Bernese Mountain Dog
A handsome tricolour dog from the Swiss Alps, the Bernese is gentle, loyal and excellent with families, but copes very badly with heat.
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Side by side
| Trait | Bernese Mountain Dog | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Pinschers, molossers and mountain dogs | Pinschers, molossers and mountain dogs |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Weight | 35–55 kg | 38–64 kg |
| Height at withers | 58–70 cm | 60–72 cm |
| Life expectancy | 7–10 years | 8–11 years |
| Energy | ||
| With children | ||
| With other dogs | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Heat tolerance | ||
| Apartment | Not recommended | Not recommended |
Key differences
- Needs more grooming: Bernese Mountain Dog (4/5 vs 2/5)
Gaps counted as key differences: more than 20% in average weight, more than 10% in average height, at least 2 years in average life expectancy, or at least 2 points on a rating.
Which one is right for you?
A quick guide based on the ratings above. Every dog is an individual: spend time with the breed and talk to breeders, rescue organisations or a veterinarian before deciding.
- Apartment living
- Both are similarBased on apartment suitability and energy.
- Family with children
- Bernese Mountain Dog is the better fitBased on behaviour with children.
- First-time owner
- Both are similarBased on trainability, energy and grooming needs.
- Hot climate
- Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is the better fitBased on heat tolerance.
- Active owner
- Both are similarBased on energy level.
Meet the two breeds
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
The largest of the Swiss mountain dogs, this short-coated tricolour dog is calm, reliable and very attached to its family.