Bernese Hound vs German Shepherd
Discover the differences between Bernese Hound and German Shepherd to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Bernese Hound
Calm, affectionate, and loyal, the Bernese Hound thrives as a devoted family companion. Its keen nose and balanced temperament make it both a skilled tracker and gentle pet.
German Shepherd
Confident, loyal, and highly intelligent, this breed thrives as both a devoted family companion and a reliable working partner. Always alert and eager to learn, it adapts to many roles with ease.
Quick comparison
Medium
18–27 kg
Short, dense
10–12 years
16–23 kg
Moderately active
Large
30–40 kg
Double coat, dense undercoat
9–13 years
22–32 kg
High energy
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
Bernese Hound
Gentle and sociable with people and dogs
Learns tasks quickly with consistent guidance
Active and enjoys regular outdoor activities
Likes games but not overly exuberant
Adjusts to routine changes with some ease
German Shepherd
Warm with family, reserved with strangers
Quick learner, highly trainable and alert
Needs regular activity and vigorous exercise
Enjoys games, interactive and engaging
Adjusts well to new situations and environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Bernese Hound
Ear infections, hip dysplasia
German Shepherd
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Bernese Hound
Moderately suitable
Needs confident owner for training and exercise demands
Not ideal
Needs space and is prone to barking indoors
Excellent companion
Energetic nature matches well with active lifestyles and outdoor activities
Family friendly
Gentle temperament and patient with respectful children
Generally compatible
Tends to get along with other pets if socialized early
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for long periods and may develop separation issues
German Shepherd
Challenging for beginners
Needs experienced, consistent training and socialization
Not ideal
Needs space and frequent exercise to prevent boredom
Perfect fit
Thrives with active owners who can provide daily physical and mental challenges
Highly suitable
Loyal and protective, can be gentle and patient with proper socialization
Usually compatible
Can get along with other pets if raised together and well socialized
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for long periods and may develop behavioral issues
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
Bernese Hound
- Strong scent-tracking abilities
- Adaptable to various terrains
- Friendly and sociable with people
- Generally good with other dogs
- Low aggression toward humans
German Shepherd
- Highly intelligent and quick to learn tasks
- Strong loyalty to family members
- Excellent working and service dog abilities
- Protective instincts make them good guardians
- Adaptable to various training activities
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
Bernese Hound
- High daily exercise requirements
- Prone to separation anxiety
- Can be stubborn during training
- May chase small animals instinctively
- Needs mental stimulation to prevent boredom
German Shepherd
- Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia
- High exercise needs require daily activity
- Can develop separation anxiety if left alone
- May be wary of strangers without socialization
- Heavy seasonal shedding requires frequent grooming
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