Bernese Mountain DogVSDachshund

The Bernese Mountain Dog is known for being gentle, calm, strong, while the Dachshund is typically described as clever, stubborn, playful. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

Both breeds share a similar playfulness level at 4/5, so you can expect comparable levels of fun and games from either one.

Noise-wise, the Dachshund is more vocal with a barking level of 4/5, while the Bernese Mountain Dog is quieter at 2/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Bernese Mountain Dog may be the better choice.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large breed standing 58–70 cm (23–28 in) tall and weighing 32–52 kg (71–115 lbs). In comparison, the Dachshund is a small breed at 20–23 cm (8–9 in) and 7–15 kg (15–33 lbs).

There's a significant size difference between these two breeds. The Bernese Mountain Dog is considerably heavier, which means higher food costs and the need for more physical space. The Dachshund's smaller frame makes it easier to handle and transport.

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a long coat available in tricolor, while the Dachshund sports a short coat in red, black and tan, chocolate, cream, dapple. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

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

Both breeds have similar exercise requirements, so your daily activity routine won't change much regardless of which you choose. Plan for regular walks and play sessions to keep either breed content.

For apartment dwellers, the Dachshund is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 4/5, 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.

When it comes to shedding, the Bernese Mountain Dog drops more fur with a shedding level of 5/5, while the Dachshund is lighter at 2/5. If pet hair on furniture is a concern, the Dachshund will be easier to live with.

The Bernese Mountain Dog demands more grooming attention with a score of 4/5, while the Dachshund is lower-maintenance at 2/5. The Bernese Mountain Dog's long coat requires regular brushing and professional grooming sessions, adding to the overall cost of ownership.

Annual grooming costs average around $250 for the Bernese Mountain Dog and $100 for the Dachshund. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a lifespan of 6–8 years, while the Dachshund lives 12–16 years. The Dachshund generally has a longer lifespan.

The Dachshund is generally the healthier breed, scoring 3/5 for health robustness versus the Bernese Mountain Dog's 1/5. This often translates to fewer vet visits and lower medical costs.

Common health issues for the Bernese Mountain Dog include cancer, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat. The Dachshund is prone to intervertebral disc disease, obesity, dental issues, patellar luxation. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $700 for the Bernese Mountain Dog and $500 for the Dachshund. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is easier to train with a trainability score of 4/5, making it more suitable for first-time dog owners. The Dachshund scores 2/5 and may require more patience and experience during training sessions.

The Bernese Mountain Dog ranks higher in intelligence (4/5 vs 3/5), which can be both a blessing and a challenge. Smarter dogs learn commands faster but also get bored more easily and may develop behavioral issues without mental stimulation.

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.

In terms of raw intelligence, the Bernese Mountain Dog outranks the Dachshund with a score of 4/5 compared to 3/5. The Bernese Mountain Dog tends to learn new commands in fewer repetitions and shows stronger problem-solving ability in novel situations. However, higher intelligence doesn't always mean an easier dog to own — smarter breeds often demand more mental stimulation to avoid boredom-driven destructive behavior.

These breeds excel in different types of intelligence. The Bernese Mountain Dog leans toward working intelligence — excelling at tasks, following complex commands, and performing jobs they were bred for. The Dachshund, on the other hand, shows strong instinctive intelligence — excelling at breed-specific tasks through natural instinct rather than learned behavior.

The Bernese Mountain Dog's higher intelligence translates directly into better trainability (4/5 vs 2/5), making them both the quicker learner and the easier breed to train. This combination is ideal for owners who want a responsive, obedient companion.

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.

For families with children, the Bernese Mountain Dog is the stronger choice, scoring 5/5 for kid-friendliness compared to the Dachshund's 3/5. The Bernese Mountain Dog's gentle nature makes it a natural fit for households with young ones.

If you have other pets, the Bernese Mountain Dog tends to get along better with other dogs (4/5) than the Dachshund (3/5). 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 Dachshund tends to be more reserved (3/5). If you frequently have guests, the Bernese Mountain Dog's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a Bernese Mountain Dog ranges from $1,500–$4,000, while a Dachshund typically costs $500–$2,000. The Bernese Mountain Dog has a higher upfront cost.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,910 for the Bernese Mountain Dog and $1,020 for the Dachshund. The Bernese Mountain Dog is more expensive to maintain year over year, mainly due to higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $80 for the Bernese Mountain Dog and $35 for the Dachshund. 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.