Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd

Compare the Bernese Mountain Dog to the German Shepherd. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Bernese Mountain Dogs and German Shepherds.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd
Bernese Mountain Dog
German Shepherd
Bernese Mountain Dog
German Shepherd
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General Details
Bernese Mountain Dog
German Shepherd
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
No
Lifespan
6-8 Years
10-14 Years
Height
23-27 Inches
22-26 Inches
Weight
70-120 Pounds
75-95 Pounds
Intelligence
Average
Above Average
History
Bernese Mountain Dog
German Shepherd
Origin Country
Switzerland
Germany
Origin Year
1892 AD
1899 AD
Temperament
Bernese Mountain Dog
German Shepherd
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Above Average
Average
Pet Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Above Average
Below Average
Personality
Bernese Mountain Dog
German Shepherd
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Needy
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Willing to Please
Living Environment
Bernese Mountain Dog
German Shepherd
Apartment
No
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
No
Yes
Medium Yard
No
Yes
Large Yard
Yes
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
15-75 °F
40-85 °F
Barks/Howls
Below Average
Average
Exercise Needs
Bernese Mountain Dog
German Shepherd
Energy Level
Medium
High
Exercise Required
Low
High
Top Running Speed
22 MPH
30 MPH
Strength
Very High
High
Grooming Needs
Bernese Mountain Dog
German Shepherd
Coat Maintenance
High
Medium to High
Shedding
High
High
Dander
High
High
Drool
Low
Medium
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Bernese Mountain Dog
German Shepherd
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
No
Breed Focus
Bernese Mountain Dog
German Shepherd
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
No
Yes
Breed Instincts
Bernese Mountain Dog
German Shepherd
Aggression
None
Average
Burrow / Digging
None
Below Average
Chasing
Below Average
Below Average
Follow Commands
Average
Above Average
Fighting
Below Average
Below Average
Guarding
Below Average
Above Average
Herding
Below Average
Above Average
Hunting
None
Above Average
Protection
None
Above Average
Remove Vermin
Below Average
Below Average
Sled Pulling
Below Average
Below Average
Watch / Guardian
Below Average
Above Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Bernese Mountain Dog
German Shepherd
Average Lifespan
6-8 Years
10-14 Years
Health Concerns
Bernese Mountain Dog
German Shepherd
Common Health Issues
Bloat
Cancer
Hip dysplasia
Von willebrand's disease
Progressive retinal atrophy
Elbow dysplasia
Portosystemic shunt
Panosteitis
Cushing's syndrome
Bloat
Cancer
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Von willebrand's disease
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Epilepsy
Elbow dysplasia
Demodectic mange
Cherry eye
Lens luxation
Panosteitis
Megaesophagus
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy
Degenerative myelopathy
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Retinal dysplasia
Seborrheic dermatitis
Heart problems
Blindness
Diabetes
Wobbler Syndrome
Osteochondrosis
Cruciate ligament rupture
Pannus
Digestive problems
Lupus
Vitiligo
Paralysis
Perianal fistula
Chronic diarrhea
Nail bed disease
Myasthenia gravis
Hemophilia A
Hemophilia B
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Bernese Mountain Dog
German Shepherd
Coat Type
Fur
Fur
Coat Layering
Double
Double
Coat Texture
Shaggy
Straight
Straight
Coat Length
Medium
Short to Medium
Coat Coloring
Bernese Mountain Dog
German Shepherd
Breed Colors
Black and White
Black and White
Black, Rust, and White
Black, Rust, and White
Black, Tan, and White
Black, Tan, and White
Black
Black
Black and Cream
Black and Cream
Black and Red
Black and Red
Black and Silver
Black and Silver
Black and Tan
Black and Tan
Blue
Blue
Gray
Gray
Liver
Liver
White
White
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