• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akita Comparison - Dog breed selector: Berner or Swissy or American Akita? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akita" Compare Bernese Mountain Dog and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which is better: Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Akita?
 
 
 
Name Bernese Mountain Dog Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Akita
OriginsSwitzerland flagSwitzerland Switzerland flagSwitzerland Japan flagJapan
Group Working Dogs Working Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank257547
Reviews629
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Berner
Bernese Cattle Dog
Berner Sennenhund
Swissy
Great Swiss Mountain Dog
Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund
Large Swiss Mountain Dog
Great Swiss Cattle Dog
Bouvier Suisse
American Akita
Japanese Akita
Great Japanese Dog
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akita breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

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

Size
Which is bigger, Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Akita? Which is the smallest dog, Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Akita?
Large Large Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akita weight comparison:
Male: 85-110 pounds (38–50 kg), Female: 80-105 pounds (36–48 kg) 130-135 pounds (59-61 kg) Male: 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg), Female: 75-110 pounds (34-50 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) Male: 97.5 pounds (44 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (42 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Akita? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akita height comparison:
Male: 24-28 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 23-27 inches (58–69 cm) 23.5-28.5 (60-72 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) 23.5-28.5 (66 cm) Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)

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

Price
Which is cheaper, Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Akita? Which is more expensive?
$800-$1000 $2000-$2500 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Akita?
Very frequent: The Bernese Mountain Dog is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Akita is quite easy to get.

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

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

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

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Akita? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akita behavior/temperament comparison:
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Faithful
Protective
Alert
Devoted
Selfish
Fearless
Good-natured
Confidence
Dignified
Independent
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Faithful
Vigilant
Willing
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Sensitive: Akita dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akita?
Average: Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
See more.
Average to High: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
High: Akita dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akita social needs comparison:
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Akita dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the Akita is strong enough to escape from home.
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.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Akita dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

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

Playfulness
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akita playfulness comparison:
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.
Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akita?
Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog barks occasionally.
See more.
Low to Average: The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog rarely barks.
See more.
Low: The Akita barks none to minimal.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Akita?
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.
Very house-friendly dog the Akita breed.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akita 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: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Akita dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Akita?
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.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akita Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Akita?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Bernese Mountain Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Akita 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.

Low 🔽

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Akita has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akita mouthiness comparison:
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.
Akita dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

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

Health Issues
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akita health comparison. Which is the healthier: Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akita?
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.
The Akita 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akita? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akita 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
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Sebaceous Adenitis
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The Bernese Mountain Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Akita should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akita lifespan comparison. How long do Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and Akita 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: 11 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Akita: 12 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akita?
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.
Prefers cold weather
The Akita can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

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

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

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

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Akita?
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. Recommended daily amount: 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akita 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 to High: If you don't pay attention to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Akita's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.

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

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akita coat comparison:
Dense Dense Fluffy
Dense
Waterproof
Straight
Colors
What are the original Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and Akita color?
Black
White
Black
Red
White
Black
Red
White
Brown
Fawn
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Akita? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akita grooming comparison:
Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Effortless: The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Akita? Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or {name3 shedding:
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs shed above average.
See more.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Akita dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Akita?
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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akita 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akita?

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.

Medium

The Akita 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.
See more.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Akita is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
See more.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akita Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
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.
Akita dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Akita? Which dog is more friendly?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Akita?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Akita?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Akita dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Akita?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Akita dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akita?
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.
Yes
Akita 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.
No
Akita 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.
Akitas are usually recommended for elderly people.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akita 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.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Akita? 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.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akita?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

Akita 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.

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.

Not really

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

Yes

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

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akita 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and Akita have?
1-14 puppies, average 8 5-10 puppies 3-12 puppies

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akita 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 1995 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Working 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 Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Swiss Mountain- and Cattledogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section.
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
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
American Pet Registry, Inc.
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club

Rate This Comparsion - Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akita

Reviews