Bernese Mountain Dog

Working · Large

Golden Retriever

Sporting · Large

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Golden Retriever

Side-by-side comparison of the Bernese Mountain Dog and Golden Retriever — 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

Golden Retriever

Based on trainability rating

Less shedding

Bernese Mountain Dog

Based on shedding level

Better for apartments

Golden Retriever

Based on apartment-friendly rating

Lower maintenance

Bernese Mountain Dog

Based on grooming needs

Longer lifespan

Golden Retriever

Based on average lifespan

Detailed comparison

Physical traits

Trait	Bernese Mountain Dog	Golden Retriever
Size	Large	Large
Height	23–27.5″	21.5–24″
Weight	70–115 lbs	55–75 lbs
Lifespan	7–10 yrs	10–12 yrs
Group	Working	Sporting
Coat type	Long, thick, silky double coat	Double coat, long and wavy

Temperament & behavior

Trait	Bernese Mountain Dog	Golden Retriever
Energy level	Moderate	High
Trainability	High	Very High
Barking level	Low	Moderate

Compatibility

Trait	Bernese Mountain Dog	Golden Retriever
Good with kids	Very High	Very High
Good with dogs	High	Very High
Good with cats	Moderate	High
Apartment friendly	Very Low	Low

Care requirements

Trait	Bernese Mountain Dog	Golden Retriever
Shedding	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Moderate	Moderate
Daily exercise	30–60 min	60–120 min
Daily food	3–5 cups	2–3 cups
Annual cost	$1 800–$3 200	$1 500–$2 800

Temperament