Dog breed comparison
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Great Pyrenees
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Great Pyrenees is the bigger breed, about 14 kg heavier on average. The Great Pyrenees tends to live about 3 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Bernese Mountain Dog | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Working Dogs | Working Dogs |
| Size | Large | Very Large |
| Height | 23 to 28 inches | 25 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 70 to 115 pounds | 85 to 160 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.
Easy to train
The Bernese Mountain Dog is easier to train than the Great Pyrenees.
Exercise needs
The Great Pyrenees needs more exercise than the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Friendly with strangers
The Bernese Mountain Dog is friendlier with strangers than the Great Pyrenees.
Copes alone
The Great Pyrenees copes better when left alone than the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Drooling
The Bernese Mountain Dog drools more than the Great Pyrenees.
Energy
The Great Pyrenees has more energy than the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Which to choose
Bernese Mountain Dog or Great Pyrenees?
Choose the Bernese Mountain Dog if…
- You want a dog that is easier to train
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
- You have lots of visitors (it is friendlier with strangers)
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
Choose the Great Pyrenees if…
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
- You want a more watchful dog (it is more reserved with strangers)
- You want a dog that copes better when left alone
- You want a dog that drools less
Questions.
Is the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Great Pyrenees bigger, and which lives longer?
The Great Pyrenees is the bigger breed, about 14 kg heavier on average. The Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees?
The Bernese Mountain Dog is generally easier to train than the Great Pyrenees. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Great Pyrenees?
The Bernese Mountain Dog is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Great Pyrenees can be great too. 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.
