When it comes to giant, fluffy, and lovable dogs, few breeds can match the Bernese Mountain Dog and Saint Bernard. These gentle giants have captured the hearts of dog lovers worldwide with their friendly demeanor, working-dog heritage, and undeniable charm. But if you’re considering adding one of these majestic canines to your home, you might be wondering—which breed best fits your lifestyle?
Both dogs have roots in the Swiss Alps, where they were bred as working dogs with distinct but equally fascinating histories. Bernese Mountain Dogs were primarily used for herding cattle and pulling carts, while Saint Bernards became rescue heroes, saving stranded travelers in the harsh mountain terrain. Today, both breeds are known for their gentle nature and intense loyalty, making them fantastic family pets.
Despite their similarities, there are some key differences between these two magnificent breeds. From their energy levels to their grooming needs, lifespan, and health concerns, choosing between them requires careful consideration.
Let’s break down the differences between the Bernese Mountain Dog and Saint Bernard to help you make the best decision for your home!
Here’s a comparison table for Bernese Mountain Dog vs. Saint Bernard:
|
Feature |
Bernese Mountain Dog |
Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
|
Origin |
Switzerland – Originally bred for herding and pulling carts |
Switzerland – Originally bred for rescue work in the Alps |
|
Size |
70-115 lbs, 23-27.5 inches tall |
120-180 lbs, 25.5-30 inches tall |
|
Temperament |
Playful, affectionate, eager to please, social |
Calm, gentle, patient, protective |
|
Energy Level |
High – Requires daily exercise and mental stimulation |
Moderate – Enjoys walks but prefers a relaxed lifestyle |
|
Trainability |
Intelligent and eager to please, easy to train |
Intelligent but can be stubborn, needs patience |
|
Grooming Needs |
Long, silky fur – Requires frequent brushing and sheds heavily |
Available in short and long-haired varieties – Sheds year-round |
|
Best for |
Active families, outdoor lovers, those who enjoy training their dog |
Families looking for a relaxed, gentle giant and protective pet |
|
Health Issues |
Prone to cancer, hip & elbow dysplasia, short lifespan |
Prone to hip dysplasia, bloat, and heart issues |
|
Lifespan |
7-10 years |
8-10 years |
|
Adaptability |
Does well in active homes with space to roam |
Adapts well to a family setting but needs ample space |
Bernese Mountain Dog vs. Saint Bernard
At first glance, Bernese Mountain Dogs and Saint Bernards seem quite similar—both are large, fluffy, and incredibly friendly. However, their origins and purposes have shaped them into two distinct breeds with different personalities and care needs.
The Bernese Mountain Dog, or “Berner,” was bred in Switzerland for farm work, including pulling carts, herding cattle, and guarding property. This gives them a strong work ethic, high energy levels, and a love for outdoor activities. They are loyal, affectionate, and highly trainable, making them great for active families who enjoy hiking, running, or outdoor adventures.
On the other hand, Orvis says the Saint Bernard is known for its gentle, laid-back demeanor. Originally bred as a rescue dog in the Swiss Alps, this breed became famous for saving lost travelers in snowy mountain passes.
Unlike the Bernese, Saint Bernards tend to be calmer and more relaxed, making them a better fit for households that prefer a slower-paced lifestyle.
While both breeds are gentle and great with children, their energy levels and training needs set them apart. The Bernese Mountain Dog thrives in an active household, whereas the Saint Bernard is happy to lounge around and cuddle—as long as they get some daily exercise.
Bernese Mountain Dog vs. Saint Bernard: Temperament
Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and Saint Bernard are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, but their personalities have some unique differences.
WebMD says Bernese Mountain Dogs are playful, eager to please, and social. They thrive on human interaction and love to be included in family activities. Their high intelligence and willingness to learn make them easy to train, but they require a firm and consistent owner to bring out their best behavior.
Saint Bernards, in contrast, are calm, patient, and incredibly gentle. They have a laid-back attitude and are known for their deep loyalty and affectionate nature.
While protective, they are not naturally aggressive, making them great for families looking for a giant, loving cuddle buddy. However, their stubborn streak can make training challenging, requiring patience and positive reinforcement.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a great choice if you’re looking for an energetic and playful companion. But if you prefer a gentle giant that loves to relax, the Saint Bernard might be the better fit.
Bernese Mountain Dog vs. Saint Bernard: Physical Activity Needs
Exercise is a key factor when choosing a large breed dog, and these two breeds have different activity requirements.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a high-energy breed that loves to run, play, and explore, as PetMD mentions. They were bred for farm work, so they require daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Activities like hiking, running, and pulling carts are perfect for this breed, and they thrive in homes with large yards or active families.
Omlet says the Saint Bernard, on the other hand, is more relaxed. While they enjoy walks and moderate exercise, they are not as energetic as the Bernese. Instead of long-distance running, they prefer short walks, playtime, and lounging indoors. They can be prone to weight gain, so regular exercise is still essential, but they don’t need the same high-intensity workouts as Bernese Mountain Dogs.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a better match for active individuals or families. If you prefer a calmer dog with lower energy levels, the Saint Bernard is the ideal choice.
Bernese Mountain Dog vs. Saint Bernard: Grooming and Maintenance
Both breeds have thick double coats, meaning regular grooming is essential. However, their grooming needs differ slightly.
Bernese Mountain Dogs, recognised by AKC, have long, silky fur. The Bernese mountain dog’s coat requires frequent brushing to prevent tangles and mats. They shed moderately year-round and heavily during shedding seasons.
On the other hand, St bernards come in short and long-haired varieties. The long-haired Saint Bernard requires regular brushing of the thick coat, much like the Bernese, while the short-haired variety has a lower-maintenance coat. However, both types shed heavily and will need frequent grooming to control loose fur.
If grooming time is a concern, a short-haired Saint Bernard might be easier to maintain. However, if you’re prepared for weekly brushing sessions, both breeds are equally manageable.
Bernese Mountain Dog vs. Saint Bernard: Health and Lifespan
Unfortunately, both breeds are prone to health issues due to their large size and genetics.
The Bernese Mountain Dog has a shorter lifespan of 7-10 years due to their high risk of cancer and joint problems like hip and elbow dysplasia.
The Saint Bernard has a similar lifespan of 8-10 years but is prone to bloat, heart disease, and hip dysplasia. Their large size puts stress on their joints, making proper diet, exercise, and veterinary check-ups essential.
While both breeds require dedicated health care, Saint Bernards tend to have fewer genetic issues compared to the Bernese.
Conclusion
Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and Saint Bernard are wonderful, affectionate, and loyal breeds, but they cater to different lifestyles.
If you want a high-energy, playful dog that enjoys outdoor adventures, go with the Bernese Mountain Dog.
If you prefer a calm, laid-back giant that loves to cuddle and relax, the Saint Bernard is a better fit.
Both breeds make fantastic family dogs, but their exercise needs, temperament, and grooming requirements should be carefully considered before making your choice. No matter which gentle giant you choose, you’ll be rewarded with unwavering love, companionship, and a loyal best friend!
