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Bernese Mountain Dog vs Great Dane

Side-by-side comparison of Bernese Mountain Dog and Great Dane: energy, shedding, trainability, apartment fit, and more.

Bernese Mountain Dog dog

Bernese Mountain Dog

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Great Dane dog

Great Dane

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Stats at a Glance

TraitBernese Mountain DogGreat Dane
SizeLargeGiant
EnergyModerateLow-Moderate
SheddingVery HighModerate
GroomingHighLow
TrainabilityHighModerate
BarkingLow-ModerateLow-Moderate
Apartment FriendlyChallengingPossible (daily exercise required)
Good With KidsYesGentle and patient, but large size warrants supervision around very young childrenYesGentle temperament, but size alone warrants care around small children
Good With DogsOften, with socializationOften
Daily Exercise45–60 min/day30–60 min/day
OriginSwitzerlandGermany

Quick Verdict

Best for apartments

Great Dane

Bernese Mountain Dog: "Challenging"Great Dane: "Possible (daily exercise required)"

Best with kids

Similar

Bernese Mountain Dog: "Yes"Great Dane: "Yes"

Easiest to train

Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dog: "High"Great Dane: "Moderate"

Lower shedding

Great Dane

Bernese Mountain Dog: "Very High"Great Dane: "Moderate"

Lower grooming burden

Great Dane

Bernese Mountain Dog: "High"Great Dane: "Low"

More active households

Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dog: "Moderate"Great Dane: "Low-Moderate"

Verdicts are based on trait ratings. Always evaluate individual dogs and confirm behaviour with the shelter, foster, or rescue organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Bernese Mountain Dog or Great Dane better for apartments?
Bernese Mountain Dog is rated "Challenging" for apartment living, while Great Dane is rated "Possible (daily exercise required)". Consider your building's space and noise policies when choosing.
Which breed sheds more, Bernese Mountain Dog or Great Dane?
Bernese Mountain Dog has very high shedding. Great Dane has moderate shedding.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs or Great Danes easier to train?
Bernese Mountain Dog trainability is rated "High" and Great Dane is rated "Moderate". Both breeds respond best to early, consistent positive-reinforcement training.
Which needs more exercise, a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Great Dane?
A Bernese Mountain Dog typically needs 45–60 min/day, while a Great Dane needs 30–60 min/day. Actual needs vary by individual dog, age, and health.
Which is better with kids, a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Great Dane?
Bernese Mountain Dog is rated "Yes" with children (gentle and patient, but large size warrants supervision around very young children); Great Dane is rated "Yes" (gentle temperament, but size alone warrants care around small children). Supervision and early socialisation are recommended for any breed around young children.
How much grooming does a Bernese Mountain Dog need compared to a Great Dane?
Bernese Mountain Dog requires high grooming, while Great Dane needs low grooming.

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