Beagle vs Bernese Mountain Dog

Hound · Small vs Working · Large

Quick take
  • Bernese Mountain Dog is the larger breed at 80–115 lbs (males) vs 20–30 lbs for the Beagle.
  • The Beagle typically lives longer (10–15 years).
  • The Beagle has higher daily energy needs.
  • The Beagle sheds less.
  • The Bernese Mountain Dog is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitBeagleBernese Mountain Dog
Group
HoundWorking
Size
SmallLarge
Origin
EnglandSwitzerland
Height (male)
13–15"25–27.5"
Height (female)
13–15"23–26"
Weight (male)
20–30 lbs80–115 lbs
Weight (female)
20–30 lbs70–95 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
10–15 years7–10 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Moderate (3/5)Very High (5/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Low (2/5)Moderate (3/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Low (2/5)High (4/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Very High (5/5)Low (2/5)
Good with kids
Very High (5/5)Very High (5/5)
Good with other dogs
Very High (5/5)Very High (5/5)
Good with strangers
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Low (2/5)Moderate (3/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Coat length
shortlong
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoNo
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About the Beagle

The Beagle is a friendly, curious, merry scenthound — the world's most popular small hound, famous for its bay. Originally from England, this small hound breed typically weighs 20–30 lbs and lives 10–15 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, curious, merry.

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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Beagle health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Obesity
  • Epilepsy
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Ear infections

Bernese Mountain Dog health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Cancer
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Bloat