The words gentle and kind might have been invented by these two majestic breeds, because they are a complete bundle of love and gentleness. But to compare these two mountainous majesties for choosing which one is ideal for you to adopt is going to be an extremely tough battle.
But we’ll try our best to showcase every aspect of these two Swiss beauties and working dogs with precision in every detail.
Bernese Mountain Dog vs. Saint Bernard: Which Is Gentler?
If we just look at these pooches at a glance, they are both pretty big dogs, some might even say huge and massive. They both come from the Swiss Alps and are more acclimated and comfortable in extremely cold temperatures.
They both have burly bodies and webbed feet, but when it comes to temperament and energy levels, that’s where these two breeds diverge. Berners and St. Bernards are both great choices as family pets and companions, but if you are looking for something specific, then you’ll have to read further.
Size: Bernese Mountain Dog vs. Saint Bernard
The Bernese Mountain Dog weighs between 70 and 115 pounds and measures between 23 and 27.5 inches tall. The Saint Bernard weighs between 120 and 180 pounds and measures 26 to 30 inches tall. If you are thinking the larger Saint Bernard would be a better fit in your lifestyle than the slightly smaller and leaner Bernese Mountain dog, then that’s your call.
But both these pooches are massive in size; hence, they require ample space to thrive, as Bernese Mountain dogs were originally farm dogs and drovers for dairy farmers, and St. Bernards originated near the treacherous St. Bernard pass, which lies between Italy and Switzerland. Hence, both these pups are used to roaming freely in the outdoors.
If we want them to adjust to an apartment living situation, then you’ll have to provide them with outdoor activities to keep them happy.
Appearance And Physical Features
Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Saint Bernard are generally large dog breeds. But the main differences are in their fluffiness, coat colors, build, and facial features.
The Bernese Mountain dog’s coat is tri-colored, predominantly black, with rust-colored markings on their cheeks, eyebrows, legs, and chest, and white markings on the chest, paws, and a blaze on the forehead. They have a broad expressive head with a strong, slightly arched neck, leading to a deep chest and well-sprung ribs.
Their legs are straight and strong, supporting their substantial weight, and a well-developed black nose with wide nostrils. They have a moderately long tail, which is carried low, and have rounded feet and well-arched toes.
Their long, silky coat protects them from the harsh cold temperatures and helps them thrive in icy conditions. They do require regular grooming for maintaining the health of their coat, regular brushing, with occasional baths, and professional grooming every 4-12 weeks is recommended to keep these beauties in top shape.
On the other hand, a Saint Bernard has droopy jowls, which make it look like a Mastiff. Some sources even hint that they have descended from the Alpine Mastiffs. They have a massive head, drooping ears, dark eyes, and a powerful build. They also have wrinkled brows and a short muzzle. Their coat is short or long and is either red and white or brown and white. It can also be speckled with brindle patches.
Regular grooming is required for these dogs, with frequent brushing for their heavy shedding coats. Moreover, also a towel nearby because these pups are big, messy droolers. Hence, before proceeding with an adoption, make sure to keep these things in mind.
Temperament And Personality
Coming to the main point of discussion, which puppy among these two mountain dogs is a gentler companion?
Livestock Guardian and Assistant of Swiss Dairy Farmers
If you look at the Bernese, it is a protector of cattle and makes a great family dog because of its strong bonding tendencies.
According to the American Kennel Club, the energetic Berner is not only strikingly beautiful but is also blessed with an affectionate nature. Berners get along nicely with children and are gentle towards them. Hence, it can be a great fit for a family with small kids.
Calm and composed Mountain Rescuer who beats the Avalanches with its spirit
On the other hand, Saint Bernards are rescue dogs and heroes that are famously watchful, patient, and selfless. According to the American Kennel Club, they also have a fondness for children.
Saints are emotionally intelligent and very friendly, which makes them a welcome sight for stranded alpine travelers, mentally and physically suffering individuals, and people who just need a break from stress. Well-trained Saint Bernards are exceptional therapy dogs, as well.
Both giant breeds Bernese Mountain Dog and the Saint Bernard, are affectionate around family members, and buying from a reputable breeder ensures good temperament, health, and personality in these pups.
Trainability And Intelligence
Consistent training and socialization from an early age are important for both of these dogs. Moreover, both breeds can be trained equally well using positive reinforcement methods.
