Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shorthaired Pointer
Working · Large vs Sporting · Large
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
German Shorthaired PointerLarge
A friendly, smart, willing-to-please all-around hunting and family dog with a liver-spotted coat.
Weight: 55–70 lbsLifespan: 10–12 years
Quick take
- • Bernese Mountain Dog is the larger breed at 80–115 lbs (males) vs 55–70 lbs for the German Shorthaired Pointer.
- • The German Shorthaired Pointer typically lives longer (10–12 years).
- • The German Shorthaired Pointer has higher daily energy needs.
- • The German Shorthaired Pointer sheds less.
- • The German Shorthaired Pointer is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Bernese Mountain Dog | German Shorthaired Pointer |
|---|---|---|
Group | Working | Sporting |
Size | Large | Large |
Origin | Switzerland | Germany |
Height (male) | 25–27.5" | 23–25" |
Height (female) | 23–26" | 21–23" |
Weight (male) | 80–115 lbs | 55–70 lbs |
Weight (female) | 70–95 lbs | 45–60 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 7–10 years | 10–12 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Moderate (3/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | High (4/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with kids | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with other dogs | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with strangers | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | long | short |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | No |
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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.
About the German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a friendly, smart, willing-to-please all-around hunting and family dog with a liver-spotted coat. Originally from Germany, this large sporting breed typically weighs 55–70 lbs and lives 10–12 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, smart, willing to please.
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Bernese Mountain Dog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Cancer
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Elbow dysplasia
- • Bloat
German Shorthaired Pointer health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Bloat
- • Eye conditions
- • Lymphedema