Bernese Mountain DogVSGreat Dane
Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and Great Dane are gentle giants beloved for their calm temperaments, but they differ in origin, grooming, and unfortunately, lifespan.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Bernese Mountain Dog | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 70–115 lbs, 23–27.5 in | 110–175 lbs, 28–32 in |
| Energy Level | Moderate | Moderate |
| Shedding | Heavy | ✓Moderate |
| Trainability | ✓Very Good | Good |
| Good With Kids | Excellent | Excellent |
| Apartment Friendly | Poor | Poor |
| Average Lifespan | 7–10 years | 7–10 years |
| Monthly Cost (est.) | ✓$200–$350 | $230–$400 |
✓ indicates advantage in this category. Tie = comparable.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Choose a Bernese Mountain Dog if…
Families wanting a drafting and herding dog with a beautiful tri-color coat, calm demeanor, and strong trainability.
Choose a Great Dane if…
Families wanting the ultimate gentle giant — a massive, patient, regal dog that is surprisingly low-energy indoors.
Grooming & Shedding
Bernese Mountain Dogs have a long, thick tri-color double coat that sheds heavily year-round and more dramatically in spring and fall. Brushing three to four times per week is necessary to manage shedding and prevent matting around the ears and collar area. Great Danes have a short, dense coat that sheds moderately and needs only weekly brushing. Bathing a Great Dane requires space and effort given their size. For owners who prefer minimal coat management, the Great Dane is the simpler option by a significant margin.
Temperament & Family Compatibility
Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle, patient, and deeply affectionate with children — their moderate energy and trainable nature make them excellent family dogs. Great Danes are equally gentle with children and are famously calm indoors despite their imposing size. Both breeds are sociable with strangers and low in aggression. Berners are more trainable and have a working dog background that makes them responsive to structured learning. Great Danes are less focused but equally loyal. Both breeds require space and investment; the Berner is more suitable for active, training-oriented families.
Compare pet insurance for Bernese Mountain Dog and Great Dane
Both breeds have different health profiles — find the right coverage level before your first vet visit.
Compare Pet Insurance QuotesFrequently Asked Questions
Which is easier to groom?
Great Danes are significantly easier to groom. Their short, dense coat requires minimal brushing and sheds moderately. Bernese Mountain Dogs have a long, thick double coat that sheds heavily, especially seasonally, requiring frequent brushing.
Which has a longer lifespan?
Both breeds share the same tragic reality of large-breed lifespans — typically 7–10 years. Great Danes are often cited as having a slightly shorter average lifespan (8–10 years) but individual variation is significant for both breeds.
Which is better for first-time owners?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are better for first-time large-dog owners due to their eagerness to please and strong trainability. Great Danes can be handled by first-time owners who can manage their size, but their sheer mass makes early leash and obedience training absolutely critical.
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