Choosing between a Bernese mountain dog and a St. Bernard is like picking between a cuddly teddy bear and a gentle giant.
Both are massive bundles of fluff with hearts of gold, but their personalities and needs are as different as their floppy ears and drool-worthy grins.
So, buckle up, dog lovers, as we dive into the world of these majestic mountain pups!
Origin & History
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese mountain dog, rooted in the scenic Swiss Alps, has a fascinating origin and history that reflects its charming personality and versatile capabilities.
Emerging from the canton of Bern in Switzerland, these dogs were initially bred as farm assistants, helping with herding cattle, pulling carts, and standing guard over homesteads.
Their impressive strength, intelligence, and generosity made them indispensable working partners for farmers in the region.
The breed’s loyalty and gentle temperament endeared them to families as time progressed, transitioning them from working roles to beloved household companions.
The Bernese mountain dog’s journey from Alpine farms to become cherished family members is a testament to their adaptability and enduring appeal, making them skilled workers and affectionate and loyal friends.
St Bernard
The St. Bernard, renowned for its gentle demeanor and impressive size, boasts an origin and history deeply intertwined with the treacherous Alpine terrain.
Originating in the hospice of the Great St. Bernard Pass, a dangerous mountain pass connecting Switzerland and Italy, these dogs were initially bred by the Hospice of St. Bernard monks.
In the 17th century, these monks began using large dogs for rescue missions in the snow-covered mountains.
The St. Bernard’s strength, intelligence, and innate sense of direction made them invaluable in locating and assisting stranded travelers.
These rescue efforts elevated the breed’s status, turning them into iconic symbols of Alpine rescue missions. St. Bernards transitioned from their life-saving roles to becoming cherished companions as time progressed.
Their friendly disposition and impressive appearance have since captured the hearts of dog lovers worldwide, making them not just heroes of the mountains but also beloved family members in homes around the globe.
Facts about Bernese mountain dog
Breed Type | Working Dog, Companion |
Average Height | 23 to 27.5 inches (at the shoulder) |
Average Weight
| 70 to 115 pounds |
Coat Type | Long, silky, and moderately thick double coat |
Coat Colours | Tricolor – black, rust, and white markings |
Temperament | Gentle, affectionate, good-natured, and intelligent; known for loyalty and being good with families |
Lifespan | 7 to 10 years |
Price | $800 to $2,500, |
Facts about St Bernard
Breed Type | Working Dog, Giant Dog |
Average Height | 25.5 to 27.5 inches |
Average Weight
| 140 to 180 pounds (or more) |
Coat Type | Short to medium-length, dense, and straight double coat |
Coat Colours | Mahogany and white, often with darker markings around the eyes and ears, and a white chest and feet |
Temperament | Gentle, friendly, and calm; known for being good with children and other pets |
Lifespan | 8 to 10 years |
Price | $800 to $2000 |
Temperament
Bernese mountain dog
The temperament of the Bernese mountain dog is a delightful mix of charm, intelligence, and affection.
Known for their gentle and friendly demeanour, Bernese Mountain Dogs are often described as devoted family members.
These dogs thrive on human companionship, forming strong bonds with their owners and showing unwavering loyalty.
Their calm and patient nature makes them excellent with children, and they tend to get along well with other pets, embodying a harmonious and easygoing spirit.
Despite their imposing size, Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle giants, displaying a natural warmth that translates into a loving and protective attitude.
Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them trainable and adaptable to various situations.
The Bernese Mountain Dog’s temperament is a perfect blend of friendliness, reliability, and a genuine love for being an integral part of the family dynamic.
St Bernard
The temperament of the St. Bernard is as endearing as its massive size. Renowned for their gentle and friendly nature, St. Bernards are often described as affectionate giants.
These dogs exude calmness and are known for their patience, making them excellent companions for families, including households with children.
Their friendly demeanour also extends to other pets, showcasing a harmonious and tolerant attitude.
