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

"Find similarities and differences between Sarplaninac vs Hovawart vs Bernese Mountain Dog" Compare Sarplaninac and Hovawart. Which is better: Sarplaninac or Hovawart or Bernese Mountain Dog?
 
 
 
Name Sarplaninac Hovawart Bernese Mountain Dog
OriginsSerbia flagSerbia Macedonia flagMacedonia Germany flagGermany Switzerland flagSwitzerland
Group Guard Dogs Guard Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank52537525
Reviews126
User Ratings

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

Sarplaninac vs Hovawart vs Bernese Mountain Dog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Sarplaninac, Hovawart, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large
Giant
Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Sarplaninac, Hovawart, and Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 55-80 pounds (25-36 kg), Female: 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg) 55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 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: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 57.5 pounds (26 kg) 55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg) Male: 97.5 pounds (38–50 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (36–48 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Sarplaninac or Hovawart or Bernese Mountain Dog? Sarplaninac vs Hovawart vs Bernese Mountain Dog height comparison:
Male: 22-24 inches (55-61 cm), Female: 21-23 inches (54-59 cm) 23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 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: 23 inches (58 cm), Female: 22 inches (56.5 cm) 23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm) Male: 26 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 25 inches (58–69 cm)

Sarplaninac vs Hovawart vs Bernese Mountain Dog Price and Availability Comparison

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

Sarplaninac vs Hovawart vs Bernese Mountain Dog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Sarplaninac, Hovawart, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which breed ranks highest?
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.
See more.
Very smart: Bernese Mountain Dog is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Sarplaninac, Hovawart, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which is easiest to train?
Sarplaninac dogs are quite easy to train.
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Hovawart dogs are easy to train.
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Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Sarplaninac, Hovawart, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which breed is most alert?
Sarplaninac dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Hovawart dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Sarplaninac, Hovawart, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which breed is most protective?
Sarplaninac dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Hovawart dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Sarplaninac vs Hovawart vs Bernese Mountain Dog Personality and Temperament Comparison

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

Sarplaninac vs Hovawart vs Bernese Mountain Dog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Sarplaninac vs Hovawart vs Bernese Mountain Dog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Sarplaninac, Hovawart, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which breed is most flexible?
Average: Sarplaninac 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: Bernese Mountain Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Sarplaninac or Hovawart or Bernese Mountain Dog?
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.

Sarplaninac vs Hovawart vs Bernese Mountain Dog Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Sarplaninac has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Hovawart has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Sarplaninac bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Hovawart bite force: The Strongest.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Bernese Mountain Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Sarplaninac vs Hovawart vs Bernese Mountain Dog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Sarplaninac, Hovawart, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which breed lives longest?
11-13 years
The average lifespan of Sarplaninac: 12 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Hovawart: 12 years
7-11 years
The average lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dog: 9 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Sarplaninac, Hovawart, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers cold weather
The Sarplaninac 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.
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 health problems common in Sarplaninac, Hovawart, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which has fewer health issues?
Sarplaninacs are commonly healthy dogs.
The Hovawart is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Very healthy dog breed.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The Sarplaninac 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 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: Sarplaninac vs Hovawart vs Bernese Mountain Dog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Sarplaninac vs Hovawart vs Bernese Mountain Dog health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Bloat
Drug Sensitivity
Hip Dysplasia
Underactive Thyroid
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Elbow Dysplasia
Panosteitis
Portosystemic Liver Shunt

Sarplaninac vs Hovawart vs Bernese Mountain Dog Energy and Activity Comparison

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

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

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

Sarplaninac vs Hovawart vs Bernese Mountain Dog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Sarplaninac has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Hovawart has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Bernese Mountain Dog has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Sarplaninac, Hovawart, and Bernese Mountain Dog. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fluffy
Waterproof
Silky Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Sarplaninac, Hovawart, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which requires most frequent baths?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
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 Sarplaninac or Hovawart or Bernese Mountain Dog? Sarplaninac or Hovawart or {name3 shedding:
Sarplaninac dogs shed moderately.
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Hovawart dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs shed above average.
See more.

Sarplaninac vs Hovawart vs Bernese Mountain Dog Good With Comparison

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

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

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Sarplaninac, Hovawart, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which is best suited for service work?

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

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.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Sarplaninac, Hovawart, and Bernese Mountain Dog. 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 Sarplaninac, Hovawart, and Bernese Mountain Dog. 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 Sarplaninac, Hovawart, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

Not really

Hovawart 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
Compare cart pulling abilities between Sarplaninac, Hovawart, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which is best for draft work?

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.

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Sarplaninac, Hovawart, and Bernese Mountain Dog. 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.

Sarplaninac vs Hovawart vs Bernese Mountain Dog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Sarplaninac, Hovawart, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which has most puppies?
3-5 puppies 6-8 puppies 1-14 puppies, average 8
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Sarplaninac, Hovawart, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Sarplaninac, Hovawart, and Bernese Mountain Dog. What's recommended?

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.

Sarplaninac vs Hovawart vs Bernese Mountain Dog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Sarplaninac, Hovawart, and Bernese Mountain Dog. How are they classified?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1937 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Sarplaninac, Hovawart, and Bernese Mountain Dog. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type 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 breed recognition status of Sarplaninac, Hovawart, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
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
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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