Side by side
Put a few breeds side by side before you make up your mind.
Pick up to four. The URL updates as you go, so you can send this comparison to whoever you are arguing with.
| Breed |  Newfoundland |  Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Newfoundland, Canada | Switzerland |
| Group | Working | Working |
| Size | Giant | Giant |
| Coat | Thick, water resistant double coat, flat or slightly wavy, usually black, brown or Landseer black and white | Long, thick, silky tricolour double coat |
| Weight | 45 to 70 kg | 36 to 50 kg |
| Height | 66 to 71 cm | 58 to 70 cm |
| Lifespan | 8 to 10 yrs | 7 to 10 yrs |
| Exercise need | 4/10 | 5/10 |
| Affection | 10/10 | 9/10 |
| Grooming needs | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Barking | 3/10 | 4/10 |
| Good with children | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| Good with other dogs | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Trainability | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Prey drive | 2/10 | 2/10 |
| Copes alone | 4/10 | 3/10 |
| Drool | 9/10 | 5/10 |
| Shedding | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Flat fit | 1/10 | 2/10 |
| Running cost | €225 / month | €205 / month |
Newfoundland verdict
The sweetest giant you will ever own, with the biggest reality check in drool, shedding and space it genuinely needs.
Get one if
- · Owners with ample indoor and outdoor space for a calm giant breed
- · Families wanting a famously gentle, patient companion around children
- · People happy to commit to frequent brushing and regular coat maintenance
Think again if
- · Owners without a garden or enough indoor space for a genuinely giant dog
- · Anyone hoping for a low shedding or low drool breed
- · Households on a tight budget, given high food, insurance and grooming costs
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