Bernese Mountain Dog
A stunningly beautiful, gentle giant from the Swiss Alps. Bernese Mountain Dogs are calm, strong, and deeply devoted to their families, though their short lifespan is a known heartbreak.
VS
French Bulldog
A playful, adaptable companion with bat-like ears and a charming personality. French Bulldogs thrive in city apartments and make excellent companions for singles and families alike.
Quick Answer
Choose Bernese Mountain Dog if you want easier to train and better with kids. Choose French Bulldog if you want more apartment-friendly and less shedding.
Quick Comparison
Bernese Mountain Dog
Attribute
French Bulldog
large
Size
small
32–52 kg (71–115 lbs)
Weight
8–13 kg (18–29 lbs)
58–70 cm (23–28 in)
Height
28–33 cm (11–13 in)
6–8 yrs
Lifespan
10–12 yrsBetter
Better4/5
Trainability
3/5
3/5
Energy
3/5
Better5/5
Good with Kids
4/5
5/5
Shedding
2/5Better
4/5
Grooming
1/5Better
1/5
Apartment
5/5Better
1/5
Health
2/5Better
Better$1,500–$4,000
Price
$1,500–$5,000
Attribute Comparison
Size & Appearance
Bernese Mountain Dog is the larger breed; French Bulldog is more compact.
Bernese Mountain Dog
French Bulldog
Weight (kg)
32–52
vs8–13
Height (cm)
58–70
vs28–33
These two breeds look nothing alike. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large breed at 32–52 kg (71–115 lbs) and 58–70 cm (23–28 in), while the French Bulldog is a small breed at just 8–13 kg (18–29 lbs) and 28–33 cm (11–13 in).
Grooming & Shedding
Bernese Mountain Dog sheds more; French Bulldog is easier to maintain.
Bernese Mountain Dog
French Bulldog
Shedding
5/5
vs2/5Better
Grooming Needs
4/5
vs1/5Better
Shedding is a major differentiator. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a prolific shedder (5/5) — expect fur on your clothes, furniture, and car seats year-round.
Health & Lifespan
French Bulldog tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Bernese Mountain Dog
French Bulldog
Lifespan (years)
6–8
vs10–12Better
Health Robustness
1/5
vs2/5Better
The lifespan difference is significant. French Bulldogs live 10–12 years on average, while Bernese Mountain Dogs live 6–8 years.
Exercise & Activity
Bernese Mountain Dog needs more exercise; French Bulldog is lower-maintenance.
Bernese Mountain Dog
French Bulldog
Energy Level
3/5
vs3/5
Exercise Needs
3/5
vs2/5
Apartment Friendly
1/5
vs5/5Better
The Bernese Mountain Dog needs slightly more exercise (3/5) than the French Bulldog (2/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have moderate to moderate energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Cost of Ownership
French Bulldog is less expensive to own annually.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Avg. Purchase$2,750
Annual Food$960
Annual Vet$700
Annual Grooming$250
Annual Total$1,910
French Bulldog
Avg. Purchase$3,250
Annual Food$480
Annual Vet$800
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,380 ✓
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $1,500–$4,000 for a Bernese Mountain Dog versus $1,500–$5,000 for a French Bulldog. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Training & Intelligence
Bernese Mountain Dog is generally easier to train.
Bernese Mountain Dog
French Bulldog
Trainability
Better4/5
vs3/5
Intelligence
Better4/5
vs3/5
The Bernese Mountain Dog has a slight training edge (4/5 vs 3/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Bernese Mountain Dog tends to catch on a bit faster.
Family & Social Life
Bernese Mountain Dog is better suited for families with children.
Bernese Mountain Dog
French Bulldog
Good with Kids
Better5/5
vs4/5
Good with Dogs
Better4/5
vs3/5
Strangers
4/5
vs4/5
The Bernese Mountain Dog has a slight edge with children (5/5 vs 4/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Bernese Mountain Dog's gentle temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Temperament & Personality
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
Bernese Mountain Dog
French Bulldog
Playfulness
4/5
vs4/5
Barking Level
2/5
vs2/5
Energy
3/5
vs3/5
If you've spent time around both breeds, the personality gap is unmistakable. A Bernese Mountain Dog greets the world with a gentle attitude, whereas a French Bulldog leans more toward a playful approach.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
On balance, the French Bulldog has the edge — it's more apartment-friendly (5/5), lower exercise needs (2/5), less shedding (2/5). For most families, the French Bulldog is the more practical choice, particularly if you value low-maintenance ownership.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Bernese Mountain Dog and French Bulldog are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Bernese Mountain Dog sheds considerably more, French Bulldog is considerably better suited to apartment living. Annual ownership costs are lower for the French Bulldog by roughly $500/year.
Choose Bernese Mountain Dog if...
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Bernese Mountain Dogs tend to get along well with other dogs (4/5).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Choose French Bulldog if...
- ✓You live in an apartment or don't have a yard — French Bulldogs adapt much better to smaller spaces (5/5 vs 1/5 apartment rating).
- ✓You hate vacuuming or have allergies — French Bulldogs shed dramatically less (2/5 vs 5/5 shedding score).
- ✓Budget matters to you — French Bulldogs cost roughly $500 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
Neither may be right if...
Both breeds have significant health concerns and above-average vet costs. If budget is a constraint, consider looking at breeds with health robustness scores of 4–5/5, such as the Beagle or Australian Cattle Dog.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Bernese Mountain Dog or French Bulldog?
The Bernese Mountain Dog scores 5/5 for being good with kids, making it the better family choice compared to the French Bulldog's 4/5. The Bernese Mountain Dog is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Bernese Mountain Dog or French Bulldog easier to train?
The Bernese Mountain Dog is easier to train with a score of 4/5, compared to the French Bulldog's 3/5. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well.
Which costs more, a Bernese Mountain Dog or French Bulldog?
A Bernese Mountain Dog puppy costs $1,500–$4,000 while a French Bulldog costs $1,500–$5,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,910 for the Bernese Mountain Dog and $1,380 for the French Bulldog. The Bernese Mountain Dog is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs or French Bulldogs live longer?
The Bernese Mountain Dog lives 6–8 years on average, while the French Bulldog lives 10–12 years. The French Bulldog tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Bernese Mountain Dog or French Bulldog live in an apartment?
The French Bulldog adapts better to apartment living (5/5) than the Bernese Mountain Dog (1/5). The French Bulldog ranks among our best apartment breeds.