Cuddly Bernedoodle
If you’re reading this article, you probably already know a thing or two about Doodles. But just in case you’re new to the world of Doodles, welcome! Prepare to have your heart stolen. This article highlights some of the similarities and differences between the Bernedoodle breed and the Sheepadoodle breed. At Crockett Doodles, we commonly get asked the question, “Which is better a Bernedoodle or a Sheepadoodle?”
It’s a tough question for us since we love Bernedoodles and Sheepadoodles, and we know that our partner home families who raise a couple litters a year of Bernedoodles would swear that they’re the best (I can hear my friend Tom saying “Bernedoodles beat Sheepadoodles hands down.” Bernedoodle families would argue that nothing compares to the gentle, calm demeaner of a big, lovable standard Bernedoodle, or the cute-as-a-stuffed animal tri-color mini Bernedoodles.
On the flip-side our Sheepadoodle guardian homes wouldn’t trade a Sheepadoodle for the world. They argue that the fun-loving personality of the Sheepadoodle wins out over the Bernedoodle. Sheepadoodle owners love the black-and-white stark contrast of our gorgeous Sheepadoodles, and they’d argue that Sheepadoodles are better for exercising with than a Bernedoodle, as Sheepadoodles tend to have more energy than Bernedoodles. Before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s start at the beginning…by explaining “What is a Bernedoodle?” and “What is a Sheepadoodle?”
Mini Bernedoodle from Crockett Doodles
What is a Bernedoodle? And why do many people prefer Bernedoodles to Sheepadoodles? Bernedoodles are a cross breed of Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles. They can vary in size from Mini Bernedoodles (18-35 pounds), Medium Bernedoodles (35-50 pounds), and Standard Bernedoodles (50 pounds and above; occasionally we have standard Bernedoodles grow more than 100 pounds). Bernedoodles have gorgeous coats that that are often Tri-Color. Tri-color Bernedoodles have a predominantly black coat with tan and white markings. Red tri-color Bernedoodles replace the black (of a black tri-color Bernedoodle) with a dark red coloring.
Standard Bernedoodles can get quite large, upwards of 100 pounds, and are commonly within the 70-90 pound range. Bernese Mountain Dogs were bred to work and were often used as draft animals to pull heavy loads. They are strong canines with determination and deep loyalty to their owners. They are known for being a low-energy breed that go with the flow, and have a calm, gentle demeanor. Bernedoodles are very family friendly and easily trainable. Each Bernedoodle is beautiful both inside and out, and are known for their laid back, gentle personalities. Although Crockett Doodles is best known for our tri-color Bernedoodles (reflecting the coloring of the Bernese Mountain Dog), we occasionally have other colors of Bernedoodles.
Black and White Sheepadoodle from Crockett Doodles
Sheepadoodles are a cross breed of Old English Sheepdogs and Poodles. Sheepadoodles are gorgeous dogs who are known for being obedient, easily trainable, and great family dogs. Most Sheepadoodles differ from Bernedoodles at first sight. Sheepadoodles are usually Bi-color, with black and white or red and white coats in beautifully marked patterns. Sheepadoodles do not have as many color patterns as Bernedoodles, as Bernedoodles often have tri-color coats and occasionally have merle color patterns.
The main personality difference between Sheepadoodles and Bernedoodles, comes from the Old English Sheepdog breed. Old English Sheepdogs are typically more high-energy than Bernese Mountain Dogs and have also been bred to be herding dogs. Where Bernese Mountain Dogs were bred to work hard and pull heavy loads, Old English Sheepdogs were bred to herd sheep and keep other animals in line. These herding tendencies are diminished when bred with Poodles, and Sheepadoodles are typically calmer and more easily trainable than their Sheepdog counterparts.
Unlike their lower energy Bernedoodle counterpart, Sheepadoodles are a medium to high energy Doodle breed. Particularly as puppies, Sheepadoodles can be a bit nippy or having herding tendencies as opposed to the low to medium energy levels of the Bernedoodle.
Red and White Sheepadoodle
Because of these higher energy levels, families who adopt Sheepadoodles should be prepared to exercise their newest furry family member more often than families who adopt Bernedoodles.
Mini Sheepadoodles range in size from 25-40 pounds, and Standard Sheepadoodles range in size from 40-75 pounds. Sheepadoodles do not typically reach the same size as Bernedoodles, maxing out at 75 pounds as opposed to the Bernedoodle 100 pounds. Sheepadoodles are obedient, playful and family-friendly Doodles who have definitely made their mark on the Doodle community! A typical Bernedoodle family will describe their pup as gentle, loving, and caring. Whereas Sheepadoodle owners often use descriptions like playful, protective, and silly to describe their Sheepadoodle family member.
Sheepadoodle adult
We hope this discussion of Sheepadoodles vs Bernedoodles was helpful to you as you seek to make an informed decision about which Doodle is best for you.
