Bernese Mountain Dog vs Golden Retriever: Complete Comparison Guide

Do you need info about Bernese Mountain Dog vs Golden Retriever? We’ve compiled this article to help you best. Since you have come here to learn more about the differences between Bernese Mountain Dog and Golden Retriever's characteristics, features, hobbies and eating habits.

Do you need info about Bernese Mountain Dog vs Golden Retriever?  Probably the excitement of getting some best family dog has motivated you, or you just want to see which dogs among these wins and where?

You’re at the right place, for we’ve compiled this article to help you best. Since you have come here to learn more about the differences between Bernese Mountain Dog and Golden Retriever’s characteristics, features, hobbies, health issues, mental stimulation needs especially specifically, you will get answers to your every query

Not only this, but we’ll also help you know whether both of the furry pooches can make good friends or not if you get them at home?

Contents

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Golden Retriever: A Quick Comparison Table

FeaturesBernese Mountain DogGolden Retriever
  it' for Bernese Mountian Dog difference with the Golden Retriever It's for the Bernese Mountian Dog vs Goldne Retriever their complete comparison to help dog owners pick the right dog for themselves
OriginSwitzerlandEngland
Dog TypeWorking DogGun Dog
Weight77-122 Pounds59-80 Pounds
Males Height25 to 27½ inches 23 to 24 inches
Females Height23 to 26 inches21½ to 22½ inches
Life Span6-8 Years10-12 Years
Coat TypeDoubleDouble
Coat LengthMediumMedium
Cost$800-$2,000$500 to $3,000
Maintenance CostHigherHigher
Coat Grooming NeedsHigherHigher
Shedding Level High  
(Seasonal)
Very High
(Around the Year)
Exercise Needs1 Hour a Day Minimum2 Hour a Day Minimum
HypoallergenicAre Bernese Mountain Dogs Hypoallergenic?
No
Are Golden Retrievers Hypoallergenic?
No
No Drooling
They drool. 

They drool more.
Emotional Intelligence and Smartness
They sometimes get jealous.
They also like to get around.

They’re also smart.
 
They’re not envious of any other animals or kids. They’re excellently smart.
Affection and Disposition  
They show less affection for their owners.

They demonstrate their love for their owners.  
Happy Indoors  
They are not demanding outdoor play through the daily exercise of an hour is essential.
 
They love to be outdoors along with 2 hours of exercise.
Not Noisy  
They bark less.
 
They don’t bark except when necessary desire having the loudest bark.
Open to Strangers
They’re a bit shy but can tolerate their presence.  

They’re friendly with strangers.   
Biting Behavior
They don’t bite.

They can bite sometimes.
Playful   
They’re playful.
 
They’re playful.
Can be Watchdog or Protective  
They might not be an excellent watchdog.

They might not be an excellent watchdog.  
Energetic
They’re not highly energetic.  

 
They are energetic and active.
Ease of Training 
They’re easy to train but need more time being lazy.

They’re pretty easy to train.
Good with kids  
They’re excellent to get around kids.
 
They’re excellent to get around kids.
Good with Cats
Good with Other Dogs
Good for First Time Owners
No

Yes
Can be Therapy Dogs
No

Yes
Can be on Boat
No

Yes
Good for Seniors  
Being bulky and demanding in the care
they don’t make a good match for seniors.
 
They make a good match for seniors.
The Environment they can tolerate Indoors and large YardIndoors, Apartments, small to large yards

Basic Overview – Bernese Mountain Dog and Golden Retriever 

When it’s about Bernese Mountain Dogs vs Golden Retrievers, the basic origin and counter breed information is essential to help you decide which one to choose. 

Bernese Mountain Dogs

Bernese Mountain dogs are initially from Switzerland and bred from guard dogs. 

The term Bernese comes from the Canton of Bern in Switzerland, where the majority of the dogs lived. Their significant responsibilities were pulling carts, assisting people with transportation, and leading and guarding animals with herders. 

Usually, the low-income families used to run their small dairy businesses with the help of Bernese Mountain Dogs. Suddenly, their breeding stopped and the breed introduced by the Romans 2000 years ago to swiss people started to go extinct. As their extinction began, many prominent innkeepers ensured to safeguard this tri-colored breed. 

People who used to have them as working assistants on their dairy farms or businesses were so poor that they couldn’t afford to work to save this breed actively. However, due to the efforts of Swiss innkeepers, Switzerland founded a breed specialty club in 1907 to generate awareness for the breed’s survival and protection. 

