Bernese Mountain Dog vs Newfoundland: Which Gentle Giant Is Right for You?

As a dog lover and veterinarian, I‘m often asked my opinion when people are trying to decide between two breeds. When it comes to the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Newfoundland, the choice is especially difficult. Both of these giant breeds have captured the hearts of dog enthusiasts around the world with their striking good looks, gentle temperaments, and rich histories as working dogs.

But while the Bernese and the Newfie share many admirable qualities, they also have some key differences that are important for potential owners to understand. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll take an in-depth look at the origin, appearance, temperament, training, grooming, health, and ownership requirements for each breed. By the end, you‘ll have all the information you need to determine which gentle giant is the perfect fit for your lifestyle.

Breed Popularity and Ownership Costs

In recent years, both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Newfoundland have experienced a surge in popularity. According to the American Kennel Club‘s registration statistics, the Bernese ranked 22nd out of 196 breeds in 2020, up from 32nd a decade ago. The Newfoundland came in at 40th, a significant jump from 71st place in 2010.

So what‘s behind this newfound popularity? For starters, both breeds have undeniable charisma and tend to turn heads wherever they go. They‘ve also made frequent appearances in movies, TV shows, and books, exposing them to a wider audience. The Bernese Mountain Dog showcased their acting chops as "Beethoven" in the 1992 film of the same name, while a Newfoundland named Seaman accompanied Lewis and Clark on their famous expedition and was featured in the 2000s film "Far From Home."

Of course, owning a giant breed comes with some hefty expenses that potential owners need to be prepared for. The following table provides a breakdown of the typical annual costs associated with each breed:

As you can see, the Newfoundland edges out the Bernese in terms of average annual expenses, mainly due to their larger size and higher food costs. It‘s also worth noting that these are just estimates – serious health problems or emergencies can quickly inflate the veterinary care category. More on that later.

Origin and History

To truly understand the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Newfoundland, it helps to take a look back at their origins. As their names imply, both breeds were developed in cold, mountainous regions where they served as versatile working dogs.

The Bernese Mountain Dog, as the name suggests, hails from the canton of Bern in the Swiss Alps. There, they were used as general purpose farm dogs, tasked with herding cattle, guarding the property, and pulling carts loaded with milk and cheese to market. It‘s believed they descended from mastiff-type dogs brought to Switzerland by the Romans, who then interbred with local farm dogs.

The Newfoundland, meanwhile, originated on the island of Newfoundland off the Atlantic coast of Canada. They likely descended from a mix of indigenous dogs and breeds brought over by European fishermen, including mastiffs and Portuguese Water Dogs. In their early days, Newfoundlands earned their keep by hauling fishing nets, carrying boat lines to shore, and rescuing people from the icy waters.

Both breeds nearly faced extinction in the late 1800s, but were saved by the efforts of devoted breeders. Today, Bernese Mountain Dogs still showcase their drafting abilities in carting competitions, while Newfoundlands continue to excel as water rescue dogs. In fact, a Newfoundland named Bilbo was awarded the Dickin Medal (the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross) in 2016 for his role in a dramatic water rescue operation.

Appearance

One look at the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Newfoundland is usually enough to take your breath away. These are substantial dogs with powerful, muscular builds and luxurious coats. But while they share some similarities, they also have some distinct features that set them apart.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a striking tri-colored dog with a thick, slightly wavy double coat. The base color is a deep, rich black, with rust and white markings on the face, chest, and legs. They have a noble, masculine head with a straight muzzle and a gentle expression. Erect or slightly drooping ears frame the face. The average male stands 25-27.5 inches at the shoulder and weighs 80-115 pounds, while females are 23-26 inches and 70-95 pounds.

The Newfoundland, on the other hand, comes in several different color variations. The most common is solid black, but they also come in brown, gray, and black and white (known as a Landseer). The Newfie‘s signature feature is a massive, heavily boned head with small, triangular ears and a short, square muzzle. They have a flat, water-resistant double coat that feels slightly oily to the touch. Males are 28 inches and up at the shoulder and weigh a whopping 130-150 pounds, with females being 26 inches and up and 100-120 pounds.

Temperament and Training

As gentle giants, the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Newfoundland are both renowned for their sweet, affectionate natures. They are patient and tolerant with children, making them excellent family dogs. However, they do have some differences in their overall temperament and energy levels.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a sensitive soul who thrives on human companionship. They crave being near their owners and may develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long. Berners are also a bit more aloof with strangers compared to the famously friendly Newfoundland. They make excellent watchdogs thanks to their imposing size and bark, but are not aggressive.

Newfoundlands, on the other hand, are more independent and adapt well to being alone for periods of time. They are also known for their love of napping – you could say they‘re the couch potatoes of the giant breed world! That said, they still need regular exercise to prevent obesity. Both breeds will appreciate daily walks and playtime, but the Bernese is likely to have more endurance for activities like hiking and jogging.

When it comes to training, both breeds are intelligent and eager to please. However, the Bernese Mountain Dog may have a slight edge due to their sensitivity and desire to be near their owner. They respond very well to positive reinforcement techniques like praise, petting, and treats. The Newfoundland is also smart and trainable, but may display a stubborn streak at times. Keeping training sessions short, fun, and consistent is key.

