Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Complete side-by-side comparison of Bernese Mountain Dog and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Compare temperament, size, lifespan, cost, and care requirements.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Size
Large (50-100 lbs)
Lifespan
7-10 years
Price
$1,500-$3,500
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Size
Giant (100+ lbs)
Lifespan
8-11 years
Price
$1,500-$3,000
Quick Verdict
Bernese Mountain Dog wins this comparison!
Bernese Mountain Dog edges out Greater Swiss Mountain Dog in our comparison, scoring better in 1 of 6 key categories. However, both are excellent breeds and the best choice depends on your specific lifestyle and needs.
Physical Characteristics
| Attribute | Bernese Mountain Dog | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Size Category | Large (50-100 lbs) | Giant (100+ lbs) |
| Height | 23-28" | 23-29" |
| Weight | 70-115 lbs | 85-140 lbs |
| Lifespan | 7-10 years | 8-11 years |
| Coat Type | Double | Double |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
Temperament & Behavior
| Attribute | Bernese Mountain Dog | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Affection Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good with Children | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good with Other Dogs | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good with Strangers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Playfulness | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Protectiveness | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Trainability | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Energy Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Barking Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Care Requirements
| Attribute | Bernese Mountain Dog | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Shedding Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Grooming Needs | Regular - 2-3x/week | Moderate - Weekly |
| Exercise (min/day) | 45 min | 60 min |
| Mental Stimulation | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Drooling Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Living Conditions
| Attribute | Bernese Mountain Dog | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment Friendly | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good for Beginners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Tolerates Being Alone | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Cold Weather | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Hot Weather | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Cost Comparison
| Cost Factor | Bernese Mountain Dog | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,500-$3,500 | $1,500-$3,000 |
| Annual Cost | $1,800/year | $1,800/year |
Health Considerations
Bernese Mountain Dog
Lifespan: 7-10 years
Generally healthy breed with no major genetic issues.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Lifespan: 8-11 years
Generally healthy breed with no major genetic issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog better for families?
Both Bernese Mountain Dog and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are equally good with families, both scoring 5/5 for child-friendliness. Your choice should depend on other factors like size, energy level, and living space.
Which costs more to own, a Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?
A Greater Swiss Mountain Dog costs approximately $1800/year while a Bernese Mountain Dog costs about $1800/year. Both cost about the same to own.
Do Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog live longer?
On average, both breeds have similar lifespans of about 11.0 years.
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