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Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog Comparison - Dog breed selector: Berner or American Akita or Karakachanska Ovcharka? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog" Compare Bernese Mountain Dog and Akita. Which is better: Bernese Mountain Dog or Akita or Bulgarian Shepherd Dog?
 
 
 
Name Bernese Mountain Dog Akita Bulgarian Shepherd Dog
OriginsSwitzerland flagSwitzerland Japan flagJapan Bulgaria flagBulgaria
Group Working Dogs Working Dogs Guard Dogs
Popularity Rank2547434
Reviews695
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Berner
Bernese Cattle Dog
Berner Sennenhund
American Akita
Japanese Akita
Great Japanese Dog
Karakachanska Ovcharka
Karakachansko Kuche
Thracian Mollos
Ovcharsko kuche
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Bernese Mountain Dog or Akita or Bulgarian Shepherd Dog? Which is the smallest dog, Bernese Mountain Dog or Akita or Bulgarian Shepherd Dog?
Large Large Giant
Weight
Which is heavier, Bernese Mountain Dog or Akita or Akita? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog weight comparison:
Male: 85-110 pounds (38–50 kg), Female: 80-105 pounds (36–48 kg) Male: 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg), Female: 75-110 pounds (34-50 kg) Male: 100-115 pounds (45-52 kg), Female: 70-90 pounds (32-41 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: 97.5 pounds (44 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (42 kg) Male: 115.5 pounds (52.5 kg), Female: 88 pounds (40 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Bernese Mountain Dog or Akita or Bulgarian Shepherd Dog? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog height comparison:
Male: 24-28 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 23-27 inches (58–69 cm) Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) Male: 25–30 inches (63.5-76 kg) Female: 24–28 inches (61-71 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 26 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 25 inches (58–69 cm) Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm) Male: 27.5 inches (70 cm), Female: 26 inches (66 cm)

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Bernese Mountain Dog or Akita or Bulgarian Shepherd Dog? Which is more expensive?
$800-$1000 $800-$1200 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Bernese Mountain Dog or Akita or Bulgarian Shepherd Dog?
Very frequent: The Bernese Mountain Dog is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Akita is quite easy to get.
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog 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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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Trainability
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog trainability comparison.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are easy to train.
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Akita dogs are easy to train.
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Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Bernese Mountain Dog or Akita or Bulgarian Shepherd Dog?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Bernese Mountain Dog or Akita or Bulgarian Shepherd Dog? 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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Akita dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Bernese Mountain Dog or Akita or Bulgarian Shepherd Dog? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog behavior/temperament comparison:
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Faithful
Dignified
Independent
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Faithful
Vigilant
Willing
Independent
Intelligent
Dominant
Proud
Brave
Vigilant
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: Akita dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog?
Average: Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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High: Akita dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog social needs comparison:
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Akita dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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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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The wanderlust potential of the Akita is strong enough to escape from home.
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The wanderlust potential of the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog 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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Akita dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Bulgarian Shepherd Dog 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 Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog playfulness comparison:
Average: Bernese Mountain Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Bulgarian Shepherd Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog?
Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog barks occasionally.
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Low: The Akita barks none to minimal.
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Low to Average: The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog rarely barks.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or Akita or Bulgarian Shepherd Dog?
It is not recommended to keep the Bernese Mountain Dog breed in the home.
Very house-friendly dog the Akita breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog breed in the home.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog 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.
Akita dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Bernese Mountain Dog or Akita or Bulgarian Shepherd Dog?
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.
Bulgarian Shepherd Dog 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 Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Bernese Mountain Dog or Akita or Bulgarian Shepherd Dog?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Bernese Mountain Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Akita bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Bulgarian Shepherd Dog bite force: The Strongest.
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.

Moderate

The Akita has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog mouthiness comparison:
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Akita dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog health comparison. Which is the healthier: Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog?
Very healthy dog breed.
The Akita is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Bulgarian Shepherd Dogs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Elbow Dysplasia
Panosteitis
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Sebaceous Adenitis
No data available
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 Akita should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Frequent
The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Life Expectancy
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog lifespan comparison. How long do Bernese Mountain Dog, Akita and Bulgarian Shepherd Dog breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
7-11 years
The average lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dog: 9 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Akita: 12 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Bulgarian Shepherd Dog: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog?
Prefers cold weather
The Bernese Mountain Dog can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers cold weather
The Akita can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Bernese Mountain Dog or Akita or Bulgarian Shepherd Dog? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog energy level comparison:
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Akita dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Bernese Mountain Dog or Akita or Bulgarian Shepherd Dog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have an average exercise need.
Akita dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Bernese Mountain Dog or Akita or Bulgarian Shepherd Dog?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Akita dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Bernese Mountain Dog or Akita or Bulgarian Shepherd Dog?
6 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 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.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog 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 to High: If you don't pay attention to the Akita's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog coat comparison:
Dense Fluffy
Dense
Waterproof
Straight
Thick
Colors
What are the original Bernese Mountain Dog, Akita and Bulgarian Shepherd Dog color?
Black
White
Black
Red
White
Brown
Fawn
Spotted
Tricolor
Black & White
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Bernese Mountain Dog or Akita or Bulgarian Shepherd Dog? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog grooming comparison:
Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog requires average grooming effort.
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Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Advanced: The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog requires a lot of grooming.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Bernese Mountain Dog or Akita or Bulgarian Shepherd Dog? Bernese Mountain Dog or Akita or {name3 shedding:
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs shed above average.
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Akita dogs are heavy shedders.
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Bulgarian Shepherd Dog dogs shed above average.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Bernese Mountain Dog or Akita or Bulgarian Shepherd Dog?
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.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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Hypoallergenic
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog 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 Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog?

Medium

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

Medium

The Akita has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog 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 Akita is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
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The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog is an average drooler.
See more.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog Good With Comparison

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

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog 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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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Bernese Mountain Dog or Akita or Bulgarian Shepherd Dog? 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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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a 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.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog?

Not really

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

Akita breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Bulgarian Shepherd Dog 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.
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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.

Yes

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

Not really

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

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog 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.
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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 Akita and Bulgarian Shepherd Dog have?
1-14 puppies, average 8 3-12 puppies 5-10 puppies

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita vs Bulgarian Shepherd Dog 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 1972 as a Working breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
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 Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section. Not recognized by FCI.
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.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
No data available

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