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Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever Comparison – Which dog is better Berner or Lab?

"Find similarities and differences between Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever" Compare Bernese Mountain Dog and Labrador Retriever. Which is better: Bernese Mountain Dog or Labrador Retriever?
 
 
 
Name Bernese Mountain Dog Labrador Retriever
OriginsSwitzerland flagSwitzerland England flagEngland Canada flagCanada
Group Working Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank251
Reviews611
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Bernese Mountain Dog and Labrador Retriever. What other names are these breeds known by?
Berner
Bernese Cattle Dog
Berner Sennenhund
Lab
Labrador
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Labrador Retriever. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Labrador Retriever? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Labrador Retriever. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 85-110 pounds (38–50 kg), Female: 80-105 pounds (36–48 kg) Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 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) Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Bernese Mountain Dog or Labrador Retriever? Is a Bernese Mountain Dog taller than a Labrador Retriever?
Male: 24-28 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 23-27 inches (58–69 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 26 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 25 inches (58–69 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm)

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

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

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Labrador Retriever? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Very smart: Bernese Mountain Dog is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Labrador Retriever? Compare training requirements.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Labrador Retriever? Compare alertness levels.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Labrador Retriever? Compare territorial behaviors.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders.
See more.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Labrador Retriever. How do their temperaments differ?
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Faithful
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Sensitive: Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever?
Average: Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
See more.
Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
See more.
Social Needs
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever social needs comparison:
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever? Which can be better for hunting?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.
Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
See more.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Labrador Retriever? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog barks occasionally.
See more.
Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Labrador Retriever? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: Bernese Mountain Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Labrador Retriever? 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 Labrador Retriever breed in the home.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Labrador Retriever? Compare adaptability levels.
Average: Bernese Mountain Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Labrador Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Bernese Mountain Dog or Labrador Retriever?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Labrador Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

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

Moderate

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Bernese Mountain Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Labrador Retriever? Compare average lifespans.
7-11 years
The average lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dog: 9 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Labrador Retriever? 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.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Labrador Retriever. Which breed is healthier?
Very healthy dog breed.
The Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever?
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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Elbow Dysplasia
Panosteitis
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Ear Infections
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Acute Moist Dermatitis
Cold Tail
Myopathy

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Labrador Retriever? 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.
High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Labrador Retriever? Compare daily food needs.
6 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Labrador Retriever? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Bernese Mountain Dog and Labrador Retriever? Compare breed colors.
Black
White
Black
Yellow
Chocolate
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Labrador Retriever? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Labrador Retriever? 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 Labrador Retriever is an average drooler.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Labrador Retriever? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

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

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Labrador Retriever? Compare fur types.
Dense Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Labrador Retriever? Compare bathing frequencies.
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.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Bernese Mountain Dog or Labrador Retriever? Do Bernese Mountain Dog dogs shed more than Labrador Retriever dogs?
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs shed above average.
See more.
Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever Good With Comparison

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

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever As a Working Dog Comparison

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

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Labrador Retriever? Compare therapy capabilities.

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
Which is better at detection work: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Labrador Retriever? Compare scenting abilities.

Not really

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

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Labrador Retriever? Compare SAR abilities.

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
Which is better on boats: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Labrador Retriever? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

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

Yes

Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Labrador Retriever? Compare draft work capabilities.

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.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between Bernese Mountain Dog and Labrador Retriever. 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 Labrador Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

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

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Bernese Mountain Dog and Labrador Retriever. 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 1917 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Bernese Mountain Dog and Labrador Retriever. 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 Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Bernese Mountain Dog and Labrador Retriever. 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
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

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