Bernedoodle vs Sheepadoodle: Which is Best for You? (Comparison & Quiz)
Having a hard time choosing between a Bernedoodle vs Sheepadoodle? With both of these breeds being extremely cute and having great personalities, it can definitely be tough to choose! You may just end up deciding to get two dogs!
No pressure, but this is probably one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in the near future. The breed of dog you choose can make a world of difference. Finding one that fits your lifestyle is so important. You can’t deny that the Sheepadoodle vs Bernedoodle are both great options! That being said, there are some similarities and distinct differences that might help make this decision a little easier for you.
Should You Get a Bernedoodle or Sheepadoodle? Take the Quiz!
This quiz is not intended to be a comprehensive decision, but rather a quick reference. Please do your research and read the entire article!
Bernedoodle vs Sheepadoodle: Puppy Selection
Availability / Popularity
In the debate between Bernedoodle vs Sheepadoodle, there isn’t much difference in this category. Both are growing increasingly popular throughout the world. Because of that, breeders shouldn’t be particularly hard to find. There’s a fairly similar amount of Sheepadoodle and Bernedoodle breeders.
The Bernedoodle and Sheepadoodle both have moderate sized litters. The Bernedoodle outdoes the Sheepadoodle in this category. On average, the Bernedoodle has 6-8 puppies per litter, while the Sheepadoodle only has 5-6.
Price
Price is a notable difference in the debate between Sheepadoodle vs Bernedoodle. Bernedoodles tend to have a larger range in prices, and may be more expensive, especially if you are looking for a desirable tri-color pattern. Sheepadoodles usually range between $1,500-$3,500. Bernedoodles usually range between $2,000-$4,000.
Sheepadoodle vs Bernedoodle: Appearance
Size
When you say Bernedoodle or Sheepadoodle, most people instantly think of a giant. This is the standard, and arguably the most common, size of Sheepadoodles and Bernedoodles. If you’re more interested in a smaller dog, there are options available for that as well! There are toy and mini sizes for those who want a tinier version.
All of the size ranges are pretty comparable. For example, the Standard Bernedoodle averages between 70-90 pounds, while the Standard Sheepadoodle ranges from 50-85 pounds. The smallest versions of these breeds are also pretty similar in size. The Toy/Tiny Bernedoodle weighs between 10-24 pounds, while the Toy/Micro Sheepadoodle weighs in below 25 pounds!
There are only subtle differences between the Bernedoodle vs Sheepadoodle. First, the snout of a Bernedoodle may be longer and thinner than that of a Sheepadoodle. Additionally, the ears of a Bernedoodle may be more triangular, while a Sheepadoodle’s ears may be more oval shaped. Additionally, Bernedoodles may appear a little leaner throughout.
Colors
Coloring is a category where the Bernedoodle vs Sheepadoodle vary significantly. While both breeds can come in a variety of colors, there are patterns that are more similar for each.
Sheepadoodles are generally more than one color. Usually they are white mixed with either black, gray, red, or brown. Bernedoodles are often similar in coloring to the Bernese Mountain Dog, containing white, black, and tan. Bernedoodles have some more unique colorings as well including a blue merle, a sable color combination, and “phantom” coloring.
Bernedoodle vs Sheepadoodle: Grooming & Maintenance
Coat
The Sheepadoodle vs Bernedoodle are similar when it comes to their coat. The main consideration when it comes to the coat is the generation of doodle. Essentially, how much Poodle is in their DNA in comparison to a Bernese Mountain Dog or Old English Sheepdog.
For example, an F1 generation of either the Sheepadoodle or Bernedoodle may have a straight, wavy, or curly coat as they’re only about 50% Poodle. On the other hand, an F1BB Bernedoodle or Sheepadoodle is more likely to have curlier coats because they have more Poodle in their DNA.
Like most doodles, because they’re partly Poodle, they require consistent grooming. The more Poodle in your doodle, the more maintenance they’ll require. The coat needs regular brushing to prevent any matting.
Frequent brushing is the best way to prevent matting. The Bernedoodle and Sheepadoodle both require brushing at minimum every other day. If they recently got a haircut, you may be able to space out brushings out to every 3-4 days. And if they’re really long and really curly, it’s important to up your brushings to become a daily routine.
I have an F1BB doodle with a curly coat that would often get matted, despite my daily brushing. Recently, I discovered the Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush and decided to buy it because of all the great reviews. I couldn’t agree more with the reviews, this brush has been game-changing. My doodle hasn’t had any matting since and it’s paid for itself in saved fees at the groomer for extra brushing and dematting.
