Bernese Mountain Dog

Working · Large

German Shepherd

Herding · Large

Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd

Side-by-side comparison of the Bernese Mountain Dog and German Shepherd — 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

German Shepherd

Based on trainability rating

Less shedding

Bernese Mountain Dog

Based on shedding level

Better for apartments

German Shepherd

Based on apartment-friendly rating

Lower maintenance

German Shepherd

Based on grooming needs

Longer lifespan

Bernese Mountain Dog

Based on average lifespan

Detailed comparison

Physical traits

Trait	Bernese Mountain Dog	German Shepherd
Size	Large	Large
Height	23–27.5″	22–26″
Weight	70–115 lbs	50–90 lbs
Lifespan	7–10 yrs	7–10 yrs
Group	Working	Herding
Coat type	Long, thick, silky double coat	Dense double coat, medium length

Temperament & behavior

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

Compatibility

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

Care requirements

Trait	Bernese Mountain Dog	German Shepherd
Shedding	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Moderate	Low
Daily exercise	30–60 min	60–120 min
Daily food	3–5 cups	2.5–3.5 cups
Annual cost	$1 800–$3 200	$1 500–$2 600

Temperament