Bernedoodle vs French Spaniel: Which Suits Your Home?

The French Spaniel is a solidly built medium-to-large dog at 45-60 lbs and 21-24 inches. The Bernedoodle's 20-90 lb range can undercut or exceed that depending on size line, but a medium or standard Bernedoodle lands in roughly the same weight class as the French Spaniel. If you specifically want a dog closer to the French Spaniel's build, ask your Bernedoodle breeder about the medium or standard size line.

The French Spaniel rates very high (5/5) for exercise need, a step above the Bernedoodle's high (4/5). It's a versatile hunting breed developed to work all day in the field, and that stamina carries over into pet life - this is not a dog that's satisfied with a short walk. Either dog will need more than a leash walk around the block to stay content long-term.

The Bernedoodle needs more grooming time (4/5) than the French Spaniel's moderate (3/5) requirement, but the French Spaniel sheds more - moderate (3/5) versus the Bernedoodle's low (2/5). Neither breed is wash-and-go, but the Bernedoodle trades more time in the grooming chair for less hair around the house. Set aside regular brushing time either way, since both coats mat if left unattended for long stretches.

Both breeds rate low (2/5) for apartment suitability, and both are low (2/5) on barking, so noise isn't the deciding issue in tight quarters - space and exercise access are. Both also rate low (2/5) for tolerating being left alone, meaning neither is a good match for a household that's regularly empty for long stretches. A house with room to move and someone home regularly suits either dog far better than a flat.

The Bernedoodle rates very high (5/5) for trainability against the French Spaniel's high (4/5), and high (4/5) versus moderate (3/5) for first-time-owner suitability. The gap isn't large, but if this is your first dog, the Bernedoodle's numbers suggest a slightly gentler learning curve. Either dog responds well to consistent, reward-based work started early rather than left until problems show up.

The Bernedoodle edges ahead in every category here - very high with kids and other dogs against the French Spaniel's high (4/5) on both. The French Spaniel's temperament is described as gentle and calm indoors, so this isn't about temperament being a problem, just a modest numerical gap across the board. Neither breed's numbers suggest a real concern for a typical family household with kids and other pets.

The Bernedoodle's 12-18 year lifespan is notably longer than the French Spaniel's 10-12. Hip dysplasia and epilepsy appear on both lists, but the French Spaniel's list is shorter overall - five conditions, including a genetic condition specific to the breed, acral mutilation syndrome, alongside more common issues like ear infections and eye conditions. Ask a breeder specifically about acral mutilation syndrome testing, since it's a condition unique to the French Spaniel on this list.

The French Spaniel is cheaper to keep: $100-200 monthly versus the Bernedoodle's $120-220, and $1,400-2,900 against $1,800-3,200 for the first year. This is a lesser-known breed in the US, so factor in that finding a breeder, or a vet familiar with the breed, may take more effort than the dollar figures alone suggest. Budget some extra time, if not money, into locating a breeder given how uncommon the French Spaniel still is in the US.