If you are like me, you might like a large breed. There is nothing like having a large dog as a companion. They are loving and gentle in ways that most small dogs aren’t. Two of the largest Doodle breeds are the Bernedoodle and Pyredoodle. Both of these dogs are fantastic family pets. So, it makes it so much harder to choose between the two. Here, we are comparing a Bernedoodle vs Pyredoodle. Hopefully, by the end of this page, you will have a better understanding of which one is right for you.
Origins of bernedoodle vs Pyredoodle
- The most significant way these two Doodles are different is breeding. While all Doodles share one common ancestor, half of their makeup comes elsewhere. This other half makes them unique.
- Bernedoodles are half Bernese Mountain Dog. The Bernese Mountain Dog has impeccable breeding to be farm dogs. Their large size was for herding cattle and pulling carts. They made excellent guard dogs and loyal companions. Back in 2003, Swissridge Kennels bred the first Bernedoodle. They created them to be the perfect hypoallergenic companion for everyone.
- Pyredoodles are a hybrid of Poodle and the Great Pyrenees. They were also a farm dog that herd sheep. Most Pyrenees are white so that farmers could easily see them when they chased off wolves. The Pyrenees is a hard worker and almost completely nocturnal by nature. A lot of these characteristics were passed on the Pyredoodle when they bred in the 80s’.
Temperaments
- The temperament of a dog is what a dog is like by nature, not by condition. Temperaments are carefully bred for and do not stray away with good breeding. While every dog will have a different personality, temperaments don’t change.
- Bernedoodles are known for their silly demeanors and loyalty. They have such a strong love for their owners that it is unbreakable. They are known for their high intelligence and calm persona. When you own a Bernedoodle, there will never be a dull moment.
- Pyredoodles are shy by nature, but an excellent judge of character. If your Pyredoodle doesn’t like someone, it’s for a good reason. They are a very calm breed for their size and also very gentle.
- Both of these breeds are great with children despite their size. They know how to control themselves and move in ways not to harm young ones. They also both make excellent guard dogs with their herding origins. No one will want to mess with a house with a giant like these two.
Intelligence And Training
Both the Bernedoodle and Pyredoodle are known to be very intelligent. Since both have hunting and herding backgrounds, it makes it easier for them to learn new commands. And since they are so eager to please, they will try their hardest to learn things fast for praise. They both have excellent focusing skills and genuinely enjoy learning.
- You will want to give them tasks throughout the day. Even if you are not in a training session, their life can feel meaningless without it. Giving them multiple puzzles, toys, and treats to focus on throughout the day keeps their minds sharp. This high intelligence can also lead to separation anxieties. These dogs are very social and need to have interaction for most of the day.
Energy Levels of bernedoodle vs Pyredoodle
- Bernedoodles need lots of daily activities to keep them busy and burn off energy. A Bernedoodle puppy may need a couple of walks a day to keep them satisfied. They love to play, move around, and explore. And while they do calm down some when they mature, this can take up to 3 years. Even then, they will need to have at least a one-hour long walk a day.
- Pyredoodles are considered moderate for activity levels. Once they mature, they can become at risk for obesity. Pyredoodle puppies need to have regular walks and playtime to keep them moving. And, you may find in their old age you have to encourage them to get moving. They will need to give them at least one walk a day to keep them in shape.
Coat Types
- One of the biggest draws to Doodles is that they are hypoallergenic. Their coats have minimal shedding, and some don’t shed at all.
- A Bernedoodle can have either a curly, wavy, or straight coat type. The curlier their fur is, the less it will shed. They typically come in an assortment of colors ranging from black to brown to white. These colors can come in a variety of combinations and markings.
- Pyredoodles come in a variety of cream, black, white, and brown. They usually have a wavy to straight coat that is very thick and wooly. You can even get an F1B cross that would have a curlier coat if you prefer, though these are not as common.
Grooming
- Grooming both of these Doodles can be somewhat of a task. Since their fur is so thick, it is prone to become matted. You will need to brush them every day to keep this from happening. You will also need to purchase in an assortment of brushes and combs in case a mat does start to form.
- In addition to daily brushing, it is vital to take your dog to a groomer every 6-12 weeks. Since they do not shed, their hair will need to groom. These grooming appointments can get expensive, but they are well worth it. A well-trained groomer will be able to give an all-over groom and bath and be able to keep up with the health of their coats.
- When you start brushing and grooming at younger ages, it sets your dog up for a lifetime of success. They will be well trained on how to act during these times, and it can be a great bonding process.
Size And Lifespan
- When you look at a Bernedoodle puppy, you may not realize just how big they can get. A standard Bernedoodle can reach over 90 pounds. It is hard to imagine such a cute thing growing up that large. But, if you want miniature Doodle breeds, take a look at the tiny and mini Bernedoodle. Tinies only get 10-24 pounds, which isn’t bad for apartments or small yards. Minis get 25-49 pounds, which is a great in-between of the standard and tiny.
- Pyredoodles are no better, topping off at 100 pounds; these are truly gentle giants. Unfortunately, the mini Pyredoodle is still something that breeders are experimenting with. Some breeders may offer these smaller puppies, but it is impossible to guarantee a weight. Also, we wary of breeders selling off runts or genetically disabled Pyredoodle puppies as minis.
- data-preserver-spaces=”true”>Bernedoodles have a considerably longer lifespan of 12-18 years. With smaller Bernedoodles live longer than larger breeds. But, the Pyredoodle only has a lifespan of 10-12 years by comparison.
Medical Concerns of bernedoodle vs Pyredoodle
It is essential to be aware of all medical conditions that your breed is prone to. This can help you look for early signs and talk with your breeder about genetic testing on breeding pairs. You will want to pick a dog that has a low probability of developing these diseases, but low chances are still chances.
- Bernedoodles are prone to:
- Hip and Elbow dysplasia
- Eye conditions
- Skin allergies
- Pyredoodles are prone to:
- Obesity
- Heart conditions
- Eye conditions
- Skin allergies
- And Epilepsy
- These are just several things to look out for and to talk with your breeder about. Of course, they could contract many other ailments, not on this list. Breeding can prevent some of these, but others can be prevented with care. Giving your dog the healthiest lifestyle will increase your odds of having a happy, healthy dog. You might even find that your dog lives longer than others due to all these preventative measures.
Cost of bernedoodle vs Pyredoodle
- Our last aspect of comparing is the price point. Bernedoodles can cost considerably more than a Pyredoodle. A Bernedoodle puppy can cost anywhere from $2,500-$5,000. This price difference is partly because they are not widely popular yet, and it can be hard to find breeders. They can also cost more depending on color variations and size.
- A Pyredoodle puppy can cost anywhere from $650-$2,400, depending on breeding and color. Pyredoodles are also hard to find, so depending on your area, they can cost more.
- For both of these breeds, it is hard to find one in shelters. If you want to adopt a dog, check out breed-specific rescues in your area. Rescues specifically for Doodles, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Great Pyrenees are your best options.
- And let’s not forget that this is just the cost of the puppy. You will also need the necessary supplies and food. Since both of these dogs are larger, you will spend more per month on high-quality dog food. And their grooming will cost more per visit than miniature Doodle breeds.
Has One Stolen Your Heart?
Both of these Doodles are amazing breeds to have. They are the perfect companion for many households. And while these two dogs are very similar, there are significant differences in the. We hope that you found your perfect friend and confidant in either the Bernedoodle or Pyredoodle.
Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. so you can pin it to your Doodle Board!!
