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Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard vs American Pit Bull Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: Berner or Alpine Mastiff or Pit? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard vs American Pit Bull Terrier" Compare Bernese Mountain Dog and St. Bernard. Which is better: Bernese Mountain Dog or St. Bernard or American Pit Bull Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Bernese Mountain Dog St. Bernard American Pit Bull Terrier
OriginsSwitzerland flagSwitzerland Switzerland flagSwitzerland Italy flagItaly United States flagUnited States
Group Working Dogs Working Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank2548336
Reviews6914
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier breeds.
Berner
Bernese Cattle Dog
Berner Sennenhund
Alpine Mastiff
Bernhardiner
St. Barnhardshund
St. Bernard
Saint
Pit
Pit Bull
Pitbull
Pitty
APBT
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard vs American Pit Bull Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which breed is the largest?
Large Giant Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 85-110 pounds (38–50 kg), Female: 80-105 pounds (36–48 kg) 110-200 pounds (50-91 kg) 22-78 pounds (10-35 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) 155 pounds (70.5 kg) 50 pounds (22.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Bernese Mountain Dog or St. Bernard or American Pit Bull Terrier? Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard vs American Pit Bull Terrier height comparison:
Male: 24-28 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 23-27 inches (58–69 cm) 25.5-27.5 inches (61-70 cm) 14-24 inches (35-60 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 26 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 25 inches (58–69 cm) 25.5-27.5 inches (65.5 cm) 19 inches (47.5 cm)

Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard vs American Pit Bull Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1000 $1500-$1800 $500-$700
Availability
Which is easier to get, Bernese Mountain Dog or St. Bernard or American Pit Bull Terrier?
Very frequent: The Bernese Mountain Dog is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The St.
Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier is a commonly available dog breed.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard vs American Pit Bull Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which breed ranks highest?
Very smart: Bernese Mountain Dog is an excellent dog breed.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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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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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which is easiest to train?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are easy to train.
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A slightly harder to train than average.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which breed is most alert?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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St.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which breed is most protective?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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St.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are average defenders.
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Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard vs American Pit Bull Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier? Compare temperaments.
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Faithful
Independent
Happy
Friendly
Gentle
Going
Social
Quiet
Stubborn
Clownish
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Obedient
Loyal
Strong
Willed
Aggressive
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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Sensitive: St.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard vs American Pit Bull Terrier?
Average: Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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High: St.
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High: American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard vs American Pit Bull Terrier social needs comparison:
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs need for social interaction is average.
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St.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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St.
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The wanderlust potential of the American Pit Bull Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
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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.
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Their prey drive is low.
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American Pit Bull Terrier 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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Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard vs American Pit Bull Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which breed is most vocal?
Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog barks occasionally.
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Low: The St.
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Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier barks occasionally.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Bernese Mountain Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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St.
See more.
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which adapts best to small spaces?
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 St.
It is not recommended to keep the American Pit Bull Terrier breed in the home.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard vs American Pit Bull Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which breed is most flexible?
Average: Bernese Mountain Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
St.
Average: American Pit Bull Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Bernese Mountain Dog or St. Bernard or American Pit Bull Terrier?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
St.
American Pit Bull Terrier 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.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard vs American Pit Bull Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

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

Moderate

The St.

High 🔼

The American Pit Bull Terrier has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which uses mouth most during play?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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St.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Bernese Mountain Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

St.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

American Pit Bull Terrier bite force: Ordinary.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard vs American Pit Bull Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which breed lives longest?
7-11 years
The average lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dog: 9 years
8-10 years
The average lifespan of St.
10-14 years
The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers cold weather
The Bernese Mountain Dog can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which has fewer health issues?
Very healthy dog breed.
Very healthy dog breed.
American Pit Bull Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Vet Care Frequency
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).
Rare
The St.
Frequent
The American Pit Bull Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard vs American Pit Bull Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard vs American Pit Bull Terrier health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Elbow Dysplasia
Panosteitis
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Bloat
Epilepsy
Entropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Hip Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Skin Allergies

Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard vs American Pit Bull Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which breed is most active?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
St.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard vs American Pit Bull Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Bernese Mountain Dog or St. Bernard or American Pit Bull Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have an average exercise need.
St.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Bernese Mountain Dog or St. Bernard or American Pit Bull Terrier?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
St.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard vs American Pit Bull Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which is most prone to obesity?
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 to High: If you don't pay attention to the St.
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Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which needs most food?
6 to 8 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. Recommended daily amount: 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard vs American Pit Bull Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. What colors are available?
Black
White
Black
Red
White
Brown
Brindle
Tricolor
Black
Gray
Tan
Red
Blue
White
Brown
Yellow
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The St.
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Effortless: The American Pit Bull Terrier requires minimal grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which drools 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 St.
See more.
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

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

High 🔼

The St.

Medium

The American Pit Bull Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Dense
Rough
Smooth
Fine
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Bernese Mountain Dog or St. Bernard or American Pit Bull Terrier? Bernese Mountain Dog or St. Bernard or {name3 shedding:
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs shed above average.
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St.
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American Pit Bull Terrier dogs shed moderately.
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Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard vs American Pit Bull Terrier Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which is best with kids?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
St.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are generally with other pets.
St.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or St. Bernard or American Pit Bull Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
St.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or St. Bernard or American Pit Bull Terrier?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
St.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or St. Bernard or American Pit Bull Terrier?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
St.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are not dog-friendly.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard vs American Pit Bull Terrier?
Yes
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
No
St.
Yes
American Pit Bull Terrier 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
St.
No
American Pit Bull Terrier 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.
St.
American Pit Bull Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard vs American Pit Bull Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which is best suited for service work?

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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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which excels in therapy work?

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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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which has best nose work ability?

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 & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which is best for SAR work?

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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Bernese Mountain Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

St.
See more.

Not really

American Pit Bull Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which is best for draft work?

Yes

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.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Yes

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

Yes

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

Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard vs American Pit Bull Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which has most puppies?
1-14 puppies, average 8 6-8 puppies 5-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. What's recommended?

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.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard vs American Pit Bull Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1937 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Working breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. How are they classified internationally?
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. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which has most recognition?
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
American Canine Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Backwoods Bulldog Club

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