Great Dane vs Bernese Mountain Dog
Size Category
Medium
Ideal For
Families, Multi-pet Homes
Maintenance Level
Moderate
Decision Helper
Quick Decision Guide
Great Dane might be better if you:
- Lead an active lifestyle
- Prefer low-maintenance grooming
Bernese Mountain Dog might be better if you:
- Want a dog great with children
- Have other pets at home
- Want an easily trainable dog
- Lead an active lifestyle
- Often have visitors or socialize frequently
Find Your Match
Quick Match Quiz
Question 1 of 7
What best describes your lifestyle?
Breed Overview
Great Dane
The Great Dane is a giant breed known for its impressive size, gentle demeanor, and regal appearance. Typically standing between 28 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 110 to 175 pounds, they are one of the tallest dog breeds. Despite their imposing stature, Great Danes are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, often forming strong bonds with their families. They are generally good with children and can be sociable with other pets if properly socialized. Their short coat is low-maintenance, but they do require regular exercise to maintain their health. Great Danes are often referred to as 'gentle giants' due to their calm and loving disposition, but they also possess a protective instinct, making them excellent watchdogs.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, sturdy breed known for its beautiful tri-colored coat, which features a black base with rust and white markings. They are characterized by their gentle and affectionate nature, making them excellent family pets. Their calm demeanor and intelligence make them highly trainable, while their loyal and protective instincts make them natural guardians. Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their friendly disposition towards children and other animals, and they thrive on companionship, often forming strong bonds with their families. However, they require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and maintain good health.
Key Statistics
Life Expectancy
Height (Male)
Weight (Male)
Breed Characteristics
Good with Children
Good with children
Excellent with children
Good with Other Dogs
Generally friendly with other dogs
Very social with other dogs
Shedding
Moderate shedding level
Heavy shedding level
Grooming Needs
Low grooming needs
Moderate grooming needs
Trainability
Moderately trainable
Highly trainable
Energy Level
Very energetic breed
Very energetic breed
Barking Tendency
Moderate barking tendency
Moderate barking tendency
Care Requirements
Care Requirements
Great Dane
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Regular grooming to manage shedding and maintain coat health.
Feeding
Provide high-quality dog food suited for large breeds.
Health Care
Regular grooming to manage shedding and maintain coat health.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Brush the coat at least 2-3 times a week to prevent matting.
Feeding
Feed a balanced diet suitable for large breeds, divided into two meals per day.
Health Care
Regularly check for signs of skin issues or parasites.
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Regular grooming to manage shedding and maintain coat health.
Grooming
Brush the coat at least 2-3 times a week to prevent matting.
Feeding
Provide high-quality dog food suited for large breeds.
Feeding
Feed a balanced diet suitable for large breeds, divided into two meals per day.
Health Care
Regular grooming to manage shedding and maintain coat health.
Health Care
Regularly check for signs of skin issues or parasites.
Additional Care Notes
Great Dane
- •Regularly check ears and trim nails as needed.
Bernese Mountain Dog
- •Regularly check for signs of skin issues or parasites.
Training & Exercise
Training & Exercise Guide
Great Dane
Great Danes require early socialization and obedience training to manage their size and strength. Basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and leash manners should be taught using positive reinforcement techniques. Consistency and patience are key, as well as ensuring that training sessions are short and engaging to maintain their attention.
Training Challenges
- •Instinct to jump on people due to their size, which can be intimidating
- •Stubbornness, requiring patience and consistent reinforcement
- •Separation anxiety if left alone for long periods
- •Difficulty with leash training due to their strength
- •Socialization challenges with smaller dogs or pets due to size disparity
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs require consistent and positive reinforcement-based training. Begin with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Socialization is crucial, exposing them to various environments, people, and other animals from a young age. Short, engaging training sessions help maintain their attention and promote learning.
Training Challenges
- •Stubbornness during training sessions
- •Separation anxiety if left alone for long periods
- •Sensitivity to harsh training methods
- •Tendency to be distracted by their surroundings
- •Slow maturity, requiring patience for full training potential
Great Dane
Great Danes require early socialization and obedience training to manage their size and strength. Basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and leash manners should be taught using positive reinforcement techniques. Consistency and patience are key, as well as ensuring that training sessions are short and engaging to maintain their attention.
Training Challenges
- •Instinct to jump on people due to their size, which can be intimidating
- •Stubbornness, requiring patience and consistent reinforcement
- •Separation anxiety if left alone for long periods
- •Difficulty with leash training due to their strength
- •Socialization challenges with smaller dogs or pets due to size disparity
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs require consistent and positive reinforcement-based training. Begin with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Socialization is crucial, exposing them to various environments, people, and other animals from a young age. Short, engaging training sessions help maintain their attention and promote learning.
Training Challenges
- •Stubbornness during training sessions
- •Separation anxiety if left alone for long periods
- •Sensitivity to harsh training methods
- •Tendency to be distracted by their surroundings
- •Slow maturity, requiring patience for full training potential
Training Resources
Great Dane Training Guide
Bernese Mountain Dog Training Guide
Find Breeders
Find Great Dane Breeders
Find Bernese Mountain Dog Breeders
Local Search Tips
When looking for a reputable breeder in your area, consider these approaches:
- 1.
Contact local veterinarians for breeder recommendations - They often know reputable breeders who prioritize health testing and proper care.
- 2.
Join breed-specific clubs in your area - These communities can provide valuable connections and insights about responsible breeders.
- 3.
Attend local dog shows to meet breeders - This gives you the opportunity to see their dogs and discuss breeding practices in person.