Bernese Mountain DogVSEnglish Springer Spaniel

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

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

Noise-wise, the English Springer Spaniel is more vocal with a barking level of 3/5, 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 English Springer Spaniel is a medium breed at 46–51 cm (18–20 in) and 18–25 kg (40–55 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 English Springer Spaniel's smaller frame makes it easier to handle and transport.

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a long coat available in tricolor, while the English Springer Spaniel sports a medium coat in liver and white, black and white, tricolor. 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 English Springer Spaniel has very high energy (5/5) and very high exercise needs (5/5).

You'll need to dedicate more time to exercising the English Springer Spaniel, which thrives on vigorous daily activity. The Bernese Mountain Dog is less demanding in this regard and settles more easily into a relaxed routine.

For apartment dwellers, the English Springer Spaniel 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.

When it comes to shedding, the Bernese Mountain Dog drops more fur with a shedding level of 5/5, while the English Springer Spaniel is lighter at 3/5. If pet hair on furniture is a concern, the English Springer Spaniel will be easier to live with.

The Bernese Mountain Dog demands more grooming attention with a score of 4/5, while the English Springer Spaniel is lower-maintenance at 3/5. 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 $250 for the English Springer Spaniel. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a lifespan of 6–8 years, while the English Springer Spaniel lives 12–14 years. The English Springer Spaniel generally has a longer lifespan.

The English Springer Spaniel 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 English Springer Spaniel is prone to hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, elbow dysplasia, ear infections. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $700 for the Bernese Mountain Dog and $450 for the English Springer Spaniel. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

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

The English Springer Spaniel ranks higher in intelligence (5/5 vs 4/5), 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.

The English Springer Spaniel is the more intelligent of the two, scoring 5/5 to the Bernese Mountain Dog's 4/5. This means the English Springer Spaniel generally picks up new commands faster and is better at figuring things out independently. On the flip side, their sharp mind needs regular engagement through puzzle toys, training games, and varied activities to prevent behavioral issues.

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 English Springer Spaniel, on the other hand, shows strong adaptive intelligence — figuring out new situations on their own and reading social cues effectively.

The English Springer Spaniel's higher intelligence translates directly into better trainability (5/5 vs 4/5), 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.

Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed can be a wonderful addition to a household with kids.

The initial purchase price for a Bernese Mountain Dog ranges from $1,500–$4,000, while a English Springer Spaniel typically costs $800–$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 $1,300 for the English Springer Spaniel. 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 $50 for the English Springer Spaniel. 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.