Last Updated on September 20, 2023
Quick Summary: Bernedoodles were bred to combine the Bernese Mountain Dog’s powerful, hard-working and affectionate traits with the intelligence, energy, and low-shedding coats of a Poodle. The Sheepadoodle, on the other hand, is a cross between the Poodle and an Old English Sheepdog. Their sizes depend on their parents’ size, so this can vary. Sheepadoodles usually have two coat colors, black, white, or red, instead of three for Bernedoodles. Sheepadoodles are relatively healthy, often living anywhere between 12 to 15 years on average. Some of their most common health issues include deafness, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, gastric torsion, and retinal detachment. Bernedoodles tend to live longer, healthier lives, ranging from 12 to 18. They are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, heart problems, eye problems, and Von Willebrand’s Disease.
It is difficult to choose a puppy. And it is even more difficult to choose between a Bernedoodle and a Sheepadoodle. These doodle dogs are great companions for large families or singles. These hybrid breeds are great for entertaining and bringing laughter to your home.
Some dog owners, current or future, may struggle to decide which breed to get. The Bernedoodle and Sheepadoodley share many similarities. Will a Sheepadoodle have too much energy to keep up with ?? Can a Bernedoodle be too laid back for active children ?? How much does each one shed?
Puppy shoppers will find the answers to all their questions and the differences between these two designer dogs. This article is intended to assist future owners in making the best decision for their lifestyle because both dog and the owner must be happy. 🙂
Breed Background and History
A breed’s past can tell a lot about its personality, size, health, exercise needs, and many other things. Dog owners can better visualize their dogs as family members by taking the time to learn about their origins.
For starters, both dogs haven’t been around very long. How did these wonderful creatures begin? From where do they come from? Continue reading to learn more about these two adorable canines.
Both doodle dogs have purebred parent genes. Poodles were developed in France and Germany. They are often serving to be hunting dogs, water retrievers, and loyal companions. Poodles are low-shedding and have curly hair. They can be either standard, mini, or micro in size.
Due to breed limitations, most Bernedoodles and Sheepadoodles have standard-sized parents.
Bernedoodle Overview
The Bernedoodle is a combination of a Poodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog. Sherry Rupke of Swissridge Kennels Canada claims to have been the first breeder. However, it is possible that there were crossbreeding cases in the past.
The breeder wanted this designer breed to combine the Bernese Mountain Dog’s powerful, hard-working and affectionate traits with the intelligence, energy, and low-shedding coats of a Poodle.
The Bernese Mountain Dog originally lived in Switzerland’s cold regions and worked on ranches and farms, pulling heavy carts, guarding homes against predators, and driving cattle. They were popular farm dogs because of their strength and muscle.
Sheepadoodle Overview
The Sheepadoodle, also known as “Sheep-a-poo,” is a cross between a Poodle and an Old English Sheepdog. The breed is believed to have existed naturally but began to become well-known in the 1980s due to its hypoallergenic hair.
Breeders wanted a large, low-shed, affectionate, sweet, active, protective, and family-friendly dog.
The Old English Sheepdog (also known as a “Bobtail”) is a large, shaggy-haired dog that originated in Western England. The dog was also made famous by the popular Disney movie, “The Shaggy Dog.” These fuzzy pups were bred mainly to herd animals such as sheep or cattle or to serve as a watchdog. Their loud bark is a great way to scare away trespassers.
Appearance and Size
Both dogs are adorable and fluffy. Although they look similar, there are still some differences.
The gentle Bernedoodle appears sturdy and robust, weighing 60-90 pounds and standing 24-29 inches tall. These dogs can have a tri-colored coat, which can include black, white, and brown, and in rare instances, gray or dark red. Most have long, curly, thick coats. However, some dogs can have straight hair. They look like and are often mistaken for Aussiedoodles.
On the other hand, Sheepadoodles tend to be slightly larger, weighing between 50-80 pounds and standing between 20-27 inches tall. Their size is dependent on the size of their parents.
Sheepadoodles usually have two coat colors, black, white, or red, instead of three for Bernedoodles. The Sheepadoodles have soft, curly hair with either a Poodle-shaped head or a square sheepdog face.
Temperament and Personality Traits
You can easily fall in love with these adorable breeds because they offer endless entertainment, love, and loyalty. Every crossbred puppy is unique based on what traits they inherit from their parents. Remember that dogs can have different temperaments.
Bernedoodles are gentle and calm and have moderate energy levels. They look a lot like their Bernese Mountain Dog mother or father. They are friendly and love being around people. They can be sensitive and easily frightened.
Sheepadoodles tend to be more playful and lively than other dogs. They are intelligent and can pick up on emotions, making them perfect therapy animals. They make great guard dogs and can alert their owners by barking loudly if they sense an intruder.
Sheepadoodles are instinctive herders because of their Old English Sheepdog gene. They may be seen trying to herd children or other animals. This behavior can be accompanied by nipping. However, it should not become a problem with regular, affectionate training.
Exercise Requirements
Sheepadoodles have higher energy levels than Sheepdogs and are more inclined to participate in intense physical activity than their cuddly Bernedoodle counterparts. They can be expected to go on more walks with their owners and allow them to breathe. Usually, around 90 minutes or more will suffice. They may become louder and more destructive if they don’t exercise enough.
