Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter Comparison - Dog breed selector: Berner or South African Mastiff or Irish Red Setter? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter" Compare Bernese Mountain Dog and Boerboel. Which is better: Bernese Mountain Dog or Boerboel or Irish Setter?

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	Bernese Mountain Dog	Boerboel	Irish Setter
Origins	Switzerland	South Africa	Ireland
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Working Dogs	Working Dogs	Gun Dog
Popularity Rank	25	124	72
Reviews	6	1	4
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Berner Bernese Cattle Dog Berner Sennenhund	South African Mastiff South African Boerboel	Irish Red Setter Red Setter
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Bernese Mountain Dog or Boerboel or Irish Setter? Which is the smallest dog, Bernese Mountain Dog or Boerboel or Irish Setter?	Large	Large Giant	Large
Weight Which is heavier, Bernese Mountain Dog or Boerboel or Boerboel? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter weight comparison:	Male: 85-110 pounds (38–50 kg), Female: 80-105 pounds (36–48 kg)	154-200 pounds (70-90 kg)	Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 55-65 pounds (25-29 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)	177 pounds (80 kg)	Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height Which is taller, Bernese Mountain Dog or Boerboel or Irish Setter? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter height comparison:	Male: 24-28 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 23-27 inches (58–69 cm)	Male: 25-28 inches (64-70 cm), Female: 23-25.5 inches (59-65 cm)	Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 26 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 25 inches (58–69 cm)	Male: 26.5 inches (67 cm), Female: 23-25.5 inches (62 cm)	Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Bernese Mountain Dog or Boerboel or Irish Setter? Which is more expensive?	$800-$1000	$1500-$2000	$800-$1000
Availability Which is easier to get, Bernese Mountain Dog or Boerboel or Irish Setter?	Very frequent: The Bernese Mountain Dog is quite easy to get.	Frequent: The Boerboel is easier than average to get.	Very frequent: The Irish Setter is quite easy to get.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter intelligence:	Very smart: Bernese Mountain Dog is an excellent dog breed. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Smart: The Irish Setter dogs have great intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter trainability comparison.	Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are easy to train. See more.	Boerboel dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Irish Setter dogs are very easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Bernese Mountain Dog or Boerboel or Irish Setter?	Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Boerboel dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Irish Setter dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Bernese Mountain Dog or Boerboel or Irish Setter? 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. See more.	Boerboel dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Irish Setter dogs are not the best to protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Bernese Mountain Dog or Boerboel or Irish Setter? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter behavior/temperament comparison:	Intelligent Affectionate Loyal Faithful	Intelligent Confident Obedient Dominant Territorial	Playful Independent Energetic Intelligent Affectionate Lively Companionable
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Boerboel dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. 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: Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter?	Average: Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. See more.	Average: Boerboel dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. See more.	High: Irish Setter dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter social needs comparison:	Bernese Mountain Dog dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Boerboel dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Irish Setter dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Boerboel is strong enough to escape from home. See more.	Irish Setter dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.	Boerboel 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. See more.	Irish Setter dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter playfulness comparison:	Average: Bernese Mountain Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Boerboels, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Irish Setter is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter?	Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog barks occasionally. See more.	Low to Average: The Boerboel rarely barks. See more.	Low: The Irish Setter barks none to minimal. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or Boerboel or Irish Setter?	It is not recommended to keep the Bernese Mountain Dog breed in the home.	It is not recommended to keep the Boerboel breed in the home.	Not an apartment-friendly dog the Irish Setter breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Average: Bernese Mountain Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.	Average: Boerboel dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.	Irish Setter 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 Boerboel or Irish Setter?	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.	Irish Setter 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 Boerboel vs Irish Setter Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Bernese Mountain Dog or Boerboel or Irish Setter?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Bernese Mountain Dog bite force: Ordinary.	Above 400 PSI 🔼 Boerboel bite force: The Strongest.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Irish Setter bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	Low 🔽 The Bernese Mountain Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Boerboel has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Irish Setter has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter mouthiness comparison:	Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Boerboel dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Irish Setter dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter health comparison. Which is the healthier: Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter?	Very healthy dog breed.	Boerboels tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.	The Irish Setter is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Cancer Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Elbow Dysplasia Panosteitis Portosystemic Liver Shunt	Hip Dysplasia Allergies Epilepsy Joint Dysplasia Vaginal Hyperplasia	Hip Dysplasia Cancer Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Bloat Epilepsy Osteochondrosis Dissecans Panosteitis Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Canine Leukocyte
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).	Frequent The Boerboel should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.	Average The Irish Setter should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter lifespan comparison. How long do Bernese Mountain Dog, Boerboel and Irish Setter breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	7-11 years The average lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dog: 9 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Boerboel: 11 years	12-14 years The average lifespan of Irish Setter: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter?	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.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Irish Setter can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Bernese Mountain Dog or Boerboel or Irish Setter?	6 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals	3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter 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.	Average: The Boerboel has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Irish Setter has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter coat comparison:	Dense	Dense Shiny Smooth	Fine
Colors What are the original Bernese Mountain Dog, Boerboel and Irish Setter color?	Black White	Red Cream Brown Tawny Brindle Reddish	Red Mahogany
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Bernese Mountain Dog or Boerboel or Irish Setter? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter grooming comparison:	Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog requires average grooming effort. See more.	Effortless: The Boerboel requires minimal grooming. See more.	Advanced: The Irish Setter requires a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Bernese Mountain Dog or Boerboel or Irish Setter? Bernese Mountain Dog or Boerboel or {name3 shedding:	Bernese Mountain Dog dogs shed above average. See more.	Boerboel dogs shed moderately. See more.	Irish Setter dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Bernese Mountain Dog or Boerboel or Irish Setter?	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.	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 Boerboel vs Irish Setter hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter?	Medium ⏺ The Bernese Mountain Dog has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Boerboel has an average chance of bad smell.	High 🔼 The Irish Setter has a high 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. See more.	The Boerboel 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.	The Irish Setter is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. See more.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are generally with other pets.	Boerboel dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.	Irish Setter dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or Boerboel or Irish Setter? Which dog is more friendly?	Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Boerboel dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	Irish Setter dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or Boerboel or Irish Setter?	Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Boerboel dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Irish Setter dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or Boerboel or Irish Setter?	Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Boerboel dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.	Irish Setter dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or Boerboel or Irish Setter?	Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Boerboel dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	Irish Setter dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter?	Yes Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Boerboel dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Irish Setter 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 Boerboel is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Irish Setter 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.	Boerboels are usually recommended for elderly people.	Irish Setters are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Which one could be a service dog?	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	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.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Bernese Mountain Dog or Boerboel or Irish Setter? Which is better for autism?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
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 Boerboel vs Irish Setter?	Not really Bernese Mountain Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Boerboel breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Yes Irish Setter 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. 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. See more.
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 Boerboel vs Irish Setter Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.
Litter Size How many puppies can Bernese Mountain Dog and Boerboel and Irish Setter have?	1-14 puppies, average 8	7-10 puppies	7-10 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boerboel vs Irish Setter 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 2015 as a Working breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 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.	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Pointing Dogs group, in the British and Irish Pointers and Setters 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 Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Dog Registry of America Inc. North American Purebred Registry, Inc.	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Canadian Canine Registry

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