Difference Between Swiss Mountain Dog and Bernese Mountain Dog

Swiss Mountain Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog

If someone looks at them in a picture, then the two mountain dogs would appear the same, or with only slight differences between them. However, if there is more information to read, the differentiation process would be enhanced, and be more interesting. Visiting them in person would also ensure a great deal of understanding, but it is not always possible to notice the distinctions by just one or couple of visits unless there is information to read and get educated about them. This article explores the characteristics about Swiss and Bernese mountain dogs, and most importantly emphasizes the differences between them.

Swiss Mountain Dog

Swiss mountain dog, locally known as Sennunhund, is a large dog breed developed in Switzerland. There are four breeds of them including Bernese, Greater Swiss, Appenzeller, and Entlerbucher Sennunhunds. They are large, and built with heavy bones to be physically very strong. Their body colouration is unique with black, white, and rust coloured areas. However, it is predominantly black with white coloured chest, muzzle, and toes. Additionally, there are rust coloured inner sides of feet and two thumbprints above eyes. They are double coated with dense short outer coat. The under coat is thick and more towards brown colour. Usually, their weight could vary from 20 to 70 kilograms in all four breeds, and Entlerbucher sennunhunds weight the least. Their heights at withers vary from 47 to 72 centimetres. However, they appear to be slightly longer, compared to their heights. Swiss mountain dogs have almond shaped eyes, which are dark brown in colour. They have medium size triangular shaped ears, which are round towards tips, and usually they flap their ears laterally. Their muzzle is large, straight, and blunt. They are social, active, very friendly, and attached to the owner family. Additionally, they are happy and enthusiastic dogs especially friendly with small children. They are usually not long-lived, but Appenzellers live about 11 – 14 years.

Bernese Mountain Dog

This is one of the four breeds of sennunhunds, and they are large dogs, and originated in Switzerland. Originally, people kept them as farm dogs. Body colouration is very similar to other Swiss mountain dog breeds, with tri-colour coat of black, white, and rust. Their height at the withers is ranging from 58 to 70 centimetres, and they weigh between 40 and 55 kilograms. Bernese mountain dogs have a flat skull with triangular ears, and the ears are round at the tips. One of the distinguishing characters in this breed is the long and rough outer coat of fur. Since, the hairs are long, a little grooming and combing is needed. However, Bernese mountain dogs are not blessed with a long life, but can live about 10 or 11 years. The longest-lived individual has set the record at 15.2 years.