In this article, I will share a few Pros and Cons that I found about these two very different breeds of doodle dogs. So, let’s start by comparing Boxerdoodles vs Bernedoodles.
Pros and Cons of Boxerdoodle
The Boxerdoodle or Boxerpoo is a Doodle mixed-breed dog, which is a cross between Poodle and Boxer. Boxers are known to be a very active dog that is fearless but is also great at interacting with kids. Boxers are excellent family dogs and are not known to bark a lot.
Poodles, on the other hand, are famous for being exceptionally intelligent, and they are very patient and gentle with children. Also, Poodles are known for their low and almost non-shedding coats, which is one of the most essential reasons why Poodles are very popular in cross-breeding.
So, what kind of dog is a Boxerdoodle? Below we will discuss its pros and cons based on the different aspects.
Boxerdoodle Temperament
Both of the parent breeds of Boxerdoodle are known to be very energetic. Yet, both are also good-natured and highly trainable.
Sol, the Boxerdoodle, is a very social breed that really enjoys being around people. A great companion and family dog that is very gentle with children. Since they are medium-sized dogs, they are quite suitable to play with young children.
The boxerdoodle is known to be a non-barker, but they might bark to demand attention. They are generally attention-seekers, so they might suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for too long. So, owners would need to pay enough attention to the Boxerdoodle, and you might want to invest in dog toys to keep them engaged.
Boxerdoodle Health
Boxerdoodles are generally very healthy dogs, and crossbred dogs are usually healthier than purebreds due to the broader gene pool.
However, a Boxerdoodle can still inherit any hereditary health issues common to the parent breeds. Here are some conditions that you might want to keep an eye out for:
- Cardiomyopathy: a disease to the dog’s heart muscle so the heart can’t effectively pump blood to the Boxerdoodle’s body.
- Bloat: a condition where the stomach fills with gas and can twist on itself. The condition can cause severe shock and obstructs blood flow.
- Ectropion: the condition in which the dog’s eyelids turn outward, and so they are prone to irritation.
- Degenerative Myelopathy: a disease of the spinal cord in older dogs, which causes the dog to wobble or drag the feet.
- Retinal atrophy: an inherited disease that leads to degeneration of the retina and can cause blindness.
- Seborrhea: is a common skin problem that can cause a red, itchy rash and white scales or dandruff. It can also cause greasiness of the coat and skin.
Again, however, the Boxerdoodles are typically very healthy dogs. Simply maintain a healthy diet, give them enough supplements and vitamins, and take them to the vet regularly.
Boxerdoodle Grooming
In general, Boxerdoodles require average grooming, even more, if the Boxerdoodle has a Boxer coat. In most cases, you won’t need to cut the dog’s hair with a professional groomer. If your Boxerdoodle has a poodle coat, you might need to spend more time grooming its fur, and you might also need the help of a professional groomer. However, grooming a boxerdoodle with a poodle coat is still somewhat manageable.
You’d need to clean the ears and eyes regularly to avoid infections. Also, as with any dogs, don’t skip regular flea treatment. Get dog grooming supplies and the best dog shampoo to keep its coat clean and healthy.
Attend your ears, teeth, and nails regularly as with any breeds. Start this routine as early as possible, so the pup is used to this routine. Also, don’t forget to brush their teeth regularly (daily if possible).
So, a Boxerdoodle is typically easy to maintain. Even if you don’t have the time or skill to take care of it, simply search for a local dog groomer or clipping service to help you.
Boxerdoodle Lifespan
Both Boxers and Poodles have an excellent average lifespan:
A boxer has an average life expectancy between 10 and 12 years, while a Poodle has a life expectancy from 10 to 18 years. So, the Boxerdoodle’s average lifespan is about 10 to 12 years, but it will depend on its size, with the smaller ones that can live between 13 to 14 yours.
However, longer life expectancy is not impossible. Again, keep them on a healthy diet and give them anti-aging supplements when they are older.
Summary: The Boxerdoodle
- Intelligence: very smart
- Trainability: easy
- Shedding: very low
- Health: typically healthy
- Drooling: low drooling tendency
- Child-friendly: very child-friendly
- Pet-friendly: very pet friendly
- For beginner owners: an excellent choice for first-time owners due to their good-natured temperament.
Pros and Cons of Bernedoodle
A Bernedoodle is a doodle designer breed that is a cross between a Bernese Mountain and a Poodle. This is why a Bernedoodle is also often known as a Bernese Mountain Poo.
