Comparison: Bernese Mountain Dog and Hovawart

Bernese Mountain Dog and Hovawart are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Bernese Mountain Dog
Photo: Arnaudandko, CC BY 4.0, source
Hovawart
Photo: Zelda666, Public domain, source
Bernese Mountain DogHovawart
FCI group2. Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid breeds, Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs2. Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid breeds, Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs
Country of originSwitzerlandGermany
CategoryLargeLarge
Height at withers58–70 cm58–70 cm
Weight34–50 kg25–40 kg
Life span7–10 years10–14 years
Recognition features
  • Tricolour coat: black, rust and white
  • White blaze and white cross on the chest
  • Long, soft, slightly wavy coat
  • Long slightly wavy coat in black, black-and-tan or blond
  • Strong but refined build
  • Well-feathered tail carried low
CoatLong, shiny coat, slightly wavy; tricolour.Long, slightly wavy coat; black, black-and-tan, blond.
PurposeA Swiss farm dog that guarded homesteads, drove cattle and pulled milk carts.A German farm guard dog recreated in the 20th century after medieval yard-guarding dogs.

Breed page: Bernese Mountain Dog · Breed page: Hovawart

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.