Bernese Mountain Dogs and St. Bernards are two of the most beloved dog breeds in the world, known for their size, loyalty, and gentle nature. Both breeds are quite large, but which one is bigger? In this article, we’ll explore the size differences between the Bernese Mountain Dog vs St Bernard, as well as their other distinguishing features.
Bernese mountain Dog vs St Bernard Physical Characteristics
The detailed comparison of Bernese mountain dog vs St Bernard of physical characteristics is given below-
Bernese Mountain Dog
- Height: 23-28 inches (58-71 cm)
- Weight: 70-115 pounds (32-52 kg)
- Coat: Long, silky, and tri-colored (black, white, and rust)
- Lifespan: 6-8 years
St. Bernard Dog
- Height: 27-35 inches (68-90 cm)
- Weight: 120-180 pounds (54-82 kg)
- Coat: Short or long, smooth or rough, and white with red or brindle markings
- Lifespan: 8-10 years
Bernese mountain dog vs St Bernard Size Comparison
Based on the physical characteristics above, it’s clear that the St. Bernard is generally larger than the Bernese Mountain Dog. While both breeds can reach similar heights, the St. Bernard can weigh up to 65 pounds more than the Bernese. This is likely due to the St. Bernard’s history as a rescue dog, which required them to have a large, sturdy build to carry heavy loads and endure harsh weather conditions.
St Bernard vs Bernese mountain dog Temperament and Personality
Bernese Mountain Dog
- Loyal and affectionate
- Great with children and other pets
- Intelligent and easy to train
- Can be reserved around strangers
St. Bernard
- Affectionate and gentle
- Excellent with children
- Easygoing and calm
- Can be stubborn and independent
While both breeds are known for their gentle nature and love of family, the Bernese Mountain Dog tends to be more reserved and cautious around strangers, while the St. Bernard is known for their easygoing personality and tendency to befriend everyone they meet.
St Bernard vs Bernese mountain dog Exercise and Training
Bernese Mountain Dog
- Moderate exercise needs
- Loves to play and hike
- Responds well to positive reinforcement training
St. Bernard
- Low to moderate exercise needs
- Can become lazy without enough activity
- Can be stubborn and difficult to train
Both breeds require regular exercise to stay healthy, but the Bernese Mountain Dog tends to be more active and playful than the St. Bernard. The Bernese also responds well to positive reinforcement training, while the St. Bernard can be more stubborn and require more patience and consistency in training.
St Bernard vs Bernese mountain dog Health Concerns
Bernese Mountain Dog
- Prone to certain cancers, hip dysplasia, and bloat
- Short lifespan compared to other breeds
St. Bernard
- Prone to bloat, hip dysplasia, and heart issues
- Short lifespan compared to other breeds
Both breeds are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and bloat, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. The Bernese Mountain Dog has a shorter lifespan on average than the St. Bernard, but both breeds can live long, happy lives with proper care and attention.
Bernese mountain dog vs St Bernard Comparison
Here is detailed table comparison on Bernese mountain dog vs St Bernard.
Specification Bernese Mountain Dog St. Bernard
Size Large Giant
Weight 70-115 pounds 120-180 pounds
Height (at shoulder) 23-27 inches 25.5-27.5 inches
Length (body) 28-34 inches 30-36 inches
Width (body) 27-31 inches 28-34 inches
Coat Long, thick, and soft Short to long, thick and dense
Coat Colors Tri-color (black, white, and rust) White with patches of red, mahogany, or brindle
Life Expectancy 6-8 years 8-10 years
Temperament Affectionate, Loyal, Intelligent, Good-natured Friendly, Calm, Patient, Protective
Exercise Needs Moderate Low to moderate
Grooming Needs High Moderate
FAQs
1. Which breed is better for families with children?
The Bernese Mountain Dog and the Saint Bernard are both excellent options for families with young children. Both are renowned for their kind natures and love of kids, qualities that make them great companions and even protectors. But because of their massive size, interactions between dogs and kids need to be closely monitored to prevent any mishaps.
2. Can Bernese Mountain Dogs & St. Bernards live in apartments?
With enough exercise and socialisation, both breeds can adapt to apartment life, but they do best in homes with yards where they can run and play. They’re both big, energetic dogs who need regular walks to stay fit and content.
3. Do both breeds shed a lot?
Both types of dogs shed heavily, but more heavily during certain times of the year. The St. Bernard has a short or long coat that sheds moderately all year, whereas the Bernese Mountain Dog’s long, silky coat needs to be combed regularly to minimise matting and shedding.
4. Are Bernese Mountain Dogs and St. Bernards good guard dogs?
Neither breed is particularly well-known for guarding, despite the fact that it is possible to train both to warn its master of intruders or danger. They welcome strangers with their tails
5. Which breed is more expensive to maintain?
Both are expensive to maintain because of the risks associated with their size and health. They need high-quality food, regular veterinarian care, and regular grooming to maintain good health and happiness. The prices are different depends on habitat conditions and breeder.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bernese Mountain Dog and St. Bernard are both beloved breeds known for their size, gentle nature, and loyalty to their families. While the St. Bernard is generally larger than the Bernese, both breeds have their unique characteristics and require similar care and attention. Choosing between Bernese Mountain Dog vs St Bernard depends on individual preferences and lifestyle factors.