Bernese Mountain Dog vs Russian Toy
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
Russian Toy
Miscellaneous Class
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.
Russian Toy Overview
Russian Toys embody elegance in a compact frame, featuring delicate bone structure and graceful movements. Their distinctive large, round eyes and erect triangular ears create an alert, intelligent expression. Available in both smooth and long-coated varieties, these diminutive companions showcase a refined build with long legs and a high-set tail carried in a sickle curve.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bernese Mountain Dogs are more energetic than Russian Toys, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bernese Mountain Dogs require more grooming attention compared to Russian Toys.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bernese Mountain Dogs tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Russian Toys.
- Trainability: Russian Toys may be slightly easier to train due to their Russian Toy's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Russian Toys 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 Russian Toy, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bernese Mountain Dog | Russian Toy |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 7-10 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Miscellaneous Class |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bernese Mountain Dog | Russian Toy |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-27 inches 58-70 cm | 8-11 inches 20-28 cm |
| Weight | 70-115 lbs 32-52 kg | 6-6 lbs 3-3 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Frequent | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bernese Mountain Dog | Russian Toy |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Good-Natured, Calm, Strong | Loyal, Smart, Charming |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bernese Mountain Dog | Russian Toy |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Russian Toy Temperament
The Russian Toy is characterized by being loyal, smart, charming, 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 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 Russian Toy, 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
Russian Toy
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 5/5
Russian Toy
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 4/5
Russian Toy
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 1/5
Russian Toy
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 4/5
Russian Toy
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.
Russian Toy Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Russian Toys 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, Russian Toys 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
Russian Toy Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Dental Issues
- Eye Problems
- Heart Murmurs
- Bone Fractures
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
Russian Toy
Pros
- Compact size
- Minimal grooming needs
- Affectionate nature
- Good for apartments
Cons
- Fragile build
- Can be yappy
- Not ideal with young children
- Temperature sensitive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bernese Mountain Dog and Russian Toy, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.