Bernese Mountain DogVSYorkshire Terrier

The Bernese Mountain Dog is known for being gentle, calm, strong, while the Yorkshire Terrier is typically described as spirited, bold, affectionate. 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.

Noise-wise, the Yorkshire Terrier is more vocal with a barking level of 5/5, 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 Yorkshire Terrier is a small breed at 18–23 cm (7–9 in) and 2–3 kg (4–7 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 Yorkshire Terrier's smaller frame makes it easier to handle and transport.

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a long coat available in tricolor, while the Yorkshire Terrier sports a long coat in blue and tan, black and gold. 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 Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier is more adaptable and can get by with shorter walks and play sessions.

For apartment dwellers, the Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier is lighter at 1/5. If pet hair on furniture is a concern, the Yorkshire Terrier will be easier to live with.

Grooming-wise, the Yorkshire Terrier needs more upkeep (5/5) than the Bernese Mountain Dog (4/5). The Yorkshire Terrier's long coat demands regular professional grooming to stay in top shape.

Annual grooming costs average around $250 for the Bernese Mountain Dog and $500 for the Yorkshire Terrier. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a lifespan of 6–8 years, while the Yorkshire Terrier lives 13–16 years. The Yorkshire Terrier generally has a longer lifespan.

The Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier is prone to patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt, tracheal collapse, dental disease. 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 Yorkshire Terrier. 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 Yorkshire Terrier scores 3/5 and may require more patience and experience during training sessions.

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 Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier, on the other hand, shows strong instinctive intelligence — excelling at breed-specific tasks through natural instinct rather than learned behavior.

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 Yorkshire Terrier's 2/5. The Bernese Mountain Dog's gentle nature makes it a natural fit for households with young ones.

If you have other pets, the Bernese Mountain Dog tends to get along better with other dogs (4/5) than the Yorkshire Terrier (2/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Bernese Mountain Dog is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is more welcoming to strangers (4/5), while the Yorkshire Terrier tends to be more reserved (3/5). If you frequently have guests, the Bernese Mountain Dog's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a Bernese Mountain Dog ranges from $1,500–$4,000, while a Yorkshire Terrier typically costs $800–$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 $1,250 for the Yorkshire Terrier. 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 $25 for the Yorkshire Terrier. 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.