Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and Australian Shepherd are popular among dog lovers, but which one of these breeds makes a better pet?
In this blog post, we will compare the two breeds in detail, so that you can make an informed decision. Keep reading to find out more!
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Australia Shepherd – Breeding History
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a Swiss breed that was originally bred as an all-purpose farm dog. They were used for tasks such as herding sheep, guarding, and drafting.
The Australian Shepherd, on the other hand, was developed in the United States from a cross between two other herding breeds – the collie and the Welsh corgi.
While both breeds have a long history of working with humans, they were actually developed for different purposes.
The Bernese Mountain Dog was bred as all-around farm dogs, while the Australia Shepherd was bred specifically for its herding instincts.
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Australia Shepherd – Size Comparison
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large breed, with adult males weighing in at around 115 pounds (52kg). The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized breed, with adult males typically weighing between 40 and 65 pounds (18-29kg).
When it comes to size, there is a significant difference between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Australian Shepherd.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is nearly twice the size of the Australian Shepherd, with a height range of 24-28 inches tall (61-71cm) compared to the Australian Shepherd’s height range of 18-22 inches (46-56cm).
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Australia Shepherd – Coat Type & Color
The Bernese Mountain Dog has a thick, double coat that protects them from cold weather. It is made up of a long, outer layer of guard hairs and a shorter, softer undercoat.
Colors range from black to rust, with white markings on the chest, feet, and face.
The Australian Shepherd has a single coat that is better suited for warmer climates. It is medium in length and can be either straight or wavy.
Common colors include blue merle, red merle, black, and red. Red merle is the most recognizable color, thanks to its mottled appearance.
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Australia Shepherd – Temperament
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a gentle giant, known for being calm, loyal, affectionate and openhearted. They are excellent family dogs and love being around people.
The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent and active breed that loves to work. They are quick learners and excel at obedience training. While they are friendly with people, they may be aggressive towards other dogs if not properly socialized.
When it comes to temperament, the Bernese Mountain Dog and Australia Shepherd are quite different. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a calm, loyal breed that loves being around people, while the Australian Shepherd is an active breed that loves to work and may be aggressive towards other dogs.
Both breeds make excellent family dogs, but you should consider your own lifestyle and needs before choosing one. If you are looking for a laid-back companion to cuddle with on the couch, the Bernese Mountain Dog might be the better choice.
But if you are looking for an energetic partner to join you on hikes and runs, the Australian Shepherd would be a better fit. Just be sure to have plenty of space available!
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Australia Shepherd – Protectiveness
Both breeds are known for being loyal and loving toward their families, and both have a strong sense of territoriality.
However, Bernese Mountain Dogs are typically more laid-back and easygoing than Australian Shepherds.
They are less likely to bark or become agitated when strangers come near their home, and they are not as quick to take defensive action if they perceive a threat.
Australian Shepherds, on the other hand, tend to be more high-energy and vigilant.
They are quick to sound the alarm when someone comes near their property, and they are more likely to take aggressive action if they feel that their family is in danger.
Of course, both breeds can be trained to be more or less protective, depending on your personal preferences.
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Australia Shepherd – Overall Strength
Bernese Mountain Dogs and Australian Shepherds are both strong, agile breeds.
Bernese Mountain Dogs were bred for working on farms, and their muscular build reflects this history. They are powerful dogs that can easily pull carts or herd livestock, up to 1,000 pounds in weight.
However, they are also gentle giants, and their friendly nature makes them excellent family pets.
Australian Shepherds were originally bred for herding sheep, and they still retain the athleticism and energy of their ancestors.
They are agile and quick, able to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time. They are also highly intelligent, and their trainability makes them popular working dogs.
When it comes to physical strength, both breeds are evenly matched.
However, the Bernese Mountain Dog’s size gives it an advantage in tasks that require brute force, while the Australian Shepherd’s agility gives it an edge in tasks that require speed and dexterity.
