Bernese Mountain Dog
Akita
Physical Traits
Personality & Temperament
Bernese Mountain Dog
"The Bernese Mountain Dog is a gentle, affectionate, and good-natured breed known for its calm and strong demeanor. Highly sociable with family, children, and other dogs, they are also open to strangers but possess a protective nature. Their playful yet adaptable temperament makes them a loyal and loving companion, though they thrive best in environments where they are included in daily activities and not left alone for long periods."
Owners may face challenges with heavy shedding and grooming needs, as well as potential health issues like hip/elbow dysplasia and a shorter lifespan due to their large size.
This breed is ideal for an experienced or patient owner who enjoys an active, outdoor lifestyle and can provide consistent companionship, as they do best in homes where they are not isolated for extended periods.
Akita
"The Akita is a dignified, courageous, and profoundly loyal breed with a strong independent streak. While deeply devoted to their family, they can be aloof with strangers and exhibit a protective, watchful nature. Their dignified demeanor and stout heart make them excellent guardians, though their stubbornness and strong prey drive require early, consistent training and socialization."
Owners may face challenges with the Akita's strong-willed and stubborn nature, requiring patient and persistent training, as well as potential aggression toward other dogs, necessitating careful supervision in multi-dog households.
This breed is best suited for a confident, experienced owner or family who can provide firm, consistent leadership, ample space, and early socialization to manage their protective instincts and independence.
Purpose & Suitability
Coat & Appearance
Care & Health
Bernese Mountain Dog
Care
- •Bernese Mountain Dog grooming requires handling their double coat—longer outer coat and wooly undercoat—with weekly brushing, increasing to daily during twice-yearly shedding season to remove loose hair and prevent tangles using a slicker brush or metal comb
- •Nails must be trimmed regularly to avoid pain and structural issues from overly long nails
- •Bernese Mountain Dog exercise needs
- •Requires at least 30 minutes of daily moderate exercise for health and happiness
- •Enjoys outdoor activities like long walks or hikes
- •Often accompanies owners on camping and backpacking trips
- •Excels in canine sports such as carting, drafting, agility, herding, obedience, rally, and tracking
- •Enjoys pulling young children in a cart
- •Bernese Mountain Dog training requires early socialization and obedience due to their large size and intelligence
- •They respond well to training because of their eager-to-please nature and high intelligence
- •Harsh corrections or training methods can hurt their feelings and hinder progress
- •Affectionate and family-oriented, they may develop behavioral issues if left alone too often
- •Gentle, positive reinforcement works best for this breed
- •Consistency and companionship are key to successful training.
- •Bernese Mountain Dog nutrition: feed high-quality dog food (commercial or vet-approved homemade) suited to age (puppy, adult, or senior)
- •monitor calorie intake and weight to prevent obesity, limit treats to avoid excess weight gain
- •consult vet about safe human foods for dogs and dietary concerns
- •ensure clean, fresh water is always available
- •watch for signs of obesity and adjust diet as needed with vet guidance
Health
Bernese Mountain Dogs are typically robust, but responsible breeders prioritize health testing for hip and elbow dysplasia, genetic disorders, certain cancers, and progressive retinal atrophy. Like all large breeds, they face bloat risk—a critical, life-threatening stomach condition requiring owner awareness of symptoms and immediate action. Regular ear checks for infections and dental care with dog-safe toothpaste are essential for maintaining their overall well-being.
Recommended Tests:
Akita
Care
- •Akita grooming requires minimal effort but focuses on coat and hygiene maintenance
- •Brush their thick double coat at least once a week to keep it looking its best
- •Expect heavy shedding twice a year ("blowing") and increase brushing frequency during these periods to reduce loose fur
- •Trim nails regularly to prevent pain or mobility issues
- •Brush teeth often to maintain dental health
- •Their clean nature means little "doggy odor," so odor control is rarely needed.
- •Akita exercise needs: generally moderate but not highly active
- •daily jog or brisk walk meets most needs
- •enjoys energetic play sessions
- •thrives with sufficient daily exercise even in small homes
- •bred for endurance in harsh conditions but adapt well to indoor living
- •large size (often over 100 lbs) doesn’t require excessive space if exercise needs are met
- •Akita training requires early, consistent guidance due to their intelligence and independent nature
- •Start training from puppyhood to manage their powerful size and strong instincts
- •Prioritize extensive socialization to prevent guarding behaviors toward strangers
- •Never allow off-lead exercise in unsecured areas because of their strong prey drive
- •Exercise extreme caution in dog interactions, as aggression toward same-sex dogs is common
- •Their headstrong personality demands firm, patient leadership.
- •Akita nutrition: feed high-quality dog food (commercial or vet-approved homemade) suited to age (puppy, adult, or senior)
- •Akitas over 7 years old may benefit from a 'light' or lower-calorie diet to reduce kidney disease risk
- •monitor calorie intake and weight to prevent obesity, as some Akitas are prone to gaining weight
- •use treats for training but limit amounts to avoid excess weight gain
- •ensure clean, fresh water is always available
- •feed Akitas in a separate, secure location to prevent food possessiveness around other animals or children
Health
Akitas are prone to bloat, a critical stomach-twisting condition requiring immediate veterinary care. Owners must watch for warning signs to prevent this life-threatening issue. Responsible breeders screen for genetic health risks, including hip dysplasia, eye disorders, and thyroid problems, ensuring puppies inherit sound structure and longevity.
Recommended Tests:
Trait Comparison
Note: Scores reflect typical breed tendencies. Individual dogs may vary based on training, environment, and genetics.
Note: Some traits may be unavailable for certain breeds due to limited or inconsistent data from recognized sources.
Common Questions
Answers to popular questions about Bernese Mountain Dog and Akita.
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