The beauty of doodle breeds is that they’re allergy-friendly. Both the Bernedoodle vs Sheepadoodle aren’t classified as hypoallergenic, but they are better for allergy sufferers than purebreds.
Don’t worry, you shouldn’t have dog hair all around your house with either of these breeds. They’ll both shed less than the Old English Sheepdog or Bernese Mountain Dog would, but they may still shed some.
Once again, generations come into play. The higher percentage of Poodle in them, the more likely that they’ll be hypoallergenic and non-shedding. Genetics can be difficult to predict, so it’s not always 100% accurate, but it does give a good guideline as to how much a doodle breed will shed.
If this is high on your priority list, in order from best to worst for allergy sufferers the generations are: F1BB, F2BB, F1B, F2B, F1/F2/F3.
The Sheepadoodle vs Bernedoodle both have great personalities. The Bernedoodle is a goofy pup who is affectionate and playful. The Sheepadoodle are good natured and sociable dogs who make great companions. Both of these dogs make fairly good watch dogs and guard dogs as far as doodles are concerned. Not only can their size be intimidating, but they both are protective and yet not aggressive.
Both of these breeds enjoy spending time with their family—potentially an excessive amount that can turn into separation anxiety. Sheepadoodles in particular can often be guilty of this. If you’re considering a Bernedoodle or Sheepadoodle, you should make sure someone in your family is typically home for large portions of the day.
Activity Level
There are some differences in activity levels between the Bernedoodle vs Sheepadoodle. As the name would entail, Sheepadoodles have a herding history, so they’re used to frequent activity. They usually require about an hour of exercise per day. Bernedoodles also enjoy lots of physical activity but are more adaptable to their family’s lifestyle. At minimum they should get about a half an hour each day. Without proper exercise, both breeds may exhibit destructive behavior due to their built up energy.
Trainability
Both Sheepadoodles vs Bernedoodles have their challenges with training, although neither are too difficult to train. They are both highly intelligent and curious, which can result in a bit of a stubborn puppy. For this reason, they may be more of a challenge than other doodle breeds for a first-time dog owner.
These dogs both have a working dog heritage, so providing them with adequate mental stimulation is important. This can easily be done through scent walks, teaching them fun new party tricks, or by making training fun for them with these brain games. They enjoy having tasks and training to do which gives them a sense of purpose.
Good with Kids & Pets?
The Bernedoodle and Sheepadoodle both have the potential to be great family dogs. The Bernedoodle may have a slight advantage in this category.
Sheepadoodles can have some herding tendencies from their Old English Sheepdogs heritage. They may try to herd other pets or children by circling or nipping at them. While this isn’t meant in an aggressive way, this can be an extra training hurdle to overcome.
Bernedoodles aren’t without their potential flaws either. Some Bernedoodles may have some prey drive, so they may need extra time to learn how to act appropriately with small animals in the house or around the yard.
If you do have young children or pets at home, this isn’t necessarily a deal breaker. Both the Sheepadoodle or Bernedoodle can make wonderful family pets. With proper socialization as a puppy, both breeds can learn appropriate behaviors around children and pets.
Bernedoodle vs Sheepadoodle: Health & Wellness
Life Span
In the debate between Bernedoodle vs Sheepadoodle, this category is dead even. Both breeds have an average life expectancy of 12-15 years.
Both of these breeds benefit from the health advantages that mixed breeds enjoy from their genetic diversity, but there are still health issues to be on the lookout for in the Sheepadoodle vs Bernedoodle.
Health issues can be expensive and can occur when you’re not prepared. Investing in quality pet insurance can be life saving for your dog. Pet insurance can cover up to 90% of veterinary bills for illnesses or injuries. I recommend pet insurance because I personally use it. I have Healthy Paws pet insurance and for an affordable price I get peace of mind that my pup will be able to get any necessary veterinary care.
Should you get a Sheepadoodle or Bernedoodle? The conclusion…
Bernedoodles tend to be slightly more expensive than Sheepadoodles.
While both of these breeds are prone to separation anxiety, Sheepadoodles tend to be a bit worse.
Sheepadoodles have herding tendencies which may be problematic with small children where Bernedoodles have a prey drive which may pose issues with other smaller pets in the household.
While both the Sheepadoodle vs Bernedoodle require lots of exercise, the Sheepadoodle requires more.
