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

"Find similarities and differences between Bernese Mountain Dog vs Hovawart vs Sarplaninac" Compare Bernese Mountain Dog and Hovawart. Which is better: Bernese Mountain Dog or Hovawart or Sarplaninac?
 
 
 
Name Bernese Mountain Dog Hovawart Sarplaninac
OriginsSwitzerland flagSwitzerland Germany flagGermany Serbia flagSerbia Macedonia flagMacedonia
Group Working Dogs Guard Dogs Guard Dogs
Popularity Rank25375525
Reviews621
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac breeds.
Berner
Bernese Cattle Dog
Berner Sennenhund
Hovie Illyrian Shepherd Dog
Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog
Macedonian Shepherd
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Hovawart vs Sarplaninac Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large
Giant
Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 85-110 pounds (38–50 kg), Female: 80-105 pounds (36–48 kg) 55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg) Male: 55-80 pounds (25-36 kg), Female: 45-70 pounds (20-32 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) 55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg) Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 57.5 pounds (26 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Bernese Mountain Dog or Hovawart or Sarplaninac? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Hovawart vs Sarplaninac height comparison:
Male: 24-28 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 23-27 inches (58–69 cm) 23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (55-61 cm), Female: 21-23 inches (54-59 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 26 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 25 inches (58–69 cm) 23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm) Male: 23 inches (58 cm), Female: 22 inches (56.5 cm)

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Hovawart vs Sarplaninac Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1000 $1000-$1200 $900-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Bernese Mountain Dog or Hovawart or Sarplaninac?
Very frequent: The Bernese Mountain Dog is quite easy to get.
Average: The Hovawart is a commonly available dog breed.
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Hovawart vs Sarplaninac Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. Which breed ranks highest?
Very smart: Bernese Mountain Dog is an excellent dog breed.
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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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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. Which is easiest to train?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are easy to train.
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Hovawart dogs are easy to train.
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Sarplaninac dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. Which breed is most alert?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Hovawart dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Sarplaninac dogs are good watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. Which breed is most protective?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Hovawart dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Sarplaninac dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Bernese Mountain Dog vs Hovawart vs Sarplaninac Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac? Compare temperaments.
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Faithful
Active
Devoted
Outright
Tempered
Watchful
Reserved
Independent
Protective
Intelligent
Reliable
Devoted
Calm
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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Hovawart dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Sarplaninac 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 Hovawart vs Sarplaninac?
Average: Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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Average to High: Hovawart dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Average to High: Sarplaninac dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Social Needs
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Hovawart vs Sarplaninac social needs comparison:
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Hovawart dogs are a social breed.
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Sarplaninac dogs need for social interaction is average.
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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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Hovawart dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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The wanderlust potential of the Sarplaninac is strong enough to escape from home.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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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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Sarplaninac dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Bernese Mountain Dog vs Hovawart vs Sarplaninac Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. Which breed is most vocal?
Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog barks occasionally.
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Low to Average: The Hovawart rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Sarplaninac rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Bernese Mountain Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Hovawarts, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Sarplaninacs are not the most playful dog breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not recommended to keep the Bernese Mountain Dog breed in the home.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Hovawart breed.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Sarplaninac breed.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Hovawart vs Sarplaninac Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. Which breed is most flexible?
Average: Bernese Mountain Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Hovawart dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Sarplaninac 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 Hovawart or Sarplaninac?
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.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Hovawart vs Sarplaninac Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

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

Low 🔽

The Hovawart has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Sarplaninac has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. 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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Hovawart dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Sarplaninac dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Bernese Mountain Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Hovawart bite force: The Strongest.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Sarplaninac bite force: Ordinary.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Hovawart vs Sarplaninac Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. Which breed lives longest?
7-11 years
The average lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dog: 9 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Hovawart: 12 years
11-13 years
The average lifespan of Sarplaninac: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. 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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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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Prefers cold weather
The Sarplaninac can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. Which has fewer health issues?
Very healthy dog breed.
The Hovawart is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Sarplaninacs are commonly healthy dogs.
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 Hovawart should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Sarplaninac should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Bernese Mountain Dog vs Hovawart vs Sarplaninac? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Hovawart vs Sarplaninac health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Elbow Dysplasia
Panosteitis
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Hip Dysplasia
Underactive Thyroid
Hip Dysplasia
Bloat
Drug Sensitivity

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Hovawart vs Sarplaninac Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. Which breed is most active?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Hovawart dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sarplaninac dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Hovawart vs Sarplaninac exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Bernese Mountain Dog or Hovawart or Sarplaninac? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have an average exercise need.
Hovawart dogs have an average exercise need.
Sarplaninac dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Bernese Mountain Dog or Hovawart or Sarplaninac?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Hovawart dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Sarplaninac dogs don't need too much sleep.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Hovawart vs Sarplaninac Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. 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.
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Average: The Hovawart has an average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Sarplaninac's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. Which needs most food?
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. 2.5 to 3.5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Hovawart vs Sarplaninac Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. What colors are available?
Black
White
Black
Blonde
Golden
Black
Gray
White
Fawn
Sable
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog requires average grooming effort.
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Easy to groom: The Hovawart doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Easy to groom: The Sarplaninac doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. 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 Hovawart is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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The Sarplaninac 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.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

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

Medium

The Hovawart has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Sarplaninac has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Silky Fluffy
Waterproof
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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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.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Bernese Mountain Dog or Hovawart or Sarplaninac? Bernese Mountain Dog or Hovawart or {name3 shedding:
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs shed above average.
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Hovawart dogs shed moderately.
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Sarplaninac dogs shed moderately.
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Bernese Mountain Dog vs Hovawart vs Sarplaninac Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. Which is best with kids?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Hovawart dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Sarplaninac dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are generally with other pets.
Hovawart dogs are generally with other pets.
Sarplaninac dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or Hovawart or Sarplaninac? Which dog is more friendly?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Hovawart dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Sarplaninac dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or Hovawart or Sarplaninac?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Hovawart dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Sarplaninac dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Bernese Mountain Dog or Hovawart or Sarplaninac?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Hovawart dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Sarplaninac 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 Hovawart vs Sarplaninac?
Yes
Bernese Mountain Dog 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.
Yes
Sarplaninac 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
Hovawart is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Sarplaninac 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.
Hovawarts are usually recommended for elderly people.
Sarplaninacs are commonly okay with elderly people.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Hovawart vs Sarplaninac As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. 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.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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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
Compare detection capabilities between Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. 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, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. 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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. 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

Hovawart breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Sarplaninac breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. 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, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. 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.

Not really

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

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Hovawart vs Sarplaninac Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. Which has most puppies?
1-14 puppies, average 8 6-8 puppies 3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. 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, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Hovawart vs Sarplaninac Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1937 as a Working breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. 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 Molossian type section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Bernese Mountain Dog, Hovawart, and Sarplaninac. 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
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
American Canine Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

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