Bernese Mountain Dog vs Newfoundland: side by side
| Bernese Mountain Dog | Newfoundland | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | XLarge | XLarge |
| Weight | 32–52 kg (70–115 lb) | 45–68 kg (100–150 lb) |
| Height | 23–27.5 in (58–70 cm) | 26–28 in (66–71 cm) |
| Lifespan | 7-10 years | 9-10 years |
| Exercise | 60–90 per day | 45–60 per day |
| Shedding | Very high | Moderate |
| Temperament | AKC temperament summary: good-natured / calm / strong. Adaptability 4/5, affection with family 5/5, openness t | AKC temperament summary: devoted / sweet / patient. Adaptability 4/5, affection with family 5/5, openness to s |
The differences that actually matter
- Newfoundland is the bigger dog. Adults run 45–68 kg (100–150 lb) against 32–52 kg (70–115 lb) for the Bernese Mountain Dog.
- Bernese Mountain Dog needs more exercise. Bernese Mountain Dogs are listed at 60–90 per day a day against 45–60 per day for the Newfoundland.
- Shedding: Bernese Mountain Dog is rated very high, Newfoundland moderate. In practice you will be brushing both.
- Lifespan: Bernese Mountain Dog 7-10 years vs Newfoundland 9-10 years.
- Trainability: Bernese Mountain Dog — Good — enjoys training and works to please Newfoundland — Moderate — learns well with consistency
- First-time owners: Bernese Mountain Dog — Yes — forgiving of beginner mistakes. Newfoundland — Better with experienced or well-prepared owners.
So which one should you get?
Pick the Bernese Mountain Dog if you want: Active people who genuinely enjoy daily exercise..
Pick the Newfoundland if you want: Households able to offer a daily walk and some play; commitment to socializing a natural guardian..
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
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
Newfoundland: Hip dysplasia — confirm breeder screens breeding stock (OFA/PennHIP); Elbow dysplasia; Heart conditions — cardiac screening recommended
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 Bernese Mountain Dog and a Newfoundland?
Newfoundland is the bigger dog. Adults run 45–68 kg (100–150 lb) against 32–52 kg (70–115 lb) for the Bernese Mountain Dog. Bernese Mountain Dog needs more exercise. Bernese Mountain Dogs are listed at 60–90 per day a day against 45–60 per day for the Newfoundland. Shedding: Bernese Mountain Dog is rated very high, Newfoundland moderate. In practice you will be brushing both. Personality differs too: the Bernese Mountain Dog is akc temperament summary: good-natured / calm / strong. adaptability 4/5, affection with fa, while the Newfoundland is akc temperament summary: devoted / sweet / patient. adaptability 4/5, affection with famil
Which is bigger, a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Newfoundland?
Newfoundland is the bigger dog. Adults run 45–68 kg (100–150 lb) against 32–52 kg (70–115 lb) for the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Is a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Newfoundland better for first-time owners?
First-time owners: Bernese Mountain Dog — Yes — forgiving of beginner mistakes. Newfoundland — Better with experienced or well-prepared owners.
Which sheds more, a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Newfoundland?
Shedding: Bernese Mountain Dog is rated very high, Newfoundland moderate. In practice you will be brushing both.