Australian Shepherd

Herding · Medium

Bernese Mountain Dog

Working · Large

Australian Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog

Side-by-side comparison of the Australian Shepherd and Bernese Mountain Dog — size, temperament, shedding, trainability, cost, and compatibility ratings.

Quick comparison

Best for families

Bernese Mountain Dog

Based on good-with-kids rating

Easier to train

Australian Shepherd

Based on trainability rating

Less shedding

Australian Shepherd

Based on shedding level

Better for apartments

Australian Shepherd

Based on apartment-friendly rating

Lower maintenance

Australian Shepherd

Based on grooming needs

Longer lifespan

Australian Shepherd

Based on average lifespan

Detailed comparison

Physical traits

Trait	Australian Shepherd	Bernese Mountain Dog
Size	Medium	Large
Height	18–23″	23–27.5″
Weight	40–65 lbs	70–115 lbs
Lifespan	12–15 yrs	7–10 yrs
Group	Herding	Working
Coat type	Medium-length double coat, straight to wavy	Long, thick, silky double coat

Temperament & behavior

Trait	Australian Shepherd	Bernese Mountain Dog
Energy level	Very High	Moderate
Trainability	Very High	High
Barking level	Moderate	Low

Compatibility

Trait	Australian Shepherd	Bernese Mountain Dog
Good with kids	High	Very High
Good with dogs	High	High
Good with cats	Low	Moderate
Apartment friendly	Very Low	Very Low

Care requirements

Trait	Australian Shepherd	Bernese Mountain Dog
Shedding	High	Very High
Grooming needs	Moderate	Moderate
Daily exercise	60–120 min	30–60 min
Daily food	1.5–2.5 cups	3–5 cups
Annual cost	$1 300–$2 200	$1 800–$3 200

Temperament