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Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Berner or McNab Herding Dog or Alsatian wolf dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd" Compare Bernese Mountain Dog and McNab. Which is better: Bernese Mountain Dog or McNab or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Bernese Mountain Dog McNab German Shepherd
OriginsSwitzerland flagSwitzerland United States flagUnited States Germany flagGermany
Group Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank253982
Reviews6119
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Berner
Bernese Cattle Dog
Berner Sennenhund
McNab Herding Dog
McNab Sheepdog
McNab Border Collie
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Bernese Mountain Dog or McNab or German Shepherd? Which is the smallest dog, Bernese Mountain Dog or McNab or German Shepherd?
Large Medium Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Bernese Mountain Dog or McNab or McNab? Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd weight comparison:
Male: 85-110 pounds (38–50 kg), Female: 80-105 pounds (36–48 kg) Male: 35-65 lbs (16-30 kg), Female: 30-50 lbs (14-23 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 97.5 pounds (38–50 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (36–48 kg) Male: 35-65 lbs (23 kg), Female: 30-50 lbs (18.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Bernese Mountain Dog or McNab or German Shepherd? Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd height comparison:
Male: 24-28 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 23-27 inches (58–69 cm) Male: 18-25 inches (45-64 cm), Female: 16-21 inches (40-54 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 26 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 25 inches (58–69 cm) Male: 21.5 inches (54.5 cm), Female: 18.5 inches (47 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Bernese Mountain Dog or McNab or German Shepherd? Which is more expensive?
$800-$1000 $300-$500 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Bernese Mountain Dog or McNab or German Shepherd?
Very frequent: The Bernese Mountain Dog is quite easy to get.
Average: The McNab is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd intelligence:
Very smart: Bernese Mountain Dog is an excellent dog breed.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Trainability
Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd trainability comparison.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are easy to train.
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McNab dogs are quite easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Bernese Mountain Dog or McNab or German Shepherd?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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McNab dogs are average watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Bernese Mountain Dog or McNab or German Shepherd? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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McNab dogs strongly protect their territory.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Bernese Mountain Dog or McNab or German Shepherd? Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd behavior/temperament comparison:
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Faithful
Protective
Friendly
Obedient
Sociable
Hard
Working
Mannered
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd?
Average: Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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High: McNab dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs need for social interaction is average.
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McNab dogs need for social interaction is average.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
McNab dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.
McNab 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.
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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd playfulness comparison:
Average: Bernese Mountain Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: McNabs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd?
Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog barks occasionally.
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Low to Average: The McNab rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or McNab or German Shepherd?
It is not recommended to keep the Bernese Mountain Dog breed in the home.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep McNab indoors.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Average: Bernese Mountain Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Average: McNab dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Bernese Mountain Dog or McNab or German Shepherd?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Bernese Mountain Dog or McNab or German Shepherd?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Bernese Mountain Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

McNab bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Low 🔽

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The McNab has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd mouthiness comparison:
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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McNab dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd?
Very healthy dog breed.
The McNab is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Elbow Dysplasia
Panosteitis
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Primary Lens Luxation Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Degenerative Myelopathy
Wobbler's Syndrome
Panosteitis
Hemophilia B
Megaesophagus
Cushing's Syndrome
Lens Luxation
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Chronic Diarrhea
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Digestive Problems
Hemophilia A
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Lupus
Myasthenia Gravis
Nail Bed Disease
Osteochondrosis
Pannus
Paralysis
Perianal Fistula
Seborrhea
Vitiligo
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The Bernese Mountain Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The McNab should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Life Expectancy
Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do Bernese Mountain Dog, McNab and German Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
7-11 years
The average lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dog: 9 years
13-15 years
The average lifespan of McNab: 14 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd?
Prefers cold weather
The Bernese Mountain Dog can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Bernese Mountain Dog or McNab or German Shepherd? Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd energy level comparison:
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
McNab dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Bernese Mountain Dog or McNab or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have an average exercise need.
McNab dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Bernese Mountain Dog or McNab or German Shepherd?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
McNab dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Bernese Mountain Dog or McNab or German Shepherd?
6 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals. 3 to 4 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? Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd weight gain potential comparison:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Bernese Mountain Dog's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The McNab has an average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd coat comparison:
Dense Smooth Fuzzy
Colors
What are the original Bernese Mountain Dog, McNab and German Shepherd color?
Black
White
Black
White
Brown
Tricolor
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Bernese Mountain Dog or McNab or German Shepherd? Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd grooming comparison:
Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The McNab requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Bernese Mountain Dog or McNab or German Shepherd? Bernese Mountain Dog or McNab or {name3 shedding:
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs shed above average.
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McNab dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Bernese Mountain Dog or McNab or German Shepherd?
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.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd?

Medium

The Bernese Mountain Dog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The McNab has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
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.
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The McNab is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are generally with other pets.
McNab dogs are generally with other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or McNab or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
McNab dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or McNab or German Shepherd?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
McNab dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or McNab or German Shepherd?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
McNab dogs are average friendly towards cats.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or McNab or German Shepherd?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
McNab dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd?
Yes
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
McNab dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Bernese Mountain Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
McNab is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
McNabs are usually recommended for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Bernese Mountain Dog or McNab or German Shepherd? Which is better for autism?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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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.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
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.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd?

Not really

Bernese Mountain Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

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

Not really

German Shepherd 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?

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

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

Not really

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

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 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.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Bernese Mountain Dog and McNab and German Shepherd have?
1-14 puppies, average 8 4-6 puppies 6-10 puppies

Bernese Mountain Dog vs McNab vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1937 as a Working breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Swiss Mountain- and Cattledogs section. Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs 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
Dog Registry of America Inc. 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
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

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