When it comes to big, fluffy dogs, two breeds that often come to mind are the St. Bernard and the Bernese Mountain Dog. Both breeds are known for their size, strength, and friendly dispositions, but they have some distinct differences as well. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the St. Bernard vs. Bernese Mountain Dog to help you determine which breed may be the best fit for your family.
st bernard vs bernese mountain dog compare
| st bernard | bernese mountain dog | |
| Height | 26 – 30 inches | 22 – 27 inches |
| Coat type | Rough, Dense, Smooth | Long, Thick, Dense |
| Weight | 120 to 200 lbs. | 80 to 115 lbs. |
| Temperament | Friendly, Independent, Social | Affectionate, Smart, Devoted |
| Colors | brindle, brown, mahogany, orange, red, rust, white | Black and White, Rust Markings |
| Trainability | Below Average | Above Average |
| Energy Levels | Below Average | Above Average |
| Life Expectancy | 8 to 10 Years | 6 to 8 Years |
st bernard vs bernese mountain dog: History and Origins
The St. Bernard and the Bernese Mountain Dog are two large breeds with a rich history and unique origins. Let’s take a closer look at each breed’s history and how they came to be.
St. Bernard
The St. Bernard is a breed that originated in Switzerland in the 11th century. They were originally bred by monks in the Swiss Alps to be rescue dogs. The St. Bernard’s primary job was to locate and rescue travelers who were lost or injured in the snow-covered mountains.
The St. Bernard’s reputation as a rescue dog was established in the 18th century. A particularly famous St. Bernard named Barry is credited with rescuing over 40 people from the Alps during his career. Today, St. Bernards are primarily kept as companion dogs and are known for their friendly and affectionate nature.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog, also known as the Berner, is another large breed that originated in Switzerland. They were originally bred in the Canton of Bern as a farm dog. Bernese Mountain Dogs were used to pull carts, herd livestock, and guard the farm.
Like the St. Bernard, the Bernese Mountain Dog’s popularity increased in the 19th century when they were discovered by wealthy Swiss dog enthusiasts. The breed was imported to America in the 1920s and has been gaining popularity ever since. Today, Bernese Mountain Dogs are primarily kept as companion animals and are known for their calm and gentle nature.
st bernard vs bernese mountain dog: Appearance
The St. Bernard and the Bernese Mountain Dog are both large breeds, but they have distinct differences in their appearance.
St. Bernard
The St. Bernard is a giant breed, standing between 27 and 35 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 120 and 180 pounds. They have a thick, heavy coat that is typically white with patches of brown or red. Their coat is water-resistant and sheds seasonally, requiring regular grooming to keep it in good condition.
St. Bernards have a large head with droopy ears and dark, expressive eyes. They have a muscular body with a deep chest and a powerful, broad neck.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is also a large breed, standing between 23 and 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 70 and 115 pounds. They have a thick, tri-colored coat of black, white, and rust that is also water-resistant and sheds seasonally.
Bernese Mountain Dogs have a square-shaped head with expressive, dark eyes and floppy ears. They have a broad chest and a muscular body, but they are slightly more slender than St. Bernards.
st bernard vs bernese mountain dog: Temperament
The St. Bernard and the Bernese Mountain Dog are both known for their gentle and friendly personalities, but they have some distinct differences in temperament.
St. Bernard
St. Bernards are known for their sweet and patient disposition. They are gentle giants and make great family dogs. They are also known to be loyal and protective, making them good watchdogs. They are typically calm and relaxed indoors but still need regular exercise and playtime.
St. Bernards can be slow to mature, and their large size means they need space to move around. They are not always the best choice for apartment living. They may also drool and shed quite a bit, which can be a consideration for some families.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are also known for their gentle and calm nature. They are friendly and affectionate with their families and generally get along well with other pets and children. They have a strong desire to please their owners, making them relatively easy to train.
