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German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog Comparison – Which dog is better Alsatian wolf dog or Berner?

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog" Compare German Shepherd and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which is better: German Shepherd or Bernese Mountain Dog?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog
OriginsGermany flagGermany Switzerland flagSwitzerland
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank225
Reviews216
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for German Shepherd and Bernese Mountain Dog. What other names are these breeds known by?
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Berner
Bernese Cattle Dog
Berner Sennenhund
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a German Shepherd and a Bernese Mountain Dog. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a German Shepherd or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a German Shepherd and a Bernese Mountain Dog. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 85-110 pounds (38–50 kg), Female: 80-105 pounds (36–48 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 97.5 pounds (38–50 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (36–48 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Bernese Mountain Dog? Is a German Shepherd taller than a Bernese Mountain Dog?
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 24-28 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 23-27 inches (58–69 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 26 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 25 inches (58–69 cm)

German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog Price and Availability Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a German Shepherd and a Bernese Mountain Dog. How do their temperaments differ?
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Faithful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Average: Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
See more.
Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog? Which can be better for hunting?
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Bernese Mountain Dog bite force: Ordinary.

German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a German Shepherd or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare average lifespans.
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
7-11 years
The average lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dog: 9 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a German Shepherd or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare climate tolerances.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Prefers cold weather
The Bernese Mountain Dog can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a German Shepherd and a Bernese Mountain Dog. Which breed is healthier?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Very healthy dog breed.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The Bernese Mountain Dog 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: German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Degenerative Myelopathy
Wobbler's Syndrome
Panosteitis
Hemophilia B
Megaesophagus
Cushing's Syndrome
Lens Luxation
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Chronic Diarrhea
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Digestive Problems
Hemophilia A
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Lupus
Myasthenia Gravis
Nail Bed Disease
Osteochondrosis
Pannus
Paralysis
Perianal Fistula
Seborrhea
Vitiligo
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Elbow Dysplasia
Panosteitis
Portosystemic Liver Shunt

German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog Energy and Activity Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a German Shepherd or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare obesity risks.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Bernese Mountain Dog's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a German Shepherd or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare daily food needs.
3 to 4 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.

German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Bernese Mountain Dog has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a German Shepherd and a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare fur types.
Fuzzy Dense
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a German Shepherd or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare bathing frequencies.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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 German Shepherd or Bernese Mountain Dog? Do German Shepherd dogs shed more than Bernese Mountain Dog dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs shed above average.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a German Shepherd or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare kid-friendliness.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Bernese Mountain Dog? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Bernese Mountain Dog?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Bernese Mountain Dog? Can a German Shepherd and a Bernese Mountain Dog be friends? Do German Shepherd dogs get along with Bernese Mountain Dog dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Bernese Mountain Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a German Shepherd or a Bernese Mountain Dog? 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 German Shepherd or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare therapy capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a German Shepherd or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare scenting abilities.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Not really

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

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a German Shepherd or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

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

Not really

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

Yes

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

Yes

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

Not really

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

German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between German Shepherd and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which has larger litters?
6-10 puppies 1-14 puppies, average 8
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between German Shepherd and Bernese Mountain Dog breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between German Shepherd and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of German Shepherd and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1937 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of German Shepherd and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Swiss Mountain- and Cattledogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between German Shepherd and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which is more widely recognized?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America
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

Rate This Comparsion - German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog

Reviews

  • Dog lover

    Apr 7, 2021, 6:21:57 PM:

    I give this one 3 stars because instead of actully telling me stuff about the saint bernard it just says st. so please fix that.