Bernese Mountain Dog Vs Saint Bernard: Which Breed Is Right for You?

Bernese Mountain Dog Vs Saint Bernard

Choosing the right dog breed for your family can be a challenging decision. Two popular choices among large breed enthusiasts are the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Saint Bernard. Both breeds are known for their gentle and friendly nature, but there are some key differences that might help you decide which one is the best fit for your lifestyle.

Table Of Contents

The Bernese Mountain Dog, also known as the Berner, is a Swiss breed that excels as a family companion. They are known for their loyalty and love of children, making them an ideal choice for families with kids. Bernese Mountain Dogs have a calm and gentle temperament, and they are easily trainable.

The Saint Bernard, on the other hand, originated in the Swiss Alps and was originally bred for search and rescue work. They are known for their large size and strength, as well as their friendly and patient disposition. Saint Bernards are also excellent with children, and their protective nature makes them a great family dog.

Both breeds require regular exercise and socialization, but the Bernese Mountain Dog tends to have slightly higher exercise needs. They thrive in a home with a yard where they can run and play. The Saint Bernard, on the other hand, is a little more laid-back and can be content with less exercise. However, they still need regular walks and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.

Appearance and Size

When it comes to appearance and size, both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Saint Bernard are large and impressive breeds. However, there are some key differences in their physical features.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a sturdy and well-muscled breed. They have a strong build with broad chests and straight legs. Their coat is thick and long, with a beautiful tricolor pattern of black, white, and rust. The head of a Bernese Mountain Dog is broad and proportional to the rest of their body, with expressive dark eyes and a friendly expression.

On the other hand, the Saint Bernard is a massive breed with a more robust build. They have a stocky and powerful body, with a deep and wide chest. Their coat is dense and either rough or smooth, depending on the variety. The Saint Bernard is known for their distinctive expression, which includes gentle and soulful eyes.

In terms of size, both breeds are quite large. The Bernese Mountain Dog typically stands between 23 to 27 inches (58 to 69 cm) tall at the shoulder and weighs between 70 to 115 pounds (32 to 52 kg). The Saint Bernard is even bigger, with a height of 25.5 to 27.5 inches (65 to 70 cm) and a weight of 130 to 180 pounds (59 to 82 kg). This makes the Saint Bernard one of the largest dog breeds in terms of both height and weight.

Overall, both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Saint Bernard have impressive and distinct appearances. Whether you prefer the tricolor beauty of the Bernese or the massive build of the Saint Bernard, both breeds are sure to turn heads wherever they go.

Temperament and Personality

The temperament and personality of a dog breed play a crucial role in determining whether it is the right fit for you and your family. Both Bernese Mountain Dogs and Saint Bernards have distinct temperaments and personalities that should be considered before making a decision.

Bernese Mountain Dogs: These dogs are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They are typically very good with children and other pets, making them a great choice for families. Bernese Mountain Dogs are also loyal and eager to please, which makes training them relatively easy. They are intelligent and adaptable, but they can be somewhat reserved with strangers. However, with proper socialization and training, they can become more outgoing.

Saint Bernards: Saint Bernards are gentle giants with a calm and patient temperament. They are known for being great with children and are generally tolerant of other animals. They are friendly, affectionate, and very loyal to their families. Saint Bernards are also intelligent and eager to please, but they can be stubborn at times. They require consistent and firm training from an early age to prevent any behavioral issues that may arise due to their size and strength.

Overall: Both Bernese Mountain Dogs and Saint Bernards are known for their friendly and gentle nature. However, Bernese Mountain Dogs tend to be slightly more reserved with strangers while Saint Bernards are generally more outgoing. Both breeds are great family dogs and do well with children and other pets. It is important to note that both breeds are large dogs that require regular exercise and socialization to ensure their well-being and happiness.

Temperament and Personality Comparison

Trainability and Intelligence

Trainability and intelligence are important factors to consider when choosing between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Saint Bernard. Both breeds are known for being intelligent, but there are some differences in their trainability.

Bernese Mountain Dogs:

Read Also: Dog Pepto Bismol Dosage: Your Guide to Chewable Tablets

Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally highly trainable and eager to please their owners. They are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods.
They have a strong work ethic and are willing to perform a variety of tasks, making them well-suited for obedience training, agility, and other dog sports.
They are intelligent dogs and can understand and follow commands relatively quickly.

Saint Bernards:

Saint Bernards are also intelligent dogs, but they can be more independent and stubborn compared to Bernese Mountain Dogs.
They may require more patience and consistency in training, as they can sometimes have a mind of their own.
Positive reinforcement training methods work well with them, but they may need more repetition and reinforcement to fully grasp commands.

It’s important to note that both breeds can benefit from early socialization and obedience training. This will help ensure they grow into well-behaved and well-rounded dogs.

Comparison:

	Bernese Mountain Dog	Saint Bernard
Trainability	Highly trainable and eager to please	Intelligent but can be more independent
Response to Training	Quick learner, strong work ethic	May require more patience and consistency
Training Methods	Positive reinforcement, consistency	Positive reinforcement, repetition

In conclusion, both Bernese Mountain Dogs and Saint Bernards are intelligent breeds, but Bernese Mountain Dogs may be slightly more trainable and responsive to training. However, with proper training and consistency, both breeds can become well-behaved and obedient companions.

Exercise and Activity Needs

The exercise and activity needs of both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Saint Bernard are similar due to their large size and high energy levels. Both breeds require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy.

