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German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Berner or Alpine Mastiff? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard" Compare German Shepherd and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which is better: German Shepherd or Bernese Mountain Dog or St. Bernard?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog St. Bernard
OriginsGermany flagGermany Switzerland flagSwitzerland Switzerland flagSwitzerland Italy flagItaly
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank22548
Reviews1969
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Berner
Bernese Cattle Dog
Berner Sennenhund
Alpine Mastiff
Bernhardiner
St. Barnhardshund
St. Bernard
Saint
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, German Shepherd or Bernese Mountain Dog or St. Bernard? Which is the smallest dog, German Shepherd or Bernese Mountain Dog or St. Bernard?
Large Large Giant
Weight
Which is heavier, German Shepherd or Bernese Mountain Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog? German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard weight comparison:
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) 110-200 pounds (50-91 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) 155 pounds (70.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Bernese Mountain Dog or St. Bernard? German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard height comparison:
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) 25.5-27.5 inches (61-70 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) 25.5-27.5 inches (65.5 cm)

German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, German Shepherd or Bernese Mountain Dog or St. Bernard? Which is more expensive?
$800-$2000 $800-$1000 $1500-$1800
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Bernese Mountain Dog or St. Bernard?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Bernese Mountain Dog is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The St.

German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard intelligence:
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Very smart: Bernese Mountain Dog is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
See more.
Trainability
German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard trainability comparison.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are easy to train.
See more.
A slightly harder to train than average.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: German Shepherd or Bernese Mountain Dog or St. Bernard?
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
St.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog German Shepherd or Bernese Mountain Dog or St. Bernard? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
St.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, German Shepherd or Bernese Mountain Dog or St. Bernard? German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard behavior/temperament comparison:
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Faithful
Independent
Happy
Friendly
Gentle
Going
Social
Quiet
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
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.
Sensitive: St.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard?
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.
High: St.
See more.
Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard 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.
St.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
St.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? 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.
Their prey drive is low.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard playfulness comparison:
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.
St.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog barks occasionally.
See more.
Low: The St.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly German Shepherd or Bernese Mountain Dog or St. Bernard?
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.
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.

German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
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.
St.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or Bernese Mountain Dog or St. Bernard?
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.
St.

German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: German Shepherd or Bernese Mountain Dog or St. Bernard?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Bernese Mountain Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

St.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Moderate

The St.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard mouthiness comparison:
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.
St.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard health comparison. Which is the healthier: German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Very healthy dog breed.
Very healthy dog breed.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard 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
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Bloat
Epilepsy
Entropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
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).
Rare
The St.
Life Expectancy
German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard lifespan comparison. How long do German Shepherd, Bernese Mountain Dog and St. Bernard breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
7-11 years
The average lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dog: 9 years
8-10 years
The average lifespan of St.
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard?
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.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a German Shepherd or Bernese Mountain Dog or St. Bernard? German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard energy level comparison:
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
St.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Bernese Mountain Dog or St. Bernard? 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.
St.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Bernese Mountain Dog or St. Bernard?
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.
St.

German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: German Shepherd or Bernese Mountain Dog or St. Bernard?
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. 6 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard weight gain potential comparison:
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.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the St.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard coat comparison:
Fuzzy Dense Dense
Rough
Smooth
Colors
What are the original German Shepherd, Bernese Mountain Dog and St. Bernard color?
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
White
Black
Red
White
Brown
Brindle
Tricolor
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, German Shepherd or Bernese Mountain Dog or St. Bernard? German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard grooming comparison:
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The St.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or Bernese Mountain Dog or St. Bernard? German Shepherd or Bernese Mountain Dog or {name3 shedding:
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs shed above average.
See more.
St.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: German Shepherd or Bernese Mountain Dog or St. Bernard?
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.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard?

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

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

High 🔼

The St.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
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.
The St.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
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.
St.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Bernese Mountain Dog or St. Bernard? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
St.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly German Shepherd or Bernese Mountain Dog or St. Bernard?
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
St.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Bernese Mountain Dog or St. Bernard?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
St.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Bernese Mountain Dog or St. Bernard?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
St.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard?
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.
No
St.
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.
No
St.
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.
St.

German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Yes

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

Yes

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

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: German Shepherd or Bernese Mountain Dog or St. Bernard? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect 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.
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

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.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

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.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard?

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.

Not really

St.
See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

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.

Yes

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

Yes

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

Not really

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

Yes

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

German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can German Shepherd and Bernese Mountain Dog and St. Bernard have?
6-10 puppies 1-14 puppies, average 8 6-8 puppies

German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1937 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Working breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
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. Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
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
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

Rate This Comparsion - German Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs St. Bernard

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.