The Ultimate Guide to St. Bernard vs. Bernese Mountain Dog

The St. Bernard and the Bernese Mountain Dog are two large, powerful breeds of dog that share a common ancestry. Both breeds were originally developed in the Swiss Alps, where they were used for centuries to rescue travelers who had become lost or injured in the mountains.

Today, the St. Bernard and the Bernese Mountain Dog are still popular family pets. They are both known for their gentle and loving nature, and they make excellent companions for people of all ages. However, there are also some important differences between the two breeds.

The St. Bernard is a larger dog than the Bernese Mountain Dog, and it has a heavier build. St. Bernards typically weigh between 120 and 180 pounds, while Bernese Mountain Dogs typically weigh between 70 and 120 pounds. St. Bernards also have a longer, thicker coat than Bernese Mountain Dogs, which makes them better suited for cold climates.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a more active dog than the St. Bernard, and it requires more exercise. Bernese Mountain Dogs are also more likely to bark than St. Bernards, which can make them a nuisance for some people.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which breed is right for you is to visit a local breeder and meet some of the dogs in person. This will give you a chance to see how the dogs interact with people and other animals, and it will help you make an informed decision about which breed is right for your family.

Contents hide

1 St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog

1.1 Size

1.2 Weight

1.3 Coat

1.4 Temperament

1.5 Exercise needs

1.6 Barking tendency

1.7 Grooming needs

2 FAQs on St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog

3 Tips for Choosing Between a St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog

4 Conclusion

4.1 Images References :

St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog

When comparing the St. Bernard and the Bernese Mountain Dog, there are seven key aspects to consider: size, weight, coat, temperament, exercise needs, barking tendency, and grooming needs.

Size: St. Bernards are larger than Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Weight: St. Bernards weigh more than Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Coat: St. Bernards have a longer, thicker coat than Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Temperament: Both breeds are known for their gentle and loving nature.
Exercise needs: Bernese Mountain Dogs are more active than St. Bernards and require more exercise.
Barking tendency: Bernese Mountain Dogs are more likely to bark than St. Bernards.
Grooming needs: St. Bernards require more grooming than Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Size

The size difference between St. Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs is one of the most noticeable differences between the two breeds. St. Bernards are typically larger in both height and weight than Bernese Mountain Dogs. The average St. Bernard stands between 25 and 29 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 120 and 180 pounds. The average Bernese Mountain Dog stands between 23 and 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 70 and 120 pounds.

Height: St. Bernards are taller than Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Weight: St. Bernards weigh more than Bernese Mountain Dogs.

The size difference between the two breeds is due to their different origins. St. Bernards were originally bred to rescue travelers who had become lost or injured in the Swiss Alps. Their large size and strength made them well-suited for this task. Bernese Mountain Dogs, on the other hand, were originally bred to work on farms. Their smaller size and agility made them better suited for this task.

Today, both St. Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs are popular family pets. They are both known for their gentle and loving nature. However, the size difference between the two breeds is something to consider when choosing a dog. St. Bernards require more space than Bernese Mountain Dogs, and they may not be suitable for families with small children.

Weight

The weight difference between St. Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs is a key factor to consider when choosing between the two breeds. St. Bernards typically weigh between 120 and 180 pounds, while Bernese Mountain Dogs typically weigh between 70 and 120 pounds. This difference in weight is due to the different origins of the two breeds.

Size: St. Bernards are larger than Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Bone structure: St. Bernards have a heavier bone structure than Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Muscle mass: St. Bernards have more muscle mass than Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Fat content: St. Bernards have a higher fat content than Bernese Mountain Dogs.

The weight difference between the two breeds has a number of implications. St. Bernards require more food than Bernese Mountain Dogs. They also require more space to exercise and play. St. Bernards are also more likely to develop joint problems, such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. However, St. Bernards are also more likely to be able to perform tasks that require strength, such as pulling a sled or rescuing a person from a collapsed building.