Like St. Bernards, Bernese Mountain Dogs need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They are also prone to separation anxiety and may become destructive if left alone for long periods. Bernese Mountain Dogs may shed quite a bit, especially during shedding season, and may require regular grooming.
st bernard vs bernese mountain dog: Health
Both the St. Bernard and the Bernese Mountain Dog are prone to certain health issues, which can be a consideration for potential owners.
St. Bernard
St. Bernards are prone to several health issues, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and bloat (also known as gastric torsion). They are also prone to certain genetic conditions such as osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. Other health issues that St. Bernards may be prone to include heart problems, skin allergies, and eye problems.
St. Bernards also have a relatively short lifespan, with an average life expectancy of 8-10 years.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are also prone to several health issues, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat, and certain genetic conditions such as Bernese Mountain Dog Syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects the immune system. They are also prone to certain types of cancer, including mast cell tumors and lymphoma.
Bernese Mountain Dogs also have a relatively short lifespan, with an average life expectancy of 6-8 years.
st bernard vs bernese mountain dog: Trainability
Both St. Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs are intelligent breeds and are generally eager to please their owners. However, they can have different levels of trainability.
St. Bernard
St. Bernards can be slow to mature and can have a stubborn streak, which can make them more challenging to train. They can also have a tendency to become distracted, especially when they pick up on an interesting scent. They respond best to positive reinforcement training methods, such as rewards-based training and praise. Consistency and patience are key when training a St. Bernard, and it’s important to start training early in their life.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally more responsive to training than St. Bernards. They are eager to please their owners and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. They are also intelligent and can learn quickly with proper training. However, like St. Bernards, they can become easily distracted and require consistent training.
It’s important to note that both breeds can be sensitive to harsh or negative training methods, and these methods can damage the dog’s trust and relationship with their owner. Positive reinforcement training methods, such as clicker training or treat-based training, are generally the most effective and humane way to train both St. Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs.
st bernard vs bernese mountain dog: Bark
St. Bernard
St. Bernards are not known for being excessive barkers, but they may bark to alert their owners if they sense danger or if someone is at the door. They may also bark if they are feeling anxious or if they are left alone for long periods.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally not excessive barkers, but they can become vocal if they feel their territory or family is being threatened. They may also bark if they are feeling anxious or if they are bored or lonely.
st bernard vs bernese mountain dog: Adaptability
When considering adopting a St. Bernard or Bernese Mountain Dog, it’s important to consider their adaptability to different living situations and environments.
St. Bernard
St. Bernards are known for their adaptability to different living situations. While they may do best in a home with a yard, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they receive plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. St. Bernards are also generally good with children and other pets, making them a great choice for families.
However, St. Bernards are a large breed and require a lot of space to move around. They also shed heavily, which may not be suitable for individuals with allergies or who are sensitive to pet hair. St. Bernards also have a tendency to drool, which can be a consideration for some potential owners.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are also known for their adaptability to different living situations. They can adapt to apartment living as long as they receive plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Bernese Mountain Dogs are also generally good with children and other pets, making them a great choice for families.
However, like St. Bernards, Bernese Mountain Dogs are a large breed and require a lot of space to move around. They also shed heavily and have a thick coat, which requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangles. Bernese Mountain Dogs are also prone to heat sensitivity, and should not be exposed to high temperatures for extended periods.
st bernard vs bernese mountain dog: Nutrition
Both St. Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs are large breeds that require a healthy and balanced diet to maintain their health and well-being.
St. Bernard
St. Bernards are prone to obesity, which can lead to a range of health issues, including joint problems and heart disease. To prevent obesity, it’s important to feed St. Bernards a high-quality dog food that is specifically formulated for large breeds. These foods should contain high-quality protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats, and should be portioned according to the dog’s age, weight, and activity level. Owners should avoid overfeeding their St. Bernards and provide them with plenty of exercise to help them maintain a healthy weight.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Like St. Bernards, Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to obesity and should be fed a high-quality dog food that is specifically formulated for large breeds. These foods should contain high-quality protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats, and should be portioned according to the dog’s age, weight, and activity level. Owners should also avoid overfeeding their Bernese Mountain Dogs and provide them with plenty of exercise to help them maintain a healthy weight.
