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Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Dalmatian Comparison - Dog breed selector: Berner or Alsatian wolf dog or Carriage Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Dalmatian" Compare Bernese Mountain Dog and German Shepherd. Which is better: Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Dalmatian?
 
 
 
Name Bernese Mountain Dog German Shepherd Dalmatian
OriginsSwitzerland flagSwitzerland Germany flagGermany Croatia flagCroatia
Group Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank25263
Reviews6191
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Berner
Bernese Cattle Dog
Berner Sennenhund
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Carriage Dog
Dally
Firehouse Dog
Plum Pudding Dog
Spotted Coach Dog
Dal
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Dalmatian breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Dalmatian Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Dalmatian? Which is the smallest dog, Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Dalmatian?
Large Large Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or German Shepherd? Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Dalmatian weight comparison:
Male: 85-110 pounds (38–50 kg), Female: 80-105 pounds (36–48 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) about 55 pounds (25 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: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) about 55 pounds (25 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Dalmatian? Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Dalmatian height comparison:
Male: 24-28 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 23-27 inches (58–69 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 22 - 24 inches (50 – 60 cm), Female: 20 - 22 inches (50 - 55 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 26 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 25 inches (58–69 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 22 - 24 inches (50 – 60 cm), Female: 20 - 22 inches (50 - 55 cm)

Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Dalmatian Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Dalmatian? Which is more expensive?
$800-$1000 $800-$2000 $500-$600
Availability
Which is easier to get, Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Dalmatian?
Very frequent: The Bernese Mountain Dog is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Dalmatian is quite easy to get.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Dalmatian Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Dalmatian intelligence:
Very smart: Bernese Mountain Dog is an excellent dog breed.
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Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Smart: The Dalmatian dogs have great intelligence.
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Trainability
Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Dalmatian trainability comparison.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Dalmatian dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Dalmatian?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Dalmatian dogs are average watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Dalmatian? 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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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Dalmatian dogs are average defenders.
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Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Dalmatian Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Dalmatian? Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Dalmatian behavior/temperament comparison:
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Faithful
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Active
Playful
Energetic
Sensitive
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
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: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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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 German Shepherd vs Dalmatian?
Average: Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Dalmatian dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Dalmatian social needs comparison:
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs need for social interaction is average.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Dalmatian 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.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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The wanderlust potential of the Dalmatian 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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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Dalmatian dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Dalmatian Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Dalmatian playfulness comparison:
Average: Bernese Mountain Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Dalmatian is a highly playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Dalmatian?
Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog barks occasionally.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Average: The Dalmatian barks occasionally.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Dalmatian?
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 German Shepherd indoors.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Dalmatian breed.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Dalmatian 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.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Dalmatian 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 German Shepherd or Dalmatian?
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.
Dalmatian 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 German Shepherd vs Dalmatian Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Dalmatian?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Bernese Mountain Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Dalmatian bite force: Ordinary.
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.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Health Issues
Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Dalmatian health comparison. Which is the healthier: Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Dalmatian?
Very healthy dog breed.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Dalmatians are commonly healthy dogs.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Dalmatian? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Dalmatian 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
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Degenerative Myelopathy
Wobbler's Syndrome
Panosteitis
Hemophilia B
Megaesophagus
Cushing's Syndrome
Lens Luxation
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Chronic Diarrhea
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Digestive Problems
Hemophilia A
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Lupus
Myasthenia Gravis
Nail Bed Disease
Osteochondrosis
Pannus
Paralysis
Perianal Fistula
Seborrhea
Vitiligo
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Deafness
Skin Allergies
Iris Sphincter Dysplasia
Urolithiasis
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).
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The Dalmatian should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Life Expectancy
Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Dalmatian lifespan comparison. How long do Bernese Mountain Dog, German Shepherd and Dalmatian breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
7-11 years
The average lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dog: 9 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Dalmatian: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Dalmatian?
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.
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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.
See more.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Dalmatian Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Dalmatian Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Dalmatian?
6 to 8 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. Recommended daily amount: 1.5 to 2 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 German Shepherd vs Dalmatian 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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Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Dalmatian's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Dalmatian Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Dalmatian coat comparison:
Dense Fuzzy Fine
Colors
What are the original Bernese Mountain Dog, German Shepherd and Dalmatian color?
Black
White
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
White
Brown
Liver
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Dalmatian? Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Dalmatian grooming comparison:
Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The Dalmatian requires minimal grooming.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Dalmatian? Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs shed above average.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Dalmatian dogs are heavy shedders.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Dalmatian?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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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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Hypoallergenic
Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Dalmatian 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 German Shepherd vs Dalmatian?

Medium

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

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Dalmatian has a low 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 German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Dalmatian is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Dalmatian Good With Comparison

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

Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Dalmatian As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Dalmatian? Which is better for autism?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

Not really

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

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

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.

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.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Dalmatian?

Not really

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

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Dalmatian breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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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.

Not really

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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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 German Shepherd vs Dalmatian 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 German Shepherd and Dalmatian have?
1-14 puppies, average 8 6-10 puppies 6-9 puppies

Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Dalmatian 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 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Swiss Mountain- and Cattledogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Scent hounds and related breeds group, in the Related breeds section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America
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

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