Coat

The difference in coat between St. Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs is a key factor to consider when choosing between the two breeds. St. Bernards have a longer, thicker coat than Bernese Mountain Dogs. This difference in coat is due to the different origins of the two breeds.

St. Bernards were originally bred to rescue travelers who had become lost or injured in the Swiss Alps. Their long, thick coat helped to protect them from the cold and harsh conditions. Bernese Mountain Dogs, on the other hand, were originally bred to work on farms. Their shorter, thinner coat was better suited for this task.

Today, both St. Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs are popular family pets. However, the difference in coat between the two breeds is still an important factor to consider. St. Bernards require more grooming than Bernese Mountain Dogs. They also need to be brushed more often to prevent mats and tangles. St. Bernards are also more likely to shed than Bernese Mountain Dogs. This means that they may not be suitable for families with allergies.

Temperament

The gentle and loving temperament of both St. Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs is a key factor in their popularity as family pets. Both breeds are known for being patient and tolerant with children, and they are also very loyal and affectionate towards their owners. This makes them ideal companions for families with young children or for people who are looking for a dog that will be a loving and devoted member of the family.

Patience and tolerance: Both St. Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs are very patient and tolerant with children. They are also very gentle, which makes them ideal playmates for young children.
Loyalty and affection: Both breeds are very loyal and affectionate towards their owners. They are always happy to see their owners, and they love to cuddle and be petted.
Trainability: Both St. Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs are very intelligent and trainable. They are eager to please their owners, and they respond well to positive reinforcement.

Overall, the gentle and loving temperament of both St. Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs makes them ideal companions for families with children or for people who are looking for a loyal and affectionate dog.

Exercise needs

The exercise needs of St. Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs is an important factor to consider when choosing between the two breeds. Bernese Mountain Dogs are more active than St. Bernards and require more exercise. This is because Bernese Mountain Dogs were originally bred to work on farms, while St. Bernards were originally bred to rescue travelers who had become lost or injured in the Swiss Alps. As a result, Bernese Mountain Dogs have more energy and need more exercise to stay healthy and happy.

The amount of exercise that a Bernese Mountain Dog needs will vary depending on its age, health, and individual personality. However, most Bernese Mountain Dogs need at least two hours of exercise per day. This exercise can include walking, running, playing fetch, or swimming. St. Bernards, on the other hand, typically need less exercise than Bernese Mountain Dogs. Most St. Bernards need about one hour of exercise per day.

If you are considering getting a St. Bernard or a Bernese Mountain Dog, it is important to make sure that you have the time and energy to meet the dog’s exercise needs. Both breeds are wonderful companions, but they require different levels of care and attention.

Barking tendency

When comparing St. Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs, their barking tendencies are an important factor to consider. Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally more likely to bark than St. Bernards.

There are a few reasons for this difference in barking tendency. First, Bernese Mountain Dogs were originally bred to work on farms, where they were responsible for guarding livestock and property. This required them to be alert and vocal, and they would often bark to warn of approaching strangers or animals.

St. Bernards, on the other hand, were originally bred to rescue travelers who had become lost or injured in the Swiss Alps. This required them to be more independent and less vocal, as they often had to work alone in difficult conditions.

Today, both St. Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs are popular family pets. However, their different barking tendencies can still be a factor in choosing between the two breeds. If you are looking for a dog that is less likely to bark, a St. Bernard may be a better choice. However, if you are looking for a dog that will be more alert and vocal, a Bernese Mountain Dog may be a better choice.

It is important to note that all dogs are individuals, and there is no guarantee that a St. Bernard will never bark or that a Bernese Mountain Dog will always bark. However, the general barking tendencies of the two breeds are something to keep in mind when making your decision.

Grooming needs

The grooming needs of St. Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs are an important factor to consider when choosing between the two breeds. St. Bernards require more grooming than Bernese Mountain Dogs because they have a longer, thicker coat. This coat requires regular brushing and combing to prevent mats and tangles. St. Bernards also need to be bathed more often than Bernese Mountain Dogs to keep their coat clean and free of dirt and debris.

