DNA test results on both parents.
- Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) DNA test on the Aussie parent.
- What are the coat colors of both parents? (No merle-to-merle breeding.)
- Do you start socialization, crate exposure at 4 weeks?
Red flags - walk away if you see any of these
- Breeds merle-to-merle Aussiedoodles (double-merle puppies at high risk of deafness and eye defects).
- Markets "rare merle" at premium prices.
- Multiple Doodle varieties on offer simultaneously.
- Will not share OFA database links.
- Claims puppies are "hypoallergenic" without explaining F1 coat variability.
- Sells puppies before 8 weeks old.
Cost
Cost: Bernedoodle Slightly Higher
| Attribute | Bernedoodle | Aussiedoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy (reputable) | $2,500-$5,500 | $1,800-$4,500 |
| First-year total | $5,200-$10,600 | $4,000-$7,500 |
| Annual ongoing | $2,400-$4,200 | $2,200-$3,800 |
Prices are typical U.S. breeder ranges and vary widely by region and breeder.
Decision
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Bernedoodle if you...
Want a calmer Doodle. Have young children. Prefer tri-color look. Live in cool climate.
Choose Aussiedoodle if you...
Want smart, agile companion for active outdoor life. Have school-age children. Love merle look. Can commit to 60-120 min daily exercise + mental work.
Compare with related options
See also Sheepadoodle vs Bernedoodle, Bernedoodle vs Goldendoodle, or Best Doodle Breeds for Families.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for first-time owners? +
Bernedoodle, slightly. Calmer temperament is more forgiving.
Are merle Aussiedoodles healthy? +
Single-merle Aussiedoodles are generally healthy. The risk is merle-to-merle breeding, which produces ~25% double-merle puppies at high risk of deafness and eye defects.
Do Bernedoodles really live longer than Bernese? +
Yes, by breeder estimates. Bernedoodles typically live 10-15 years (smaller sizes often longer), versus 7-10 years for the Bernese Mountain Dog (AKC).
What's the difference between F1, F1B, and multigen? +
F1 = 50% Poodle, variable coats. F1B = 75% Poodle, more likely low-shedding (not guaranteed). Multigen = third-gen+, most consistent.
What about Sheepadoodle or Goldendoodle instead? +
Both worth considering. See Sheepadoodle vs Bernedoodle and doodle comparison.
