Afghan Hound vs Bernese Mountain Dog
Hound · Large vs Working · Large
Afghan HoundLarge
An aloof, dignified, ancient sighthound — the supermodel of the dog world with a flowing silken coat.
Weight: 60 lbsLifespan: 12–18 years
Bernese Mountain DogLarge
A good-natured, calm, strong tri-color farm dog from the Swiss Alps — gentle giants with short lifespans.
Weight: 80–115 lbsLifespan: 7–10 years
Quick take
- • Bernese Mountain Dog is the larger breed at 80–115 lbs (males) vs 60 lbs for the Afghan Hound.
- • The Afghan Hound typically lives longer (12–18 years).
- • The Afghan Hound has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Afghan Hound sheds less.
- • The Bernese Mountain Dog is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Afghan Hound | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
Group | Hound | Working |
Size | Large | Large |
Origin | Afghanistan | Switzerland |
Height (male) | 27" | 25–27.5" |
Height (female) | 25" | 23–26" |
Weight (male) | 60 lbs | 80–115 lbs |
Weight (female) | 50 lbs | 70–95 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–18 years | 7–10 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Low (2/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | High (4/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Low (2/5) | Low (2/5) |
Good with kids | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with other dogs | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with strangers | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | long | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | Yes | No |
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About the Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is an aloof, dignified, ancient sighthound — the supermodel of the dog world with a flowing silken coat. Originally from Afghanistan, this large hound breed typically weighs 60 lbs and lives 12–18 years. Breeders describe them as aloof, dignified, independent.
About the Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a good-natured, calm, strong tri-color farm dog from the Swiss Alps — gentle giants with short lifespans. Originally from Switzerland, this large working breed typically weighs 80–115 lbs and lives 7–10 years. Breeders describe them as good-natured, calm, strong.
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Afghan Hound health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Cataracts
- • Hypothyroidism
Bernese Mountain Dog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Cancer
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Elbow dysplasia
- • Bloat