Let’s take a closer look into these differences to discover what sets these dogs apart!
Comparing Bernese Mountain Dog vs Great Pyrenees
Key Differences Between the Bernese Mountain Dog and Great Pyrenees
The main difference between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Great Pyrenees is fur color. Other differences include size, lifespan, temperament, energy level, trainability, grooming needs, and shedding level. Below, we’ll take a closer look at what sets these breeds apart.
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Great Pyrenees: Size
Bernese Mountain Dogs are the smaller of these breeds. They stand 22-27 inches tall and weigh 79-115 pounds. Great Pyrenees dogs are 25-32 inches in height. Females weigh over 85 pounds and males weigh over 100 pounds, with no upper limit. This means that a Great Pyr is likely to weigh quite a bit more than a Bernese Mountain Dog, even if they’re just a couple of inches taller.
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Great Pyrenees: Coat Color
Bernese Mountain Dogs have two coat variations accepted by the AKC breed standard: black, rust, white and black, tan, and white. Great Pyrenees dogs can only be white, but they may also have tan, grey, badger, or reddish-brown markings.
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Great Pyrenees: Lifespan
Sadly, Bernese Mountain Dogs live shorter lifespans, averaging 6-8 years. Great Pyrs typically live 10-12 years.
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Great Pyrenees: Temperament
The biggest difference in temperament between these dogs is friendliness. Great Pyrs love their families and would spend every moment with them if they could, but they take time to warm up to new people and animals. Bernese Mountain Dogs tend to love everyone! They’re friendly toward strangers, children, and dogs. Of course, you should always supervise any dog around children and introduce them to your other pets slowly. Every dog has a different personality, and nothing is guaranteed. Early socialization is also important so that your dog feels confident in the world around them. This will help your dog approach strangers and grow used to new people, animals, and situations more easily. Great Pyrs also tend to have strong guarding tendencies, while Bernese Mountain Dogs may be too friendly. However, they can also show alertness and make good watchdogs.
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Great Pyrenees: Energy Level
Bernese Mountain Dogs are high-energy. They need at least a half-hour of moderate exercise every day and can handle long walks and hikes. Great Pyrs tend to be lower energy. As working dogs, they conserve energy so that they can deal with any threats that may arise. Once a predator shows up, they leap into action to protect their herd. They also prefer moderate exercise like patrolling the borders of your property or going for a nice, long walk.
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Great Pyrenees: Trainability
Bernese Mountain Dogs are incredibly eager to please. They’re also incredibly smart and very sensitive. It’s crucial to avoid punishments and harsh training methods with any dog, but particularly with a Bernese. Great Pyrenees dogs are also smart, but they were bred to make independent decisions, and that shows during training. Short training sessions are best, and it’s even better if you can turn training into an enriching game! If they grow bored, they’ll be slow to follow commands.
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Great Pyrenees: Shedding level
Bernese Mountain Dogs are high shedders year-round. During shedding season twice a year, they will shed even more heavily. Brush them weekly throughout the year and daily during shedding season. This will help to prevent matted fur and promote a healthy, clean coat. It will also mean less shed fur on your carpet and furniture! Great Pyrs shed moderately, but with these dogs being so giant, it’ll still feel like you’re picking up a lot of loose fur. Brush them once a week to remove some of this shed. This will also help to prevent matting, though tangles are less common in their fur than in other breeds with this coat length.
