Bernese Hound vs Poodle
Discover the differences between Bernese Hound and Poodle to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Bernese Hound
Calm, affectionate, and loyal, the Bernese Hound thrives as a devoted family companion. Its keen nose and balanced temperament make it both a skilled tracker and gentle pet.
Poodle
Elegant, intelligent, and highly trainable, this breed stands out for its lively spirit and loyal companionship. Their hypoallergenic coat and playful personality make them ideal family pets.
Quick comparison
Medium
18–27 kg
Short, dense
10–12 years
16–23 kg
Moderately active
Medium
20–32 kg
Curly, dense
12–15 years
18–27 kg
High energy
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
Bernese Hound
Gentle and sociable with people and dogs
Learns tasks quickly with consistent guidance
Active and enjoys regular outdoor activities
Likes games but not overly exuberant
Adjusts to routine changes with some ease
Poodle
Warm and sociable with family and guests
Highly intelligent and quick to learn commands
Needs regular activity and enjoys exercise
Loves games and interactive playtime
Easily adjusts to new environments and routines
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Bernese Hound
Ear infections, hip dysplasia
Poodle
Hip dysplasia, Addison’s disease
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Bernese Hound
Moderately suitable
Needs confident owner for training and exercise demands
Not ideal
Needs space and is prone to barking indoors
Excellent companion
Energetic nature matches well with active lifestyles and outdoor activities
Family friendly
Gentle temperament and patient with respectful children
Generally compatible
Tends to get along with other pets if socialized early
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for long periods and may develop separation issues
Poodle
Great choice
Intelligent and eager to please, Poodles are easy for beginners to train and manage.
Highly suitable
Poodles adapt well to apartment life if given daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Perfect fit
Their energy and love for activity make them great companions for active households.
Very friendly
Poodles are gentle and patient with children when socialized from a young age.
Gets along well
Poodles usually coexist peacefully with other pets, especially if socialized early.
Prone to anxiety
Poodles can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods regularly.
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
Bernese Hound
- Strong scent-tracking abilities
- Adaptable to various terrains
- Friendly and sociable with people
- Generally good with other dogs
- Low aggression toward humans
Poodle
- Highly intelligent and easy to train
- Hypoallergenic coat reduces shedding
- Strong bond with family members
- Adaptable to various living environments
- Excellent performance in canine sports
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
Bernese Hound
- High daily exercise requirements
- Prone to separation anxiety
- Can be stubborn during training
- May chase small animals instinctively
- Needs mental stimulation to prevent boredom
Poodle
- Requires regular professional grooming
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
- Needs daily mental and physical stimulation
- Can be reserved with unfamiliar people
- Susceptible to certain genetic health issues
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