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

"Find similarities and differences between Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Hovawart" Compare Bernese Mountain Dog and German Shepherd. Which is better: Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Hovawart?
 
 
 
Name Bernese Mountain Dog German Shepherd Hovawart
OriginsSwitzerland flagSwitzerland Germany flagGermany Germany flagGermany
Group Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Guard Dogs
Popularity Rank252375
Reviews6192
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
Hovie
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Hovawart breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

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

Size
Which is bigger, Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Hovawart? Which is the smallest dog, Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Hovawart?
Large Large Large
Giant
Weight
Which is heavier, Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or German Shepherd? Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Hovawart 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) 55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 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) 55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Hovawart? Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Hovawart 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) 23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 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) 23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm)

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

Price
Which is cheaper, Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Hovawart? Which is more expensive?
$800-$1000 $800-$2000 $1000-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Hovawart?
Very frequent: The Bernese Mountain Dog is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Average: The Hovawart is a commonly available dog breed.

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

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Hovawart 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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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 German Shepherd vs Hovawart 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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Hovawart dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Hovawart?
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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Hovawart dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Hovawart? 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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Hovawart dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Hovawart Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Hovawart? Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Hovawart behavior/temperament comparison:
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Faithful
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Active
Devoted
Outright
Tempered
Watchful
Reserved
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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Hovawart 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 German Shepherd vs Hovawart?
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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Average to High: Hovawart dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Social Needs
Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Hovawart 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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Hovawart dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Hovawart dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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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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Hovawart 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 German Shepherd vs Hovawart Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Hovawart 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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Average: Hovawarts, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Hovawart?
Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog barks occasionally.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Hovawart rarely barks.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Hovawart?
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 Hovawart breed.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Hovawart 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.
Hovawart 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 Hovawart?
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.
Hovawart dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Hovawart Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Bernese Mountain Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Hovawart 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.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Hovawart has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Hovawart 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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Hovawart dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Hovawart Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Hovawart health comparison. Which is the healthier: Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Hovawart?
Very healthy dog breed.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
The Hovawart is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Hovawart? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Hovawart 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
Underactive Thyroid
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).
Average
The Hovawart should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Hovawart lifespan comparison. How long do Bernese Mountain Dog, German Shepherd and Hovawart 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
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Hovawart: 12 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Hovawart?
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.
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Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Hovawart Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Hovawart? Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Hovawart energy level comparison:
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Hovawart 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 German Shepherd vs Hovawart exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Hovawart? 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.
Hovawart dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Hovawart?
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.
Hovawart dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

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

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Hovawart?
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. 3 to 4 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 Hovawart 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: The Hovawart has an average risk for obesity.
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Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Hovawart Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Hovawart coat comparison:
Dense Fuzzy Silky
Colors
What are the original Bernese Mountain Dog, German Shepherd and Hovawart color?
Black
White
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Blonde
Golden
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Hovawart? Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Hovawart grooming comparison:
Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Easy to groom: The Hovawart doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Hovawart? 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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Hovawart dogs shed moderately.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Hovawart?
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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2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Hovawart 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 Hovawart?

Medium

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

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Hovawart 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 German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Hovawart is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Hovawart 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.
Hovawart dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Hovawart? Which dog is more friendly?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Hovawart dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Hovawart?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Hovawart dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Hovawart?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Hovawart dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd or Hovawart?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Hovawart dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Hovawart?
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
Hovawart 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
Hovawart 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.
Hovawarts are usually recommended for elderly people.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Hovawart 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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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 German Shepherd or Hovawart? Which is better for autism?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect 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.

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 Hovawart?

Not really

Bernese Mountain Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

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

Not really

Hovawart 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.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Yes

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

Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd vs Hovawart 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. 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 Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type 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
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
Foundation Stock Service

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