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
Labrador Retriever
America's most beloved family dog, known for a friendly temperament and eager-to-please attitude. Labs excel at everything from hunting to therapy work and are incredibly versatile.
Quick Answer
Choose Bernese Mountain Dog if you want a great companion. Choose Labrador Retriever if you want easier to train and more apartment-friendly.
Quick Comparison
Bernese Mountain Dog
Attribute
Labrador Retriever
large
Size
large
32–52 kg (71–115 lbs)
Weight
25–36 kg (55–79 lbs)
58–70 cm (23–28 in)
Height
55–62 cm (22–24 in)
6–8 yrs
Lifespan
10–13 yrsBetter
4/5
Trainability
5/5Better
3/5
Energy
5/5
5/5
Good with Kids
5/5
5/5
Shedding
4/5Better
4/5
Grooming
2/5Better
1/5
Apartment
2/5Better
1/5
Health
3/5Better
$1,500–$4,000
Price
$800–$2,000Better
Attribute Comparison
Health & Lifespan
Labrador Retriever tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Labrador Retriever
Lifespan (years)
6–8
vs10–13Better
Health Robustness
1/5
vs3/5Better
The lifespan difference is significant. Labrador Retrievers live 10–13 years on average, while Bernese Mountain Dogs live 6–8 years.
Cost of Ownership
Labrador Retriever 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
Labrador Retriever
Avg. Purchase$1,400
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$150
Annual Total$1,370 ✓
Be prepared for sticker shock: the Bernese Mountain Dog costs $1,500–$4,000 from a reputable breeder — significantly more than the Labrador Retriever's $800–$2,000. That's a $1,350 difference just to bring your puppy home.
Exercise & Activity
Labrador Retriever needs more exercise; Bernese Mountain Dog is lower-maintenance.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Labrador Retriever
Energy Level
3/5
vs5/5
Exercise Needs
3/5
vs5/5
Apartment Friendly
1/5
vs2/5Better
Activity needs are dramatically different here. The Labrador Retriever has very high energy (5/5) and needs very high exercise (5/5) — think long runs, hiking, or agility courses.
Temperament & Personality
Bernese Mountain Dog is calmer; Labrador Retriever is more energetic.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Labrador Retriever
Playfulness
4/5
vs5/5Better
Barking Level
Better2/5
vs3/5
Energy
3/5
vs5/5
When you live with a Bernese Mountain Dog, you'll notice their gentle, calm and strong character in everything they do. A Labrador Retriever, by contrast, shows a friendly, outgoing and active nature.
Grooming & Shedding
Bernese Mountain Dog sheds more; Labrador Retriever is easier to maintain.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Labrador Retriever
Shedding
5/5
vs4/5Better
Grooming Needs
4/5
vs2/5Better
The Bernese Mountain Dog sheds a bit more (5/5) than the Labrador Retriever (4/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Labrador Retriever has a slight edge.
Size & Appearance
Bernese Mountain Dog is the larger breed; Labrador Retriever is more compact.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Labrador Retriever
Weight (kg)
32–52
vs25–36
Height (cm)
58–70
vs55–62
Size is one of the most obvious contrasts between these breeds. The Bernese Mountain Dog tips the scales at 32–52 kg (71–115 lbs), dwarfing the Labrador Retriever's 25–36 kg (55–79 lbs).
Training & Intelligence
Labrador Retriever is generally easier to train.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Labrador Retriever
Trainability
4/5
vs5/5Better
Intelligence
4/5
vs5/5Better
The Labrador Retriever has a slight training edge (5/5 vs 4/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Labrador Retriever tends to catch on a bit faster.
Family & Social Life
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Labrador Retriever
Good with Kids
5/5
vs5/5
Good with Dogs
4/5
vs5/5Better
Strangers
4/5
vs5/5Better
Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
On balance, the Labrador Retriever has the edge — it's easier to train (5/5 vs 4/5), more apartment-friendly (2/5), less shedding (4/5). For most families, the Labrador Retriever is the more practical choice, particularly if you value an easy-to-train companion.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Bernese Mountain Dog and Labrador Retriever are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Labrador Retriever needs significantly more daily exercise than Bernese Mountain Dog. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever if...
- ✓Budget matters to you — Labrador Retrievers cost roughly $500 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Bernese Mountain Dog or Labrador Retriever?
The Bernese Mountain Dog scores 5/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Labrador Retriever at 5/5. The Bernese Mountain Dog is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Bernese Mountain Dog or Labrador Retriever easier to train?
The Labrador Retriever is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the Bernese Mountain Dog's 4/5. The Labrador Retriever's forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginners.
Which costs more, a Bernese Mountain Dog or Labrador Retriever?
A Bernese Mountain Dog puppy costs $1,500–$4,000 while a Labrador Retriever costs $800–$2,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,910 for the Bernese Mountain Dog and $1,370 for the Labrador Retriever. The Bernese Mountain Dog is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs or Labrador Retrievers live longer?
The Bernese Mountain Dog lives 6–8 years on average, while the Labrador Retriever lives 10–13 years. The Labrador Retriever tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Bernese Mountain Dog or Labrador Retriever live in an apartment?
The Labrador Retriever adapts better to apartment living (2/5) than the Bernese Mountain Dog (1/5). However, neither breed is an ideal apartment dog — daily outdoor exercise is essential.