Read Also: What to Do If Your Dog Ate Protein Powder: Expert Advice

Bernese Mountain Dogs:

Bernese Mountain Dogs are a working breed and have a moderate to high activity level.
They enjoy going for long walks, hikes, and runs with their owners.
They excel at activities such as obedience training, agility, and tracking.
Due to their thick coats, they may be more comfortable in cooler weather.

Saint Bernards:

Saint Bernards are also a working breed and have a moderate activity level.
They benefit from daily walks, but excessive exercise can be hard on their bodies due to their size and weight.
They are not typically as active or agile as Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Due to their thick coats, they may also be more comfortable in cooler weather.

Both breeds require mental stimulation in addition to physical exercise. They are highly intelligent and enjoy activities that challenge them mentally, such as puzzle toys and obedience training.

It’s important to note that due to their large size, both breeds need space to move around comfortably. They are not well-suited for apartments or small living spaces where they may feel restricted.

If you lead an active lifestyle and have the time and space to provide these breeds with the exercise and activity they require, either the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Saint Bernard can be a good fit for you.

Grooming and Maintenance

Grooming and maintenance are important aspects of owning a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Saint Bernard. Both breeds have thick, dense coats that require regular care to keep them healthy and looking their best.

Bernese Mountain Dog: The Bernese Mountain Dog has a long, silky coat that sheds moderately throughout the year. They have a double coat, consisting of a soft, thick undercoat and a longer, coarser topcoat. They require regular brushing to prevent matting and to remove loose hair. During shedding seasons, which occur twice a year, more frequent brushing is necessary to keep their coat under control. Bernese Mountain Dogs may need to be professionally groomed every few months to keep their coat in good condition. They are prone to ear infections, so regular ear cleaning is essential. Their teeth should be brushed regularly, and their nails should be trimmed as needed.

Saint Bernard: The Saint Bernard also has a dense, thick coat that sheds moderately. Their coat is shorter and smoother than the Bernese Mountain Dog’s coat. They also have a double coat, with a dense undercoat and a coarser outer coat. Saint Bernards require regular brushing to remove dead hair and prevent matting. They shed heavily twice a year, and during these times, more frequent brushing is necessary. Saint Bernards may benefit from professional grooming every few months, especially to trim their nails and clean their ears. Their teeth should be brushed regularly to maintain good oral hygiene.

Both Breeds: Both Bernese Mountain Dogs and Saint Bernards require regular bathing to keep their coat and skin clean and healthy. However, excessive bathing should be avoided to prevent drying out their skin. It is important to clean their ears regularly to avoid infections. Both breeds are prone to drooling, so their mouths and facial folds should also be cleaned frequently. Regular exercise is important for both breeds to maintain their overall health and prevent obesity, which can lead to additional health issues.

Summary: Grooming and maintenance are essential for both Bernese Mountain Dogs and Saint Bernards. Both breeds have thick, dense coats that require regular brushing to remove dead hair and prevent matting. They shed heavily twice a year and may benefit from professional grooming. Regular bathing, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing are also important. Both breeds are prone to drooling, so maintaining clean mouths and facial folds is crucial. Regular exercise is important for their overall health and well-being.

FAQ:

What are the main differences between Bernese Mountain Dogs and Saint Bernards?

Bernese Mountain Dogs are smaller in size compared to Saint Bernards. Bernese Mountain Dogs have a longer and fluffier coat, while Saint Bernards have a short and dense coat. Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their friendly and outgoing nature, whereas Saint Bernards are more calm and gentle. Bernese Mountain Dogs are easier to train, while Saint Bernards require firm and consistent training. Overall, the choice between the two breeds depends on your lifestyle and personal preferences.

Which breed requires more exercise, Bernese Mountain Dogs or Saint Bernards?

Both Bernese Mountain Dogs and Saint Bernards require regular exercise to stay healthy and prevent obesity. However, Bernese Mountain Dogs have higher energy levels and need more physical activity compared to Saint Bernards. They enjoy activities like hiking, running, and playing fetch. Saint Bernards, on the other hand, are more laid-back and do not need as much exercise. A daily walk and some playtime should be sufficient for them.

Are Bernese Mountain Dogs good with children and other pets?

Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally good with children and other pets. They are known for their gentle and friendly nature. However, it is important to socialize them from an early age and supervise interactions with smaller children or pets. Bernese Mountain Dogs can be quite large and unintentionally knock over small children or smaller animals. With proper training and socialization, they can be great companions for families with children and other pets.

Do Bernese Mountain Dogs and Saint Bernards have any health issues?

Yes, both Bernese Mountain Dogs and Saint Bernards are prone to certain health issues. Bernese Mountain Dogs are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, cancer, and certain genetic diseases. Saint Bernards are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and heart problems. It is important to choose a reputable breeder who conducts health screenings and tests on their breeding dogs to minimize the risk of these health issues. Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy diet can also help in maintaining their overall health.

Which breed is easier to groom, Bernese Mountain Dogs or Saint Bernards?

Both Bernese Mountain Dogs and Saint Bernards require regular grooming, but Bernese Mountain Dogs require more extensive grooming due to their long and fluffy coat. They have a double coat that sheds heavily, and regular brushing is necessary to prevent matting and keep their coat healthy. Saint Bernards have a shorter and denser coat that sheds moderately. They also benefit from regular brushing, but it is less time-consuming compared to Bernese Mountain Dogs. Both breeds should have their nails trimmed regularly and their ears checked and cleaned to avoid any infections.