Bernese Mountain Dog vs Golden Retriever

Compare the Bernese Mountain Dog to the Golden Retriever. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Bernese Mountain Dogs and Golden Retrievers.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Golden Retriever
Bernese Mountain Dog
Golden Retriever
Bernese Mountain Dog
Golden Retriever
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General Details
Bernese Mountain Dog
Golden Retriever
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
No
Lifespan
6-8 Years
10-12 Years
Height
23-27 Inches
21-24 Inches
Weight
70-120 Pounds
55-80 Pounds
Intelligence
Average
Above Average
History
Bernese Mountain Dog
Golden Retriever
Origin Country
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Origin Year
1892 AD
1865 AD
Temperament
Bernese Mountain Dog
Golden Retriever
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Personality
Bernese Mountain Dog
Golden Retriever
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Needy
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Loving
Willing to Please
Living Environment
Bernese Mountain Dog
Golden Retriever
Apartment
No
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
No
Yes
Medium Yard
No
Yes
Large Yard
Yes
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
15-75 °F
30-80 °F
Barks/Howls
Below Average
Below Average
Exercise Needs
Bernese Mountain Dog
Golden Retriever
Energy Level
Medium
High
Exercise Required
Low
Medium to High
Top Running Speed
22 MPH
25 MPH
Strength
Very High
High
Grooming Needs
Bernese Mountain Dog
Golden Retriever
Coat Maintenance
High
Medium to High
Shedding
High
Medium to High
Dander
High
Medium
Drool
Low
None
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Bernese Mountain Dog
Golden Retriever
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
No
Breed Focus
Bernese Mountain Dog
Golden Retriever
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
No
Yes
Breed Instincts
Bernese Mountain Dog
Golden Retriever
Aggression
None
None
Burrow / Digging
None
Below Average
Chasing
Below Average
Above Average
Follow Commands
Average
Above Average
Fighting
Below Average
Below Average
Guarding
Below Average
Below Average
Herding
Below Average
Below Average
Hunting
None
Above Average
Protection
None
Below Average
Remove Vermin
Below Average
Below Average
Sled Pulling
Below Average
Below Average
Watch / Guardian
Below Average
Below Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Bernese Mountain Dog
Golden Retriever
Average Lifespan
6-8 Years
10-12 Years
Health Concerns
Bernese Mountain Dog
Golden Retriever
Common Health Issues
Bloat
Cancer
Hip dysplasia
Von willebrand's disease
Progressive retinal atrophy
Elbow dysplasia
Portosystemic shunt
Panosteitis
Bloat
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Von willebrand's disease
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Epilepsy
Hypothyroidism
Elbow dysplasia
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Subaortic Stenosis
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Bernese Mountain Dog
Golden Retriever
Coat Type
Fur
Fur
Coat Layering
Double
Double
Coat Texture
Shaggy
Straight
Wavy
Coat Length
Medium
Medium
Coat Coloring
Bernese Mountain Dog
Golden Retriever
Breed Colors
Black and White
Black and White
Black, Rust, and White
Black, Rust, and White
Black, Tan, and White
Black, Tan, and White
Dark Golden
Dark Golden
Gold
Gold
Light Golden
Light Golden
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