Bernese Mountain Dog vs Papillon
Working · Large vs Toy · Toy
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
PapillonToy
A friendly, alert, happy butterfly-eared toy — the most trainable toy breed, fixture in agility podiums.
Weight: 5–10 lbsLifespan: 14–16 years
Quick take
- • Bernese Mountain Dog is the larger breed at 80–115 lbs (males) vs 5–10 lbs for the Papillon.
- • The Papillon typically lives longer (14–16 years).
- • The Papillon has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Papillon sheds less.
- • The Papillon is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Bernese Mountain Dog | Papillon |
|---|---|---|
Group | Working | Toy |
Size | Large | Toy |
Origin | Switzerland | France |
Height (male) | 25–27.5" | 8–11" |
Height (female) | 23–26" | 8–11" |
Weight (male) | 80–115 lbs | 5–10 lbs |
Weight (female) | 70–95 lbs | 5–10 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 7–10 years | 14–16 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
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) | 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) | Moderate (3/5) |
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) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with other dogs | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with strangers | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Moderate (3/5) | Low (2/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Coat length | long | long |
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 Papillon
The Papillon is a friendly, alert, happy butterfly-eared toy — the most trainable toy breed, fixture in agility podiums. Originally from France, this toy toy breed typically weighs 5–10 lbs and lives 14–16 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, alert, happy.
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Bernese Mountain Dog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Cancer
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Elbow dysplasia
- • Bloat
Papillon health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Dental issues
- • Progressive retinal atrophy