Bernese Mountain DogVSHavanese

The Bernese Mountain Dog is known for being gentle, calm, strong, while the Havanese is typically described as cheerful, intelligent, outgoing. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

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

Noise-wise, the Havanese 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 Havanese is a small breed at 22–29 cm (9–11 in) and 3–6 kg (7–13 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 Havanese's smaller frame makes it easier to handle and transport.

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a long coat available in tricolor, while the Havanese sports a long coat in white, black, havana brown, fawn, tobacco. 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 Havanese has moderate energy (3/5) and low exercise needs (2/5).

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

For apartment dwellers, the Havanese is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 5/5, 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 Havanese is lighter at 1/5. If pet hair on furniture is a concern, the Havanese will be easier to live with.

Both breeds have similar grooming demands at 4/5. Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming visits will keep either breed looking their best.

Annual grooming costs average around $250 for the Bernese Mountain Dog and $400 for the Havanese. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a lifespan of 6–8 years, while the Havanese lives 13–15 years. The Havanese generally has a longer lifespan.

The Havanese is generally the healthier breed, scoring 4/5 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 Havanese is prone to patellar luxation, cataracts, deafness, heart murmurs. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $700 for the Bernese Mountain Dog and $400 for the Havanese. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

Both breeds are equally trainable at 4/5. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well with either breed.

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 Bernese Mountain Dog and Havanese 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.

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

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.

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

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

The initial purchase price for a Bernese Mountain Dog ranges from $1,500–$4,000, while a Havanese typically costs $1,000–$2,500. 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 $1,160 for the Havanese. 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 $30 for the Havanese. 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.