Bernese Mountain Dog
Good-natured, calm, strong, affectionate
Striking tri-colored Swiss working dog with a gentle, calm temperament; devoted family companion with elevated health and grooming demands.
Full Bernese Mountain Dog profile →Two large, heavy-coated family dogs: gentle Swiss mountain dog vs boisterous British herder — grooming demands, lifespan, and family temperament.
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Old English Sheepdog
Old English Sheepdog
Playful, gentle, intelligent, adaptable
Large, shaggy herding breed known for its distinctive bobtail, playful temperament, and very high grooming demands.
Full Old English Sheepdog profile →At a glance
← Scroll to see all columns →
| Trait | Bernese Mountain Dog | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Energy level | Medium | High |
| Grooming needs | Very High | Very High |
| Training difficulty | Low | Medium |
| Apartment suitability | Very Low | Low |
| Kid-friendliness | Very High | Very High |
| Alone-time tolerance | Low | Medium |
| Barking tendency | Low | Medium |
| Heat sensitivity | Very High | High |
| Size class | large | large |
Trait levels reflect breed population averages — individual dogs vary. Lead cells indicate a contextual advantage for most owners; interpretations depend on your specific lifestyle.
Annual cost range
Bernese Mountain Dog
$1,700 – $4,500 / year
Typical: $2,700/yr
First year: $2,800 – $9,000
Detailed cost estimate →Old English Sheepdog
$1,700 – $4,500 / year
Typical: $2,700/yr
First year: $2,800 – $9,000
Detailed cost estimate →US national averages. Does not include emergency vet costs, boarding, or training classes.
Decision verdicts
Bernese Mountain Dog
Devoted, gentle family dog with a calm presence — prepare for heavy shedding, elevated cancer risk, and a shorter-than-average lifespan.
Best for
- Families with children who want a calm, affectionate large breed
- Owners with space and cold or temperate climates
- Those willing to manage heavy grooming demands
- Active households wanting a moderate-energy companion
Not ideal if
- Hot climates — they overheat easily
- Apartment or small-space living
- Those unable to manage heavy shedding
- Owners unprepared for elevated cancer and orthopedic health costs
Old English Sheepdog
An affectionate, playful family dog for those with space, time, and budget for exceptional grooming commitment.
Best for
- Families who enjoy grooming or can afford regular professional visits ($120-200/session)
- Homes with yard space and active children
- Owners who work from home or have flexible schedules
Not ideal if
- Owners unwilling to commit to daily grooming and 6-8 week professional appointments
- Hot climates (thick double coat creates significant heat risk)
- Apartment dwellers or inactive households
Health watchlist
Bernese Mountain Dog
Cancer (very elevated risk) Known risk
Cancer is the leading cause of death in Bernese Mountain Dogs at a disproportionately high rate compared to most breeds. Annual wellness exams and early monitoring are important. Consult your vet.
Hip and elbow dysplasia Elevated
Both conditions are common in the breed. Reputable breeders OFA-test parents. Weight management and avoiding high-impact exercise in puppies is important. Consult your vet.
Bloat / GDV Watch
Deep-chested large breeds have elevated GDV risk. Discuss risk management and prophylactic gastropexy with your veterinarian.
Von Willebrand disease Watch
A bleeding disorder found in the breed. DNA testing is available and recommended before surgery. Consult your vet for guidance specific to your dog.
Degenerative myelopathy Watch
A progressive spinal cord disease. DNA testing is available from responsible breeders. Consult your vet for guidance specific to your dog.
Old English Sheepdog
Hip dysplasia Elevated
Elevated incidence in the breed. Choose breeders who OFA-certify both parents. Managing weight and avoiding high-impact exercise in puppyhood supports long-term joint health. Consult your vet for guidance specific to your dog.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Elevated
Hereditary eye condition that can progress to blindness. CAER eye certification and prcd-PRA genetic testing of breeding dogs is strongly recommended. Ask breeders for documentation. Consult your vet for guidance specific to your dog.
Cerebellar ataxia Watch
An OES-specific inherited neurological condition affecting coordination. A genetic test is available; responsible breeders screen breeding stock. Ask your breeder whether both parents have been tested. Consult your vet for guidance specific to your dog.
Deafness Watch
Congenital deafness has been documented in the breed, particularly in dogs with excess white pigmentation. BAER testing of puppies can identify affected individuals. Consult your vet for guidance specific to your dog.
Common questions
- Which is better for apartment living — Bernese Mountain Dog or Old English Sheepdog?
- Both Bernese Mountain Dog and Old English Sheepdog are comparable for apartment living (Very Low vs Low). Neither has a decisive advantage; both depend on meeting their exercise and mental stimulation needs. This is educational guidance — individual dogs vary.
- Which requires more grooming — Bernese Mountain Dog or Old English Sheepdog?
- Bernese Mountain Dog and Old English Sheepdog have similar grooming needs (Very High vs Very High). Both require regular brushing and routine coat care; the difference in grooming time is minor between the two breeds.
- Which is easier to train — Bernese Mountain Dog or Old English Sheepdog?
- The Bernese Mountain Dog is generally easier to train than the Old English Sheepdog. Old English Sheepdog owners typically benefit from more consistent training structure and prior dog experience. Both breeds respond best to positive reinforcement methods.
- Which is better with children — Bernese Mountain Dog or Old English Sheepdog?
- Bernese Mountain Dog and Old English Sheepdog are similarly matched in child-friendliness. Both can be excellent family dogs when properly socialised. Supervision around very young children is always recommended regardless of breed.
Explore further
Health information is educational only. Always consult your veterinarian.
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