BreedHealth

Newfoundland vs Bernese Mountain Dog — Complete Comparison

Choosing between the Newfoundland and the Bernese Mountain Dog comes down to lifestyle fit, living space, and the time you can commit to training and grooming. Both breeds are giant-sized dogs, so their space and feeding requirements are broadly similar. Both breeds have comparable exercise needs, though individual dogs will vary. Both breeds are well-suited to families with children.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Trait Newfoundland Bernese Mountain Dog
Size Giant Giant
Weight 45–68 kg 32–52 kg
Height 66–71 cm 58–70 cm
Lifespan 9–10 yrs 7–10 yrs
Exercise Need
Moderate (3/5)
Moderate (3/5)
Grooming Need
High (4/5)
High (4/5)
Shedding
High (4/5)
High (4/5)
Trainability
High (4/5)
High (4/5)
Good with Children ✓ ✓
Good with Dogs ✓ ✓
Apartment Friendly ✗ ✗

Bold green indicates the better result for that trait. Exercise, grooming and shedding: lower is easier to manage. Trainability and lifespan: higher is better.

Health Comparison

Understanding each breed's health profile helps owners budget for insurance, schedule appropriate screening, and make informed decisions before purchasing.

Newfoundland (5 conditions)

Bernese Mountain Dog (5 conditions)

Conditions shared by both breeds: hip dysplasia , elbow dysplasia , bloat .

Which Breed Is Right for You?

Based on data across health, exercise, trainability, and temperament, here is how the two breeds compare across common owner priorities:

Best for families with children both Newfoundland and Bernese Mountain Dog
Best for apartment living neither breed — both thrive with access to outdoor space
Best for active owners Newfoundland (exercise level 3/5)
Best for first-time owners both breeds are reasonably manageable for committed first-time owners
Longer average lifespan Newfoundland (9–10 yrs vs 7–10 yrs)

Explore Each Breed in Depth

Newfoundland

Developed by fishermen on the island of Newfoundland as a working water dog capable of hauling nets and rescuing drownin…

giant · Working · 9–10 yrs

Bernese Mountain Dog

One of four Swiss Sennenhund breeds developed in the Bernese Oberland for herding cattle, pulling carts, and guarding Al…

giant · Working · 7–10 yrs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger — a Newfoundland or a Bernese Mountain Dog?

The Newfoundland is the larger breed, typically weighing 45–68 kg compared to the Bernese Mountain Dog's 32–52 kg.

Which breed lives longer — Newfoundland or Bernese Mountain Dog?

The Newfoundland generally has a longer lifespan (9–10 years) compared to the Bernese Mountain Dog (7–10 years). Smaller breeds typically outlive larger ones, and individual genetics, diet, and preventive care all play significant roles.

Are Newfoundlands or Bernese Mountain Dogs easier to train?

Both the Newfoundland and Bernese Mountain Dog have comparable trainability (4/5). Consistent positive reinforcement methods work well for both breeds.

Which needs more grooming — Newfoundland or Bernese Mountain Dog?

Both breeds have similar grooming requirements (4/5). Regular brushing and routine coat maintenance apply equally to both.

Which breed is better for families — Newfoundland or Bernese Mountain Dog?

Both the Newfoundland and Bernese Mountain Dog are generally considered good family dogs and are typically patient and gentle with children. As always, early socialisation and teaching children how to interact respectfully with dogs are essential regardless of breed.

Do Newfoundlands and Bernese Mountain Dogs have the same health problems?

Some health conditions are shared between both breeds, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat. The Newfoundland has 5 documented conditions overall and the Bernese Mountain Dog has 5. Pet insurance is strongly recommended for both.

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