Due to this club, people started to look out for the Bernese Mountain Dogs and started taking care of them. The love and affection between Bernese Mountain Dogs and people grew and became so intense that people began to keep them as pets. Their value and stature rose from guard dogs to all-time favorite pet buddies from this point in history.  

Golden Retrievers

The Golden Retrievers are originally from Scotland, developed in the 19th century. They were bred from crosses of Tweed Water Spaniels with Flat-coated Retrievers by adding Red Setter, Bloodhound, and Labrador blood in their bloodstream. 

Like Bernese mountain dogs, golden retrievers were built for different purposes like hunting. They can work in places like rugged terrain or having rainy climates. 

The person who developed this breed was Sir Dudley Marjoribanks ( also known as Baron Tweedmouth). He desperately wanted a retriever dog good in hunting but soft and sweet in temperament. Following a succession of dog matings, a progeny with a range of hues from creamy light to midnight black emerged. He chose the golden-colored ones and mated them both, giving birth to Golden Retrievers. 

They were eventually dubbed as “flat-coated Retriever (s), Golden” since other flat-coated Retrievers were of a different color, so golden retrievers were thought to be a new type. 

They gained a strong reputation for military forces in the Western world during World War I because of their golden hue, hunting skills, and emotional intelligence. However, following the two world wars, people began to keep them as pets. They are, however, still utilized for hunting and a variety of other vocations that need intelligence and problem-solving abilities.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Golden Retriever: Appearance 

Bernese Mountain Dogs

According to American Kennel Club, the Bernese Mountain Dogs have got a standard identification, which includes:

  • Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their tri-colored coats. 
  • They are huge and seemingly very smart-looking breeds with 25 to 27 inches shoulder height. 
  • They have eyes of dark brown color due to high pigmentation. It is believed that purebred Bernese Mountain Dogs can never have colored eyes other than brown color. 

If the Bernese Mountain Dogs have colored eyes other than dark brown, they can’t be named Bernese Mountain Dogs because of the (AKC) American Kennel Club’s decision. However, they can have colored eyes due to less pigmentation or eye issues which can cause you to worry about your dog.

Golden Retrievers

The American Kennel Club also defines the Golden Retrievers distinctively.

  • Golden Retrievers have 

“ Males 23 to 24 inches in height at withers; females 21½ to 22½ inches.”

  • These dogs have beautiful golden-hued coats
  • They are also one of the large breeds with dark brown to medium brown and can not have any other eye color other than dark brown.

The American Kennel Club has also clarified that any other eye color can mean that dogs have eye issues or less pigmentation. But they also had cases where golden retriever pups had blue-colored eyes in the early stages of their lives. However, their eye color later transformed into dark brown as they grew older.  

They look super cute with that golden hue making them unique compared to other Retrievers and Bernese Mountain Dogs who usually have tri-colored coats.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Golden Retriever: Physique

Bernese Mountain Dogs

Bernese Mountain Dogs have an average height of 26 inches for males and 25 inches for females. The long hairs with multiple coats can cause hair knots that can be dangerous for their skin and cause skin infection.

They have an average weight of 97.5 pounds for males and 92.5 pounds for females. 

A Bernese has an affectionate, intelligent, and faithful temperament and will never leave you in your hard times.

Golden Retrievers

On the other hand, Golden Retrievers have avg height of 23 inches for males and 21 inches for females. They also have long hairs and double coats, so you will have to look for the knots and weekly brushing to avoid skin rashes. 

Their average weight is 70 pounds for males and 62.5 pounds for females. If I talk about temperament, they are confident, friendly, kind, and honest.

Golden Retriever vs  Bernese Mountain Dog: Coat and Color

Bernese Mountain Dogs

Bernese Mountain Dogs have a naturally oily coat that works as a repellent.

Color is the most significant difference between the Bernese Mountain Dogs and Golden Retrievers. Bernese, having tri-colored coats, are known for their remarkably bright color, black, brown, and white. Their undercoat is primarily black.

Bernese mountain dogs belong to cold weather climates, so they have two-layered coats. The inner one is a thick wooly undercoat with a longer outer coat. The coat has a natural sheen, so it’s mostly looking bright from the outside.

Golden Retrievers

Golden retrievers have slightly different coats. Their coat is pretty dense and has two coats, one is the undercoat, and the other is the outer coat which acts as a water repellent.

Their Coat has always been a pure Golden color and doesn’t change its color until and unless it’s a crossbreed. The coat covers the body from almost everywhere the chest, thigh, legs, back of the thighs, and tails which plays an essential role in protecting them from cold climates.

