Bernese Mountain DogVSGreater Swiss Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are two of the four Swiss Sennenhund breeds, both sharing the iconic tri-color black, white, and rust coat of Swiss mountain dogs. The Bernese is the long-haired, more widely known breed, while the Greater Swiss is larger, short-haired, and less common. Here is a full comparison of these two majestic Swiss working dogs.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Bernese Mountain Dog | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 70–115 lbs, 23–27.5 in | ✓85–140 lbs, 23.5–28.5 in |
| Energy Level | Moderate | Moderate |
| Trainability | ✓Very Good | Good |
| Shedding | Very Heavy (long coat) | ✓Moderate (short coat) |
| Good With Kids | ✓Excellent | Very Good |
| Good With Other Dogs | ✓Very Good | Good |
| Life Expectancy | 7–10 years | ✓8–11 years |
| Grooming Needs | High (long coat) | ✓Low (short coat) |
| Exercise Needs | 60–90 min/day | 60–90 min/day |
| Price Range | $1,500–$3,500 | ✓$1,200–$2,500 |
✓ indicates advantage in this category. Tie = comparable.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Choose a Bernese Mountain Dog if…
Choose a Bernese Mountain Dog if you want the more widely available, slightly gentler Swiss breed with exceptional family friendliness and a stunning long coat.
Choose a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog if…
Choose a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog if you want a larger, lower-shedding Swiss breed with a longer lifespan and a working draft dog heritage.
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Compare Pet Insurance QuotesFrequently Asked Questions
Which is more popular, Bernese or Greater Swiss?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are significantly more popular — they consistently rank in the top 25 of AKC registrations and are widely recognized worldwide. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are much rarer, ranking well outside the top 50. Part of this is historical: Berners were nearly extinct in the early 20th century but were successfully revived through dedicated breeding efforts.
Which breed lives longer?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs have a slightly longer average lifespan of 8 to 11 years compared to the Bernese Mountain Dog's 7 to 10 years. Bernese Mountain Dogs have a notably high cancer rate — approximately 50% die from cancer, which is one of the highest rates of any breed. Both breeds suffer from the shortened lifespans typical of large and giant-breed dogs.
Which is easier to groom?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are much easier to groom due to their short, dense double coat — they require only weekly brushing and seasonal blowout management. Bernese Mountain Dogs have a long, thick double coat that sheds heavily year-round and requires brushing several times per week plus professional grooming periodically to manage mats, particularly around the ears and hind legs.
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