Bernese Mountain DogVSOld English Sheepdog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is known for being gentle, calm, strong, while the Old English Sheepdog is typically described as adaptable, gentle, playful. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

The Old English Sheepdog tends to be more playful, scoring 5/5 versus the Bernese Mountain Dog's 4/5. Expect the Old English Sheepdog to be more eager for playtime and interactive games.

Noise-wise, the Old English Sheepdog is more vocal with a barking level of 3/5, while the Bernese Mountain Dog is quieter at 2/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Bernese Mountain Dog may be the better choice.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large breed standing 58–70 cm (23–28 in) tall and weighing 32–52 kg (71–115 lbs). In comparison, the Old English Sheepdog is a large breed at 53–61 cm (21–24 in) and 27–45 kg (60–99 lbs).

The Bernese Mountain Dog is somewhat larger, though the difference isn't dramatic. Both breeds are manageable for most owners, but the size gap does affect food portions and space requirements.

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a long coat available in tricolor, while the Old English Sheepdog sports a long coat in gray and white, blue and white, grizzle and white. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Bernese Mountain Dog has moderate energy (3/5) with moderate exercise needs (3/5). The Old English Sheepdog has high energy (4/5) and high exercise needs (4/5).

You'll need to dedicate more time to exercising the Old English Sheepdog, which thrives on vigorous daily activity. The Bernese Mountain Dog is less demanding in this regard and settles more easily into a relaxed routine.

For apartment dwellers, the Old English Sheepdog is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 2/5, compared to the Bernese Mountain Dog's 1/5. The Bernese Mountain Dog generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

Both breeds shed at a similar rate (5/5), so you can expect comparable amounts of loose fur from either one.

Grooming-wise, the Old English Sheepdog needs more upkeep (5/5) than the Bernese Mountain Dog (4/5). The Old English Sheepdog's long coat demands regular professional grooming to stay in top shape.

Annual grooming costs average around $250 for the Bernese Mountain Dog and $500 for the Old English Sheepdog. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a lifespan of 6–8 years, while the Old English Sheepdog lives 10–12 years. The Old English Sheepdog generally has a longer lifespan.

The Old English Sheepdog is generally the healthier breed, scoring 3/5 for health robustness versus the Bernese Mountain Dog's 1/5. This often translates to fewer vet visits and lower medical costs.

Common health issues for the Bernese Mountain Dog include cancer, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat. The Old English Sheepdog is prone to hip dysplasia, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $700 for the Bernese Mountain Dog and $600 for the Old English Sheepdog. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is easier to train with a trainability score of 4/5, making it more suitable for first-time dog owners. The Old English Sheepdog scores 3/5 and may require more patience and experience during training sessions.

Both breeds match in intelligence at 4/5, so expect similar learning speeds and mental stimulation needs from either choice.

Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.

Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and Old English Sheepdog score 4/5 for intelligence, putting them on equal footing mentally. They'll learn commands at similar speeds and need comparable amounts of mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.

Both breeds share a similar intelligence profile rooted in working intelligence. They both excel when given structured tasks and thrive in obedience, agility, or service work.

For either breed, mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, scent work, and interactive toys keep intelligent dogs engaged and prevent the boredom that leads to chewing, digging, or excessive barking.

Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed can be a wonderful addition to a household with kids.

The initial purchase price for a Bernese Mountain Dog ranges from $1,500–$4,000, while a Old English Sheepdog typically costs $1,200–$3,000. The Bernese Mountain Dog has a higher upfront cost.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,910 for the Bernese Mountain Dog and $1,940 for the Old English Sheepdog. The Old English Sheepdog costs more annually, largely because of grooming expenses.

Monthly food costs run about $80 for the Bernese Mountain Dog and $70 for the Old English Sheepdog. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.