Golden Retriever vs  Bernese Mountain Dog: Shedding Level

Bernese Mountain Dogs

Bernese usually shed a lot in summers but can be shed daily in small quantities. So if you are keeping them, don’t wait to brush them once a month or once a year. Daily brushing can help you to keep matting from happening. 

Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers have a lower shedding rate than Bernese, but they shed a lot. The reason for shedding is they both have two coats. The previous batch should fall off through brushing during the hair regrowing phase. Regular or weekly brushing helps in perfect hair growth. 

Golden Retrievers’ shedding seasons are fall and spring. However, you can brush them every once a week; this will help you to keep an eye on their skin and body infections of potential fleas or ticks that they may carry.

Emotional Intelligence

Bernese Mountain Dogs

These canines are extremely sensitive and easily become upset. Since the beginning, they have been working for humans for various motives. They can effortlessly jump over you to get your affection, even though they are rather heavy. 

They were never utilized in the army or hunting like golden retrievers because they lacked emotional intelligence. They can be rated 4 out of 5 for their sensitive, passionate nature.

Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers are considered smarter than Bernese Mountain Dogs because of their mental capability of dealing with different circumstances. They are good at hunting, tracking, helping visually impaired people, therapy, and other services, including sniffing out drugs for law agencies. 

Higher emotional intelligence enables them to be the best emotional support during the loneliest times. The scoreboard for this breed for sensitive, emotional nature is 3 out of 5.

However, if we talk about mental strength and intelligence, they both have the same intelligence.

Affection or Disposition

Bernese Mountain Dogs

Bernese Mountain Dogs are less affectionate as compared to the Golden Retrievers. Even if they are less affectionate than Golden Retrievers, they have a lot of love in their hearts and show sweet dispositions to their owners. 

They usually don’t like other pets, you may call it jealousy, but they love whatever their owners find close to themselves. I would rate them 3 out of 5.

Golden Retrievers

Golden retrievers are known for their beautiful playful, and affectionate dispositions. They get friendly with everyone you are good with and have pretty much all that emotional aid that you would need to cater to your emotional needs. 

They are even friendly with other pets and dogs, which Bernese Mountain Dogs usually lack. So my rating is 5 out of 5 for this one!

But no matter the difference in attitude they have for others, they both are equally very loyal to their owners. 

Golden Retriever vs Bernese Mountain Dog: Ease of Training

Bernese Mountain Dogs

Bernese Mountain Dogs are easy with training sessions. They just need a lot of determination which can happen if you are determined to get them trained. However, they are people pleasers, so they will try to be good at it and probably strictly push themselves to follow commands.

You can use different commands or interchangeable words to understand what you want it to do. After they perform well, you should take help with Positive reinforcement for more progress. 

Golden Retrievers

Just like Bernese Mountain Dogs, Golden retrievers are also easy to train. They are excellent at being good listeners and naturally are very kind to their owners. 

You will have to follow the same patterns for this breed as in the case of Bernese mountain dogs, but you will need to have a good connection with Golden Retrievers and Bernese mountain dogs from a very young age so that they agree to whatever you ask them to do later on after growing up.

Difference Between Golden Retriever and Bernese Mountain Dog: Grooming

Grooming is the basic need of your dog which ensures the health and hygiene of your dog, besides their personality impressions. Yet, not all dogs need frequent grooming. The sensitive dogs or those with a thicker coat would be more demanding.

Similarly, the dogs which shed more need more attention from you. When it’s about Golden Retrievers and Bernese Mountain dogs, the need for grooming is nearly similar yet where which one needs more care, let’s have a look

Bernese Mountain Dogs

Bernese Mountain Dogs usually need hair brushing during the warmer season because of shedding. But in winter, they don’t require much grooming except standard precautions such as avoiding dirty snow-covered floors where the other animals must have peed. 

You can only bathe them 4 to 6 times a year. If they have fleas or ticks, you’ll need to spray anti-flea or tick sprays approved by vets.

Winter can keep bacterias at bay, no doubt, but you must keep an eye on your furry pal to save them from severe diseases. 

As they are also called working dogs, older Bernese Mountain Dogs usually suffer from gaps in cartilage, because of which issues like osteoporosis and arthritis can arise. While they surfer with such diseases, leaving them in winter on their own can be risky. 

You can use tips to keep their joints healthy by using different creams for pain; you can also make them eat joint supplements or make them wear joint support.

Golden Retrievers

On the other hand, Golden retrievers need a lot of brushing during spring and fall when they shed a lot daily because of their hair. They love sports and are very active, so they won’t like to stay at home most of the time. 

