Bernese Mountain DogVSGreat Dane

The Bernese Mountain Dog is known for being gentle, calm, strong, while the Great Dane is typically described as friendly, patient, dependable. 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.

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 Great Dane is a giant breed at 71–86 cm (28–34 in) and 45–90 kg (99–198 lbs).

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

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a long coat available in tricolor, while the Great Dane sports a short coat in fawn, brindle, blue, black, harlequin, mantle. 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane is lighter at 3/5. If pet hair on furniture is a concern, the Great Dane will be easier to live with.

The Bernese Mountain Dog demands more grooming attention with a score of 4/5, while the Great Dane is lower-maintenance at 1/5. 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 Great Dane. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a lifespan of 6–8 years, while the Great Dane lives 7–10 years. The Great Dane generally has a longer lifespan.

Both breeds score 1/5 for health robustness, meaning they share similar overall health profiles.

Common health issues for the Bernese Mountain Dog include cancer, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat. The Great Dane is prone to bloat, hip dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, osteosarcoma. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $700 for the Bernese Mountain Dog and $700 for the Great Dane. 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 Great Dane scores 3/5 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 Great Dane 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.

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.

The Bernese Mountain Dog's higher intelligence translates directly into better trainability (4/5 vs 3/5), 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 Great Dane's 4/5. The Bernese Mountain Dog's gentle nature makes it a natural fit for households with young ones.

The initial purchase price for a Bernese Mountain Dog ranges from $1,500–$4,000, while a Great Dane typically costs $1,000–$3,000. 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 $2,000 for the Great Dane. The Great Dane costs more annually, largely because of higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $80 for the Bernese Mountain Dog and $100 for the Great Dane. 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.