The Bernese Mountain Dog is a massive, powerful dog. The majestic canine was bred to herd cattle, defend livestock from predators, and offer companionship to humans. Bernese Mountain Dogs are truly one of a kind, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of similar breeds.
If you are curious about breeds that are like the Bernese Mountain Dog, we have compiled a list of 11 dogs similar to it. This list is full of large-breed dogs with distinct appearances, so take a look and see which ones you like best.
The 11 Dogs Similar to the Bernese Mountain Dog
1. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
| Height: | 25.5–28.5 inches |
| Weight : | 115–140 inches |
| Lifespan: | 8–11 years |
Much like the Bernese Mountain Dog, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a coat color patterned in black, white, and red. This massive breed can weigh up to 140 pounds and stand 28.5 inches tall. On average, it lives a little longer than the Bernese Mountain Dog, although the difference is so minimal that it might as well be the same. Appearance-wise, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog may be the closest companion to the Bernese Mountain Dog.
In terms of personality, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is incredibly affectionate with family and strangers alike. It is known to be family-oriented and dependable.
2. Hovawart
| Height: | 23–28 inches |
| Weight : | 65–90 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10–14 years |
The Hovawart has a similar coat color and pattern as the Bernese Mountain Dog, but its build is more slight. On average, it weighs around 25 pounds less than the Bernese Mountain Dog, although it can stand taller. It can also live 4 more years than the average Bernese Mountain Dog.
This breed is a vigilant watchdog with a desire to protect its family. They adore their families and are great with young children and other dogs. They are a loyal, intelligent breed with a playful attitude.
3. Newfoundland
| Height: | 28 inches |
| Weight : | 130–150 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 9–10 years |
The Newfoundland is a sweet, patient breed. This massive ball of fluff can weigh up to 45 pounds heavier than the largest Bernese Mountain Dog, although the two breeds stand about even. The Newfoundland is a heavy, powerful working breed dog known for its gentle temperament, much like the Bernese Mountain Dog.
The Newfoundland makes an excellent family companion; it is affectionate, great with children, and companionable with other dogs. They are well-mannered around strangers and do not tend to be overly mischievous.
4. Great Dane
| Height: | 30–32 inches |
| Weight : | 140–175 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 7–10 years |
Great Danes are massive dogs, standing around 30 inches or more and weighing up to 175 pounds. This breed was developed to hunt wild boars, so the musculature and might of this dog are undeniable. Nicknamed the “Apollo of Dogs,” the Great Dane can easily tower over a human when on its hind legs. However, there isn’t any reason to fear since the Great Dane is a gentle, friendly dog with a lot of love to give.
Like any large-breed dog, the main concern is that the Great Dane may not know its strength and may accidentally knock someone over.
5. Saint Bernard
| Height: | 28–30 inches |
| Weight : | 140–180 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 8–10 years |
The Saint Bernard is a massive dog with an even bigger heart. This sweet-tempered breed can reach 180 pounds and stand around 30 inches tall. They are affectionate with their families and exceptionally good with children, and they are remarkably watchful, playful, and patient.
Still, the Saint Bernard boasts an impressive figure. This dog is often described as imposing and incredibly powerful. With such a remarkable build, it makes an excellent watchdog—especially because Saint Bernard is so vigilant.
6. Caucasian Shepherd Dog
| Height: | 23–30 inches |
| Weight : | 99–170 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
If you are looking for a serious watchdog, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog may be the perfect fit. This bold, confident breed will respond to any threat with fearlessness, as its protective nature has been ingrained into it for centuries. The defensive skills it gained as a livestock guardian can be applied to your family. Since the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is fierce and large, inexperienced dog owners should think twice.
When it comes to the Caucasian Shepherd Dog’s family, this breed is full of affection and kindness. It is not recommended for families with young children or other dogs, but if the Caucasian Shepherd Dog sees you as family, you can rest assured knowing you are under good protection.
7. Leonberger
| Height: | 28–31.5 inches |
| Weight : | 110–170 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 8–9 years |
The Leonberger is an enormous canine. This breed can stand at a height of 31.5 inches and weigh up to 170 pounds. It is a muscular, powerful working group dog created by breeding Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards, and other large working group dogs.
This breed is known to be friendly, playful, and gentle. They have plenty of affection for their families and are great with young children. They are vigilant watchdogs with excellent judgment and take their job of guarding the family very seriously.
8. Great Pyrenees
| Height: | 27–32 inches |
| Weight : | 100 pounds or more |
| Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
If you’re looking for a dog that can match the fluffy, thick coat of the Bernese Mountain Dog, take a look at the Great Pyrenees. It is a large, majestic dog with a thick and luscious coat. They were initially bred to defend against wolves and other dangerous predators, so the might of the Great Pyrenees is nothing to scoff at.
This breed is patient, calm, and full of love for family. It will tolerate young children and other dogs, but it may not be their ideal companion. Still, their mellow nature makes them excellent family dogs.
Related Read: Bernese Mountain Dog vs Great Pyrenees – Which Should I Choose?
9. Irish Wolfhound
| Height: | 32 inches minimum |
| Weight : | 105–135 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 6–8 years |
The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest breed in the world, and the male’s minimum height is 32 inches. When standing on its hind legs, this dog can easily tower over even the tallest of humans. It is so imposing and powerful that it was used to hunt wolves for a time.
Although the Irish Wolfhound isn’t used to hunting wolves as much as it used to, it is still used as a guard dog. The Irish Wolfhound is not a fearsome watchdog, although it is vigilant. Its personality is too calm to be fierce. However, the sheer size of this dog is more than enough to deter even the most determined intruders.
10. Kuvasz
| Height: | 28–30 inches |
| Weight : | 100–115 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
Impressive, majestic, and mighty, the Kuvasz is a nimble protector that defends its families with elegance. This dog can stand at 30 inches and weigh up to 115 pounds, keeping it somewhat in line with the size of the Bernese Mountain Dog.
The Kuvasz are incredibly affectionate with family members, although they can be somewhat suspicious of strangers. This is due to the vigilance of the breed since the Kuvasz is always watching over its family.
11. Mastiff
| Height: | 30 inches or more |
| Weight : | 160–230 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 6–10 years |
The Mastiff is the heaviest dog on this list. It can stand at a height of 30 inches or more while weighing up to 230 pounds. This massive dog is not one to be trifled with, as it is a vigilant watchdog that is fiercely protective of its loved ones.
The Mastiff is dignified and courageous, and it is a good-natured companion that is perfect for families. They are affectionate dogs that are great with children and other dogs.
Conclusion
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a unique, special breed that can never be truly replaced; however, several dogs share some similarities with this remarkable gentle giant. Whether you are partial to the sweetness of the Saint Bernard or an imposing size like the Mastiff, any of these breeds could be the perfect fit for you.
- Related Read: Dogs Similar to St. Bernards (With Pictures)
Featured Image Credit: Artush, Shutterstock
The 11 Dogs Similar to the Bernese Mountain Dog
