Bernese Mountain Dog vs Manchester Terrier

Working · Large vs Terrier · Small

Quick take
  • Bernese Mountain Dog is the larger breed at 80–115 lbs (males) vs 12–22 lbs for the Manchester Terrier.
  • The Manchester Terrier typically lives longer (15–17 years).
  • The Manchester Terrier has higher daily energy needs.
  • The Manchester Terrier sheds less.

Side-by-side traits

TraitBernese Mountain DogManchester Terrier
Group
WorkingTerrier
Size
LargeSmall
Origin
SwitzerlandEngland
Height (male)
25–27.5"15–16"
Height (female)
23–26"15–16"
Weight (male)
80–115 lbs12–22 lbs
Weight (female)
70–95 lbs12–22 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
7–10 years15–17 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Very High (5/5)Low (2/5)
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)High (4/5)
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)High (4/5)
Coat length
longshort
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoNo
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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 Manchester Terrier

The Manchester Terrier is a keen, devoted, observant English ratter — sleek black-and-tan terrier, gentleman's rat-pit champion. Originally from England, this small terrier breed typically weighs 12–22 lbs and lives 15–17 years. Breeders describe them as keen, devoted, observant.

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Bernese Mountain Dog health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Cancer
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Bloat

Manchester Terrier health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Von Willebrand's disease
  • Heart problems
  • Eye disorders