Breed Comparison · Cedar Wood Farms
Cavapoo vs. Mini Bernedoodle: Which Is Right for Your Family?
We raise both breeds here on our farm in Berry, Alabama — so this is an honest side-by-side, not a sales pitch for one. Here's how the Cavapoo and the Mini Bernedoodle really compare, trait by trait.
Side by Side
The Comparison at a Glance
Scroll the table horizontally on smaller screens to see every trait.
| Trait | Cavapoo | Mini Bernedoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Weight Range | 10–18 lbs | 15–35 lbs |
| Height | 9–14 inches | 12–22 inches |
| Coat Type | Soft, wavy to curly | Wavy to curly, often tri-color |
| Shedding Level | Low | Low to very low |
| Grooming Needs | Moderate — brush 2–3×/wk, trim every 6–8 wks | Moderate–high — brush 3–4×/wk, trim every 6–8 wks |
| Energy Level | Moderate | Moderate to high |
| Temperament | Sweet, gentle, eager to please | Loyal, goofy, highly intelligent |
| Good with Young Children | Yes — gentle & patient | Yes — sturdy & patient |
| Good for Apartments | Excellent | Good, with daily exercise |
| Trainability | High | High (occasional stubborn streak as pups) |
| Typical Lifespan | 12–15 years | 12–18 years |
| Price Range* | $2,500–$4,000 | $3,500–$5,500 |
*Price ranges are typical and vary by litter, color, size, and generation. Contact us for current pricing.
The Cavapoo
A Small, Sweet, Low-Shedding Lap Companion
The Cavapoo is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, and it shows in their personality — they're genuinely sweet, eager to please, and happiest curled up right next to you. At 10–18 pounds, they're small enough to scoop up and light enough for kids to handle comfortably.
Their soft, wavy-to-curly coat sheds very little, which makes them a favorite for allergy-sensitive households. Grooming is moderate: a good brush a few times a week and a professional trim every couple of months keeps them looking their best. Energy-wise, they're happily moderate — they love a walk and a play session, then they're ready to nap on your lap.
Cavapoos are exceptional with young children because of their gentle, patient nature, and they adapt beautifully to apartment living. They're quick learners and easy to train. If you want a smaller, calmer, deeply affectionate companion, the Cavapoo is hard to beat.
The Mini Bernedoodle
A Loyal, Stunning, Sturdy Family Dog
The Mini Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Miniature Poodle. They inherit the Bernese's classic black, rust, and white tri-color markings and their devoted, loyal temperament — paired with the Poodle's intelligence and low-shedding coat. At 15–35 pounds, they're a sturdier, more substantial dog than the Cavapoo.
That sturdiness makes them wonderful for active families with kids who want a playmate that can keep up. Their coat is low-shedding but a bit more coat overall, so grooming leans moderate-to-high — more frequent brushing and regular trims keep tangles away. They have a touch more energy and genuinely enjoy having a "job" or a good daily run.
Mini Bernedoodles are highly intelligent and trainable, though they can show a brief stubborn streak as young puppies before settling into eager learners. They're great with children, do well in homes with yards, and can live in apartments if you commit to daily exercise. If you want a striking, loyal, slightly larger companion, the Mini Bernedoodle is a fantastic choice.
Choose a Cavapoo if…
- You live in an apartment or a smaller home
- You want a smaller, lighter dog that's easy to carry
- Gentle, lap-dog sweetness is your top priority
- You have mild allergies and want a very low-shedding coat
- You prefer a calmer, lower-energy companion
Choose a Mini Bernedoodle if…
- You have a bit more space and an active family
- You love the striking black, rust & white tri-color look
- You want a sturdier dog for rough-and-tumble play with kids
- You enjoy training and want a sharp, working-type dog
- You're ready for a little more grooming and daily exercise
Still Deciding?
Tell Us About Your Family
Not sure which breed fits your home? Share a little about your lifestyle and we'll help you choose — no pressure, just honest guidance from a breeder who loves both.
Get in Touch
Phone / Text
(205) 861-7583Location
Berry, Alabama
Family farm in Berry, Alabama
Response Time
Typically within 24–48 hours