A Detailed Comparison of the Bernedoodle and the Flat-Coated Retriever.

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Bernedoodle Versus Flat-Coated Retriever: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Bernedoodle and the Flat-Coated Retriever? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Bernedoodle and the Flat-Coated Retriever better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Bernedoodle and the Flat-Coated Retriever.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Bernedoodle and the Flat-Coated Retriever is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Bernedoodle and for the Flat-Coated Retriever. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Bernedoodle and the Flat-Coated Retriever.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Bernedoodle or the Flat-Coated Retriever.

Bernedoodle versus Flat-Coated Retriever: Overview

Both the Bernedoodle and the Flat-Coated Retriever are similar in size. The Bernedoodle and the Flat-Coated Retriever are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Bernedoodle belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

On the other hand, the Flat-Coated Retriever belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Bernedoodle versus Flat-Coated Retriever: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bernedoodle to the Flat-Coated Retriever based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Bernedoodle and the Flat-Coated Retriever

Factor Bernedoodle Flat-Coated Retriever
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 18 years. Tiny Bernedoodles tend to live lon 10 to 12 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Height From 10 to 29 inches tall at the shoulder, as size 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder
Weight From 10 to 90 pounds 55 to 70 pounds
Average Lifespan 15.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $2850 $100
Price Range $2000 – $3500 $100 – $100
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Bernedoodle in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Flat-Coated Retriever. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Bernedoodle is 87 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Flat-Coated Retriever is 78 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Bernedoodle is a better pet than the Flat-Coated Retriever. So, you should get the Bernedoodle!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Bernedoodle and the Flat-Coated Retriever so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Bernedoodle and the Flat-Coated Retriever

    The Bernedoodle and the Flat-Coated Retriever are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Bernedoodle and the Flat-Coated Retriever are most similar:

    • Both the Bernedoodle and the Flat-Coated Retriever do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Bernedoodle and the Flat-Coated Retriever do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Bernedoodle and the Flat-Coated Retriever are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Bernedoodle and the Flat-Coated Retriever get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Bernedoodle and the Flat-Coated Retriever are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Bernedoodle and the Flat-Coated Retriever are very easy to train.
    • Both the Bernedoodle and the Flat-Coated Retriever are prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Bernedoodle and the Flat-Coated Retriever have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Bernedoodle and the Flat-Coated Retriever can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Bernedoodle and the Flat-Coated Retriever are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Bernedoodle and the Flat-Coated Retriever get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Bernedoodle and the Flat-Coated Retriever are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Bernedoodle and the Flat-Coated Retriever are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Bernedoodle versus Flat-Coated Retriever

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Bernedoodle and the Flat-Coated Retriever.

    Bernedoodles weigh From 10 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Bernedoodles are From 10 to 29 inches tall at the shoulder, as size when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Flat-Coated Retrievers weigh 55 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Flat-Coated Retrievers are 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Bernedoodle versus Flat-Coated Retriever

    The lifespan of Bernedoodles is between 12 to 18 years. Tiny Bernedoodles tend to live lon. The average lifespan of Bernedoodles is 15.0 years.

    The lifespan of Flat-Coated Retrievers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Flat-Coated Retrievers is 11.0 years.

    Bernedoodles live longer than Flat-Coated Retrievers.

    Price of Bernedoodle versus Price of Flat-Coated Retriever

    The average price of the Bernedoodle puppy is $2850. The price of the Bernedoodle typically ranges from $2000 – $3500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1080 Bernedoodle puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Flat-Coated Retriever puppy is $100. The price of the Flat-Coated Retriever typically ranges from $100 – $100. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 2 Flat-Coated Retriever puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Bernedoodle is more expensive than the Flat-Coated Retriever.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Bernedoodle and Flat-Coated Retriever. For different price points, the charts show how many Bernedoodle puppies or how many Flat-Coated Retriever puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Bernedoodles. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Bernedoodles. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Flat-Coated Retrievers

    A breakdown of the prices of Flat-Coated Retrievers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Bernedoodle puppy or the Flat-Coated Retriever puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Bernedoodle versus Flat-Coated Retriever

    Bernedoodles do not like to be left alone.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Bernedoodles shed more than Flat-Coated Retrievers?

    Bernedoodles do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Bernedoodle or the Flat-Coated Retriever

    Bernedoodles do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Bernedoodle or the Flat-Coated Retriever?

    Bernedoodles are moderately easy to groom.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Bernedoodle Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Flat-Coated Retriever?

    Bernedoodles have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Bernedoodles Bark and Howl? What about Flat-Coated Retrievers?

    Bernedoodles bark and howl, but not very much.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Bernedoodles Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Flat-Coated Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Bernedoodles can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bernedoodle vs. Flat-Coated Retriever

    Bernedoodles have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Bernedoodles Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Flat-Coated Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Bernedoodles can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Bernedoodle or the Flat-Coated Retriever?

    Bernedoodles get along very well with other dogs.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Bernedoodles good family dogs? What about Flat-Coated Retrievers?

    Bernedoodles are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Bernedoodles and Flat-Coated Retrievers?

    Bernedoodles get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Bernedoodle Easier to Train than the Flat-Coated Retriever?

    Bernedoodles are very easy to train.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Is the Bernedoodle Better for Apartment Owners than the Flat-Coated Retriever?

    Bernedoodles adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Bernedoodle or the Flat-Coated Retriever?

    Bernedoodles are OK for new dog owners.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Bernedoodle versus Flat-Coated Retriever. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Bernedoodle and the Flat-Coated Retriever better suits you and your family.