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Australia Shepherd – Bite Strength
So, what are the bite strengths of Bernese Mountain Dogs and Australian Shepherds?
Bernese Mountain Dogs have a bite strength of 195 pounds per square inch.
Meanwhile, Australian Shepherds have a bite strength of around 300 pounds per square inch.
This difference is due to a number of factors, including the size of the dog’s mouth and the type of teeth.
However, it is important to remember that all dogs are different and there will be variations within each breed.
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Australia Shepherd – Training
Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally very easy to train. They are intelligent, eager to please, and quick to learn new commands.
However, they can be stubborn at times, so patience and consistency are important.
Australian Shepherds are also intelligent and eager to please, but they can be more independent than Bernese Mountain Dogs.
They may need a little extra time and patience when learning new commands.
Both breeds require regular exercise, so daily walks or runs are a must. Training sessions should be fun and positive, with plenty of praise and rewards.
With consistent training, both breeds can be well-mannered and obedient dogs.
The types of basic training required for both breeds include obedience training, socialization, and crate training.
Obedience training is important for all dogs, no matter what breed they are. It teaches them basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down.
Socialization is also important for all dogs, as it helps them to interact with other people and animals in a positive way.
Failing to socialize your dog can result in destructive behavior, including chewing household items and occasional aggression.
Crate training is a good way to provide your dog with a safe and secure place to stay when they are not supervised.
It can also be used as a tool for housebreaking.
Keeping in mind, that teaching your dog new things can happen quickly and easily by utilizing some clever online training options.
The training listed below is what we highly recommend for quick results!
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Australia Shepherd – Exercise
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a relatively low-energy breed that doesn’t require a lot of exercise.
They are content to lounge around the house most of the day, and a daily walk is usually enough to meet their needs.
However, they do enjoy outdoor activities and should be given the opportunity to romp around in a safe area several times a week.
Australia Shepherds are an active breed and are considered high-energy dogs. While they make great companions for families, they need plenty of exercise.
A daily walk is essential, and they should also have opportunities to run and play.
They especially enjoy fetching and retrieving activities, so playing catch or engaging in outdoor activities is recommended. Taking them swimming is also a great way to tire them out.
Overall, Australian Shepherds need about 30 minutes to an hour of physical activity and daily exercise.
Both breeds also require mental stimulation. This may include brain exercises involving problem-solving, hide and seek, or other fun activities.
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Australia Shepherd – Good with Other Dogs
Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Australian Shepherd are large breeds of dogs, and as such, they can be very good with other dogs – especially if they are socialized from a young age.
However, prospective owners should be aware of some differences between the two breeds.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a calm and gentle breed, making them good with other pets in the home.
They are also very loyal, making them good protectors. However, they can be aloof with strangers and may not do well in a home with lots of foot traffic.
The Australian Shepherd, on the other hand, is an energetic and enthusiastic breed.
They love to play and have a strong herding instinct, so they may not be the best fit for homes with smaller pets.
However, they are very intelligent and trainable, making them ideal for active families. So, when it comes to choosing between these two breeds, it really depends on what you are looking for in a dog.
If you want a calm and loving companion to cuddle up with on the couch, then the Bernese Mountain Dog is probably the better choice.
If you are looking for an active and intelligent dog to take on hikes and runs with you, then the Australian Shepherd is probably a better fit.
At the end of the day, both breeds make great pets for families and can be very loving companions. The key is to choose the breed that best fits your lifestyle and personality.
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Australia Shepherd – Good with Children
Bernese Mountain Dogs and Australian Shepherds are both awesome companions for families with kids. They are both adaptable breeds that can fit into a variety of lifestyles.
However, there are some important differences when choosing between these breeds.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are calm and patient, making them ideal for families with young children. They are a highly adaptable breed that mixes well with children of all ages.
Australian Shepherds are energetic and active, making them better suited for families with older children who can keep up with their high energy levels.