Despite their imposing appearance, St. Bernards are typically laid-back, and their inherent kindness is evident in their interactions with familiar faces and strangers.
Their instinct to care and protect, stemming from their historical rescue roles in the Alps, translates into a loyal and watchful disposition, creating a bond of trust that endures throughout their lives.
The St. Bernard’s temperament is a delightful blend of friendliness, serenity, and a deeply ingrained sense of companionship.
Health Issues
Bernese mountain dog
The health of Bernese Mountain Dogs is vital for their well-being. Common concerns include hip dysplasia, certain cancers like histiocytosis, and potential heart conditions.
They are also prone to musculoskeletal issues such as elbow dysplasia and certain eye conditions.
Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and proper grooming, are vital to ensuring their health and longevity.
St Bernard
The health of St. Bernards is a significant aspect to consider, given their giant stature and specific breed characteristics.
One common health concern for St. Bernards is hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit into the hip socket properly, potentially leading to arthritis.
Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and proper exercise can help manage this issue.
Another consideration is a tendency towards heart problems, such as dilated cardiomyopathy, which affects the heart muscle’s ability to pump blood.
Nutrition
Bernese mountain dog
Proper nutrition for Bernese Mountain Dogs is vital for their health. A balanced diet with high-quality proteins, fats, and controlled portions is essential.
Monitor their weight, provide Omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy coat, and avoid overfeeding to prevent weight gain.
Smaller, frequent meals can reduce the risk of bloat. Regular access to fresh water and consultation with a veterinarian for a tailored nutrition plan contribute to their overall well-being.
St Bernard
Maintaining proper nutrition for your St. Bernard is vital. A balanced diet with high-quality proteins and healthy fats supports muscle development, energy needs, and coat health.
Avoid overfeeding to prevent weight gain, consider smaller, frequent meals to reduce the risk of bloat, and ensure constant access to fresh water.
Consulting with a veterinarian for a personalized nutrition plan is essential for their well-being.
Exercise
St. Bernard
Despite their calm demeanour, St. Bernards appreciate moderate exercise to keep their joints flexible and maintain optimal weight. Shorter, frequent walks can be more manageable for these giant companions, especially during warmer weather.
Bernese Mountain Dogs
Being versatile working dogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs thrive on moderate to vigorous exercise. Engaging in activities like hiking, jogging, or pulling a cart (if properly trained) aligns with their historical roles.
Training
St. Bernard
Training your St. Bernard involves harnessing their gentle nature and intelligence.
Positive reinforcement and consistent commands such as sit, stay, and leash manners are critical.
Due to their size, it’s essential to start training early, focusing on good behaviour and reinforcing it with praise and treats.
Short, frequent sessions work best, ensuring they stay engaged and responsive.
Socialization is crucial, exposing them to various environments and people and helping them grow into well-mannered companions.
Patience, consistency, and positive interactions create a positive learning environment for your St. Bernard.
Bernese mountain dog
Training a Bernese mountain dog involves tapping into their intelligence and eagerness to please.
Positive and varied training sessions, including basic commands and socialization experiences, contribute to a well-behaved and happy Bernese mountain dog.
Consistency is crucial, with short, frequent sessions yielding better results.
Reinforcing positive behaviour with praise and treats fosters a positive training environment.
Early exposure to different sounds, surfaces, and situations during socialization builds confidence.
Enrolling in puppy classes or seeking professional guidance can provide valuable support in shaping the behavior of your intelligent and affectionate Bernese mountain dog.
Conclusion
Choosing between a St. Bernard and a Bernese mountain dog depends on personal preferences and lifestyle.
Both breeds offer unique qualities, with St. Bernard’s known for their gentle and loyal nature, making them great family pets with a history as rescue dogs.
Bernese Mountain Dogs, versatile working dogs, are recognized for their intelligence and adaptability.
When deciding, consider factors such as living space, exercise, and grooming needs.
Both breeds can be wonderful companions, so spending time with them, interacting with breeders, and doing thorough research are essential for making an informed choice based on individual preferences and circumstances.
