Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Spitz
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Working Group
German Spitz
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Bernese Mountain Dog Overview
Majestic and powerful, Bernese Mountain Dogs boast a striking tri-colored coat with distinctive markings. Their sturdy build and broad chest reflect their heritage as working dogs, while their gentle expression and soft brown eyes reveal their warm temperament. Standing tall with a well-balanced frame, these dogs combine strength with remarkable agility.
German Spitz Overview
German Spitz dogs showcase a distinctive fox-like face with alert, pointed ears and a luxurious double coat that forms a striking ruff around the neck. Their compact yet sturdy build combines elegance with strength, featuring a well-proportioned body and characteristic plumed tail carried high over the back. These spirited companions display remarkable agility and grace in movement, embodying their lively and attentive nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bernese Mountain Dogs are more energetic than German Spitzs, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bernese Mountain Dogs require less grooming attention compared to German Spitzs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bernese Mountain Dogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than German Spitzs.
- Trainability: German Spitzs may be slightly easier to train due to their German Spitz's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: German Spitzs adapt better to apartment living, while Bernese Mountain Dogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Bernese Mountain Dog and German Spitz, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bernese Mountain Dog | German Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 7-10 years | 13-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bernese Mountain Dog | German Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-27 inches 58-70 cm | 12-15 inches 30-38 cm |
| Weight | 70-115 lbs 32-52 kg | 24-26 lbs 11-12 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Frequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bernese Mountain Dog | German Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Good-Natured, Calm, Strong | Devoted, Lively, Attentive |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bernese Mountain Dog | German Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Bernese Mountain Dog Temperament
The Bernese Mountain Dog is known for being good-natured, calm, strong, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
German Spitz Temperament
The German Spitz is characterized by being devoted, lively, attentive, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Bernese Mountain Dog and German Spitz, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 5/5
German Spitz
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 5/5
German Spitz
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 4/5
German Spitz
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 1/5
German Spitz
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 4/5
German Spitz
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Bernese Mountain Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bernese Mountain Dogs require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Bernese Mountain Dogs require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
German Spitz Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
German Spitzs need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, German Spitzs require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Bernese Mountain Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Cancer
- Bloat
- Von Willebrand's Disease
German Spitz Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Eye Problems
- Dental Issues
- Hip Dysplasia
- Heart Murmurs
Pros & Cons
Bernese Mountain Dog
Pros
- Gentle and patient with children
- Loyal family companion
- Good working dog capabilities
- Excellent guard dog instincts
Cons
- Short lifespan
- Heavy shedding
- Heat sensitivity
- Significant grooming needs
German Spitz
Pros
- Highly adaptable
- Excellent watchdog
- Affectionate with family
- Low maintenance cost
Cons
- Can be vocal
- Suspicious of strangers
- Regular grooming needed
- Strong prey drive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bernese Mountain Dog and German Spitz, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.