Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dog or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? A side-by-side comparison of size, lifespan, temperament, care needs and observed prices, from our Animal Library.
At a glance
| Bernese Mountain Dog | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Working | Working |
| Size | Giant-large · 70–115 lb | Giant · 85–140 lb |
| Lifespan | 7–10 years | 8–11 years |
| Coat | Long tricolor double coat | Short tricolor, sheds |
| Temperament | Calm, gentle, affectionate | Bold, faithful, sociable |
| Best fit | Families in cooler climates | Experienced families, cool climate |
| Energy | ●●●●● 30–60 min daily | ●●●●● Daily walks and work |
| Trainability | ●●●●● Willing, a bit slow | ●●●●● Willing but slow to mature |
| Grooming load | ●●●●● Brush often, heavy shed | ●●●●● Weekly brush, seasonal shed |
| Beginner fit | ●●●●● Gentle, but big | ●●●●● Big, strong and pulls |
| Observed price | $1,275 median (186 prices) | $1,700 median (26 prices) |
How they differ
- Energy: about the same (3 of 5 each).
- Trainability: the Bernese Mountain Dog rates higher than the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (4 of 5 vs 3).
- Grooming load: the Bernese Mountain Dog rates higher than the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (4 of 5 vs 2).
- Beginner fit: the Bernese Mountain Dog rates higher than the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (4 of 5 vs 2).
The Bernese Mountain Dog
A Swiss farm dog bred to pull carts, drive cattle and guard, the Bernese is big, calm, affectionate and beautiful. It is one of the gentlest giant breeds with family, but it has a short lifespan and a heavy load of inherited disease.
Berners shed heavily, struggle in heat and live shorter lives than most breeds, with cancer the leading cause of death. Choosing a breeder who tracks longevity and health in their lines matters more than usual.
Bernese Mountain Dog breed profileBernese Mountain Dog for sale
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
The largest of the Swiss mountain breeds, bred to pull carts, drive cattle and guard farms in the Alps. The Swissy is a strong, confident and sociable family dog, slow to mature, and happiest with a job such as carting or hiking.
Swissies are strong pullers and stay puppyish for about three years. They are prone to bloat, and some eat anything they find, so plan for training and a close eye on the yard.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog breed profileGreater Swiss Mountain Dog for sale
Questions
Is a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog better for a beginner?
The Bernese Mountain Dog rates higher for beginners (4 of 5 vs 2). Bernese Mountain Dog: Gentle, but big. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: Big, strong and pulls.
What is the main difference between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?
Berners shed heavily, struggle in heat and live shorter lives than most breeds, with cancer the leading cause of death. Choosing a breeder who tracks longevity and health in their lines matters more than usual. By contrast, swissies are strong pullers and stay puppyish for about three years. They are prone to bloat, and some eat anything they find, so plan for training and a close eye on the yard.
Which costs more, a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?
On the prices we observed, the Bernese Mountain Dog median is $1,275 (186 prices) and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog median is $1,700 (26 prices).