Bernese Mountain Dog vs Lagotto Romagnolo
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
Lagotto Romagnolo
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.
Lagotto Romagnolo Overview
Lagotto Romagnolo dogs feature distinctive curly coats resembling water-resistant wool, with well-proportioned, square-built frames. Their expressive eyes and rounded heads give them an alert, intelligent appearance. Known for their keen truffle-hunting abilities, these medium-sized dogs combine affectionate temperaments with remarkable work ethic. Their waterproof double coat comes in various colors including brown roan, orange, and white.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bernese Mountain Dogs are more energetic than Lagotto Romagnolos, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bernese Mountain Dogs require more grooming attention compared to Lagotto Romagnolos.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bernese Mountain Dogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Lagotto Romagnolos.
- Trainability: Lagotto Romagnolos may be slightly easier to train due to their Lagotto Romagnolo's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Lagotto Romagnolos 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 Lagotto Romagnolo, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bernese Mountain Dog | Lagotto Romagnolo |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 7-10 years | 15-17 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bernese Mountain Dog | Lagotto Romagnolo |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-27 inches 58-70 cm | 16-19 inches 41-48 cm |
| Weight | 70-115 lbs 32-52 kg | 24-35 lbs 11-16 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Frequent | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bernese Mountain Dog | Lagotto Romagnolo |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Good-Natured, Calm, Strong | Affectionate, Keen, Undemanding |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bernese Mountain Dog | Lagotto Romagnolo |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Lagotto Romagnolo Temperament
The Lagotto Romagnolo is characterized by being affectionate, keen, undemanding, 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 Lagotto Romagnolo, 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
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 5/5
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 4/5
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 1/5
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 4/5
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 2/5
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.
Lagotto Romagnolo Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Lagotto Romagnolos 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, Lagotto Romagnolos 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
Lagotto Romagnolo Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Benign Juvenile Epilepsy
- Storage 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
Lagotto Romagnolo
Pros
- Excellent nose work abilities
- Minimal shedding
- Highly trainable
- Good with families
- Adaptable to different environments
Cons
- Requires regular grooming
- High exercise needs
- Can be vocal
- Expensive to purchase
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bernese Mountain Dog and Lagotto Romagnolo, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.