Great Pyrenees vs Bernese Mountain Dog
Size Category
Medium
Ideal For
Various Households
Maintenance Level
Low
Size Category
Medium
Ideal For
Families, Multi-pet Homes
Maintenance Level
Moderate
Decision Helper
Quick Decision Guide
Great Pyrenees might be better if you:
- 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 Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees, also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, is a large, majestic breed recognized for its striking white coat and gentle demeanor. They are characterized by their impressive size, typically weighing between 85 to 115 pounds, and standing 25 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder. Their dense, double coat is weather-resistant, making them well-suited for colder climates. The breed is known for its calm and patient temperament, often displaying a sense of independence and a protective nature. Great Pyrenees are devoted to their families and are particularly good with children. They can be aloof with strangers but are generally gentle and affectionate towards those they know. This breed requires regular grooming due to its thick fur, and they thrive in environments where they can have ample space to roam and explore. Their intelligence and strong instinct to protect make them excellent guard dogs, especially for livestock.
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
Moderately energetic breed
Very energetic breed
Barking Tendency
Moderate barking tendency
Moderate barking tendency
Care Requirements
Care Requirements
Great Pyrenees
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Brush coat at least once a week to prevent matting.
Feeding
Provide fresh water daily and monitor food intake.
Health Care
Check ears regularly for dirt and debris.
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
Brush coat at least once a week to prevent matting.
Grooming
Brush the coat at least 2-3 times a week to prevent matting.
Feeding
Provide fresh water daily and monitor food intake.
Feeding
Feed a balanced diet suitable for large breeds, divided into two meals per day.
Health Care
Check ears regularly for dirt and debris.
Health Care
Regularly check for signs of skin issues or parasites.
Additional Care Notes
Great Pyrenees
- •Regularly clean teeth to prevent dental issues.
Bernese Mountain Dog
- •Regularly check for signs of skin issues or parasites.
Training & Exercise
Training & Exercise Guide
Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees require consistent, positive reinforcement training starting from a young age. Focus on basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and leash walking. Socialization is crucial to help them become well-adjusted adults. Use treats and praise to encourage good behavior, and be patient as they can be independent thinkers.
Training Challenges
- •Stubbornness and a strong independent nature
- •Tendency to bark excessively if not properly trained
- •Difficulty in recall due to their guarding instincts
- •Socialization issues with other pets or unfamiliar people
- •Resistance to leash training, preferring to roam
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 Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees require consistent, positive reinforcement training starting from a young age. Focus on basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and leash walking. Socialization is crucial to help them become well-adjusted adults. Use treats and praise to encourage good behavior, and be patient as they can be independent thinkers.
Training Challenges
- •Stubbornness and a strong independent nature
- •Tendency to bark excessively if not properly trained
- •Difficulty in recall due to their guarding instincts
- •Socialization issues with other pets or unfamiliar people
- •Resistance to leash training, preferring to roam
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 Pyrenees Training Guide
Bernese Mountain Dog Training Guide
Find Breeders
Find Great Pyrenees 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.