Bernedoodle vs. Sheepadoodle: Which Breed Is Right for You?

If you're thinking of adding a fluffy companion to your family and are torn between a Bernedoodle and a Sheepadoodle, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll provide you with an in-depth understanding of the similarities and differences between these two charming breeds, and by the end, we hope you have what you need to make the perfect choice for your family. 

Understanding the Breeds

A Quick Overview of Bernedoodles

As a blend of the Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, the Bernedoodle beautifully balances playfulness with patience. These dogs are known for their smart and goofy natures. They come in three sizes: standard, mini, and toy, offering prospective owners flexibility in choosing a size that's right for their family.

Bernedoodle coats differ in color and pattern, ranging from black and white to a tri-color mix of black, white, and rust. Despite their diverse sizes and appearances, all Bernedoodles share a common trait: they are low-shedding, making them a suitable choice for families with allergy sufferers.

A Quick Overview of Sheepadoodles

A blend of the Old English Sheepdog and the Standard Poodle, the Sheepadoodle is a breed that epitomizes friendliness and devotion. Renowned for their calm demeanors and expressive eyes, these dogs are immediate heart-stealers. 

They are typically larger, with a sturdy body particularly well-suited for families with active outdoor routines. Their shaggy, non-shedding coats are typically black and white, mimicking their Old English Sheepdog parent. In this regard, they're similar to Bernedoodles. While their grooming needs might be somewhat demanding given their long and wavy hairs, this low-shedding large dog breed is suitable for families with allergies.

Similarities of Bernedoodles and Sheepadoodles

Compatibility with Kids and Other Pets

Both Bernedoodles and Sheepadoodles shine in their rapport with kids and other pets. Their patient and gentle demeanour, coupled with their infectious energy, makes them ideal playmates for children of all ages. Furthermore, their sociable nature makes them easy to integrate with other pets in your family, whether another dog, a cat, or a bunny.

Social Butterflies

If social parties get you excited, wait until you see your Bernedoodle or Sheepadoodle in action. Both doodle breeds are naturally social and love interacting with humans and other pets. They come alive when you introduce them to new people or animals, leaving a vibrant impression that's hard to forget. 

With this attitude, both Bernedoodles and Sheepadoodles can definitely amp up your family's happiness quotient. Whether it's their love for games or their irresistible charm when they play, these breeds are a fantastic compliment to any home seeking a sociable companion. 

Protective Instincts

While they might be sociable softies at heart, Bernedoodles and Sheepadoodles are also known for their protective instincts. They are quick to sense potential threats, alerting their family with their barks! However, they are not aggressive pups, maintaining a balanced temperament that suits family environments. 

Adaptable to Apartment Living

Despite being sizable dogs, both Sheepadoodles and Bernedoodles comfortably adapt to apartment living, given adequate exercise. They are equally content in spacious homes with backyards. Thus, they can be an excellent fit for different lifestyles, irrespective of your living circumstances. However, it's important to maintain their activity levels high to keep 'em happy and healthy!

Low Shedding

One shared advantage of Bernedoodles and Sheepadoodles is that they're known to shed little ... so gone are the days of seeing fur on every surface! This feature of these doodle breeds is a great for those who suffer from allergies or simply don't enjoy incessant fur cleanup.  There are some minor differences however in their coat and shedding levels -- more on this topic below!

A Lifespan Worth Noting

The longevity of these breeds is another feature whereby they draw parallels. On average, both Bernedoodles and Sheepadoodles have a life duration of about 12 to 15 years. This longevity means that they'll be by your side, sharing smiles and making memories, for many years to come.

An Affinity Towards Training

Thanks to their Poodle parentage, both Bernedoodles and Sheepadoodles are very intelligent and easy to train. These gifted furballs are known for their ability to quickly pick up commands and tricksm, making training them a delight rather than a chore. Imagine a pet that is as eager to learn as you are to teach -- that certainly makes having a well-behaved family member easier.