This hybrid breed blends the high intelligence of the Poodle and the loyal, good-natured characteristics of the Bernese Mountain. Also, since the Poodle is known as one of the best low-shedding breeds, then the Bernedoodle is also a low to non-shedding breed, so it is generally hypoallergenic.
Bernedoodle is simply one of the best companion Doodles available: a very friendly and lovable dog and likes to grab the owner’s attention and please them. They are also great at interacting with kids, and so a great choice if you have younger children.
Also, since they are really active, Bernedoodles make a good exercise partner during running, swimming, and other exercises.
Bernedoodle Temperament
Bernedoodles are generally highly intelligent and take after their two parents’ breeds. Both Poodles and Bernese Mountain dogs are generally intelligent. Also, they are very diligent and, just like the Bernese mountain dog parent, can help pull heavy objects.
Bernedoodle is a very loyal dog, but proper socialization is necessary. In general, you’d need to train them as early as possible. Since they are a large dog, you’d need to invest in a large-sized training collar.
Also, Bernedoodles tend to act funny and goofy from time to time and are great with kids. As with most attention-seeking dogs, they tend to suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for too long. Since they are very active with large builds, they’d also need frequent walks.
Bernedoodle owners must be prepared to invest some of their time to cater to these needs.
Boxerdoodle Health
Bernedoodles are generally very healthy dogs, and crossbred dogs are usually healthier than purebreds due to the broader gene pool.
However, although a Bernedoodle has lesser chances of inheriting genetic diseases, they can still suffer from some medical issues inherited from their parents, such as:
- Hip dysplasia: commonly inherited from the Bernese Mountain Dog. This is a painful condition that affects hip and thigh joints. The condition can result in lameness
- Elbow dysplasia: a condition that affects the elbow joint that is typically caused by abnormal cartilage or a nutritional cause.
- Bloat: a condition where the stomach fills with gas and can twist on itself. The condition can cause severe shock and obstructs blood flow.
- Ectropion: the condition in which the dog’s eyelids turn outward, and so they are prone to irritation.
- Degenerative Myelopathy: a disease of the spinal cord in older dogs, which causes the dog to wobble or drag the feet.
- Retinal atrophy: an inherited disorder that leads to degeneration of the retina and can cause blindness.
- Skin issues: Bernedoodles may suffer from allergies and hot spots from skin lesions that make the dog constantly lick.
Again, however, the Bernedoodles are typically very healthy dogs. Yet, they don’t really do well in hotter environments and may suffer from heat exhaustion. Simply maintain a healthy diet, give them enough supplements and vitamins, and take them to the vet regularly.
Bernedoodle Grooming
Bernedoodles employ thick, mild-shedding coats that are curly and wavy. Although they are relatively hypoallergenic, we can say they require a moderate level of grooming. Bernedoodles don’t shed as much as an advantage, but they intend to develop a matting texture on the coats. Hairs can build up and so the Bernedoodle might look fluffier than what they already are.
So, you might need to brush your Bernedoodle daily to avoid matting buildups, and clip your Bernedoodle’s nails every eight weeks or so. We’d recommend professional grooming every 8 to 12 weeks, but it is optional.
Also, clean their ears and ears regularly to avoid infections, and bathe them every month or so, or when there’s excessive dirt or stinkiness. Don’t bathe them too often as they need essential oils from their coats.
Due to their thicker coats, make sure not to skip regular flea treatments and bathe them with anti-flea shampoo.
Bernedoodle Lifespan
The average lifespan of the Poodle parent is 10 to 12 years, but the Bernese mountain dogs have a shorter average life expectancy of 8.4 years.
So, if both parents are healthy, you can generally expect the Bernedoodle to live an average of around ten years.
As usual, longer life expectancy is not impossible. Keep them on a healthy diet and give them rejuvenation supplements when they are older.
Summary: The Bernedoodle
- Intelligence: very smart
- Trainability: easy
- Shedding: medium
- Health: typically healthy
- Drooling: low drooling tendency
- Child-friendly: very child-friendly
- Pet-friendly: very pet friendly
- For beginner owners: not a very choice for first-time owners since they can be stubborn
In Conclusion:
I hope that I was able to enlighten you on what characteristics you may be interested in when choosing your next furry friend. I do not own either of these animals. This article is what I learned after my indepth research.