Compare breeds
Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd
Bernese Mountain Dog
Long
German Shepherd
Medium
Choose the Bernese Mountain Dog if you want…
- a family with children
- a home with other pets
- a quieter companion
- a calmer companion
Choose the German Shepherd if you want…
- a dog or cat that learns quickly
- an active companion for long walks and play
Side by side
| Trait | Bernese Mountain Dog | German Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Giant | Large |
| Weight | 35–55 kg (77–121 lb) | 22–40 kg (49–88 lb) |
| Height | 58–70 cm (23–28 in) | 55–65 cm (22–26 in) |
| Life span | 7–10 years | 9–13 years |
| Origin | Switzerland | Germany |
| Energy | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Trainability | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Good with children | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Good with other pets | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Suits a flat | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Shedding | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Grooming needs | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Barking / vocal | 2/5 | 3/5 |
Quick answers
Which is bigger, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the German Shepherd?
The Bernese Mountain Dog — typically about 1.5 times the weight. Bernese Mountain Dog: 35–55 kg (77–121 lb); German Shepherd: 22–40 kg (49–88 lb).
Which lives longer, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the German Shepherd?
The German Shepherd, on average. Bernese Mountain Dog: 7–10 years; German Shepherd: 9–13 years.
Is the Bernese Mountain Dog or the German Shepherd better with children?
The Bernese Mountain Dog scores higher in our profiles (5 vs 4 out of 5). Always supervise young children with any pet.
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Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts