Bernese Mountain Dog vs Hokkaido
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
Hokkaido
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.
Hokkaido Overview
Hokkaido dogs showcase a powerful, agile build with a dignified bearing characteristic of ancient Japanese breeds. Their double coat features a dense undercoat and straight, harsh outer coat, typically seen in colors like sesame, brindle, red, black, or white. Alert ears, keen eyes, and a curled tail complement their medium-sized, well-proportioned frame, reflecting their heritage as hunting companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bernese Mountain Dogs are less energetic than Hokkaidos, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bernese Mountain Dogs require more grooming attention compared to Hokkaidos.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bernese Mountain Dogs tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Hokkaidos.
- Trainability: Hokkaidos may be slightly easier to train due to their Hokkaido's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Hokkaidos 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 Hokkaido, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bernese Mountain Dog | Hokkaido |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 7-10 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bernese Mountain Dog | Hokkaido |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-27 inches 58-70 cm | 18-20 inches 46-51 cm |
| Weight | 70-115 lbs 32-52 kg | 44-66 lbs 20-30 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Frequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bernese Mountain Dog | Hokkaido |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Good-Natured, Calm, Strong | Dignified, Alert, Devoted |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bernese Mountain Dog | Hokkaido |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Hokkaido Temperament
The Hokkaido is characterized by being dignified, alert, devoted, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. 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 Hokkaido, 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
Hokkaido
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 5/5
Hokkaido
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 4/5
Hokkaido
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 1/5
Hokkaido
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 4/5
Hokkaido
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.
Hokkaido Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Hokkaidos 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, Hokkaidos 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
Hokkaido Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Allergies
- Heart Issues
- Dental Disease
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
Hokkaido
Pros
- Loyal and devoted to family
- Excellent guard dog capabilities
- Strong hunting instincts
- Weather-resistant coat
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Strong prey drive
- Can be stubborn
- Requires experienced owner
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bernese Mountain Dog and Hokkaido, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.