Boston Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Boston Terrier
Non-Sporting Group
Bernese Mountain Dog
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Boston Terrier Overview
Boston Terriers feature a distinctive tuxedo-like coat pattern with a compact, muscular build and endearing round eyes. Their square head, short muzzle, and erect ears create an alert, intelligent expression. Standing 15-17 inches tall, these charming companions combine gentle affection with playful energy, making them delightful family pets known for their adaptable nature and amusing personality.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Boston Terriers are less energetic than Bernese Mountain Dogs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Boston Terriers require less grooming attention compared to Bernese Mountain Dogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Boston Terriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Bernese Mountain Dogs.
- Trainability: Bernese Mountain Dogs may be slightly easier to train due to their Bernese Mountain Dog's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Boston 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 Boston Terrier and Bernese Mountain Dog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Boston Terrier | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 11-13 years | 7-10 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Boston Terrier | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 15-17 inches 38-43 cm | 23-27 inches 58-70 cm |
| Weight | 12-25 lbs 5-11 kg | 70-115 lbs 32-52 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Frequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Boston Terrier | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Bright, Amusing | Good-Natured, Calm, Strong |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Boston Terrier | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Boston Terrier Temperament
The Boston Terrier is known for being friendly, bright, amusing, 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. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Bernese Mountain Dog Temperament
The Bernese Mountain Dog is characterized by being good-natured, calm, strong, 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 Boston Terrier and Bernese Mountain 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
Boston Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Boston Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Boston Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Boston Terrier
Rating: 1/5
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Boston Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Boston Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Boston Terriers require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Boston Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Bernese Mountain Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bernese Mountain 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, Bernese Mountain 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
Boston Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Brachycephalic Syndrome
- Patellar Luxation
- Cataracts
- Cherry Eye
- Deafness
Bernese Mountain Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Cancer
- Bloat
- Von Willebrand's Disease
Pros & Cons
Boston Terrier
Pros
- Great with families
- Compact size
- Low grooming needs
- Adaptable
- Friendly personality
Cons
- Breathing difficulties
- Heat sensitive
- Potential snoring
- Some stubbornness
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Boston Terrier and Bernese Mountain Dog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.