Bernedoodle vs Havanese
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
Bernedoodle
The Bernedoodle combines the loyal, gentle nature of the Bernese Mountain Dog with the intelligence and hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle. This designer breed has become increasingly popular for families seeking a devoted companion with striking good looks. Bernedoodles are known for their playful yet calm demeanor and their stunning tri-colored coats that mirror their Bernese heritage.
Large
High
12-15 years yrs
Not specified cm
Havanese
Also known as: Havana Silk Dog, Bichon Havanais, Cuban Bichon
The Havanese is a small, sturdy dog breed known for its friendly and affectionate nature, as well as its distinctive silky coat. Originating from Cuba, this breed is highly sociable and adaptable, making it a popular choice for families and urban dwellers alike.
Extra Small
Medium
14-16 yrs
23-28 cm
3.2-5.9 kg
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Bernedoodle | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming Needs | ||
| Family Friendly | ||
| Independence |
Key Characteristics
| Good with Kids | ||
| Good with Dogs | ||
| Good with Cats | ||
| Hypoallergenic | ||
| Apartment Friendly | ||
| First-Time Owner OK |
| Detail | Bernedoodle | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Extra Small |
| Energy Level | High | Medium |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Trainability | Moderate | Easy |
| Barking Level | Medium | Medium |
| Shedding Level | Low | Low |
| Chew strength | N/A | Light |
| Housing | Yard | Apartment |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Bernedoodle | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Beginner | Beginner |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Bernedoodle. | Someone who works from home or has flexible schedule. Willing to commit to grooming maintenance. Patient with housebreaking challenges. Looking for affectionate companion who wants to be with them 24/7. |
Bernedoodle Dealbreakers
- Cannot meet 60-90 min daily exercise
- Cannot commit to grooming needs
Havanese Dealbreakers
- Work 8+ hours away from home daily
- Want a dog that lives outside
- Cannot afford professional grooming ($800+/year)
- Want a dog that is instantly potty trained
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Bernedoodle | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Medium | Low |
| Primary Reasons | Underestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care | Owner lifestyle change (divorce, moving, death), Housebreaking failure - people underestimate potty training commitment |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Bernedoodle | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Bernedoodle | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | Medium | Medium |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Low | Medium |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Bernedoodle | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Low |
Bernedoodle Social Traits
Low
Generally friendly
Havanese Social Traits
Low
Low - generally loves other dogs
Training
Bernedoodle
- ** Positive Reinforcement ONLY. Bernese are sensitive; harsh corrections will cause them to shut down or become fearful. Poodles are clever and will find loopholes.
Havanese
- Use their high food drive and social drive for training
- Sensitivity means harsh corrections cause shutdown or submissive urination
- Consistency is key - don't let them get away with bad behavior just because they're small
Bernedoodle Considerations
This is the primary behavioral failure mode. Both parent breeds are intensely human-focused. The Bernese is a "velcro" working dog bred to stay close to farmers, and the Poodle is a highly social retriever. The result is a dog that often cannot tolerate isolation. Owners frequently report destruction (chewing door frames, drywall) and vocalization if left alone for more than 4 hours.
While Poodles are biddable, the Bernese Mountain Dog contributes a distinct independent streak. Adolescent Bernedoodles (ages 8-18 months) often exhibit "selective hearing," refusing commands they know perfectly well. This is not stupidity; it is a lack of motivation that requires high-value reinforcement, not repetition.
Owners often underestimate the Poodle's hunting heritage. Standard Poodles are water retrievers with significant prey drive. Bernedoodles may fixate on, chase, and occasionally kill small animals (squirrels, chipmunks, birds) in the yard. They are generally not safe with free-roaming pocket pets.
Havanese Considerations
Bred for centuries solely as companions to Cuban aristocracy - genetically wired to be with humans. Leaving them alone 8+ hours results in destructive chewing, excessive barking, and house soiling.
Notoriously slow to potty train. Small bladders and 'sneaky soiling' means they may not be fully reliable until 6-8 months old, sometimes older. Requires consistent positive reinforcement.
Excellent watchdogs who announce every delivery truck, neighbor, and squirrel. In apartments with thin walls, this requires dedicated training to manage.
