Hovawart vs Bernese Mountain Dog
Compare Hovawart and Bernese Mountain Dog side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
Hovawart
Bernese Mountain Dog
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
58 – 70 cm
58 – 70 cm
Weight
25 – 50 kg
35 – 55 kg
Life expectancy
10 – 14 years
7 – 9 years
Child friendly
4/5
5/5
Energy level
4/5
4/5
Intelligence
4/5
4/5
Trainability
4/5
4/5
Health
4/5
3/5
Grooming needs
2/5
5/5
Shedding
3/5
5/5
Barking level
3/5
2/5
Aggressiveness
4/5
3/5
Characteristics
Hovawart
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Low grooming
Protective
Easy to train
Giant
Bernese Mountain Dog
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Quiet
Easy to train
Giant
Summary
About Hovawart
Large, powerful German farm guardian with medium‑long weatherproof coat in black, black and tan or blond. Deeply loyal, calm and family‑focused, but reserved with strangers and strongly territorial. Intelligent, independent and late‑maturing, needing consistent training, mental work and ample exercise.
About Bernese Mountain Dog
Large Swiss farm-bred dog with a strong, balanced build and a thick tricolour coat. Affectionate, people focused, and usually gentle with children. Needs moderate daily exercise, cool climates, regular grooming, and kind training. Health screening is crucial due to joint issues and cancers.
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