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Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever Comparison – Which dog is better Berner or Lab?

"Find similarities and differences between Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever" Compare Bernese Mountain Dog and Labrador Retriever. Which is better: Bernese Mountain Dog or Labrador Retriever?
 
 
 
Name Bernese Mountain Dog Labrador Retriever
OriginsSwitzerland flagSwitzerland England flagEngland Canada flagCanada
Group Working Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank251
Reviews69
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Berner
Bernese Cattle Dog
Berner Sennenhund
Lab
Labrador
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, Bernese Mountain Dog or Labrador Retriever? Is the Bernese Mountain Dog bigger than the Labrador Retriever breed? Is a Bernese Mountain Dog smaller than a Labrador Retriever?
Large Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Bernese Mountain Dog or Labrador Retriever? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever weight comparison:
Male: 85-110 pounds (38–50 kg), Female: 80-105 pounds (36–48 kg) Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 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: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Bernese Mountain Dog or Labrador Retriever? Is a Bernese Mountain Dog taller than a Labrador Retriever?
Male: 24-28 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 23-27 inches (58–69 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 26 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 25 inches (58–69 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm)

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Bernese Mountain Dog or Labrador Retriever? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Bernese Mountain Dog and Labrador Retriever?
$800-$1000 $1000-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Bernese Mountain Dog or Labrador Retriever?
Very frequent: The Bernese Mountain Dog is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Bernese Mountain Dog or Labrador Retriever smarter? Which is best? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever intelligence:
Very smart: Bernese Mountain Dog is an excellent dog breed.
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Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Trainability
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever trainability comparison. What's the difference between Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are easy to train.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Bernese Mountain Dog or Labrador Retriever?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Bernese Mountain Dog or Labrador Retriever? 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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Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders.
See more.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Bernese Mountain Dog or Labrador Retriever? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever behavior/temperament comparison:
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Faithful
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Sensitive: Labrador Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever?
Average: Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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Social Needs
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever social needs comparison:
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever? Which can be better for hunting?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.
Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever playfulness comparison:
Average: Bernese Mountain Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever?
Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog barks occasionally.
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Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or Labrador Retriever?
It is not recommended to keep the Bernese Mountain Dog breed in the home.
It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever 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.
Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Labrador Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Bernese Mountain Dog or Labrador Retriever?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Bernese Mountain Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

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

Low 🔽

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

Moderate

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

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever health comparison. Which is the healthier: Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever?
Very healthy dog breed.
The Labrador Retriever is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Elbow Dysplasia
Panosteitis
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Ear Infections
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Acute Moist Dermatitis
Cold Tail
Myopathy
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever?
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 Labrador Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever lifespan comparison. How long do Bernese Mountain Dog and Labrador Retriever breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Bernese Mountain Dog and Labrador Retriever?
7-11 years
The average lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dog: 9 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever?
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.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Bernese Mountain Dog or Labrador Retriever? Does the Bernese Mountain Dog breed eat more than the Labrador Retriever breed?
6 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 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 Labrador Retriever 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.
See more.
High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever coat comparison:
Dense Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Colors
What are the original Bernese Mountain Dog and Labrador Retriever color? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever color comparison:
Black
White
Black
Yellow
Chocolate
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Bernese Mountain Dog or Labrador Retriever? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever grooming comparison:
Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Bernese Mountain Dog or Labrador Retriever? Do Bernese Mountain Dog dogs shed more than Labrador Retriever dogs?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs shed above average.
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Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Bernese Mountain Dog or Labrador Retriever?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever 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, Bernese Mountain Dog or Labrador Retriever?

Medium

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

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever?
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 Labrador Retriever is an average drooler.
See more.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are generally with other pets.
Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or Labrador Retriever? Which dog is more friendly?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or Labrador Retriever?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or Labrador Retriever?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or Labrador Retriever? Can a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Labrador Retriever be friends? Do Bernese Mountain Dog dogs get along with Labrador Retriever dogs?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever?
Yes
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Labrador Retriever 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
Labrador Retriever 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.
Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever 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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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 Labrador Retriever? Which is better for autism?

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.

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.

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 Labrador Retriever?

Not really

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

Yes

Labrador Retriever breed usually likes 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.
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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.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever 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 Bernese Mountain Dog and Labrador Retriever have? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever litter size comparison:
1-14 puppies, average 8 5-10 puppies

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1937 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting 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. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers 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

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