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Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard Comparison - Dog breed selector: Berner or Swissy or Alpine Mastiff? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard" Compare Bernese Mountain Dog and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which is better: Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or St. Bernard?
 
 
 
Name Bernese Mountain Dog Greater Swiss Mountain Dog St. Bernard
OriginsSwitzerland flagSwitzerland Switzerland flagSwitzerland Switzerland flagSwitzerland Italy flagItaly
Group Working Dogs Working Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank257548
Reviews629
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard breeds.
Berner
Bernese Cattle Dog
Berner Sennenhund
Swissy
Great Swiss Mountain Dog
Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund
Large Swiss Mountain Dog
Great Swiss Cattle Dog
Bouvier Suisse
Alpine Mastiff
Bernhardiner
St. Barnhardshund
St. Bernard
Saint
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Giant
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 85-110 pounds (38–50 kg), Female: 80-105 pounds (36–48 kg) 130-135 pounds (59-61 kg) 110-200 pounds (50-91 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) 155 pounds (70.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or St. Bernard? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard height comparison:
Male: 24-28 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 23-27 inches (58–69 cm) 23.5-28.5 (60-72 cm) 25.5-27.5 inches (61-70 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) 25.5-27.5 inches (65.5 cm)

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1000 $2000-$2500 $1500-$1800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or St. Bernard?
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 St.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. Which breed ranks highest?
Very smart: Bernese Mountain Dog is an excellent dog breed.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. Which is easiest to train?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are easy to train.
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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are quite easy to train.
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A slightly harder to train than average.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. Which breed is most alert?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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St.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. Which breed is most protective?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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St.
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Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard? Compare temperaments.
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Faithful
Protective
Alert
Devoted
Selfish
Fearless
Good-natured
Confidence
Independent
Happy
Friendly
Gentle
Going
Social
Quiet
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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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Sensitive: St.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard?
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.
See more.
High: St.
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Social Needs
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard 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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St.
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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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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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St.
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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.
See more.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Their prey drive is low.
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Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. Which breed is most vocal?
Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog barks occasionally.
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Low to Average: The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog rarely barks.
See more.
Low: The St.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Bernese Mountain Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
St.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. Which adapts best to small spaces?
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.
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 St.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. Which breed is most flexible?
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.
St.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or St. Bernard?
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.
St.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. Which has lowest bite risk?

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 St.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. Which uses mouth most during play?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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St.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Bernese Mountain Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

St.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. Which breed lives longest?
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
8-10 years
The average lifespan of St.
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers cold weather
The Bernese Mountain Dog can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
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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.
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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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. Which has fewer health issues?
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.
Very healthy dog breed.
Vet Care Frequency
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.
Rare
The St.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard 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
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Bloat
Epilepsy
Entropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. Which breed is most active?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are high-energy dogs.
St.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or St. Bernard? 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.
St.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or St. Bernard?
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.
St.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. Which is most prone to obesity?
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 St.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. Which needs most food?
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. 6 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. What colors are available?
Black
White
Black
Red
White
Black
Red
White
Brown
Brindle
Tricolor
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Average: The St.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. Which drools 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The St.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. Which has least natural smell?

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.

High 🔼

The St.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Dense Dense
Rough
Smooth
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. Which requires most frequent baths?
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.
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 or St. Bernard? Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or {name3 shedding:
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs shed above average.
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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs shed none to minimal.
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St.
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Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. Which is best with kids?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
St.
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.
St.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or St. Bernard? Which dog is more friendly?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
St.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or St. Bernard?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
St.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or St. Bernard?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
St.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard?
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.
No
St.
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
St.
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.
St.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. Which is best suited for service work?

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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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. Which has best nose work ability?

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 & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. Which is best for SAR work?

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.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. Which is best suited for water work?

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.

Not really

St.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. Which is best for draft work?

Yes

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.
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Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. Which has most military use?

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 St. Bernard Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. Which has most puppies?
1-14 puppies, average 8 5-10 puppies 6-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. What's recommended?

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.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. How are they classified?
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 1885 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. How are they classified internationally?
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. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and St. Bernard. Which has most recognition?
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.
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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