Brushing and combing: St. Bernards require daily brushing and combing to prevent mats and tangles. Bernese Mountain Dogs, on the other hand, only need to be brushed and combed a few times per week.
Bathing: St. Bernards need to be bathed every 1-2 weeks to keep their coat clean and free of dirt and debris. Bernese Mountain Dogs, on the other hand, only need to be bathed every 4-6 weeks.
Shedding: Both St. Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs shed, but St. Bernards shed more heavily. This means that they will leave more hair on your clothes and furniture.
Professional grooming: St. Bernards may need to be taken to a professional groomer every 6-8 weeks for a bath, brush, and nail trim. Bernese Mountain Dogs, on the other hand, may only need to be taken to a professional groomer every 12-16 weeks.

Overall, St. Bernards require more grooming than Bernese Mountain Dogs. This is because they have a longer, thicker coat that requires more frequent brushing, combing, and bathing. If you are considering getting a St. Bernard or a Bernese Mountain Dog, it is important to be aware of the grooming needs of each breed and to make sure that you have the time and energy to meet those needs.

FAQs on St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog

Welcome to our FAQs section on St. Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs! Here, we will address some of the most common questions and misconceptions about these two popular breeds. Whether you’re trying to decide which breed is right for you or you’re just curious about their differences, we hope you find this information helpful.

Question 1: What is the key difference between St. Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs?

Answer: The key difference between St. Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs is their size. St. Bernards are typically larger and heavier than Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Question 2: Which breed is more active?

Answer: Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally more active than St. Bernards. They require more exercise and enjoy participating in activities such as hiking, running, and swimming.

Question 3: Which breed is more likely to bark?

Answer: Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally more likely to bark than St. Bernards. This is because they were originally bred to guard livestock and property.

Question 4: Which breed requires more grooming?

Answer: St. Bernards require more grooming than Bernese Mountain Dogs. They have a longer, thicker coat that requires regular brushing and combing to prevent mats and tangles.

Question 5: Which breed is better with children?

Answer: Both St. Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for being gentle and loving with children. However, St. Bernards may be better with very young children due to their larger size and more laid-back personality.

Question 6: Which breed is more likely to drool?

Answer: Both St. Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for drooling. However, St. Bernards tend to drool more heavily than Bernese Mountain Dogs.

We hope this FAQ section has been helpful in providing you with more information about St. Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Happy dog ownership!

This concludes our article on St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog. We hope you found it informative and helpful.

Tips for Choosing Between a St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog

When choosing between a St. Bernard and a Bernese Mountain Dog, there are several factors to consider, including size, activity level, grooming needs, and temperament. Here are some tips to help you make the best decision for your lifestyle and needs:

Tip 1: Consider your living space. St. Bernards are large dogs that require a lot of space to move around comfortably. Bernese Mountain Dogs are also large, but they are not as massive as St. Bernards. If you live in a small apartment, a Bernese Mountain Dog may be a better choice.

Tip 2: Think about your activity level. Bernese Mountain Dogs are more active than St. Bernards and require more exercise. If you are looking for a dog that you can take on long walks or runs, a Bernese Mountain Dog may be a better choice. St. Bernards are still great companions, but they are more laid-back and may not be as interested in strenuous activity.

Tip 3: Be prepared for grooming. St. Bernards have a long, thick coat that requires regular brushing and combing to prevent mats and tangles. Bernese Mountain Dogs have a shorter, denser coat that is easier to care for. However, both breeds shed heavily, so you should be prepared to vacuum your floors regularly.

Tip 4: Understand their temperaments. St. Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs are both known for being gentle and loving dogs. However, St. Bernards may be more independent and stubborn than Bernese Mountain Dogs. Bernese Mountain Dogs are also more likely to bark than St. Bernards.

We hope this article has been helpful in providing you with more information about St. Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Conclusion

In this article, we have explored the key differences between St. Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs, two popular and beloved breeds of dogs. We have discussed their size, activity level, grooming needs, and temperament, and we have provided tips to help you choose the right breed for your lifestyle and needs.