Bernese Mountain Dog vs Great Dane
Side-by-side comparison for prospective owners weighing both breeds.
| Trait | Bernese Mountain Dog | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 70–115 lbs | 110–175 lbs |
| Lifespan | 7–10 yrs | 7–10 yrs |
| Est. monthly cost | $130–$220 | $150–$280 |
| Energy level | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Good with kids | ||
| Good with other pets | ||
| Vocalization |
Where Bernese Mountain Dog and Great Dane differ most
- Grooming needs: Bernese Mountain Dog 4/5 · Great Dane 1/5Bernese Mountain Dog much more upkeep
- Adult weight: Bernese Mountain Dog 70–115 lbs · Great Dane 110–175 lbsGreat Dane heavier
- Shedding: Bernese Mountain Dog 5/5 · Great Dane 3/5Bernese Mountain Dog sheds more
- Good with kids: Bernese Mountain Dog 5/5 · Great Dane 4/5Bernese Mountain Dog rated higher
- Good with other pets: Bernese Mountain Dog 4/5 · Great Dane 3/5Bernese Mountain Dog rated higher
- Est. monthly cost: Bernese Mountain Dog $130–220 · Great Dane $150–280Great Dane costlier
Full trait-by-trait breakdown
| Trait | Bernese Mountain Dog | Great Dane | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult weight | 70–115 lbs | 110–175 lbs | Great Dane heavier |
| Energy level | 3/5 | 3/5 | About the same |
| Daily exercise | ~45 min | ~45 min | About the same |
| Grooming needs | 4/5 | 1/5 | Bernese Mountain Dog much more upkeep |
| Shedding | 5/5 | 3/5 | Bernese Mountain Dog sheds more |
| Trainability | 4/5 | 4/5 | About the same |
| Good with kids | 5/5 | 4/5 | Bernese Mountain Dog rated higher |
| Good with other pets | 4/5 | 3/5 | Bernese Mountain Dog rated higher |
| Vocalization | 2/5 | 2/5 | About the same |
| Lifespan | 7–10 yrs | 7–10 yrs | About the same |
| Est. monthly cost | $130–220 | $150–280 | Great Dane costlier |
Which one should you choose?
Two gentle giants with genuinely sweet dispositions, but their coats and exercise needs diverge in ways worth planning around. The Great Dane's short coat is essentially wash-and-go, while the Bernese's thick double coat sheds heavily and needs a real brushing routine to stay manageable, especially through seasonal blowouts. Both are surprisingly moderate on daily exercise for their size, content with a solid walk rather than a run, and both tend to be patient, easygoing presences around kids. The Dane's sheer height means more consideration for furniture and countertop-level curiosity, while the Bernese's build is stockier and lower to the ground. Either breed needs a home with real space and an owner prepared for a shorter lifespan and higher food and vet costs that come with giant size. Choose the Dane for a lower-grooming giant with a famously affectionate, goofy streak; choose the Bernese if you don't mind the coat upkeep for that classic tri-color farm-dog look.
Whichever breed fits your life, consider adoption or breed-specific rescue first — many purebred and mixed-breed dogs and cats are already waiting for homes.
General breed information, not veterinary advice — consult a vet for your pet's specific health, diet, and behavior needs.