• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog Comparison - Dog breed selector: Old English Mastiff or Pit or Berner? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog" Compare Mastiff and American Pit Bull Terrier. Which is better: Mastiff or American Pit Bull Terrier or Bernese Mountain Dog?
 
 
 
Name Mastiff American Pit Bull Terrier Bernese Mountain Dog
OriginsEngland flagEngland United States flagUnited States Switzerland flagSwitzerland
Group Working Dogs Hunting Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank2833625
Reviews3136
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Old English Mastiff
English Mastiff
Pit
Pit Bull
Pitbull
Pitty
APBT
Berner
Bernese Cattle Dog
Berner Sennenhund
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Mastiff or American Pit Bull Terrier or Bernese Mountain Dog? Which is the smallest dog, Mastiff or American Pit Bull Terrier or Bernese Mountain Dog?
Giant Medium Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Mastiff or American Pit Bull Terrier or American Pit Bull Terrier? Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog weight comparison:
Male: 150-250 pounds (68-113 kg), Female: 120-180 pounds (54-82 kg) 22-78 pounds (10-35 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: 200 pounds (90.5 kg), Female: 150 pounds (68 kg) 50 pounds (22.5 kg) Male: 97.5 pounds (38–50 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (36–48 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Mastiff or American Pit Bull Terrier or Bernese Mountain Dog? Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog height comparison:
Male: 30 inches (76 cm), Female: 27.5 inches (70 cm) 14-24 inches (35-60 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: 30 inches (76 cm), Female: 27.5 inches (70 cm) 19 inches (47.5 cm) Male: 26 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 25 inches (58–69 cm)

Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Mastiff or American Pit Bull Terrier or Bernese Mountain Dog? Which is more expensive?
$1200-$1500 $500-$700 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Mastiff or American Pit Bull Terrier or Bernese Mountain Dog?
Very frequent: The Mastiff is quite easy to get.
Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The Bernese Mountain Dog is quite easy to get.

Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog intelligence:
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Very smart: Bernese Mountain Dog is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Trainability
Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog trainability comparison.
Mastiff dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Mastiff or American Pit Bull Terrier or Bernese Mountain Dog?
Mastiff dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Mastiff or American Pit Bull Terrier or Bernese Mountain Dog? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Mastiff dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Mastiff or American Pit Bull Terrier or Bernese Mountain Dog? Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog behavior/temperament comparison:
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Cheerful
Stubborn
Clownish
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Obedient
Loyal
Strong
Willed
Aggressive
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Faithful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Mastiff dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
High: Mastiff dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: American Pit Bull Terrier 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
Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog social needs comparison:
Mastiff dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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?
Mastiff dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the American Pit Bull Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Their prey drive is low.
See more.
American Pit Bull Terrier 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.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.

Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog playfulness comparison:
Mastiffs are not the most playful dog breed.
See more.
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a playful breed.
See more.
Average: Bernese Mountain Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
Low: The Mastiff barks none to minimal.
See more.
Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier barks occasionally.
See more.
Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog barks occasionally.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Mastiff or American Pit Bull Terrier or Bernese Mountain Dog?
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 Mastiff indoors.
It is not recommended to keep the American Pit Bull Terrier breed in the home.
It is not recommended to keep the Bernese Mountain Dog breed in the home.

Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Mastiff dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: American Pit Bull Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Average: Bernese Mountain Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Mastiff or American Pit Bull Terrier or Bernese Mountain Dog?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
American Pit Bull Terrier 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.

Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Mastiff or American Pit Bull Terrier or Bernese Mountain Dog?

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Mastiff bite force: The Strongest.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

American Pit Bull Terrier bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Bernese Mountain Dog bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Moderate

The Mastiff has an average chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The American Pit Bull Terrier has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog mouthiness comparison:
Mastiff dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
American Pit Bull Terrier 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.

Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog health comparison. Which is the healthier: Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
Mastiffs are commonly healthy dogs.
American Pit Bull Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Very healthy dog breed.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Seizures
Cystinuria
Hip Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Skin Allergies
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Elbow Dysplasia
Panosteitis
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The Mastiff should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Frequent
The American Pit Bull Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) 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).
Life Expectancy
Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog lifespan comparison. How long do Mastiff, American Pit Bull Terrier and Bernese Mountain Dog breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Mastiff: 11 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier: 12 years
7-11 years
The average lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dog: 9 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Mastiff can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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.

Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Mastiff or American Pit Bull Terrier or Bernese Mountain Dog? Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog energy level comparison:
Mastiff dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Mastiff or American Pit Bull Terrier or Bernese Mountain Dog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Mastiff dogs exercise need is minimal.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Mastiff or American Pit Bull Terrier or Bernese Mountain Dog?
Mastiff dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Mastiff or American Pit Bull Terrier or Bernese Mountain Dog?
8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals Recommended daily amount: 1.5 to 2.5 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.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog weight gain potential comparison:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Mastiff's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier has an 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.

Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog coat comparison:
Dense Fine Dense
Colors
What are the original Mastiff, American Pit Bull Terrier and Bernese Mountain Dog color?
Fawn
Brindle
Apricot
Black
Gray
Tan
Red
Blue
White
Brown
Yellow
Black
White
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Mastiff or American Pit Bull Terrier or Bernese Mountain Dog? Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog grooming comparison:
Easy to groom: The Mastiff doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Effortless: The American Pit Bull Terrier requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Mastiff or American Pit Bull Terrier or Bernese Mountain Dog? Mastiff or American Pit Bull Terrier or {name3 shedding:
Mastiff dogs shed moderately.
See more.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs shed above average.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Mastiff or American Pit Bull Terrier or Bernese Mountain Dog?
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.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog 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, Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog?

High 🔼

The Mastiff has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The American Pit Bull Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Bernese Mountain Dog has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Mastiff is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
See more.
The American Pit Bull Terrier 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.

Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Mastiff dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Mastiff or American Pit Bull Terrier or Bernese Mountain Dog? Which dog is more friendly?
Mastiff dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Mastiff or American Pit Bull Terrier or Bernese Mountain Dog?
Mastiff dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Mastiff or American Pit Bull Terrier or Bernese Mountain Dog?
Mastiff dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Mastiff or American Pit Bull Terrier or Bernese Mountain Dog?
Mastiff dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are not dog-friendly.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
Yes
Mastiff dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
American Pit Bull Terrier 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
Mastiff is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
American Pit Bull Terrier 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?
Mastiffs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
American Pit Bull Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Mastiff or American Pit Bull Terrier or Bernese Mountain Dog? Which is better for autism?

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.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

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.

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?

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.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog?

Not really

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

Not really

American Pit Bull Terrier 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.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

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.

Yes

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

Not really

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

Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Mastiff and American Pit Bull Terrier and Bernese Mountain Dog have?
3-5 puppies 5-8 puppies 1-14 puppies, average 8

Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Working breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1937 as a Working breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Not recognized by FCI. Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Swiss Mountain- and Cattledogs section.
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
American Canine Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Backwoods Bulldog Club
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 - Mastiff vs American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog

Reviews