Early socialization is a must for both breeds to ensure they are comfortable around strangers, other dogs, and new environments. Puppy kindergarten classes are a great way to start this process. Both breeds excel in a variety of dog sports and activities like obedience, therapy work, and drafting. In fact, a Bernese Mountain Dog named Bella made history in 2020 by becoming the first of her breed to earn the prestigious AKC Trick Dog Champion title.

Grooming and Daily Care

With their thick, luxurious coats, the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Newfoundland both require a significant amount of grooming to keep them looking their best. Weekly brushing is a must to prevent mats and tangles, and daily brushing is often necessary during shedding season. A slicker brush, undercoat rake, and metal comb are essential tools for any Berner or Newfie owner.

In addition to regular brushing, both breeds will need occasional baths to keep their coats clean and fresh. The Newfoundland‘s coat is naturally water-resistant, so they may not need to be bathed as often as the Bernese. However, they are prone to drooling, especially after drinking water or eating. Their lips tend to trap moisture, leading to a condition called "Newfie Drool." Keep a towel handy to wipe their mouth and protect your clothes and furniture.

Aside from coat care, both breeds will need their nails trimmed regularly to prevent overgrowth and splitting. Dental care is also important, as giant breeds are prone to tooth decay and gum disease. Daily tooth brushing with a dog-safe toothpaste, along with regular dental cleanings at the vet, can help keep their pearly whites in top shape.

Given their size, both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Newfoundland require a significant amount of space in the home. They are not well-suited for apartment living unless they have access to a nearby park or green space for daily exercise. A securely fenced yard is ideal, as both breeds may wander if given the opportunity. They are also known to be escape artists, so a sturdy, high fence is a must.

Health and Longevity

Unfortunately, like many giant breeds, the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Newfoundland are prone to a number of health problems that can impact their quality of life and longevity. The following are some of the most common issues seen in each breed:

Bernese Mountain Dog:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia (affecting up to 25% of the breed)
• Cancer (especially histiocytic sarcoma and lymphoma)
• Gastric dilatation volvulus (bloat)
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Von Willebrand‘s disease (a blood clotting disorder)

Newfoundland:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia (affecting up to 20% of the breed)
• Subvalvular aortic stenosis (a heart defect)
• Cystinuria (a kidney defect leading to bladder stones)
• Cherry eye (prolapse of the third eyelid gland)
• Cruciate ligament rupture

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a particularly short lifespan even among giant breeds, with an average of just 6-8 years. The Newfoundland fares slightly better at 8-10 years. To help ensure a long, healthy life for your dog, it‘s crucial to work with a reputable breeder who performs health screenings on their breeding stock. Organizations like the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America and the Newfoundland Club of America maintain databases of health tested dogs and can provide referrals to responsible breeders.

In addition to regular veterinary check-ups and preventive care, there are several things owners can do to promote their dog‘s health. Feeding a high-quality diet appropriate for their age and activity level, maintaining a healthy weight, providing regular exercise, and using ramps or stairs to prevent jumping injuries can all make a big difference.

Famous Bernese Mountain Dogs and Newfoundlands

Throughout history, there have been many notable examples of Bernese Mountain Dogs and Newfoundlands making their mark on the world. Here are just a few famous representatives of each breed:

Bernese Mountain Dogs:

• Brod and Syd: These two Bernese Mountain Dogs appeared in the 2010 animated film "Cats and Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore."
• Argus and Fiona: These therapy dogs gained national attention in 2011 when they comforted mourners at the funeral of a fallen US Navy SEAL.
• Quincey von Wiesmadern: This Bernese was the top winning dog of his breed in the US and won Best of Breed at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 2005.

Newfoundlands:

• Seaman: This Newfoundland accompanied explorers Lewis and Clark on their famous expedition across the western US from 1804-1806.
• Nana: In J.M. Barrie‘s classic story "Peter Pan," the Darling children‘s nanny is a Newfoundland named Nana.
• Sable Chief and Raven: These two Newfoundlands starred as "Nana" in the 1993 film "Peter Pan."
• Rigel: This black Newfoundland was aboard the Titanic when it sank in 1912. He was credited with saving multiple passengers and became known as the "Titanic Dog."

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Newfoundland are both remarkable breeds with a lot to offer the right owner. As a veterinarian and dog lover, I can attest to their charming personalities, striking good looks, and versatility as working and companion dogs. However, owning a giant breed is not for everyone. Their size, grooming needs, and potential health problems require a significant investment of time, money, and energy.

If you‘re an active individual or family with a spacious home, a big heart, and a willingness to put in the work, either breed could be a wonderful choice. The Bernese Mountain Dog may be slightly better suited for those seeking a constant companion and adventure buddy, while the Newfoundland is a good fit for those who prefer a more laid-back dog with a natural love of water.

Whichever breed you choose, be sure to do your research and find a responsible breeder who prioritizes health and temperament. With proper care, training, and love, your gentle giant will be a loyal and beloved member of the family for years to come.