| Breed |  Bernese Mountain Dog |  Coton de Tulear |
|---|
| Origin | Switzerland | Madagascar |
|---|
| Group | Working | Toy |
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| Size | Giant | Small |
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| Coat | Long, thick, silky tricolour double coat | Long, soft, cotton-textured white coat |
|---|
| Weight | 36 to 50 kg | 3.5 to 6 kg |
|---|
| Height | 58 to 70 cm | 23 to 30 cm |
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| Lifespan | 7 to 10 yrs | 14 to 16 yrs |
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| Exercise need | 5/10 | 5/10 |
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| Affection | 9/10 | 9/10 |
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| Grooming needs | 7/10 | 7/10 |
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| Barking | 4/10 | 4/10 |
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| Good with children | 9/10 | 8/10 |
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| Good with other dogs | 8/10 | 8/10 |
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| Trainability | 7/10 | 7/10 |
|---|
| Prey drive | 2/10 | 3/10 |
|---|
| Copes alone | 3/10 | 2/10 |
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| Drool | 5/10 | 1/10 |
|---|
| Shedding | 8/10 | 2/10 |
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| Flat fit | 2/10 | 9/10 |
|---|
| Running cost | €205 / month | €94 / month |
|---|
Bernese Mountain Dog verdict
A striking tricolour giant from the Swiss Alps, devoted to family but burdened with a shortened lifespan.
Get one if
- · Families with a cool climate or shaded, well ventilated garden
- · Owners prepared for heavy, regular grooming sessions
- · Households wanting a calm, affectionate companion for children
Think again if
- · Owners in hot climates without reliable shade or cooling options
- · Anyone wanting a long lived companion breed
- · Flats or homes without space for a giant adult dog
Coton de Tulear verdict
The cotton-coated clown of Madagascar
Get one if
- · First-time owners wanting an easy-tempered small dog
- · Families with gentle children
- · Flats and smaller homes
Think again if
- · People out at work all day
- · Owners who dislike daily brushing
- · Anyone wanting a totally hands-off coat