Sheepadoodles are happiest in larger houses with fenced-in yards where they can run and play. They are great companions for cold morning walks or jogs because of their thick coats.
Bernedoodles can keep up with the pace of their owners, but they will be more than happy to curl up on the couch and have a good nap. They also tend to gain weight quickly, so they must maintain a routine exercise schedule of at least 60 minutes per day.
Training and Socialization
Each breed is intelligent, hard-working, and obedience-oriented, making them easy to train. It is important to introduce new sounds, sights, and people early, as with all puppies. Not only is it important to provide mental and physical stimulation for puppies, but also adults.
Sheepadoodles are sometimes boisterous, but with patience and consistent training, they can learn quickly. Once a Sheepadoodle has learned something, they won’t forget it. It can be easy for this breed to get bored quickly with the same task or trick, so make sure you keep them entertained with new challenges.
Beernedoodles are affectionate and love reward-based training. It is important to interact with them regularly as they can become destructive and unruly if left alone.
It is important to remember that puppies have a very short attention span during their initial training. To encourage good behavior, both dogs require substantial praise and quick discipline. Dogs can become attached to their families and experience separation anxiety. This is something you need to address early in training.
Grooming Requirements
Both of these dogs do not shed due to their Poodle genes, which is why they have grown in popularity over the years. They are also mostly hypoallergenic, making them an excellent pet for those who suffer from chronic allergies.
They both require regular grooming, which can be quite difficult depending on the hair’s texture, length, and thickness. It’s best practice to brush them at least two to three times per week and receive a haircut (especially around the eyes) every 8-12 weeks.
Mats and knots can be painful for dogs, so make sure you have regular, at-home brushing (and bonding!) appointments with your fluff ball. It can make your life easier to invest in the right tools. Great tools to have in your arsenal include combs, a slicker, and a de-matting brush.
Pup owners should have a plan of care for their beloved pets. This could include regular baths, depending on how often they play in the dirt and mud. Regular nail clippings and teeth brushing (or chewing dental sticks) are recommended.
Nutritional Needs
All puppies need high-quality food with the appropriate amount of protein and vegetables to be healthy. Most veterinarians suggest feeding dogs twice a day, depending on their size, age, and energy level.
In general, these dogs will be large. Both breeds will require a kibble that is designed for large dogs. These dry kibbles, which are commercially manufactured, are often the best way for dogs to get the nutrients that they require.
Both dogs should consume 3-5 cups of dry dog food per day, depending on their size. This is an average amount, but larger males may consume 6 cups per day.
When choosing the right kibble for your pet, make sure to start with an age-appropriate formula. Start with a Large Breed Puppy formula, and then move on to a dog food formula for large breed adults. Senior dogs can have some flexibility, depending on their size and weight.
Don’t let those puppy eyes at mealtime fool you. Overeating can lead to obesity and other health issues. Concentrate on feeding them healthy, balanced portions of nutritious food.
Health Issues
Although cross-breeds are not as likely to have the same health issues as their parents, it is still important to understand the potential risks before purchasing either of these dogs as a puppy.
Sheepadoodles are relatively healthy, often living anywhere between 12 to 15 years on average. They are still susceptible to dangerous diseases that their Old English Sheepdog or Poodle parents may have. Some of the most common inherited conditions from the Old English Sheepdog include deafness, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, gastric torsion, and retinal detachment.
On average, Bernedoodles tend to live longer, healthier lives ranging from age 12 to 18. They can still develop the diseases that affect Bernese Mountain Dogs. These include hip and elbow dysplasia, heart problems, eye problems, and Von Willebrand’s Disease.
Both dogs could be at high risk due to the same conditions as their Poodle ancestors. These conditions include Cushing’s Disease, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), thyroid problems, and skin conditions like sebaceous acne.
Dog owners need to ensure that their dog is well-fed, exercised regularly, and have regular visits with a veterinarian. This will ensure that their dog is happy and healthy for a long time.
Breeders and Puppy Prices
Both breeds have received increasing popularity over the years in the U.S. They are fairly similar in price. Still, the Bernedoodle is more expensive due to its rarity and high breeding success rate. You also have a greater selection of colors available (tri-color ) instead of bicolor.
Size, age, and color all play an important role in the price of a pup. The cost of a puppy can be affected by whether it is adopted or purchased from a breeder. For a quality bred Bernedoodle puppy, expect to pay upwards of $2,000. For a well-bred Sheepadoodle, it can be a little cheaper at approximately $1,000 and up.
Find a reliable breeder if your goal is to buy a puppy. If you’re looking to purchase a puppy, make sure they can provide all necessary documentation and that they are available for any questions.
Conclusion
Countless dog owners have welcomed these two designer dogs into their lives and homes. Don’t be intimidated by their large sizes. They are great pets for families with kids because of their charming personalities, intelligence, and joy-loving attitude.
People with larger homes and more active lifestyles may find it more beneficial to have a Sheepadoodle that is larger and more energetic. Sheepadoodles are always eager for new adventures. Owners who live a more relaxed lifestyle may prefer the calmer, happier-go-lucky Bernedoodle. They might also appreciate the afternoon cuddle session.
Whichever breed you choose, these adorable dogs will be your loyal, long-lasting companion for life!