Living
Which is the easier all-around choice?
The Bernedoodle -- it beats the OES on trainability, first-time-owner fit, shedding and lifespan, with cost about a wash.
Bernedoodle vs Old English Sheepdog: Which Suits Your Home?
Bernedoodle or Old English Sheepdog? On paper they differ most on shedding, and on the scales Old English Sheepdog is the heavier at 60–100 lbs. Here is how the two compare on everything that shapes an ordinary week.
This is for someone already down to Bernedoodle and Old English Sheepdog and deciding between them. For this pair the decision usually turns on shedding and good for first-time owners, so those are covered first and in most detail. Both rate 2/5 for flats, so housing does not settle this one. Breed history is left out; what follows is what you will actually live with.
Quick verdict
Between Bernedoodle and Old English Sheepdog, shedding is what separates them, and Bernedoodle is the lower-effort dog of the two to keep.
Choose bernedoodle if...
Choose Bernedoodle if this is your first dog, you do not want a standing grooming appointment and shedding is a problem in your house.
Choose old english sheepdog if...
Choose Old English Sheepdog if your walking routine is modest.
Head-to-head comparison
| Feature | bernedoodle | old english sheepdog | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size class | medium | large | Equal |
| Weight | 20–90 lbs | 60–100 lbs | Equal |
| Height | 12–23 in | 20–24 in | Equal |
| Lifespan | 12–18 years | 10–12 years | bernedoodle |
| Exercise need | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) | old english sheepdog |
| Grooming need | High (4/5) | Very high (5/5) | bernedoodle |
| Shedding | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) | bernedoodle |
| Energy level | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) | Equal |
| Barking | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) | bernedoodle |
| Apartment suitability | Low (2/5) | Low (2/5) | Equal |
| Good for first-time owners | High (4/5) | Low (2/5) | bernedoodle |
| Tolerates being alone | Low (2/5) | Low (2/5) | Equal |
| Trainability | Very high (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) | bernedoodle |
| Good with kids | Very high (5/5) | Very high (5/5) | Equal |
| Good with other dogs | Very high (5/5) | High (4/5) | bernedoodle |
| Friendly to strangers | High (4/5) | High (4/5) | Equal |
| Cost level | High (4/5) | High (4/5) | Equal |
| Coat | Wavy to curly, hypoallergenic | Long, shaggy double coat | Equal |
| Origin | United States | Various | Equal |
| Typical monthly cost | $120–$220 | $110–$240 | Equal |
| Typical first-year cost | $1,800–$3,200 | $1,700–$3,200 | Equal |
Deep dive
Size and build
Old English Sheepdogs run 60-100 lbs and 20-24 inches tall, a large breed that overlaps the upper end of the Bernedoodle's 20-90 lb, 12-23 inch range. A big standard Bernedoodle and a smaller OES could weigh about the same, but the OES's dense double coat makes it look even bulkier than the scale suggests.
Energy and exercise
The Bernedoodle rates high (4/5) for exercise need; the OES sits one notch down at moderate (3/5), with energy level following the same pattern. Both are working-breed descendants that want daily activity, just not identical amounts -- the OES is more likely of the two to settle after a single good outing.
Grooming and shedding
Grooming tips toward more work for the OES -- very high (5/5) against the Bernedoodle's high (4/5) -- and shedding widens the gap further: low (2/5) for the Bernedoodle's curlier coat versus high (4/5) for the OES's long, shaggy double coat. Plan on frequent brushing to prevent matting with the OES.
Apartment living, noise and time alone
Both breeds rate low (2/5) for apartment suitability, so neither is an obvious small-space pick. Barking differs a bit: the Bernedoodle stays low (2/5) while the OES climbs to moderate (3/5), likely a holdover from its herding instincts. Neither tolerates being left alone well, both tied at low (2/5).
Training and owner experience
This is where the two diverge most. The Bernedoodle is rated very high (5/5) for trainability and high (4/5) for first-time owners; the OES drops to moderate (3/5) and low (2/5) on the same measures. An OES's independent streak means it needs a more experienced or patient handler than the Bernedoodle does.
