Which is Better Between the Bernedoodle and the German Shepherd Dog?

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Bernedoodle Versus German Shepherd Dog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Bernedoodle and the German Shepherd Dog? 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 German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Bernedoodle and the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog. 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 German Shepherd Dog.

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 German Shepherd Dog.

Bernedoodle versus German Shepherd Dog: Overview

A very important difference between the Bernedoodle and the German Shepherd Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Bernedoodle is a medium-sized dog while the German Shepherd Dog is a large-sized dog.

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

On the other hand, the German Shepherd Dog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Bernedoodle versus German Shepherd Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bernedoodle to the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog

Factor Bernedoodle German Shepherd Dog
Does NOT Shed 5/5 1/5
Life Span 12 to 18 years. Tiny Bernedoodles tend to live lon 10 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 1/5
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, 2 inches tall
Weight From 10 to 90 pounds 75 to 95 pounds
Average Lifespan 15.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $2850 $1280
Price Range $2000 – $3500 $800 – $1500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- recommend annually until age 6, every 2 years thereafter
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Temperament Test
    		•

    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 German Shepherd Dog. 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 German Shepherd Dog is 77 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Bernedoodle is a better pet than the German Shepherd Dog. 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 German Shepherd Dog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Bernedoodle and the German Shepherd Dog

    Below is a list of where the Bernedoodle and the German Shepherd Dog are most different:

    • Bernedoodles do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, German Shepherd Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    The Similarities Between the Bernedoodle and the German Shepherd Dog

    The Bernedoodle and the German Shepherd Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Bernedoodle and the German Shepherd Dog are most similar:

    • Both the Bernedoodle and the German Shepherd Dog do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Bernedoodle and the German Shepherd Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Bernedoodle and the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Bernedoodle and the German Shepherd Dog are very easy to train.
    • Both the Bernedoodle and the German Shepherd Dog are prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Bernedoodle and the German Shepherd Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Bernedoodle and the German Shepherd Dog can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Bernedoodle and the German Shepherd Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Bernedoodle and the German Shepherd Dog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Bernedoodle and the German Shepherd Dog are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Bernedoodle and the German Shepherd Dog are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Bernedoodle versus German Shepherd Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Bernedoodle and the German Shepherd Dog.

    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, German Shepherd Dogs weigh 75 to 95 pounds when fully grown. German Shepherd Dogs are 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Bernedoodle versus German Shepherd Dog

    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 German Shepherd Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Shepherd Dogs is 12.0 years.

    Bernedoodles live longer than German Shepherd Dogs.

    Price of Bernedoodle versus Price of German Shepherd Dog

    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 German Shepherd Dog puppy is $1280. The price of the German Shepherd Dog typically ranges from $800 – $1500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1776 German Shepherd Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Bernedoodle is more expensive than the German Shepherd Dog.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Bernedoodle and German Shepherd Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many Bernedoodle puppies or how many German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dogs

    A breakdown of the prices of German Shepherd Dogs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Bernedoodle puppy or the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog

    Bernedoodles do not like to be left alone.

    German Shepherd Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Bernedoodles shed more than German Shepherd Dogs?

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

    German Shepherd Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Bernedoodle or the German Shepherd Dog

    Bernedoodles do have a very low tendency to drool.

    German Shepherd Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Bernedoodle or the German Shepherd Dog?

    Bernedoodles are moderately easy to groom.

    German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Bernedoodle Have a Higher Prey Drive than the German Shepherd Dog?

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

    German Shepherd Dogs have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Bernedoodles Bark and Howl? What about German Shepherd Dogs?

    Bernedoodles bark and howl, but not very much.

    German Shepherd Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Bernedoodles Tolerate Cold Weather? And can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Bernedoodles can very well tolerate cold weather.

    German Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bernedoodle vs. German Shepherd Dog

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

    German Shepherd Dogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Bernedoodles Tolerate Hot Weather? Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    German Shepherd Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Bernedoodle or the German Shepherd Dog?

    Bernedoodles get along very well with other dogs.

    German Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Bernedoodles good family dogs? What about German Shepherd Dogs?

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

    German Shepherd Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Bernedoodles and German Shepherd Dogs?

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

    German Shepherd Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Bernedoodle Easier to Train than the German Shepherd Dog?

    Bernedoodles are very easy to train.

    German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to train.

    Is the Bernedoodle Better for Apartment Owners than the German Shepherd Dog?

    Bernedoodles adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    German Shepherd Dogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Bernedoodle or the German Shepherd Dog?

    Bernedoodles are OK for new dog owners.

    German Shepherd Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Bernedoodle versus German Shepherd Dog. 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 German Shepherd Dog better suits you and your family.