• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

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

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Berner
Bernese Cattle Dog
Berner Sennenhund
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, Shetland Sheepdog or Bernese Mountain Dog? Is the Shetland Sheepdog bigger than the Bernese Mountain Dog breed? Is a Shetland Sheepdog smaller than a Bernese Mountain Dog?
Medium Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Shetland Sheepdog or Bernese Mountain Dog? Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog weight comparison:
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
Which is cheaper, Shetland Sheepdog or Bernese Mountain Dog? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Shetland Sheepdog and Bernese Mountain Dog?
$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

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Shetland Sheepdog or Bernese Mountain Dog smarter? Which is best? Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog intelligence:
Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Very smart: Bernese Mountain Dog is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Trainability
Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog trainability comparison. What's the difference between Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Shetland Sheepdog or Bernese Mountain Dog?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Shetland Sheepdog or Bernese Mountain Dog? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
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

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Shetland Sheepdog or Bernese Mountain Dog? Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog behavior/temperament comparison:
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

Playfulness
Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog playfulness comparison:
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.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog barks occasionally.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Bernese Mountain Dog?
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

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
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 Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Shetland Sheepdog or Bernese Mountain Dog?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Bernese Mountain Dog bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Is a Shetland Sheepdog more dangerous than a Bernese Mountain Dog?

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog mouthiness comparison:
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.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog health comparison. Which is the healthier: Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
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.
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
Veterinarian Visits
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).
Life Expectancy
Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog lifespan comparison. How long do Shetland Sheepdog and Bernese Mountain Dog breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Shetland Sheepdog and Bernese Mountain Dog?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
7-11 years
The average lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dog: 9 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
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.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Shetland Sheepdog or Bernese Mountain Dog? Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog energy level comparison:
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

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Shetland Sheepdog or Bernese Mountain Dog? Does the Shetland Sheepdog breed eat more than the Bernese Mountain Dog breed?
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.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog weight gain potential comparison:
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.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog coat comparison:
Dense Dense
Colors
What are the original Shetland Sheepdog and Bernese Mountain Dog color? Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog color comparison:
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Black
White
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Shetland Sheepdog or Bernese Mountain Dog? Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog grooming comparison:
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.
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.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Shetland Sheepdog or Bernese Mountain Dog?
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.
Hypoallergenic
Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Shetland Sheepdog or Bernese Mountain Dog?

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Bernese Mountain Dog has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
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.

Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
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.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Shetland Sheepdog or Bernese Mountain Dog?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
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
Which one could be a service dog?

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 Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Shetland Sheepdog or Bernese Mountain Dog? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

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.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog?

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.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

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.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog

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

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Shetland Sheepdog and Bernese Mountain Dog have? Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog litter size comparison:
4-6 puppies 1-14 puppies, average 8

Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
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 Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
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.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
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

Rate This Comparsion - Shetland Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog

Reviews