Bernese Hound vs Golden Retriever
Discover the differences between Bernese Hound and Golden Retriever 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.
Golden Retriever
A loving, intelligent breed with an easygoing nature and playful spirit. Known for loyalty and adaptability, making them exceptional companions for families of all kinds.
Quick comparison
Medium
18–27 kg
Short, dense
10–12 years
16–23 kg
Moderately active
Large
29–34 kg
Double coat, water-repellent
10–12 years
25–29 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
Golden Retriever
Very sociable, enjoys people and other dogs
Quick to learn commands and routines
Needs regular activity and mental stimulation
Loves games and interactive activities
Adjusts well to various living environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Bernese Hound
Ear infections, hip dysplasia
Golden Retriever
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
Golden Retriever
Great choice
Friendly, trainable nature makes them easy for new owners to manage
Needs space
Large size and high energy can be challenging in small apartments
Highly suitable
Enjoys regular exercise and outdoor activities with active people
Perfect fit
Gentle temperament and patience make them excellent with young children
Very friendly
Generally sociable and gets along well with other pets
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for extended periods and may develop separation 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
Golden Retriever
- Friendly with children and other pets
- Highly trainable and eager to please
- Consistent, gentle temperament in most settings
- Reliable as therapy and assistance dogs
- Strong retrieving and swimming abilities
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
Golden Retriever
- Prone to obesity without portion control
- High shedding year-round requires regular grooming
- Needs ample daily exercise to prevent boredom
- Can develop separation anxiety when left alone
- Susceptible to certain genetic health conditions
Ready to choose your perfect breed?
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