AkitaVSBernese Mountain Dog

The Akita is known for being loyal, dignified, courageous, while the Bernese Mountain Dog is typically described as gentle, calm, strong. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

The Bernese Mountain Dog tends to be more playful, scoring 4/5 versus the Akita's 3/5. Expect the Bernese Mountain Dog to be more eager for playtime and interactive games.

The Akita is a large breed standing 61–71 cm (24–28 in) tall and weighing 32–59 kg (71–130 lbs). In comparison, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a large breed at 58–70 cm (23–28 in) and 32–52 kg (71–115 lbs).

The Akita is somewhat larger, though the difference isn't dramatic. Both breeds are manageable for most owners, but the size gap does affect food portions and space requirements.

The Akita has a medium coat available in white, brindle, pinto, red fawn, sesame, while the Bernese Mountain Dog sports a long coat in tricolor. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Akita has moderate energy (3/5) with high exercise needs (4/5). The Bernese Mountain Dog has moderate energy (3/5) and moderate exercise needs (3/5).

The Akita requires more daily activity to stay happy and healthy. Without enough exercise, they may develop destructive behaviors. The Bernese Mountain Dog is more adaptable and can get by with shorter walks and play sessions.

For apartment dwellers, the Akita is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 2/5, compared to the Bernese Mountain Dog's 1/5. The Bernese Mountain Dog generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

Both breeds shed at a similar rate (5/5), so you can expect comparable amounts of loose fur from either one.

Grooming-wise, the Bernese Mountain Dog needs more upkeep (4/5) than the Akita (3/5). The Bernese Mountain Dog's long coat demands regular professional grooming to stay in top shape.

Annual grooming costs average around $200 for the Akita and $250 for the Bernese Mountain Dog. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Akita has a lifespan of 10–13 years, while the Bernese Mountain Dog lives 6–8 years. The Akita tends to live longer on average.

In terms of overall health robustness, the Akita scores 3/5 compared to the Bernese Mountain Dog's 1/5. The Akita is generally a hardier breed with fewer genetic health concerns.

Common health issues for the Akita include hip dysplasia, bloat, hypothyroidism, progressive retinal atrophy. The Bernese Mountain Dog is prone to cancer, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $600 for the Akita and $700 for the Bernese Mountain Dog. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

Training comes more naturally with the Bernese Mountain Dog, which scores 4/5 for trainability. The Akita's score of 2/5 means you may need more patience and consistency to see results.

Both breeds match in intelligence at 4/5, so expect similar learning speeds and mental stimulation needs from either choice.

Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.

Both the Akita and Bernese Mountain Dog score 4/5 for intelligence, putting them on equal footing mentally. They'll learn commands at similar speeds and need comparable amounts of mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.

Both breeds share a similar intelligence profile rooted in working intelligence. They both excel when given structured tasks and thrive in obedience, agility, or service work.

For either breed, mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, scent work, and interactive toys keep intelligent dogs engaged and prevent the boredom that leads to chewing, digging, or excessive barking.

The Bernese Mountain Dog edges ahead as a family dog, scoring 5/5 with children versus the Akita's 2/5. The Bernese Mountain Dog's gentle temperament makes it especially patient around kids.

If you have other pets, the Bernese Mountain Dog tends to get along better with other dogs (4/5) than the Akita (1/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Bernese Mountain Dog is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is more welcoming to strangers (4/5), while the Akita tends to be more reserved (1/5). If you frequently have guests, the Bernese Mountain Dog's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a Akita ranges from $1,000–$3,500, while a Bernese Mountain Dog typically costs $1,500–$4,000. The Bernese Mountain Dog is the more expensive breed to purchase.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,640 for the Akita and $1,910 for the Bernese Mountain Dog. The Bernese Mountain Dog costs more annually, largely because of higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $70 for the Akita and $80 for the Bernese Mountain Dog. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.