Bernese Mountain Dog vs Portuguese Water Dog
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
Portuguese Water Dog
Working 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.
Portuguese Water Dog Overview
Portuguese Water Dogs showcase a robust, athletic build with a distinctive waterproof coat that can be either wavy or curly. Their muscular frame and webbed feet reflect their heritage as maritime working dogs. Standing proudly with an alert expression, these medium-sized dogs display a well-proportioned head, expressive eyes, and a strong muzzle, embodying both strength and agility.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bernese Mountain Dogs are less energetic than Portuguese Water Dogs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bernese Mountain Dogs require less grooming attention compared to Portuguese Water Dogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bernese Mountain Dogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Portuguese Water Dogs.
- Trainability: Portuguese Water Dogs may be slightly easier to train due to their Portuguese Water Dog's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Portuguese Water Dogs 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 Portuguese Water Dog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bernese Mountain Dog | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 7-10 years | 11-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bernese Mountain Dog | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-27 inches 58-70 cm | 17-23 inches 43-58 cm |
| Weight | 70-115 lbs 32-52 kg | 35-60 lbs 16-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Frequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bernese Mountain Dog | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Good-Natured, Calm, Strong | Affectionate, Adventurous, Athletic |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bernese Mountain Dog | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Portuguese Water Dog Temperament
The Portuguese Water Dog is characterized by being affectionate, adventurous, athletic, 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 Portuguese Water Dog, 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
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 5/5
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 4/5
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 1/5
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 4/5
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 5/5
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.
Portuguese Water Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Portuguese Water Dogs 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, Portuguese Water Dogs 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
Portuguese Water Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- GM1
- JDCM
- EOPRA
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
Portuguese Water Dog
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Non-shedding coat
- Excellent swimming ability
- Great family companion
- Athletic and versatile
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Requires extensive exercise
- Can be stubborn
- Expensive maintenance
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bernese Mountain Dog and Portuguese Water Dog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.