German Shepherd vs. Bernese Mountain Dog: 3 Key Differences Explained

German Shepherds and Bernese mountain dogs are big, loyal dogs bred for outdoor life, but key differences illustrate just how different these two breeds are. This article will compare appearance, characteristics, and health issues to discover the contrasts. Let’s jump into German Shepherd vs. Bernese mountain dog: 3 key differences explained.

Let’s find out more, but first, where do these breeds originate from?

History of German Shepherd vs. Bernese Mountain Dog

German Shepherds originated from Germany in the late 1800s. Originally bred to herd cattle, they’ve evolved into working, military, police, and search and rescue dogs. In parts of Europe, German Shepherds are commonly called Alsatians due to negative connotations with WW2.

In contrast, Bernese mountain dogs originated in Bern, Switzerland to herd cattle, pull carts, and protect homes. Historians think their heritage stretches back 2,000 years to the Roman Empire.

Key Differences Between German Shepherd and Bernese Mountain Dog

Even though they are both large and powerful dogs, there are some key differences between German Shepherds and Bernese mountain dogs.

The key differences are appearance, characteristics, and health issues. For example, a German Shepherd’s average life span is 10-13 years, whereas a Bernese mountain dog’s average life span is just 7-10 years.

1. Appearance

These two dogs vary widely in appearance; there’s no mixing them up.

German Shepherd vs. Bernese Mountain Dog: Height

Adult German Shepherds range in height from 22 to 26 inches at the withers, whereas tall Bernese mountain dogs range from 25 to 27 inches. In both breeds, female dogs are two to three inches smaller than males.

Another difference in their overall height is their body shape. Bernese mountain dogs look square, whereas a German Shepherd’s withers dip lower than their shoulders.

German Shepherd vs. Bernese Mountain Dog: Weight

Bernese mountain dogs are huge. Males weigh anything from 84–115 lbs, and females top out at 106 lbs. German Shepherds are a smaller breed. On average, they weigh around 60-77 lbs.

A three-month-old German Shepherd pup weighs 22-30 lbs, and Bernese mountain dogs 20-25 lbs. Although pups weigh roughly the same in their younger years, a key difference is that Bernese mountain dogs grow faster and bigger over the course of one year.

German Shepherd vs. Bernese Mountain Dog: Coat Type

Both breeds have thick, fluffy coats that shed heavily, but Bernese mountain dogs have more fluff and a thicker coat than sleeker German shepherds.

Bernese dogs have double coats with a woolly undercoat and a longer guard coat that grows over it. They shed heavily twice a year and need regular grooming to avoid matts. Their thick coat is a nod to their mountain heritage.

German shepherds also have thick undercoats covered by a longer guard coat but not to the extent of Bernese mountain dogs’ thick and heavy fur. That said, German Shepherds also require frequent grooming. They lose hair daily and also experience a heavy shed twice a year.

German Shepherd vs. Bernese Mountain Dog: Colors

The most common German Shepherd markings are tan with black flanks and ears, but they can vary and include all black with silver and red colors too.

Bernese mountain dogs present a mix of three colors — black, white, and rust. The most common combination is overall black with a white chest and center face stripe, plus rust eyebrows, legs, and jowls.

2. Characteristics

German Shepherds and Bernese mountain dogs look very different, but what about their characteristics? Let’s find out.

German Shepherd vs. Bernese Mountain Dog: Temperament

Intelligent German Shepherds train easily. They understand commands quickly and live to please their owner. German Shepherds can become nervous, wary, and noisy without frequent training, so it’s essential to begin training immediately.

They’re friendly with close family, children, and household pets but are wary of other people and dogs outside their immediate circle.

In contrast, Bernese mountain dogs’ sweet, friendly temperament is calm and relaxed. They love their family and are good with children and pets, but they socialize better with strangers than aloof German Shepherds.

As they age, Berners retain their puppy-like ways. Some folks suggest they’re slower to mature than other breeds.

German Shepherd vs. Bernese Mountain Dog: Social Needs

Neither breed benefits from extended solitary time, but German Shepherds are more adaptable to isolation than group-oriented Bernese. Bernese mountain dogs tend to attach themselves to one person, and if their person isn’t around, they pine, whereas German Shepherds are loyal to their owners but spread their loyalty around a select group.

In terms of exercise, Bernese mountain dogs require more time burning off energy by jogging, swimming, and running. German Shepherds also need daily exercise but are less excitable and happier to trot alongside their owner rather than tear around a field.

3. Health Factors

Specific health factors affect these two breeds. Several health factors are similar, but there are also specific issues that affect them separately.

German Shepherd vs. Bernese Mountain Dog: Life Expectancy

One of the key differences between German Shepherds and Bernese mountain dogs is their life expectancy. On average, German Shepherds live longer.

The average age for a German Shepherd is between 10 and 13, but Bernese mountain dogs tend to live shorter lives. Their average life expectancy is 7-10 years.

German Shepherd vs. Bernese Mountain Dog: Health Issues

These large purebred dogs are prone to health issues that cut their lives short. A fundamental similarity between the two exists even before the pup arrives home. Owners must buy from a reputable, experienced breeder who has screened for hereditary health issues and bred strong, healthy pups.

German Shepherd

Here are the main health issues German Shepherds face:

• Hip Dysplasia
• Paralysis
• Cancer
• Lupus
• Progressive retinal atrophy

Regular hip and eye tests can help pick up issues before they become expensive and detract from a German Shepherd’s quality of life.

Bernese mountain dog

Bernese mountain dogs suffer from the following:

• Cancer
• Hypoadrenocorticism
• Cataracts
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Arthritis
• Hip dysplasia
• Cruciate ligament rupture

Cancer is the main health issue Bernese mountain dogs face. German Shepherds are prone to it as well. Still, experts believe half the Bernese breed population dies from various cancers, including skin, spleen, bone marrow, lung, liver, and histiocytic sarcoma cancers.

Overall, German Shepherds have fewer health issues, but both breeds suffer from health-specific issues that require frequent checks, monitoring, and treatment should they show signs of ill health.

Recap: German Shepherd vs. Bernese Mountain Dog

German Shepherds and Bernese mountain dogs are both large and loyal breeds that make excellent family pets, and they are easy to train but have three key differences.

In terms of their appearance, they look very different. Berners are taller, heavier, and have breed-specific black, white, and rust markings. Smaller black, tan, silver or red German shepherds appear in various patterns, and their withers sit lower than their shoulders.

German Shepherds’ characteristics are more aloof than excitable Bernese, and they spread their loyalty around a small group, whereas Bernese mountain dogs tend to attach to one person.

Finally, they share health issues, including hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. However, Bernese mountain dogs are also more prone to eye issues and various forms of cancer.

Overall, if you are looking for a family dog that’s loyal, clever, and easy to train, German Shepherds and Bernese mountain dogs might be a good fit for your family. Just be aware they’re large and powerful dogs that require lots of training, companionship, and love.