Dog breed comparison
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Golden Retriever
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Bernese Mountain Dog is the bigger breed, about 12 kg heavier on average. The Golden Retriever tends to live about 3 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Bernese Mountain Dog | Golden Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Working Dogs | Sporting Dogs |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Height | 23 to 28 inches | 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 70 to 115 pounds | 55 to 75 pounds |
| Life span | 6 to 10 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Exercise needs
The Golden Retriever needs more exercise than the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Good with other dogs
The Golden Retriever gets on better with other dogs than the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Energy
The Golden Retriever has more energy than the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Easy to train
The Golden Retriever is easier to train than the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Intelligence
The Golden Retriever is quicker to learn than the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Easy to groom
The Bernese Mountain Dog is easier to groom than the Golden Retriever.
Which to choose
Bernese Mountain Dog or Golden Retriever?
Choose the Bernese Mountain Dog if…
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
- You want a dog that is easier to groom
Choose the Golden Retriever if…
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
- You want a dog that gets on better with other dogs
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You want a dog that is easier to train
Questions.
Is the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Golden Retriever bigger, and which lives longer?
The Bernese Mountain Dog is the bigger breed, about 12 kg heavier on average. The Golden Retriever tends to live about 3 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Golden Retriever?
The Golden Retriever is generally easier to train than the Bernese Mountain Dog. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Golden Retriever?
Both are usually good with children when well socialised. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
They shed about the same amount. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