In addition to a healthy and balanced diet, both St. Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs may benefit from supplements to support their joint health. Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements, for example, can help to support joint health and mobility in these large breeds.
st bernard vs bernese mountain dog: Grooming
St. Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs are both large breeds with long, thick coats, which require regular grooming to keep them healthy and free of matting and tangles.
St. Bernard
St. Bernards have a thick, double coat that sheds seasonally. To keep their coat healthy, owners should brush their St. Bernard at least once a week with a slicker brush or a shedding tool to remove loose hair and prevent matting. During shedding season, which typically occurs twice a year, owners may need to brush their St. Bernard more frequently to manage shedding.
St. Bernards are also prone to drooling and may need their face and mouth area cleaned regularly to prevent infections and odor. Owners should also regularly check and clean their St. Bernard’s ears to prevent infections.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Like St. Bernards, Bernese Mountain Dogs have a thick, double coat that sheds seasonally. To keep their coat healthy, owners should brush their Bernese Mountain Dog at least once a week with a slicker brush or a shedding tool to remove loose hair and prevent matting. During shedding season, which typically occurs twice a year, owners may need to brush their Bernese Mountain Dog more frequently to manage shedding.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are also prone to tangles and may require more frequent grooming than St. Bernards to prevent matting. Owners should regularly check their Bernese Mountain Dog’s coat for tangles and use a dematting tool or comb to remove any mats or tangles.
Video credit – Dogs Now
Frequently Asked Questions
Which breed is better for families with children, St. Bernard or Bernese Mountain Dog?
Both St. Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs can make great family pets, but Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally better suited for families with children. Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, and they tend to be more playful and energetic than St. Bernards.
Which breed is better for apartment living, St. Bernard or Bernese Mountain Dog?
Neither St. Bernards nor Bernese Mountain Dogs are well-suited for apartment living due to their large size and exercise requirements. However, if you have a spacious apartment and are able to provide your dog with plenty of exercise, either breed could potentially live in an apartment.
either St. Bernards nor Bernese Mountain Dogs are low-shedding breeds. Both breeds have thick, double coats that shed seasonally, so owners should be prepared to do regular grooming to manage shedding.
Which breed is better for first-time dog owners, St. Bernard or Bernese Mountain Dog?
Neither St. Bernards nor Bernese Mountain Dogs are recommended for first-time dog owners, as both breeds are large, strong, and require experienced handling. Additionally, both breeds have specific health and grooming needs that require a knowledgeable and committed owner.
Which breed is more protective, St. Bernard or Bernese Mountain Dog?
Both St. Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs have a protective nature, but St. Bernards are typically more protective than Bernese Mountain Dogs. St. Bernards were originally bred as rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps and have a strong instinct to protect their owners and their territory. Bernese Mountain Dogs are also protective of their owners, but they tend to be more laid-back and friendly with strangers.
Which breed is better for cold climates, St. Bernard or Bernese Mountain Dog?
Both St. Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs have thick, double coats that provide insulation and protection from the cold. However, St. Bernards were originally bred to work in the harsh conditions of the Swiss Alps and are generally better suited for cold climates than Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Which breed is more active, St. Bernard or Bernese Mountain Dog?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally more active and energetic than St. Bernards. Bernese Mountain Dogs were originally bred as working dogs on farms and have a high level of energy and stamina. St. Bernards, on the other hand, are more laid-back and tend to be less active.
Can St. Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs live together?
Yes, St. Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs can live together if they are properly socialized and introduced to each other. Both breeds are generally friendly with other dogs, but as with any dog, it’s important to monitor their interactions and provide proper training and socialization to prevent any issues.
Which breed is better for outdoor activities, St. Bernard or Bernese Mountain Dog?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are better suited for outdoor activities than St. Bernards, as they have a high level of energy and stamina. Bernese Mountain Dogs enjoy hiking, running, and playing, and make great companions for outdoor enthusiasts. St. Bernards, on the other hand, are more laid-back and may not have the same level of endurance for outdoor activities.
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