Bernese Mountain Dog vs Saint Bernard
Breed Compatibility
88% Compatible
Energy Level
Bernese Mountain Dog: Energetic0.8
Saint Bernard: Regular Exercise0.6
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Bernese Mountain Dog: Easy Training0.8
Saint Bernard: Agreeable0.6
Moderately Compatible
Grooming Needs
Bernese Mountain Dog: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
Saint Bernard: Weekly Brushing0.4
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Luxury
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Bernese Mountain Dog5/5
Saint Bernard5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Bernese Mountain Dog5/5
Saint Bernard3/5
Good with Strangers
Bernese Mountain Dog4/5
Saint Bernard3/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Bernese Mountain Dog
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation issue
Elbow Dysplasia: Joint development problem
Cancer: Higher than average risk
Bloat: Gastric torsion risk
Von Willebrand's Disease: Blood clotting
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Vision loss
Saint Bernard
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
Bloat: Stomach twisting condition
Heart Issues: Cardiac concerns
Eye Problems: Various disorders
Elbow Dysplasia: Joint problems
Bone Cancer: Higher risk breed
Pros & Cons Comparison
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
Saint Bernard
Pros
Gentle and patient with children
Loyal and protective
Good-natured temperament
Excellent cold weather tolerance
Cons
Heavy drooling
Expensive to feed and maintain
Short lifespan
Not suited for hot climates
Bernese Mountain Dog Fun Fact
Despite their size, Bernese Mountain Dogs were historically known as 'cheese dogs' for helping transport dairy products.
Saint Bernard Fun Fact
The iconic barrel around their neck was never actually used in rescues - it's a popular myth from paintings!
Heritage & Purpose
Bernese Mountain Dog
Origin:
Swiss farmers in the canton of Bern relied on these dogs for drafting, droving cattle, and guarding property during the 1800s. Their versatile working abilities made them invaluable.
Saint Bernard
Origin:
Mountain rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps during the 17th-19th centuries, saving countless lives at the Saint Bernard Pass hospice. Renowned for locating and reviving stranded travelers.
Special Considerations
Bernese Mountain Dog
Regular brushing needed to manage heavy shedding. Exercise must be moderated in warm weather. Joint health supplements recommended throughout life.
Saint Bernard
Heavy shedding requires regular grooming. Drooling management needed. Exercise moderation in warm weather essential. Joint health supplements often recommended.
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