Bernese Mountain Dog

Working Group

Height: 25-27.5 / 23-26 in

Weight: 80-115 / 70-95 lbs

Life Span: 7-10 years

AffectionateLoyalIntelligentFaithful

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Working Group

Height: 29 / 27 in

Weight: 110-150 / 80-120 lbs

Life Span: 11-13 years

SteadyBoldIndependentConfident
Bernese Mountain Dog
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Best

Physical Traits

90% similar
Breed Group
Working
Working
Size Category
Giant
Giant
Height (in)
25-27.523-26
2927
Weight (lbs)
80-11570-95
110-15080-120
Life Span
7-10
11-13

Personality & Temperament

Bernese Mountain Dog

AffectionateLoyalIntelligentFaithful

"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.

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

SteadyBoldIndependentConfidentIntelligentProud

"The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a reserved, independent, and fiercely loyal breed with a strong protective nature. They are naturally aloof with strangers and exhibit a calm yet vigilant demeanor, making them excellent guardians but requiring a confident and experienced handler for training and socialization."

⚠️

Owners may face challenges with stubbornness during training and the need for early socialization to ensure the dog is comfortable with strangers and other animals.

💡

This breed is best suited for experienced owners or families living on a farm or ranch who can provide space, structure, and a firm hand in training.

Purpose & Suitability

Purpose
Farming and herding, including droving cattle, guarding farmyards, and pulling heavy loads as drafting dogs
Livestock guardian
Best Suited For
Active families or individuals with outdoor lifestyles, including those who enjoy camping, hiking, or rural living
Rural or ranch living with ample outdoor space
Training Difficulty
Moderate
Hard
Care Difficulty
High
Moderate

Coat & Appearance

🧵 Coat Type
Double
Smooth
📏 Coat Length
Medium
Short
🎨 Colors
Black Rust & WhiteBlack Tan & WhiteBlack & RustBlack & WhiteRust & White
FawnBlue FawnGray FawnRed FawnLiverWhiteBiscuit & WhiteBrindle
✨ Markings
Black MaskBrown MaskDutch MarkingsPintoPinto, Black MaskSilver Mask

Care & Health

Bernese Mountain Dog

Care

Grooming
  • 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
Exercise
  • 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
Training
  • 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.
Nutrition
  • 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:

Hip EvaluationElbow EvaluationCardiac Exam

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Care

Grooming
Exercise
Training
Nutrition

Health

Recommended Tests:

Hip EvaluationElbow Evaluation

Trait Comparison

29% similar
💡 Bernese Mountain Dog is easier to train
Affectionate With Family
Affectionate With Family for Bernese Mountain Dog: 5 out of 5 (Very Affectionate)
Affectionate With Family for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 1 out of 5 (Reserved)
Bernese Mountain Dog
Good With Young Children
Good With Young Children for Bernese Mountain Dog: 5 out of 5 (Excellent with Kids)
Good With Young Children for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Bernese Mountain Dog
Good With Other Dogs
Good With Other Dogs for Bernese Mountain Dog: 5 out of 5 (Very Dog-Friendly)
Good With Other Dogs for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Bernese Mountain Dog
Shedding Level
Shedding Level for Bernese Mountain Dog: 5 out of 5 (Heavy Shedding)
Shedding Level for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Bernese Mountain Dog
Coat Grooming Frequency
Coat Grooming Frequency for Bernese Mountain Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Coat Grooming Frequency for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 2 out of 5 (Moderate)
Bernese Mountain Dog
Drooling Level
Drooling Level for Bernese Mountain Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Drooling Level for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 1 out of 5 (Rarely Drools)
Bernese Mountain Dog
Openness To Strangers
Openness To Strangers for Bernese Mountain Dog: 4 out of 5 (Moderate)
Openness To Strangers for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 1 out of 5 (Cautious)
Bernese Mountain Dog
Playfulness Level
Playfulness Level for Bernese Mountain Dog: 4 out of 5 (Moderate)
Playfulness Level for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Bernese Mountain Dog
Watchdog/Protective Nature
Watchdog/Protective Nature for Bernese Mountain Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Watchdog/Protective Nature for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 5 out of 5 (Highly Protective)
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Adaptability Level
Adaptability Level for Bernese Mountain Dog: 4 out of 5 (Moderate)
Adaptability Level for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Bernese Mountain Dog
Trainability Level
Trainability Level for Bernese Mountain Dog: 4 out of 5 (Moderate)
Trainability Level for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 2 out of 5 (Moderate)
Bernese Mountain Dog
Energy Level
Energy Level for Bernese Mountain Dog: 4 out of 5 (Moderate)
Energy Level for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Bernese Mountain Dog
Barking Level
Barking Level for Bernese Mountain Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Barking Level for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
🐾 Balanced
Mental Stimulation Needs
Mental Stimulation Needs for Bernese Mountain Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Mental Stimulation Needs for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
🐾 Balanced

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 Anatolian Shepherd Dog.

Bernese Mountain Dog is generally considered a better option for families with young children than Anatolian Shepherd Dog, as they tend to be more patient and tolerant.
Bernese Mountain Dog is generally easier to train than Anatolian Shepherd Dog. Bernese Mountain Dogs are often more eager to please, while Anatolian Shepherd Dogs may be more independent or stubborn.
No, Bernese Mountain Dog typically sheds more than Anatolian Shepherd Dog.
Both breeds can be suitable for first-time owners, depending on your lifestyle and dedication to training and care.

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Bernese Mountain Dog vs Anatolian Shepherd Dog: Size, Temperament & Care Comparison