Kids, other dogs and visitors
Both breeds score very high (5/5) with kids and high (4/5) with strangers, so either works in a social household. The Bernedoodle has a slight edge with other dogs (5/5 vs 4/5), which may matter more if you already own another dog or make regular dog-park trips.
Health and lifespan
The Bernedoodle's 12-18 year lifespan comfortably outpaces the OES's 10-12. Both share bloat risk and hip dysplasia potential, but the rest of their lists split: the OES adds cataracts, hypothyroidism and primary ciliary dyskinesia, while the Bernedoodle's longer list includes epilepsy, Addison's disease, and several allergy and skin conditions.
Cost to keep
Cost level ties at high (4/5) for both, and the monthly ranges nearly overlap too -- $120-$220 for the Bernedoodle versus $110-$240 for the OES. First-year totals land in a similar $1,700-$3,200-ish neighborhood either way, so budget isn't the factor that should decide this one.
Bernedoodle vs Old English Sheepdog at a glance
Bernedoodle weighs 20–90 lbs and lives 12–18 years; Old English Sheepdog weighs 60–100 lbs and lives 10–12 years. The two diverge most on shedding, good for first-time owners and trainability. They are level on tolerates being alone, apartment suitability and cost level, so those cannot decide it. The comparison marks an easier option only where one exists. Facts like weight and country of origin are not scored. Both dogs are rated from the same dataset, which is what makes the numbers comparable with each other even though any individual dog sits somewhere inside its breed's range.
Frequently asked questions
How similar in size are these two breeds?
Close enough to overlap. The OES runs 60-100 lbs and 20-24 inches; a larger Bernedoodle in the 20-90 lb, 12-23 inch range can match or exceed a smaller OES. Neither is a small dog.
Which sheds more?
The Old English Sheepdog, rated high (4/5) against the Bernedoodle's low (2/5). The OES's long double coat also needs very high (5/5) grooming attention to avoid matting.
Which is the better fit for a first-time owner?
The Bernedoodle, clearly -- rated high (4/5) for first-time owners and very high (5/5) for trainability, while the OES scores low (2/5) and moderate (3/5) on the same measures.
Does either do well in an apartment?
Not really -- both rate low (2/5) for apartment suitability. If you're in a small space, this comparison doesn't have a clear winner on that front.
How do monthly costs compare?
Nearly identical: $120-$220 for the Bernedoodle and $110-$240 for the OES. Cost level is rated high (4/5) for both breeds.
Do they share health risks?
Yes, both carry hip dysplasia and bloat (GDV) risk. Beyond that they differ -- the OES adds cataracts and hypothyroidism, while the Bernedoodle's list is longer and includes epilepsy and several skin and joint conditions.
Which breed will likely live longer?
The Bernedoodle, at 12-18 years against the OES's 10-12. That's a meaningful gap when you're picking a dog for the long haul.
Quick answers
View more answersCosts
What's the monthly cost difference?
Barely any -- $120-$220 for the Bernedoodle versus $110-$240 for the OES. This pair is essentially a tie on cost.
Behavior
Which one needs more daily exercise?
The Bernedoodle, rated high (4/5) versus moderate (3/5) for the OES, though both want at least one solid outing a day.
Health
How much longer does the Bernedoodle typically live?
Around 2-6 years longer -- 12-18 years versus the OES's 10-12.
Related DogBreedCompass guides
- Bernedoodle breed guide – Readers comparing the two usually want the full profile of Bernedoodle before deciding.
- Old English Sheepdog breed guide – The same for Old English Sheepdog, so the comparison can be checked against the detail.
- Bernedoodle vs Goldendoodle – Goldendoodle is the closest breed to Bernedoodle on the measured axes, so it is the natural next comparison.
- Old English Sheepdog vs Alaskan Malamute – Alaskan Malamute sits closest to Old English Sheepdog, which makes it the alternative worth ruling out.
- What Bernedoodle costs to keep – Anyone weighing these two is usually also pricing them, and the cost pages carry city-level figures.
- Old English Sheepdog health problems – The health pages set out what each breed is actually screened for.
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Important reminder
Health information here is general and is not veterinary advice. If your dog shows pain, sudden behaviour change, or worsening symptoms, consult a licensed veterinarian.
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