Comparison: Bernese Mountain Dog and Leonberger

Bernese Mountain Dog and Leonberger 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
Leonberger
Photo: Pleple2000, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Bernese Mountain DogLeonberger
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
CategoryLargeGiant
Height at withers58–70 cm65–80 cm
Weight34–50 kg40–75 kg
Life span7–10 years8–9 years
Recognition features
  • Tricolour coat: black, rust and white
  • White blaze and white cross on the chest
  • Long, soft, slightly wavy coat
  • Lion-like mane, thick golden-red coat
  • Black mask and massive build
  • Webbed feet
CoatLong, shiny coat, slightly wavy; tricolour.Long dense water-resistant coat with undercoat; yellow to red-brown with a black mask.
PurposeA Swiss farm dog that guarded homesteads, drove cattle and pulled milk carts.Created in the 1840s by Heinrich Essig of Leonberg as a ´lion´ from Saint Bernard, Newfoundland and Pyrenean stock.

Breed page: Bernese Mountain Dog · Breed page: Leonberger

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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.