Bernese Mountain Dog vs Golden Retriever
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
Golden Retriever
Sporting Group
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.
Golden Retriever Overview
Golden Retrievers embody grace and athleticism with their sturdy, well-balanced frame and distinctive golden coat. Their broad head features intelligent dark eyes and a friendly expression, while their thick, water-repellent double coat comes in various golden shades. Known for their gentle mouth, developed for retrieving game without damage, these dogs combine strength with elegance in their fluid movement.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bernese Mountain Dogs are less energetic than Golden Retrievers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bernese Mountain Dogs require more grooming attention compared to Golden Retrievers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bernese Mountain Dogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Golden Retrievers.
- Trainability: Golden Retrievers may be slightly easier to train due to their Golden Retriever's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retriever, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bernese Mountain Dog | Golden Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 7-10 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bernese Mountain Dog | Golden Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-27 inches 58-70 cm | 22-24 inches 55-61 cm |
| Weight | 70-115 lbs 32-52 kg | 55-75 lbs 25-34 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Frequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bernese Mountain Dog | Golden Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Good-Natured, Calm, Strong | Friendly, Intelligent, Devoted |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bernese Mountain Dog | Golden Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Golden Retriever Temperament
The Golden Retriever is characterized by being friendly, intelligent, devoted, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Bernese Mountain Dog and Golden Retriever, 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
Golden Retriever
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 5/5
Golden Retriever
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 4/5
Golden Retriever
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 1/5
Golden Retriever
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 4/5
Golden Retriever
Rating: 3/5
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.
Golden Retriever Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Golden Retrievers need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Golden Retrievers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Bernese Mountain Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Cancer
- Bloat
- Von Willebrand's Disease
Golden Retriever Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Heart Issues
- Cancer
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
Golden Retriever
Pros
- Excellent family dog
- Highly trainable
- Great with children
- Friendly disposition
- Versatile working ability
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- High exercise needs
- Prone to health issues
- Can be mouthy
- Requires regular grooming
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bernese Mountain Dog and Golden Retriever, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.