Sheepadoodles versus Bernedoodles: Which Dog is Better for You?

Last Updated on June 4, 2024

Have you found yourself wondering the difference between Sheepadoodles vs Bernedoodles?

But both Sheepadoodles and Bernedoodles have unique personalities and traits.

Today, I’m going to break down some of the popular characteristics of Sheepadoodles vs. Bernedoodles so you have a good idea of which dog is right for you.

Bernedoodle vs Sheepadoodle Comparison Table
Sheepadoodle	Bernedoodle
Weight: 45-80 pounds	Weight: 50-100 pounds
Height: 13-28 inches	Height: 15-29 inches
Colors: Typically black/grey and white	Colors: Typically black, brown, and white
Cost: $2,000-$3,500	Cost: $2,000-$5,000
Energy levels: High	Energy levels: Medium

Sheepadoodle vs Bernedoodle: Breed Overview

What is a Sheepadoodle?

A Sheepadoodle is a cross between a Poodle and an Old English Sheepadog. Sheepadoodles can be incorrectly labeled as a “Shepadoodle” (which is actually a Shepherd/Poodle mix), and are sometimes referred to as “Sheepapoo” or “Sheepdoodle”.

And once, while living in Germany with our dog, the word “Sheepadoodle” got lost in translation and a nice German asked if our dog was “Sheep-poop.” 🙂

What is a Bernedoodle?

A Bernedoodle is a cross between a Poodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog. Bernese Mountain Dogs are sometimes confused with St. Bernards. A Bernese Mountain Dog is not the same as a St. Bernard. If you are looking for a Poodle/St. Bernard mix, you’d want to look for a Saint Berdoodle.

Sheepadoodle vs Bernedoodle: Temperament

Sheepadoodles and Bernedoodles have very similar temperaments, but each breed does have unique distinctions.

Sheepadoodle

Sheepadoodles make great family dogs. They are cuddly, affectionate and love to be around their pack. Sheepadoodles are also energetic and have an endless appetite to play.

Being part Old English Sheepdog, Sheepadoodles often inherit herding-dog breed tendencies, such as the need to herd, and will wrangle up children and other small animals.

This trait is something that Sheepadoodle owners need to keep in mind and may need to work on with their nippy Sheepadoodle puppies (we did, but it was easy to train with the help of our trainer).

Sheepadoodles are known to sound the alarm when intruders enter your property. The guarding will stop there, however, as Sheepadoodles have more bark than bite and won’t charge at an intruder.

Bernedoodle

Bernedoodles also make wonderful family dogs. They, too, like to be surrounded by their pack.

Being part Bernese Mountain Dog, Bernedoodle’s aren’t as energetic as the Sheepadoodle. While they are a working dog, nipping and herding aren’t typically issues that the Bernedoodle will inherit. Bernese Mountain Dogs were originally bred to pull heavy carts in the Swiss farmlands.

Bernedoodles are very friendly. If you are looking for a guard dog, a Bernedoodle should not be your first choice as they try to befriend just about anyone.

Sheepadoodle vs Bernedoodle: Size

Both Bernedoodles and Sheepadoodles come in similar sizes.

Sheepadoodle

Sheepadoodles come in a couple of different sizes.

Mini Sheepadoodles can be about 20 pounds, however, this classification is on the basis of the breeder as some Mini Sheepadoodles are listed as any Sheepadoodle under 50 pounds. Mini Sheepadoodle stands at around 10-15 inches tall.

Standard Sheepadoodles usually weigh around 45-80 pounds and are 13-28 inches tall.

Bernedoodle

Like the Sheepadoodle, Bernedoodles also have a couple of different sizes.

The Mini Bernedoodle is about 20 pounds.

A Standard Bernedoodle can be anywhere from 50 pounds to over 100 pounds.

Sheepadoodle vs Bernedoodle: Colors

Sheepadoodles and Bernedoodles can come in similar colorings.

Sheepadoodle

Sheepadoodles’ coats can come in a variety of different colors:

• black and white
• all black
• grey and white
• brown, black and white (similar to a Bernedoodle, although this is hard to come across)
• red and white

Most Sheepadoodles are black and white and can turn grey over time.

Bernedoodle

Bernedoodles’ coats also come in different colorings:

• Tri-color (black, white, tan)
• Red
• Black and White

Sheepadoodle vs Bernedoodle: Cost

Both Bernedoodles and Sheepadoodles cost roughly the same, but Bernedoodles to tend to be slightly more expensive.

Sheepadoodle

A Standard Sheepadoodle can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $3,500.

A Mini Sheepadoodle can cost between $2,000 to $4,000.

Bernedoodle

A Standard Bernedoodle can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000.

A Mini Bernedoodle can also cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000+.

Sheepadoodle vs Bernedoodle: Energy Levels

Sheepadoodle

Sheepadoodles are medium to high energy and are best for active families! As a point of reference, our Sheepadoodle gets roughly 1.5-2 hours of exercise every day, rain or shine.

Bernedoodle

Bernedoodles have less energy than a Sheepadoodle and are generally calmer. But don’t let that fool you, they are still a working breed and will need exercise.

Sheepadoodle vs Bernedoodle: Grooming

Grooming a Doodle is a lot of work, regardless if it’s a Sheepadoodle or a Bernedoodle.

Doodles are low-shedding dogs, and, therefore, need to be combed and brushed frequently (roughly 30 minutes daily if you are going to leave their hair on the longer side).

If you plan to keep their hair short, you’ll need frequent trips to the groomers (every 4-8 weeks), which can be costly.

If you don’t think you’ll enjoy all that grooming, I don’t recommend getting any Doodle. Unfortunately, Doodles-owners have a bad reputation with groomers for bringing in dogs with incredibly matted-fur. It’s painful for the dog, so make sure you’re up to the (sometimes exhausting) task of keeping your Dood mat-free!

Which One Should You Get?

Deciding between a Bernedoodle and Sheepadoodle is no easy task. Both dogs are friendly, smart, and love to be around their owners.

If you aren’t sure, this article on why you shouldn’t get a Sheepadoodle is an honest article about why a Sheepadoodle might not be the dog for you.