Bernese Mountain Dog vs Newfoundland
The two published breed profiles side by side: size, energy, grooming, lifespan, temperament ratings and health.
| Bernese Mountain Dog | Newfoundland | |
|---|---|---|
| Size class | Large | Giant |
| Adult weight | 31.8 to 52.2 kg | 45.4 to 68 kg |
| In pounds | 70 to 115 lb | 100 to 150 lb |
| Adult height | 58 to 70 cm | 66 to 71 cm |
| Energy | High | Moderate |
| Grooming | Moderate | Moderate |
| Coat | Medium double | Medium double |
| Shedding | High | Moderate |
| Lifespan | 7 to 10 years | 9 to 10 years |
| Good with children | Reliably good | Reliably good |
| Good with other dogs | Reliably good | Reliably good |
| Country of origin | Switzerland | Canada |
The main differences
- The Newfoundland is the bigger dog: 45.4 to 68 kg against 31.8 to 52.2 kg for the Bernese Mountain Dog.
- The Bernese Mountain Dog needs more exercise: high energy against moderate for the Newfoundland.
- Grooming is moderate for both.
- The Newfoundland usually lives longer: 9 to 10 years against 7 to 10 years.
Temperament
Bernese Mountain Dog: Calm, good natured and strong, the Bernese Mountain Dog is generally placid but is always up for a romp with the owner they live to please.
Newfoundland: Exceptionally gentle with a docile nature. A multipurpose working dog at home on land and in water, and a devoted family companion.
Health worth asking about
Conditions each breed is reported to be predisposed to. Predisposed does not mean inevitable: it means ask the breeder for the parents' test results.
Bernese Mountain Dog
- Hip and elbow dysplasia, which breeding stock should be x-rayed for under the hip and elbow scoring schemes
- Cancer, picked up on a veterinary examination with imaging and biopsy of any new lump
- Bloat and gastric torsion, a surgical emergency in deep chested dogs
- Von Willebrand's disease and eye disorders including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, the first detectable by DNA or blood test and the second by an ophthalmologist eye examination
Newfoundland
- Cystinuria, detectable by DNA test and urine testing
- Hip dysplasia, screened under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme
- Elbow dysplasia, screened under the BVA/KC Elbow Dysplasia Scheme
- Hereditary eye disease, screened under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme
- Dilated cardiomyopathy, screened by echocardiogram and Holter monitor
- Gastric dilatation volvulus, a surgical emergency, risk rises with a deep chest, gastropexy at the time of neutering reduces the risk
Common questions
Which is bigger, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Newfoundland?
The Newfoundland. Adults weigh 45.4 to 68 kg, against 31.8 to 52.2 kg for the Bernese Mountain Dog, going by the published breed profiles.
Which lives longer, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Newfoundland?
The published life expectancy is 7 to 10 years for the Bernese Mountain Dog and 9 to 10 years for the Newfoundland. These are typical ranges across the breed, not a promise about one dog.
Is the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Newfoundland better with children?
They score the same: reliably good with children. Any dog needs supervising around young children, whatever their breed rating.
Related comparisons
Next
Not veterinary advice. Breed information is general. Your own dog, and your own vet, always win.
Sources
Every figure on this page comes from the two breed guides, which cite:
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin