Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

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

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
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General Details
Bernese Mountain Dog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
No
Lifespan
6-8 Years
10-11 Years
Height
23-27 Inches
24-29 Inches
Weight
70-120 Pounds
85-140 Pounds
Intelligence
Average
Average
History
Bernese Mountain Dog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Origin Country
Switzerland
Switzerland
Origin Year
1892 AD
1515 AD
Temperament
Bernese Mountain Dog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
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
Average
Personality
Bernese Mountain Dog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Needy
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Loving
Needy
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Stubborn
Willing to Please
Living Environment
Bernese Mountain Dog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Apartment
No
No
Indoor
Yes
No
Small Yard
No
No
Medium Yard
No
No
Large Yard
Yes
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
15-75 °F
20-70 °F
Barks/Howls
Below Average
Above Average
Exercise Needs
Bernese Mountain Dog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Energy Level
Medium
Low to Medium
Exercise Required
Low
Medium
Top Running Speed
22 MPH
22 MPH
Strength
Very High
Very High
Grooming Needs
Bernese Mountain Dog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Coat Maintenance
High
Low
Shedding
High
Medium
Dander
High
Medium
Drool
Low
Medium
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Bernese Mountain Dog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
No
Breed Focus
Bernese Mountain Dog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
No
Yes
Breed Instincts
Bernese Mountain Dog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Aggression
None
Below Average
Burrow / Digging
None
Average
Chasing
Below Average
Below Average
Follow Commands
Average
Above Average
Fighting
Below Average
Below Average
Guarding
Below Average
Average
Herding
Below Average
Below Average
Hunting
None
Below Average
Protection
None
Above Average
Remove Vermin
Below Average
Below Average
Sled Pulling
Below Average
None
Watch / Guardian
Below Average
Above Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Bernese Mountain Dog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Average Lifespan
6-8 Years
10-11 Years
Health Concerns
Bernese Mountain Dog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Common Health Issues
Bloat
Cancer
Hip dysplasia
Von willebrand's disease
Progressive retinal atrophy
Elbow dysplasia
Portosystemic shunt
Panosteitis
Bloat
Entropion
Hip dysplasia
Patellar luxation
Elbow dysplasia
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Distichiasis
Panosteitis
Lick Fits
Splenic torsion
Female urinary incontinence
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Bernese Mountain Dog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Coat Type
Fur
Fur
Coat Layering
Double
Double
Smooth
Coat Texture
Shaggy
Straight
Straight
Coat Length
Medium
Medium
Coat Coloring
Bernese Mountain Dog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
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, White, and Red
Black, White, and Red
Blue, White, and Tan
Blue, White, and Tan
Red and White
Red and White
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