Both breeds make great family dogs, but choosing the right breed for your family’s lifestyle is important.
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Australia Shepherd – Intelligence
When deciding on what kind of dog is best for you and your family, it is important to consider the intelligence level of the breed.
You may have your heart set on a certain type of dog, but if they are not intelligent, they may not be the best fit for your lifestyle.
So, how do Bernese Mountain Dogs and Australian Shepherds stack up in terms of intelligence?
Studies show that both breeds are relatively intelligent.
In fact, Bernese Mountain Dogs rank 20th out of 138 breeds while Australian Shepherds rank 32nd out of 138 breeds.
However, it is important to note that intelligence is not always an indicator of obedience.
For instance, although Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle giants, they are not always the easiest to train. On the other hand, Australian
Shepherds were originally bred to be working dogs and as a result, they are often very easy to train.
So, which breed is more intelligent? It really depends on what you are looking for in a dog.
A Bernese Mountain Dog might be a better choice if you want a therapy dog or a family pet.
However, an Australian Shepherd might be a better option if you are looking for a working dog or a show dog.
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Australia Shepherd – Nutrition
Dog owners know that their furry friends need proper nutrition to stay healthy and happy. However, not all breeds have the same nutritional needs.
For example, the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Australian Shepherd are two popular breeds with very different dietary requirements.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large breed that requires a diet high in protein and fat. This breed does not do well on Dog treats or table scraps as they are prone to obesity.
Instead, Berners need a diet of quality organic food supplemented with vitamins and minerals.
Typical brands recommended include, Blue Buffalo, Wellness Core, and Taste of the Wild.
In contrast, the Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized breed that thrives on a diet of high-quality protein and carbohydrates.
This breed is very active and needs plenty of fuel to keep up with their energy demands.
Aussies also require regular exercise to maintain their muscular build. Dog treats can be given in moderation, but table scraps should be avoided as they can lead to weight gain.
Typical brands that are best for Aussies include Blue Buffalo, Merrick, and Nutro.
Overall, both breeds require a nutritious diet to stay healthy and happy, but the specific requirements vary depending on the type of dog.
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Australia Shepherd – Grooming
If you’re trying to decide between a Bernese Mountain Dog and an Australian Shepherd, you may want to consider the amount of grooming each breed requires.
Both types of dogs have medium-length coats, but the Bernese Mountain Dog has a thicker, more luxurious coat that can be prone to matting.
As a result, daily brushing is necessary to keep their coat healthy and free of tangles.
Australia Shepherds, on the other hand, have a thinner coat that is less likely to mat.
Weekly brushing should suffice, although they may need more frequent brushing during shedding season.
Both breeds are moderate shedders, but the Bernese Mountain Dog may shed a bit more due to their thicker coat.
Bathing
Another grooming consideration is how often you’ll need to give your dog a bath.
Bernese Mountain Dogs only need a bath once every few months unless they get dirty or start to develop an odor.
On the other hand, Australian Shepherds may need a bath once a month or more, depending on their activity level.
If they play outside often or get dirty frequently, they may need to be bathed more often to avoid developing skin problems.
Nail Trimming
In terms of nail trimming, both breeds will need their nails trimmed every few weeks.
If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, you can take your dog to a groomer or vet to have it done.
Overall, both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Australian Shepherd are medium-maintenance breeds when it comes to grooming.
Ears
Another important grooming consideration is ear care.
Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Australian Shepherd have floppy ears that can trap dirt, dust, and debris.
As a result, it’s important to check their ears regularly and clean them as needed to prevent infection.
Ear cleaning solution and cotton balls can be used to clean the inside of the earflaps.
Teeth
Finally, don’t forget about dental care! The Bernese Mountain Dog and the Australian Shepherd are prone to dental problems, so brushing their teeth regularly is important.
