Bernese Mountain Dog vs Schipperke
Working · Large vs Non-Sporting · Small
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
SchipperkeSmall
A confident, alert, curious Belgian barge dog — small black 'little captain' with foxy face and ruff.
Weight: 10–16 lbsLifespan: 12–14 years
Quick take
- • Bernese Mountain Dog is the larger breed at 80–115 lbs (males) vs 10–16 lbs for the Schipperke.
- • The Schipperke typically lives longer (12–14 years).
- • The Schipperke has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Schipperke sheds less.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Bernese Mountain Dog | Schipperke |
|---|---|---|
Group | Working | Non-Sporting |
Size | Large | Small |
Origin | Switzerland | Belgium |
Height (male) | 25–27.5" | 11–13" |
Height (female) | 23–26" | 10–12" |
Weight (male) | 80–115 lbs | 10–16 lbs |
Weight (female) | 70–95 lbs | 10–16 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 7–10 years | 12–14 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) | Moderate (3/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Moderate (3/5) | Low (2/5) |
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) | High (4/5) |
Good with strangers | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Coat length | long | medium |
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 Schipperke
The Schipperke is a confident, alert, curious Belgian barge dog — small black 'little captain' with foxy face and ruff. Originally from Belgium, this small non-sporting breed typically weighs 10–16 lbs and lives 12–14 years. Breeders describe them as confident, alert, curious.
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Bernese Mountain Dog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Cancer
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Elbow dysplasia
- • Bloat
Schipperke health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • MPS IIIB
- • Patellar luxation
- • Hypothyroidism