Unless you learn to groom yourself, expect $60-100 every 4-6 weeks for professional grooming. That's $700-1,200 annually just for haircuts.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Bernedoodle | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Generally safe with proper introduction | Excellent - generally great with cats |
| Small Mammals | Supervision required | Safe - low prey drive makes them one of safest breeds for rabbits and guinea pigs |
| Birds / Reptiles | Caution advised | Safe - generally lacks drive to harm, though always supervise |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Bernedoodle | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Medium | Arrested |
| Biddability | Low | High |
| Noise Sensitivity | Low | Medium |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | 18 months | N/A |
Havanese: May 'Eye' and 'Chase' for play but 'Grab-Bite' and 'Kill-Bite' largely absent. Safe with hamsters and birds if supervised. High biddability but can learn bad habits fast (like barking for attention).
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | Bernedoodle | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 6-18 | 4-12 |
| House Training | Moderate | Hard |
| Crate Training | Medium | Medium |
| Adolescent Regression |
Bernedoodle: Bernedoodle puppies require consistent training and patience.
Havanese: Sweet and generally non-destructive compared to larger breeds. Main challenge is housebreaking frustration - their 'tell' (sign they need to go) is subtle. Adolescent regression at 6-10 months coincides with 'blowing coat' phase where grooming becomes a nightmare.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Bernedoodle | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 12 months |
| Adolescence | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| Adult Years | 2-8 | 2-9 |
| Senior Onset | ~8 years | ~10 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-3 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Bernedoodle | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Height | Not specified cm | 23-28 cm |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Large | Extra Small |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years | 14–16 years |
| Litter Size | 4-8 | 4-6 |
Bernedoodle Coat
Havanese Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Bernedoodle | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | strength, calm, and cold tolerance | Companion dog for Cuban aristocracy - bred to sit on laps, act as bed warmers, and entertain |
| Origin | N/A | Cuba, 18th-19th century (descended from Blanquito de la Habana and Bichon Tenerife) |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Bernedoodle | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Varies | Low |
| Whelping Difficulty | Medium | Easy |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Bernedoodle | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | Low | Low |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Low | Low |
| Min Fence Height | 1.5m | 1m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Low | Low |
Health & Common Conditions
Bernedoodle Health Issues
Havanese Health Issues
Bernedoodle Suggested Tests
- PennHIP testing (parents)
- DNA testing (parents for vWD)
- Gastropexy (stomach tacking) for Bloat
- DNA test for PRA
Havanese Suggested Tests
- Hip Evaluation (OFA)
- Patella Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation (CAER)
- BAER Hearing Test
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Bernedoodle | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Medium | Low |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | Medium |
| Neurological Risk | Low | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Low | Low |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | Medium |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Bernedoodle | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Food Allergies |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Bernedoodle | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | Low | High |
| Anal Gland Issues | Occasional | Occasional |
Senior Care & Aging
Bernedoodle Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis
- Vision decline
- Cognitive changes
Senior care varies by individual health.
Havanese Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Cataracts
- Heart murmurs (Mitral Valve Disease)
- Hearing loss
- Arthritis
Generally stay sharp mentally. Ramps for furniture recommended to protect backs and joints in senior years.
Grooming & Care
Bernedoodle
high maintenanceHavanese
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Bernedoodle Daily Life
Havanese Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Bernedoodle | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Under 50lbs | Under 25lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Bernedoodle | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Medium | Medium |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Bernedoodle | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Excellent |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Bernedoodle | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Low | Medium |
| Therapy Dog | Low | High |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Low | Low |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | Bernedoodle | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | N/A | $1,500-3,500+ |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,000–$2,500 | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Bernedoodle | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $130–$220 | $100–$200 |
| Yearly Range | $1,560–$2,640 | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Food / Month | $80-120 | $20-40 |
| Insurance / Month | $50-100 | $30-50 |
| Grooming / Session | $100-150 | $60-100 |
| Vet Routine / Year | N/A | $300-500 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Bernedoodle Lifetime Cost
N/A
Havanese Lifetime Cost
$20,000-35,000
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Bernedoodle | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Occasional | Rare |
| Slobber Level | Low | None |
| Smell When Wet | Moderate | Mild |
| Zoomies Frequency | Occasional | Daily |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | Low | None |
Havanese Quirks
Paper Shredding
Many Havanese love to shred tissues, toilet paper, and napkins - it's a common breed quirk
Perching Like a Cat
Often sit on backs of sofas or look out windows from high vantage points
Run Like Hell (RLH)
The Havanese version of zoomies - they tuck their butts and sprint in circles at high speed
Shadow Dog
Will follow you to the bathroom - they are true velcro dogs
Frequently Asked Questions
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