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Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Comparison – Which dog is better Berner or Swissy?

"Find similarities and differences between Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog" Compare Bernese Mountain Dog and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which is better: Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?
 
 
 
Name Bernese Mountain Dog Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
OriginsSwitzerland flagSwitzerland Switzerland flagSwitzerland
Group Working Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank2575
Reviews62
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Bernese Mountain Dog and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. What other names are these breeds known by?
Berner
Bernese Cattle Dog
Berner Sennenhund
Swissy
Great Swiss Mountain Dog
Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund
Large Swiss Mountain Dog
Great Swiss Cattle Dog
Bouvier Suisse
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 85-110 pounds (38–50 kg), Female: 80-105 pounds (36–48 kg) 130-135 pounds (59-61 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) 132.5 pounds (60 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Is a Bernese Mountain Dog taller than a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?
Male: 24-28 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 23-27 inches (58–69 cm) 23.5-28.5 (60-72 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 26 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 25 inches (58–69 cm) 23.5-28.5 (66 cm)

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which breed costs more?
$800-$1000 $2000-$2500
Availability
Which is easier to get, Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?
Very frequent: The Bernese Mountain Dog is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is quite easy to get.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Very smart: Bernese Mountain Dog is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Compare training requirements.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are easy to train.
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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Compare alertness levels.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Compare territorial behaviors.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. How do their temperaments differ?
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Faithful
Protective
Alert
Devoted
Selfish
Fearless
Good-natured
Confidence
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?
Average: Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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Average to High: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Social Needs
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog social needs comparison:
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Which can be better for hunting?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog barks occasionally.
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Low to Average: The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: Bernese Mountain Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Compare living space needs.
It is not recommended to keep the Bernese Mountain Dog breed in the home.
It is not recommended to keep the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog breed in the home.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Compare adaptability levels.
Average: Bernese Mountain Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Average: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Bernese Mountain Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Compare average lifespans.
7-11 years
The average lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dog: 9 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Compare climate tolerances.
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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which breed is healthier?
Very healthy dog breed.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?
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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Elbow Dysplasia
Panosteitis
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Hip Dysplasia
Bloat
Epilepsy
Distichiasis
Digestive Problems

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Compare activity levels.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have an average exercise need.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs don't need too much sleep.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Compare obesity risks.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Bernese Mountain Dog's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Compare daily food needs.
6 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Bernese Mountain Dog and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Compare breed colors.
Black
White
Black
Red
White
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Effortless: The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Compare drooling amounts.
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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

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

Medium

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Compare fur types.
Dense Dense
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Compare bathing frequencies.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Do Bernese Mountain Dog dogs shed more than Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs shed above average.
See more.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Compare kid-friendliness.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are generally with other pets.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Which dog is more friendly?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Can a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog be friends? Do Bernese Mountain Dog dogs get along with Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?
Yes
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Greater Swiss Mountain 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
Greater Swiss Mountain 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.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Compare service capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Compare therapy capabilities.

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.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Compare scenting abilities.

Not really

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

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Compare SAR abilities.

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.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

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

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Compare draft work capabilities.

Yes

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

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between Bernese Mountain Dog and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which has stronger military background?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Bernese Mountain Dog and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which has larger litters?
1-14 puppies, average 8 5-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Bernese Mountain Dog and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Bernese Mountain Dog and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Bernese Mountain Dog and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1937 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Bernese Mountain Dog and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which groups are they in?
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 Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Swiss Mountain- and Cattledogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Bernese Mountain Dog and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which is more widely recognized?
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
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
American Pet Registry, Inc.

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