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Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Comparison – Which dog is better Dwarf Scotch Shepherd or Berner?

"Find similarities and differences between Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog" Compare Shetland Sheepdog and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which is better: Shetland Sheepdog or Bernese Mountain Dog?
 
 
 
Name Shetland Sheepdog Bernese Mountain Dog
OriginsScotland flagScotland Switzerland flagSwitzerland
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank2425
Reviews66
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Shetland Sheepdog and Bernese Mountain Dog. What other names are these breeds known by?
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Berner
Bernese Cattle Dog
Berner Sennenhund
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Shetland Sheepdog and a Bernese Mountain Dog. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Medium Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Shetland Sheepdog and a Bernese Mountain Dog. Which breed is heavier?
14-27 pounds (6-12 kg) Male: 85-110 pounds (38–50 kg), Female: 80-105 pounds (36–48 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
20.5 pounds (9 kg) Male: 97.5 pounds (38–50 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (36–48 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shetland Sheepdog or Bernese Mountain Dog? Is a Shetland Sheepdog taller than a Bernese Mountain Dog?
13-16 inches (33-41 cm) Male: 24-28 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 23-27 inches (58–69 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
14.5 inches (37 cm) Male: 26 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 25 inches (58–69 cm)

Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Shetland Sheepdog and a Bernese Mountain Dog. Which breed costs more?
$800-$1000 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shetland Sheepdog or Bernese Mountain Dog?
Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Bernese Mountain Dog is quite easy to get.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Very smart: Bernese Mountain Dog is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare training requirements.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare alertness levels.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare territorial behaviors.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Shetland Sheepdog and a Bernese Mountain Dog. How do their temperaments differ?
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Faithful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Average: Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
See more.
Social Needs
Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog social needs comparison:
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog? Which can be better for hunting?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare vocalization tendencies.
A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog barks occasionally.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Bernese Mountain Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare living space needs.
It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.
It is not recommended to keep the Bernese Mountain Dog breed in the home.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare adaptability levels.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Bernese Mountain Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Shetland Sheepdog or Bernese Mountain Dog?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Bernese Mountain Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare average lifespans.
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
7-11 years
The average lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dog: 9 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare climate tolerances.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Shetland Sheepdog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers cold weather
The Bernese Mountain Dog can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Shetland Sheepdog and a Bernese Mountain Dog. Which breed is healthier?
The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Very healthy dog breed.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
Average
The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Bernese Mountain Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Epilepsy
Heart Problems
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Collie Eye Anomaly
Haemophilia
Trichiasis
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Elbow Dysplasia
Panosteitis
Portosystemic Liver Shunt

Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare activity levels.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shetland Sheepdog or Bernese Mountain Dog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shetland Sheepdog or Bernese Mountain Dog?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare obesity risks.
Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Bernese Mountain Dog's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare daily food needs.
2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 6 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Shetland Sheepdog and Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare breed colors.
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Black
White
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare maintenance needs.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare drooling amounts.
The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Bernese Mountain Dog drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Bernese Mountain Dog has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Shetland Sheepdog and a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare fur types.
Dense Dense
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare bathing frequencies.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shetland Sheepdog or Bernese Mountain Dog? Do Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed more than Bernese Mountain Dog dogs?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs shed above average.
See more.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare kid-friendliness.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Bernese Mountain Dog? Which dog is more friendly?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Bernese Mountain Dog?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Bernese Mountain Dog? Can a Shetland Sheepdog and a Bernese Mountain Dog be friends? Do Shetland Sheepdog dogs get along with Bernese Mountain Dog dogs?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
Yes
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Shetland Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Bernese Mountain Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare service capabilities.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare therapy capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare SAR abilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Shetland Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Bernese Mountain Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Shetland Sheepdog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare draft work capabilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between Shetland Sheepdog and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which has stronger military background?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Shetland Sheepdog and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which has larger litters?
4-6 puppies 1-14 puppies, average 8
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Shetland Sheepdog and Bernese Mountain Dog breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Shetland Sheepdog and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Shetland Sheepdog and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1937 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Shetland Sheepdog and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Swiss Mountain- and Cattledogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Shetland Sheepdog and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which is more widely recognized?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

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