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Compare Bernese Mountain Dog and English Mastiff side by side: temperament, energy, trainability, apartment fit, shedding, lifespan, weight and free adoption listings.

Breed traits

Character & behavior

Energy level
Playfulness
Intelligence
Trainability
Protectiveness
Sociability
Can stay alone

Lifestyle fit

Apartment-friendly
No
No
Good with kids
Yes
Yes
Good for first-time owners
Yes
No
Shedding
Noise level
Exercise needs

Physical & general

Life span
7–10 years
6–12 years
Weight
36–50 kg
54–113 kg
Height
58–70 cm
68–76 cm
Origin
Switzerland
England
Grooming effort
Nutrition sensitivity
Health risk
Heat tolerance
Cold tolerance
The Bernese Mountain Dog and the English Mastiff are both large breeds known for their gentle nature and loyalty. The Bernese Mountain Dog, originating from Switzerland, typically has a lifespan of 7 to 10 years and weighs between 36 to 50 kg. They are sociable and good with children, making them a suitable choice for families. In contrast, the English Mastiff, hailing from England, has a longer lifespan range of 6 to 12 years and a significantly larger weight range of 54 to 113 kg. While both breeds share a similar level of protectiveness, the Bernese Mountain Dog is generally more playful and sociable, whereas the English Mastiff tends to be more laid-back and requires less exercise. Both breeds are not suitable for apartment living, but they offer unique qualities that may appeal to different pet owners.

Bernese Mountain Dog — Advantages

Good with kids
Sociable and friendly
Suitable for first-time owners
Moderate exercise needs
Higher playfulness level

Disadvantages

Shorter lifespan compared to English Mastiff
Requires more exercise
Not suitable for apartment living
Can be sensitive to heat
Moderate grooming difficulty

English Mastiff — Advantages

Longer potential lifespan
Larger size, providing a strong presence
Lower exercise needs
Calm demeanor
Less grooming required

Disadvantages

Not suitable for first-time owners
Less sociable than Bernese Mountain Dog
Can stay alone but may not thrive
Lower playfulness level
Moderate health risks

Frequently Asked Questions

Which breed is better for families with children?

The Bernese Mountain Dog is known for being very good with kids.

How much exercise do these breeds need?

The Bernese Mountain Dog requires moderate exercise, while the English Mastiff has lower exercise needs.

Are either of these breeds suitable for apartment living?

Neither breed is suitable for apartment living due to their size and exercise needs.

Which breed is easier to train?

Both breeds have similar trainability, but the Bernese Mountain Dog may be slightly more eager to please.

How do these breeds handle cold weather?

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a higher tolerance for cold weather compared to the English Mastiff.

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