Bernese Mountain Dog vs Russell Terrier
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
Russell Terrier
Terrier 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.
Russell Terrier Overview
Russell Terriers are compact, muscular dogs with distinctive V-shaped ears and alert expressions. Their strong, flexible bodies feature a balanced proportion between height and length. The predominantly white coat may have tan or black markings, remaining harsh and weather-resistant. These agile terriers move with purpose and precision, displaying the athletic build essential for their historical hunting abilities.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bernese Mountain Dogs are less energetic than Russell Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bernese Mountain Dogs require more grooming attention compared to Russell Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bernese Mountain Dogs tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Russell Terriers.
- Trainability: Russell Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Russell Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Russell Terriers 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 Russell Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bernese Mountain Dog | Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 7-10 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bernese Mountain Dog | Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-27 inches 58-70 cm | 10-12 inches 25-30 cm |
| Weight | 70-115 lbs 32-52 kg | 9-15 lbs 4-7 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Medium coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Medium |
| Shedding | Frequent | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bernese Mountain Dog | Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Good-Natured, Calm, Strong | Alert, Inquisitive, Lively |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bernese Mountain Dog | Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Russell Terrier Temperament
The Russell Terrier is characterized by being alert, inquisitive, lively, 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 Russell Terrier, 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
Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 5/5
Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 4/5
Russell Terrier
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 1/5
Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 4/5
Russell Terrier
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.
Russell Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Russell Terriers 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 medium coat coat, Russell Terriers 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
Russell Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Lens Luxation
- Deafness
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Glaucoma
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
Russell Terrier
Pros
- Highly energetic and playful
- Compact size suits various homes
- Intelligent and trainable
- Low grooming requirements
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Strong prey drive
- Can be stubborn
- May be vocal
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bernese Mountain Dog and Russell Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.