Daily brushing is ideal, but weekly brushing is better than nothing. There are also many types of dog dental chews and treats available that can help reduce tartar buildup.
Drooling
Another important difference to consider is that Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their excessive drooling, while Australian Shepherds are not.
If you’re turned off by the thought of dog drool, then the Aussie might be a better choice for you.
However, if you don’t mind a little drool here and there, then the Bernese Mountain Dog might be the better breed for you.
Barking Levels
Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally much quieter than Australian Shepherds in relation to barking.
Aussies are known for their vocal nature and often bark more than other breeds.
If you’re looking for a quiet dog who won’t disturb the neighbors, then the Bernese Mountain Dog might be a better choice.
However, if you don’t mind a little noise, then the Aussie might be your better breed.
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Australia Shepherd – Adaptability to Weather
Another important factor to consider when choosing between a Bernese Mountain Dog and an Australian Shepherd is how they’ll adapt to different weather conditions.
Both breeds are fairly resistant to cold weather, but the Bernese Mountain Dog has a thicker coat that provides more insulation.
As a result, they’re better suited for colder climates than the Aussie.
On the other hand, Australian Shepherds are better suited for hotter climates since they don’t have as thick of a coat.
If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, you’ll need to consider this when choosing between these two breeds.
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Australia Shepherd – Health Comparison
Another important factor to consider when choosing between a Bernese Mountain Dog and an Australian Shepherd is their overall health.
Both breeds are generally healthy, but the Bernese Mountain Dog has a few more health concerns that you should be aware of.
Some of the most common health problems for Bernese Mountain Dogs include:
- hip dysplasia,
- elbow dysplasia
- gastric torsion (bloat),
- and cancer.
Australian Shepherds also have a few health concerns, but they’re not as common as the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Some of the most common health problems for Aussies include:
- hip dysplasia,
- elbow dysplasia,
- and epilepsy.
Choosing a reputable breeder is the best way to reduce your dog’s risk of developing any health problems.
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Australia Shepherd – Lifespan
It’s important to be aware of the life span of our beloved family pets.
On average, Bernese Mountain Dogs live for 8-10 years while Australian Shepherds live for 12-13 years.
So, if you’re looking for a dog that will be with you for longer, then the Aussie is the better choice.
However, if life expectancy isn’t the number one priority, then either breed would make a great addition to your family.
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Australia Shepherd – Puppy Prices
If you’re looking to add a new puppy to your family, then you’ll need to be aware of the costs associated with each breed.
On average, Bernese Mountain Dogs cost between $1,200-$2,000.
Australian Shepherds cost slightly less, with an average price tag of $800-$1,500.
Of course, the final cost will also depend on the breeder, bloodline, and other factors.
Puppy mills and backyard breeders often charge less, but it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for.
Puppies from these sources are often sickly and have a higher risk of developing health problems.
So, if you’re looking to save a few bucks, you might want to reconsider your decision.
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Australia Shepherd – AKC Recognition
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is the most well-known kennel club in the United States.
They offer official recognition for different dog breeds and host various competitions throughout the year.
The AKC officially recognized the Bernese Mountain Dog in 1937, while the Australian Shepherd wasn’t recognized until 1991.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to choosing between a Bernese Mountain Dog and an Australian Shepherd, there’s no clear winner.
Both breeds make great family pets and have a lot to offer.
The best way to decide which breed is right for you is to consider your lifestyle, preferences, and needs.
If you’re looking for a dog that can handle cold weather and has a lifespan of 8-10 years, then the Bernese Mountain Dog is the better choice.
If you’re looking for a dog that’s better suited for hot weather and has a 12-13 years lifespan, then the Australian Shepherd is the better breed.
Of course, this is just a general guideline and there are always exceptions to the rule.
The best way to find the perfect dog for your family is to visit a variety of breeders and meet with different puppies.
This will give you a better idea of which breed is right for you and your lifestyle. Thanks for reading!
