Bernese Mountain Dog vs Poodle
Discover the differences between Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Bernese Mountain Dog
Gentle, affectionate, and loyal, this large Swiss breed thrives as a family companion. Distinctive tricolor coat and calm temperament make it a beloved household member.
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
Large
39–50 kg
Double coat, long and silky
7–10 years
36–48 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 Mountain Dog
Gentle and welcoming with people and pets
Learns commands quickly, eager to please
Moderate activity needs, enjoys daily walks
Enjoys games and interactive family time
Prefers routine, may struggle with big changes
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 Mountain Dog
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Poodle
Hip dysplasia, Addison’s disease
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Bernese Mountain Dog
Good option
Patient and gentle but needs consistent training and socialization
Not ideal
Large size and exercise needs make small spaces challenging
Highly suitable
Enjoys outdoor activities and can keep up with active families
Excellent companion
Calm, affectionate nature suits homes with children
Generally compatible
Typically gets along with other pets if properly introduced
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for extended periods
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 Mountain Dog
- Gentle and affectionate with families
- Excellent with children and other pets
- Calm and patient temperament
- Eager to please and easy to train
- Adaptable to cold weather climates
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 Mountain Dog
- Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia
- High shedding and grooming requirements
- Shorter average lifespan for large breeds
- Can be reserved with strangers
- Needs ample space and daily exercise
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
Ready to choose your perfect breed?
Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.
Discover more helpful tools
Make use of our other free tools to get the most out of your pet experience