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Compare Bernese Mountain Dog and Hokkaido 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
12–15 years
Weight
36–50 kg
25–35 kg
Height
58–70 cm
46–56 cm
Origin
Switzerland
Japan
Grooming effort
Nutrition sensitivity
Health risk
Heat tolerance
Cold tolerance
The Bernese Mountain Dog and Hokkaido are two distinct breeds with unique characteristics. The Bernese Mountain Dog, originating from Switzerland, is known for its gentle nature and strong protective instincts, making it a great family companion. With a lifespan of 7 to 10 years, they are larger in size, weighing between 36 to 50 kg and standing 58 to 70 cm tall. In contrast, the Hokkaido, a Japanese breed, boasts a longer lifespan of 12 to 15 years and is smaller, weighing 25 to 35 kg and measuring 46 to 56 cm in height. While both breeds are good with children, the Bernese Mountain Dog is more sociable, whereas the Hokkaido exhibits a stronger protective nature. Additionally, the Hokkaido is better suited for colder climates, making it a resilient choice for colder regions.
Bernese Mountain Dog — Advantages
- Good with kids
- Suitable for first-time owners
- Strong protective instincts
- High sociability
- Good exercise needs
- Suitable for first-time owners
- Strong protective instincts
- High sociability
- Good exercise needs
Disadvantages
- Shorter lifespan (7-10 years)
- Can struggle with separation (can stay alone: 2)
- Not apartment friendly
- Moderate grooming difficulty
- Medium shedding level
- Can struggle with separation (can stay alone: 2)
- Not apartment friendly
- Moderate grooming difficulty
- Medium shedding level
Hokkaido — Advantages
- Longer lifespan (12-15 years)
- Can stay alone better (can stay alone: 3)
- Lower grooming difficulty
- Good with kids
- Strong protective instincts
- Can stay alone better (can stay alone: 3)
- Lower grooming difficulty
- Good with kids
- Strong protective instincts
Disadvantages
- Not suitable for first-time owners
- Lower sociability
- Not apartment friendly
- Moderate shedding level
- Requires similar exercise needs
- Lower sociability
- Not apartment friendly
- Moderate shedding level
- Requires similar exercise needs
Frequently Asked Questions
Which breed is better for families with children?
Both breeds are good with kids, but the Bernese Mountain Dog is known for its high sociability.
How do the exercise needs compare between the two breeds?
Both breeds have similar exercise needs, rated at 4, so they require regular physical activity.
What is the grooming requirement for each breed?
The Bernese Mountain Dog has a moderate grooming difficulty, while the Hokkaido has a lower grooming difficulty.
Which breed has a longer lifespan?
The Hokkaido has a longer lifespan of 12 to 15 years compared to the Bernese Mountain Dog's 7 to 10 years.
Are either of these breeds suitable for apartment living?
Neither breed is apartment friendly, as both require space to move and exercise.
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