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

"Find similarities and differences between Akita vs St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog" Compare Akita and St. Bernard. Which is better: Akita or St. Bernard or Bernese Mountain Dog?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Akita	St. Bernard	Bernese Mountain Dog
Origins	Japan	Switzerland Italy	Switzerland
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Working Dogs	Working Dogs	Working Dogs
Popularity Rank	47	48	25
Reviews	9	9	6
User Ratings

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

Akita vs St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which breed is the largest?	Large	Giant	Large
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg), Female: 75-110 pounds (34-50 kg)	110-200 pounds (50-91 kg)	Male: 85-110 pounds (38–50 kg), Female: 80-105 pounds (36–48 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 97.5 pounds (44 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (42 kg)	155 pounds (70.5 kg)	Male: 97.5 pounds (38–50 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (36–48 kg)
Height Which is taller, Akita or St. Bernard or Bernese Mountain Dog? Akita vs St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog height comparison:	Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)	25.5-27.5 inches (61-70 cm)	Male: 24-28 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 23-27 inches (58–69 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)	25.5-27.5 inches (65.5 cm)	Male: 26 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 25 inches (58–69 cm)

Akita vs St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Find price differences between these breeds.	$800-$1200	$1500-$1800	$800-$1000
Availability Which is easier to get, Akita or St. Bernard or Bernese Mountain Dog?	Very frequent: The Akita is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The St.	Very frequent: The Bernese Mountain Dog is quite easy to get.

Akita vs St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which breed ranks highest?	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Very smart: Bernese Mountain Dog is an excellent dog breed. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which is easiest to train?	Akita dogs are easy to train. See more.	A slightly harder to train than average. See more.	Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which breed is most alert?	Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	St. See more.	Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which breed is most protective?	Akita dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	St. See more.	Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Akita vs St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare temperaments.	Dignified Independent Protective Alert Courageous Intelligent Friendly Responsive Docile Faithful Vigilant Willing	Independent Happy Friendly Gentle Going Social Quiet	Intelligent Affectionate Loyal Faithful
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Sensitive: Akita dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	Sensitive: St. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Akita vs St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog?	High: Akita dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: St. See more.	Average: Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Akita vs St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog social needs comparison:	Akita dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	St. See more.	Bernese Mountain Dog dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	The wanderlust potential of the Akita is strong enough to escape from home. See more.	St. See more.	Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Akita dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Their prey drive is low. See more.	Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Akita vs St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which breed is most vocal?	Low: The Akita barks none to minimal. See more.	Low: The St. See more.	Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog barks occasionally. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which breed is most playful?	Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	St. See more.	Average: Bernese Mountain Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Akita breed.	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 Bernese Mountain Dog breed in the home.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Akita vs St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Akita vs St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which has lowest bite risk?	Moderate ⏺ The Akita has an average chance of biting somebody.	Moderate ⏺ The St.	Low 🔽 The Bernese Mountain Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which uses mouth most during play?	Akita dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	St. See more.	Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Akita bite force: Ordinary.	Above 400 PSI 🔼 St.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Bernese Mountain Dog bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Akita vs St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which breed lives longest?	10-14 years The average lifespan of Akita: 12 years	8-10 years The average lifespan of St.	7-11 years The average lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dog: 9 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which handles climate changes best?	Prefers cold weather The Akita 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.	Prefers cold weather The Bernese Mountain Dog can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which has fewer health issues?	The Akita is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	Very healthy dog breed.	Very healthy dog breed.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Akita should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Rare The St.	Rare The Bernese Mountain Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Akita vs St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Akita vs St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Bloat Sebaceous Adenitis	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Bloat Epilepsy Entropion Elbow Dysplasia Dilated Cardiomyopathy	Hip Dysplasia Cancer Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Elbow Dysplasia Panosteitis Portosystemic Liver Shunt

Akita vs St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Akita vs St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Akita's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the St. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Bernese Mountain Dog's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which needs most food?	Recommended daily amount: 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day.	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.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Akita vs St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. What colors are available?	Black Red White Brown Fawn	Black Red White Brown Brindle Tricolor	Black White
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which requires most maintenance?	Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.	Average: The St. See more.	Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which drools least?	The Akita is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed. See more.	The St. See more.	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. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Akita has an average chance of bad smell.	High 🔼 The St.	Medium ⏺ The Bernese Mountain Dog has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Fluffy Dense Waterproof Straight	Dense Rough Smooth	Dense
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which requires most frequent baths?	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	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.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Akita or St. Bernard or Bernese Mountain Dog? Akita or St. Bernard or {name3 shedding:	Akita dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	St. See more.	Bernese Mountain Dog dogs shed above average. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Akita vs St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which is best with kids?	Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	St.	Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Akita dogs are generally with other pets.	St.	Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Akita or St. Bernard or Bernese Mountain Dog? Which dog is more friendly?	Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	St.	Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Akita or St. Bernard or Bernese Mountain Dog?	Akita dogs are average friendly towards cats.	St.	Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Akita or St. Bernard or Bernese Mountain Dog?	Akita dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	St.	Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Akita vs St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog?	Yes Akita dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	No St.	Yes Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Akita is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No St.	No Bernese Mountain Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Akitas are usually recommended for elderly people.	St.	Bernese Mountain Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Akita vs St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which is best suited for service work?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which excels in therapy work?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. 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.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential Compare search and rescue potential between Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. 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 Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Akita breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really St. See more.	Not really Bernese Mountain Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which is best for draft work?	Not really 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.	Yes A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which has most military use?	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Akita vs St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which has most puppies?	3-12 puppies	6-8 puppies	1-14 puppies, average 8
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. 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.

Akita vs St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Working breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Working breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1937 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section.	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Swiss Mountain- and Cattledogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Akita, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which has most recognition?	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club	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 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

Popular Dog Compares

Despite the best intentions, there may be errors. If you find one, please let us know and we will fix it as soon as possible. Contact us here.

Rate This Comparsion - Akita vs St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog

Reviews