Some Hybrid Vigor

One other shared advantage between these hybrid breeds is their 'hybrid vigor'. This is a term used to describe the offspring of two different breeds, whereby the resulting dog tends to be healthier (and sometimes more intelligent and trainable) than its purebred counterparts. Both Bernedoodles and Sheepadoodles benefit from this phenomenon. That said, any good parent parent should be aware of breed-specific health issues that their pup may have.  

Differences Between Bernedoodles and Sheepadoodles

Distinguished Coats

The coat color variations in these dog breeds might tilt your preference. Bernedoodles puppies flaunt a mix of black, white, and brown, often in quirky, random patterns that make each one a unique treat for the eyes. On the other hand, Sheepadoodles mostly sport a black and white coat, giving them a more classic, sophisticated appearance reminiscent of their Old English Sheepdog parent. 

Also, while Bernedoodles have wavy or curly hair, Sheepadoodles have a double coat that tends to be more on the straight side. This makes the Bernedoodle a bit more hypoallergenic, impacting your decision if someone in your family has allergies. 

Sheepadoodles are a Bit More Energetic

Energy-wise, both dogs are active and love playtime. But the Sheepadoodle usually shows a bit more spirit and will require a few more rounds of fetch in the backyard. Bernedoodles, conversely, have a more relaxed demeanor and might be content with fewer play sessions. 

Bernedoodles Can Be a Bit More Reserved

While both Bernedoodles and Sheepadoodles both possess loving natures, they display their affection differently. Bernedoodles can be more reserved and don't mind some alone time, whereas Sheepadoodles usually want to be close all the time, thriving from constant interaction and companionship.

Sheepadoodles Can Require More Grooming

Sheepadoodles and Bernedoodles share similar grooming needs, requiring regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. That said, Sheepadoodles usually require a bit more frequent grooming and coat care compared to Bernedoodles, because Sheepadoodles have more straight hair compared to Bernedoodle's curly or wavy furs.  

Sheepadoodles Have a Bigger Appetite

Even though both Bernedoodles and Sheepadoodles are larger breeds, Sheepadoodles often have a larger appetite and may require more feeding and nutritional care than Bernedoodles. These needs can reflect in the maintenance costs for these breeds.

Which Breed Is Right for You?

You're now familiar with the similarities and differences of the Bernedoodle and the Sheepadoodle. Each breed, with its unique features can bring something special to your family. But if you're not sure which breed to pick, here are some factors to consider: 

• Energy Level: If your family is super active and loves spending time outdoors, a Sheepadoodle might be a better match with its higher energy levels. On the other hand, a Bernedoodle could be a more fitting choice for those seeking a slightly more relaxed companion.
• Size: Do you have enough space at home to accommodate a slightly larger dog? If so, a Sheepadoodle might be suitable. However, if you're restricted in terms of space, a smaller-sized Bernedoodle, particularly a mini Bernedoodle, might be more appropriate.
• Grooming Needs: A Sheepadoodle typically requires more grooming than a Bernedoodle, making the latter a potentially more practical choice for busy households, or for household with allergic members.
• Color Options: If you're interested in a variety of color options for your potential pet, Bernedoodles typically offer a more diverse color palette compared to Sheepadoodles.
• Appetite Levels: Sheepadoodles tend to have larger appetites than Bernedoodles. If you're considering food expenses as part of your decision, it would be good to keep that in mind.

Every family's situation and preferences are unique. Taking into account your family's lifestyle, preferences, and capabilities can help you make an informed decision.

Conclusion

Deciding between a Bernedoodle and a Sheepadoodle might feel a bit difficult, considering their shared charm and characteristics. But when you take a closer look at each breed, you'll notice differences in energy levels, grooming requirements, appetite sizes, and more that might make one option the better choice for your home environment.

Remember, there's no definitive answer — the right breed for you heavily depends on your family's habits, living conditions, and personal lifestyle. If you're not sure that one of these doodle breeds is right for you, check out our doodle comparison guide for more options. And for even more options beyond doodles, find the perfect match by trying our Dog Breed Quiz.

We hope that you've found this review helpful in finding the right breed for your family!