Bernese Mountain DogVSPembroke Welsh Corgi

The Bernese Mountain Dog is known for being gentle, calm, strong, while the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is typically described as affectionate, smart, alert. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

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

Noise-wise, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is more vocal with a barking level of 4/5, 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 Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small breed at 25–30 cm (10–12 in) and 10–14 kg (22–31 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 Pembroke Welsh Corgi's smaller frame makes it easier to handle and transport.

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a long coat available in tricolor, while the Pembroke Welsh Corgi sports a medium coat in red, sable, fawn, 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 Pembroke Welsh Corgi has high energy (4/5) and high exercise needs (4/5).

You'll need to dedicate more time to exercising the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, 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 Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 3/5, 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 Pembroke Welsh Corgi is lighter at 4/5. If pet hair on furniture is a concern, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi will be easier to live with.

The Bernese Mountain Dog demands more grooming attention with a score of 4/5, while the Pembroke Welsh Corgi 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 $150 for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a lifespan of 6–8 years, while the Pembroke Welsh Corgi lives 12–15 years. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi generally has a longer lifespan.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi 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 Pembroke Welsh Corgi is prone to hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, intervertebral disc disease, progressive retinal atrophy. 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 Pembroke Welsh Corgi. 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.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi 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 Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the more intelligent of the two, scoring 5/5 to the Bernese Mountain Dog's 4/5. This means the Pembroke Welsh Corgi 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.

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.

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 Pembroke Welsh Corgi'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 Pembroke Welsh Corgi 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 $1,080 for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. 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 $40 for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. 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.