Comparison: Bernese Mountain Dog and Saint Bernard

Bernese Mountain Dog and Saint Bernard 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
Saint Bernard
Photo: Хрюша, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Bernese Mountain DogSaint Bernard
FCI group2. Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid breeds, Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs2. Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid breeds, Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs
Country of originSwitzerlandSwitzerland
CategoryLargeGiant
Height at withers58–70 cm65–90 cm
Weight34–50 kg55–90 kg
Life span7–10 years8–10 years
Recognition features
  • Tricolour coat: black, rust and white
  • White blaze and white cross on the chest
  • Long, soft, slightly wavy coat
  • Huge heavy dog with a red-and-white coat
  • Broad head with drooping lips and wrinkles
  • Both smooth and long-haired coat types
CoatLong, shiny coat, slightly wavy; tricolour.Long or short dense coat with undercoat; red-and-white or brown-and-white.
PurposeA Swiss farm dog that guarded homesteads, drove cattle and pulled milk carts.Monks at the Great St Bernard Pass hospice used it to rescue lost and buried travellers.

Breed page: Bernese Mountain Dog · Breed page: Saint Bernard

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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.