Australian Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog: side by side
| Australian Shepherd | Bernese Mountain Dog | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | XLarge |
| Weight | 18–29 kg (40–65 lb) | 32–52 kg (70–115 lb) |
| Height | 18–23 in (46–58 cm) | 23–27.5 in (58–70 cm) |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years | 7-10 years |
| Exercise | 90+ per day | 60–90 per day |
| Shedding | Moderate | Very high |
| Temperament | AKC temperament summary: smart / work-oriented / exuberant. Adaptability 3/5, affection with family 3/5, openn | AKC temperament summary: good-natured / calm / strong. Adaptability 4/5, affection with family 5/5, openness t |
The differences that actually matter
- Bernese Mountain Dog is the bigger dog. Adults run 32–52 kg (70–115 lb) against 18–29 kg (40–65 lb) for the Australian Shepherd.
- Australian Shepherd needs more exercise. Australian Shepherds are listed at 90+ per day a day against 60–90 per day for the Bernese Mountain Dog.
- Shedding: Australian Shepherd is rated moderate, Bernese Mountain Dog very high. In practice you will be brushing both.
- Lifespan: Australian Shepherd 12-15 years vs Bernese Mountain Dog 7-10 years.
- Trainability: Australian Shepherd — Excellent — eager to please, picks up new cues fast Bernese Mountain Dog — Good — enjoys training and works to please
- First-time owners: Australian Shepherd — Yes — forgiving of beginner mistakes. Bernese Mountain Dog — Yes — forgiving of beginner mistakes.
So which one should you get?
Pick the Australian Shepherd if you want: Active people who genuinely enjoy daily exercise..
Pick the Bernese Mountain Dog if you want: Active people who genuinely enjoy daily exercise..
Neither is the "easier" option across the board — they fail in different ways. Be honest about which failure you can live with.
Health: what each one is prone to
Australian Shepherd: Hip dysplasia — confirm breeder screens breeding stock (OFA/PennHIP); Eye disorders — reputable breeders screen annually; Epilepsy / seizure disorders in some lines; Dental disease — brush regularly; small jaws crowd teeth
Bernese Mountain Dog: Hip dysplasia — confirm breeder screens breeding stock (OFA/PennHIP); Elbow dysplasia; Eye disorders — reputable breeders screen annually; Bloat (GDV) — a life-threatening emergency; feed smaller meals, avoid exercise right after eating
Ask any breeder or rescue for the health testing relevant to these conditions before you commit. This page is educational — not veterinary advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Australian Shepherd and a Bernese Mountain Dog?
Bernese Mountain Dog is the bigger dog. Adults run 32–52 kg (70–115 lb) against 18–29 kg (40–65 lb) for the Australian Shepherd. Australian Shepherd needs more exercise. Australian Shepherds are listed at 90+ per day a day against 60–90 per day for the Bernese Mountain Dog. Shedding: Australian Shepherd is rated moderate, Bernese Mountain Dog very high. In practice you will be brushing both. Personality differs too: the Australian Shepherd is akc temperament summary: smart / work-oriented / exuberant. adaptability 3/5, affection wi, while the Bernese Mountain Dog is akc temperament summary: good-natured / calm / strong. adaptability 4/5, affection with fa
Which is bigger, a Australian Shepherd or a Bernese Mountain Dog?
Bernese Mountain Dog is the bigger dog. Adults run 32–52 kg (70–115 lb) against 18–29 kg (40–65 lb) for the Australian Shepherd.
Is a Australian Shepherd or a Bernese Mountain Dog better for first-time owners?
First-time owners: Australian Shepherd — Yes — forgiving of beginner mistakes. Bernese Mountain Dog — Yes — forgiving of beginner mistakes.
Which sheds more, a Australian Shepherd or a Bernese Mountain Dog?
Shedding: Australian Shepherd is rated moderate, Bernese Mountain Dog very high. In practice you will be brushing both.