Yorkshire 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.
Yorkshire Terrier
Toy Group
Bernese Mountain Dog
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Yorkshire Terrier Overview
Yorkshire Terriers showcase a compact, elegant frame with a distinctive blue and tan silky coat that flows to the ground. Their erect ears, bright eyes, and confident posture reflect their spirited personality. Standing 7-8 inches tall and weighing around 7 pounds, these diminutive dogs possess a bold demeanor that far exceeds their size. Their fine-boned structure is complemented by a high-set tail and a small, well-proportioned head.
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: Yorkshire Terriers are less energetic than Bernese Mountain Dogs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Yorkshire Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Bernese Mountain Dogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Yorkshire Terriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Bernese Mountain Dogs.
- Trainability: Yorkshire Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Yorkshire Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Yorkshire 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 Yorkshire Terrier and Bernese Mountain Dog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Yorkshire Terrier | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 11-15 years | 7-10 years |
| Country of Origin | England | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Yorkshire Terrier | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 7-8 inches 18-20 cm | 23-27 inches 58-70 cm |
| Weight | 7-7 lbs 3-3 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 | Yorkshire Terrier | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Sprightly, Tomboyish | Good-Natured, Calm, Strong |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Yorkshire Terrier | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Yorkshire Terrier Temperament
The Yorkshire Terrier is known for being affectionate, sprightly, tomboyish, 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 Yorkshire 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
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Yorkshire Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Yorkshire 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, Yorkshire Terriers require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
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
Yorkshire Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Tracheal Collapse
- Dental Issues
- Retinal Dysplasia
Bernese Mountain Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Cancer
- Bloat
- Von Willebrand's Disease
Pros & Cons
Yorkshire Terrier
Pros
- Portable size
- Minimal shedding
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Long lifespan
- Affectionate with family
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Can be yappy
- Delicate physique
- Stubborn streak
- Difficult to housebreak
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 Yorkshire Terrier and Bernese Mountain Dog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.