Slick & Clever Companion that Guides You in a Blazing Storm
Purina notes Berners are very eager to please and versatile in their jobs, which makes them highly trainable and adaptable to various environments, and if they interact with humans and dogs from a very young age. They are bound to excel and become well-adjusted adults.
Berners are one of those dog breeds that are great in the matter of obedience and working intelligence; they catch on to things quickly and learn commands more easily, respond well to training, and are quite easy to train.
A Beacon of Hope, without the Brandy Cask that Builds Connections with the Human Heart
On the other hand, Saint Bernards have the iconic mountain dog independent streak and stubborn attitude, which makes it challenging to train them.
They are quite vigilant and protective, making them wary of strangers and even aggressive if not exposed to outsiders, other dogs, and animals early on. They respond well to training and are extremely adaptable as well. But need more time to learn things.
St. Bernards typically take 25 to 40 repetitions to learn a command. But did you know? Saint Bernards are known for strong emotional intelligence and have an incredible talent for perception. They can read the room with great precision and are known to be wonderful emotional support animals and therapy dogs.
Energy Level And Activity Needs
This is where the real divergence begins in both of these mountain pals. Where a Bernese Mountain dog enjoys a romp beside its owner, the Saint Bernard likes to be a laid-back companion.
The Adventure Enthusiast
If you want an outdoor adventure freak beside you, then the Berner is the way to go. They love to hike, run, or play in the outdoors and have the endurance to keep up with you all day long.
The Bernese Mountain Dog requires around 60 minutes of exercise each day. But make sure these eager-to-please puppies aren’t participating in high-impact activities, which can be detrimental to their joints.
The Lazy and Fluffy Cuddle Pillow
Continental Kennel Club says Saint Bernards, on the other hand, are laid-back and mellow dogs that have a calm and serene temperament. But they are not specifically couch potatoes; they enjoy playtime and moderate physical activity.
You cannot expect the athleticism of high-energy breeds from these sweet Bernards because they are nowhere near marathon runners or hyperactive canines.
They are moderately active, steady-paced dogs that can surely be trained to do more. But due to their large frames, coupled with their slow metabolism, Saint Bernards are more suited to a tranquil pace and lifestyle. The Saint Bernard needs around 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day, but this exercise should be broken into 2 or 3 shorter sessions to avoid overexertion.
If your puppy likes more frequent play and movement, which is normal for a younger dog. You should always balance it out with a bit of rest, especially during their growth phases.
Lifespan And Longevity
The lifespan of the Bernese Mountain dog is 7-10 years, while the Saint Bernard beats the Berner in this aspect and has a longer lifespan of 8-10 years.
Health Conditions for Bernese Mountain Dogs
The Bernese Mountain dogs are also known for inheriting a bleeding disorder called Von Willebrand’s disease, which can be identified through genetic screening and avoided as a complication if both parents are checked for this medical condition before breeding. Moreover, 50% of Bernese Mountain dogs likely pass away from cancer.
The most common form is histiocytosis, a cancer of white blood cells. This type of cancer is aggressive and can lead to death in a matter of weeks. Berners are also at a high risk for bloat due to their stomach twisting. It is important to be aware of the symptoms early on to prevent it from turning fatal.
Health Issues for Saint Bernards
Saint Bernards, on the other hand, face bloat as a common problem; it’s a result of being large-chested and can require medical intervention. To avoid bloat, feed your Saint Bernard small, frequent meals every day and avoid feeding them before or after exercise.
They also face joint problems like arthritis and hip dysplasia. Other health issues include progressive retinal atrophy, which can lead to vision loss and blindness. They are also susceptible to other eye problems, such as cataracts. Early treatment can improve the prognosis for affected dogs.
Both dog breeds are prone to heart conditions, including dilated cardiomyopathy, and also tend to have hip and elbow dysplasia.
Conclusion
Both these legendary pups have a strong connection to the mountains and need more exercise and grooming than low-energy breeds. They are calm, soothing, and reliable pups that treat owners and kids with so much love and care that it’ll be tough to imagine life without them.
Now, whether you opt for the legendary rescuer and therapy hero Saint Bernard or the versatile and eager Bernese Mountain dog, you must learn their differences and requirements in depth to be a wonderful owner to these well-deserving pooches.
Make sure their grooming routines and health checkups are consistent and that you are training them with the right tools for human interaction and security.
