Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Shetland Sheepdog
Herding Group
Bernese Mountain Dog
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Shetland Sheepdog Overview
Shetland Sheepdogs showcase a luxurious double coat in sable, black, and blue merle colors. Their almond-shaped eyes and small, high-set ears create an alert, intelligent expression. Standing 13-16 inches at the shoulder, these compact herders possess graceful movement and refined bone structure. Their gentle temperament combines with keen intelligence and unwavering loyalty, making them exceptional family companions.
Bernese Mountain Dog Overview
Majestic and powerful, Bernese Mountain Dogs boast a striking tri-colored coat with distinctive markings. Their sturdy build and broad chest reflect their heritage as working dogs, while their gentle expression and soft brown eyes reveal their warm temperament. Standing tall with a well-balanced frame, these dogs combine strength with remarkable agility.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Shetland Sheepdogs are less energetic than Bernese Mountain Dogs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Shetland Sheepdogs require less grooming attention compared to Bernese Mountain Dogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Shetland Sheepdogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Bernese Mountain Dogs.
- Trainability: Bernese Mountain Dogs may be slightly easier to train due to their Bernese Mountain Dog's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Shetland Sheepdogs adapt better to apartment living, while Bernese Mountain Dogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Shetland Sheepdog and Bernese Mountain Dog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Shetland Sheepdog | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 7-10 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Shetland Sheepdog | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 13-16 inches 33-41 cm | 23-27 inches 58-70 cm |
| Weight | 15-25 lbs 7-11 kg | 70-115 lbs 32-52 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Frequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Shetland Sheepdog | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful, Energetic, Bright | Good-Natured, Calm, Strong |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Shetland Sheepdog | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Shetland Sheepdog Temperament
The Shetland Sheepdog is known for being playful, energetic, bright, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Bernese Mountain Dog Temperament
The Bernese Mountain Dog is characterized by being good-natured, calm, strong, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Shetland Sheepdog and Bernese Mountain Dog, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Shetland Sheepdog
Rating: 5/5
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Shetland Sheepdog
Rating: 5/5
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Shetland Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Shetland Sheepdog
Rating: 1/5
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Shetland Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Shetland Sheepdog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Shetland Sheepdogs require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Shetland Sheepdogs require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Bernese Mountain Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bernese Mountain Dogs need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Bernese Mountain Dogs require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Shetland Sheepdog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Von Willebrand's Disease
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Thyroid Issues
- MDR1 Gene
Bernese Mountain Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Cancer
- Bloat
- Von Willebrand's Disease
Pros & Cons
Shetland Sheepdog
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent family dog
- Low maintenance cost
- Good with children
Cons
- Excessive barking tendency
- Heavy shedding
- Can be shy with strangers
- Requires extensive grooming
Bernese Mountain Dog
Pros
- Gentle and patient with children
- Loyal family companion
- Good working dog capabilities
- Excellent guard dog instincts
Cons
- Short lifespan
- Heavy shedding
- Heat sensitivity
- Significant grooming needs
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Shetland Sheepdog and Bernese Mountain Dog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.