If you take your Golden Retriever puppy or dog outside daily or weekly, then make sure you make them wear something in their paws like dog shoes or paw protectors. Most of the time, their claws are what needs most grooming due to infections or dirt accumulation. 

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Golden Retriever: Health Issues and Problems

Here is a glimpse of health issues that both dog breeds can have.

Bernese Mountain Dogs

Bernese Mountain dogs are prone to many diseases. Most of the dogs of this breed face bone diseases or cancer, including conditions like:

  • Elbow and hip dysplasia
  • Fatal neoplasia
  • Bloat
  • Portosystemic Liver Shunt
  •  PRA
  • Von Willebrand’s disease 

If they’re not adequately taken care of, they can die early.

Bernese Mountain Dogs can also have allergies such as named ‘atopy’ to different foods and plants that can affect different body parts, causing itching. That’s why they are expensive to keep though you love their cuteness.

Golden Retrievers

Retrievers generally do have quite a lot of exposure to different diseases. Golden Retrievers may face the same list of diseases as Retrievers and Bernese Mountain dogs. But they may face various other diseases given below at least once in their lifetime.

  • Hemangiosarcoma
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Osteosarcoma
  • Osteochondrosis Dissecans
  • Epilepsy
  • Cataracts
  • Allergies

But, according to CNBC, the Golden Retrievers are also one of the most expensive dogs to keep.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Golden Retriever: Life Expectancy

Bernese Mountain Dogs

Bernese Mountain Dogs have a short life expectancy. They live only for 8 to 10 years, sometimes only six years. They suffer through many things and are easily prone to diseases like osteoporosis, cancer, arthritis, and Lyme disease. 

Over their lifetime, they need great care and affection to survive for a more extended period. Their early death also means an emotional trauma for dog parents, which they might have postponed by having some other dog.

Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers are very active and provide their services for different gigs. They have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.

They also go through many things and are prone to more diseases than Bernese Mountain Dogs but still survive due to their active lifestyle.

FAQs

What dog is closest to the Golden Retriever?

According to Purina’s the following are the best dogs that can accompany your Golden Retriever in lonely times.

  • Pug
  • Irish Setter
  • Poodle
  • Collie
  • Beagle
  • Portuguese Water Dog
  • Pekingese
  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi
  • Maltese

Are Bernese Mountain Dogs allergic to chicken?

Different dog breeds are allergic to various foods, but yes, it is possible for dogs belonging to such breeds to have severe allergic reactions to chicken.

What dog is bigger than the Golden Retriever?

Many dog breeds are bigger and larger than Golden retrievers in both size and height. Some of them are Bernese Mountain Dogs, English Mastiffs, Landseer, Kangal, Great Dane, Anatolian shepherd, St Bernards, and Great Pyrenees.

How much food do the golden Retriever and Bernese Mountian Dogs need ?

Golden Retriever needs 2-3 cups of food, on average. However, being bigger, Bernese Mountain dog will need 3-4 cups a day, depending on age and growth. Dogs eat more when they’re at growing age, and less when they’re older.

Are Bernese Mountain Dogs allergic to chicken or hens?

Bernese Mountain Dogs usually don’t like other pets: they can be protective about them but might not like playing with them. They get jealous, in fact.

So if you’re planning to have another dog, especially Golden Retriever and Bernese Mountain Dog, you might have to train your Bernese to act respectfully around your Golden Retriever.

Why shouldn’t you get a Bernese Mountain Dog? 

There can be various reasons, but two main reasons are:

First, they can get easily depressed if you leave them home alone.

Secondly, because of their medical needs, expenses, and care. They’re basically highly social and family dogs. So they don’t make a good match for busy owners.

Are Bernese Mountain Dogs and Golden Retrievers hypoallergenic?

No. Humans mostly don’t have issues with the dog, but only when they encounter any animal’s dead hairs, urine, dead skin, or saliva. So any type of animal hair can cause humans to feel sick. Clean and adequate care of Bernese Mountain Dogs and Golden Retrievers can lessen your chance of being allergic to them.

Which dog drools more Benrese or Golden Reteirver?

Drooling is quite common for both types of dogs, yet it’s backed with some reasons. The Bernese Mountain dogs drool because of some health issues for bigger mouths same is with the Golden Retrievers.

Final Thoughts

When it’s about Bernese Mountain Dog vs. Golden Retriever both of the dog breeds are fantastic being amiable. They both have good height and are considered one of the most beloved large breeds. So, if you’re thinking of adopting one of them, don’t miss out on anything since nothing about them is worth skipping in this article.

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