Old English Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog — Complete Comparison
Choosing between the Old English Sheepdog and the Bernese Mountain Dog comes down to lifestyle fit, living space, and the time you can commit to training and grooming. In terms of size, the Old English Sheepdog is large while the Bernese Mountain Dog is giant, which affects exercise space requirements, feeding costs, and average lifespan. Both breeds have comparable exercise needs, though individual dogs will vary. Lifespan is also worth considering — Old English Sheepdogs typically live 10–12 years, whereas Bernese Mountain Dogs average 7–10 years. Both breeds are well-suited to families with children.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Bold green indicates the better result for that trait. Exercise, grooming and shedding: lower is easier to manage. Trainability and lifespan: higher is better.
Health Comparison
Understanding each breed's health profile helps owners budget for insurance, schedule appropriate screening, and make informed decisions before purchasing.
Old English Sheepdog (5 conditions)
Conditions shared by both breeds: hip dysplasia , bloat .
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Based on data across health, exercise, trainability, and temperament, here is how the two breeds compare across common owner priorities:
Explore Each Breed in Depth
Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog, with its profuse shaggy coat and distinctive shuffling gait, is an iconic British breed origin…
Bernese Mountain Dog
One of four Swiss Sennenhund breeds developed in the Bernese Oberland for herding cattle, pulling carts, and guarding Al…
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger — a Old English Sheepdog or a Bernese Mountain Dog?
The Bernese Mountain Dog is the larger breed, typically weighing 32–52 kg compared to the Old English Sheepdog's 27–45 kg.
Which breed lives longer — Old English Sheepdog or Bernese Mountain Dog?
The Old English Sheepdog generally has a longer lifespan (10–12 years) compared to the Bernese Mountain Dog (7–10 years). Smaller breeds typically outlive larger ones, and individual genetics, diet, and preventive care all play significant roles.
Are Old English Sheepdogs or Bernese Mountain Dogs easier to train?
The Bernese Mountain Dog (trainability 4/5) is generally easier to train than the Old English Sheepdog (3/5). Bernese Mountain Dogs tend to respond quickly to reward-based training, while Old English Sheepdogs may require more patience and consistency.
Which needs more grooming — Old English Sheepdog or Bernese Mountain Dog?
The Old English Sheepdog requires considerably more grooming (5/5) than the Bernese Mountain Dog (4/5). The Old English Sheepdog's long shaggy double coat needs more frequent brushing and professional grooming to stay in good condition.
Which breed is better for families — Old English Sheepdog or Bernese Mountain Dog?
Both the Old English Sheepdog and Bernese Mountain Dog are generally considered good family dogs and are typically patient and gentle with children. As always, early socialisation and teaching children how to interact respectfully with dogs are essential regardless of breed.
Do Old English Sheepdogs and Bernese Mountain Dogs have the same health problems?
Some health conditions are shared between both breeds, including hip dysplasia, bloat. The Old English Sheepdog has 5 documented conditions overall and the Bernese Mountain Dog has 5. Pet insurance is strongly recommended for both.
Get Old English Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog tips and breed health guides
Expert advice on breed health, common conditions, and preventive care — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.