Dutch Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

Dutch Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed ComparisonBernese Mountain Dog is originated from Switzerland but Dutch Shepherd is originated from Netherlands. Bernese Mountain Dog may grow 9 cm / 4 inches higher than Dutch Shepherd. Bernese Mountain Dog may weigh 23 kg / 51 pounds more than Dutch Shepherd. Bernese Mountain Dog may live 7 years less than Dutch Shepherd. Bernese Mountain Dog may have more litter size than Dutch Shepherd. Both Bernese Mountain Dog and Dutch Shepherd requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Herding dogs
undefined
Switzerland
Netherlands
Height Male:
61 - 71 cm
24 - 28 inches
55 - 62 cm
21 - 25 inches
Height Female:
58 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
55 - 62 cm
21 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
35 - 55 kg
77 - 122 pounds
20 - 32 kg
44 - 71 pounds
Weight Female:
30 - 50 kg
66 - 111 pounds
20 - 32 kg
44 - 71 pounds
Life Span:
6 - 8 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 15
6 - 10
Size:
Giant
Medium
Other Names:
Berner Sennenhund Bernese Cattle Dog - Berner, Bernese
Hollandse Herder
Colors Available:
Tri-Black,Rust,White
brindle, red, Gold or silver
Coat:
double, long, thick
Short and dense but also long or wiry
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Docile, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Quiet, Social, Stubborn, Sweet
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

bernese mountain dogThe Bernese Mountain Dog comes from the Swiss Alps and is one of four separate breeds called Sennenhund or “Alpine pasture dog”. The Name Bernese Mountain Dog indicates the area of Switzerland that the dogs come from – the canton of Bern. These groups of dogs accompanied the dairymen and herders and they were farm dogs. They pulled carts, delivered goods from village to village. The Bernese Mountain Dog was part of this group along with: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Appenzeller,Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Bernese Mountain Dog. It is probably true that the Bernese Mountain Dog has been a part of farm life in the Alps for over 2000 years.

In some regions of the Alps, these dogs were called Durrbachhund after a small town named Durrbah and are said to be rooted in the Molosser breeds. Tin 1902 the Swiss Kennel Club recognized the Bernese Mountain Dog as a separate breed and the first breed club was founded in 1907 in the region of Burgdorf. The first standard for the breed was written and separated the 4 dogs into their own breeds. The Molosser is an ancient breed whose versatility and travels made it expressly influential in the developing of Mastiff dogs like St. Bernards, Great Pyranees, Mastiffs and Swiss Mountain Dogs like the Bernese.

However at the end of the 19th century famers and shepherds began to import other breeds of working dogs, while at the same time automated modes of transportation began to replace the farm dogs. Under these circumstances the number of Bernese Mountain Dog began to decline and the breed faced potential extinction. A group of people were gathered together to save the Berner, including Franz Schertenleib and Albert Heim. Still today the Bernese are in short supply and because of the need and desire to increase the numbers, some breeding practices have not been as good as they should have been. However, today’s Berner is a great family dog and he still loves to work. He is good at carting, herding, search and rescue, watch dog, tracking, and competitive obedience.

The Bernese Mountain Dog came to the US after World War I and was imported to Britain in the 1930’s. The AKC accepted the Berner as a new Working-Class breed in 1937. It was not until 1968 that the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America was formed. In 1981, the AKC accepted the club as a member and in 1990 they (AKC) adopted the standard used today to judge the Bernese Mountain Dog.

dutch shepherdThe Dutch Shepherd is of Dutch origin, hailing from the Netherlands. They were originally used as herding dogs on the farms, where they became a jack-of-all-trades type of dog.

The Dutch Shepherd in those days, 100 odd years ago, were also known as Hollandse Herders.

These dogs are more rare in modern days, but when you do find them, they are being used as police or security dogs, as guides for the blind, or simply as family friends.

Description

bernese mountain dog puppy - descriptionThe Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, lovable clown. He has a heavy build with a tri color- mostly black – coat. He should have a white chest and rust coloring on the front of his legs, the sides of his mouth, and above his eyes. His eyes should be dark and blue eyes are a disqualification. His coat is silky, thick and long. He has medium sized triangle shaped ears and a scissors bite. He has round toes and strong, straight legs, He is well suited to cold weather. His skull is broad and flat, his muzzle is straight and strong, his nose must be black, and he does not usually drool.

He is an imposing sight, but he is also as non-aggressive as any breed. He is strong, intelligent, and agile. He should have his dew claws removed. This breed should be self-assured, yet good natured and calm. He is welcoming to strangers and loyal to his people. He needs his people.

dutch shepherd puppy - descriptionThe Dutch Shepherd dog is very similar in appearance to the popular German Shepherds, being a medium to large sized dog.

The males are slightly heavier than females, but both males and females can stand between 55 and 62cm and weigh between 20 and 32kg.

There are actually 3 varieties found in the Dutch Shepherd dogs - short-haired, long-haired, and wiry or rough-haired. The dog has a double coat, consisting of a woolly undercoat and a top coat. The basic color of the coat is gold or silver through to red, giving rise to the brindle variations. Too much black or white seen in the fur is considered a fault.

In 1914 it was decided that brindle coats would distinguish them from the others.

The eyes of the Dutch Shepherd are dark, almond shaped and slightly slanting, while the medium sized ears are erect and high on the head and the thick tail is slightly curved. The dog has an unusually long tongue which is often found hanging out.

Temperament:

Early training and socializing for this dog is important so that he can learn to stay calm around new people, or visitors to the property.

The beautiful Dutch Shepherd doesn’t like being left alone for too long, loving rather to be involved with all that the family is involved in. They get on well with other pets in the home as well as being child-friendly.

They are happy dogs, who can also be smart and cunning, therefore highly trainable. They soak up new commands easily. Dutch Shepherds are also good watchdogs as they are fiercely loyal, and do not take kindly to strangers.

Characteristics

bernese mountain dog dog - characteristicsWhen reading the AKC standard for the Bernese Mountain Dog you will find that the breed is good natured and self-assured. They are not aggressive, shy or anxious. These are gentle, loving dogs. At the same time, they should be socialized to all kinds of animals, people and children when they are puppies. They are happy outside but need to live in the house with their people. They need exercise and play, and because they are so large, they need this outside. But when it comes to cuddling and sleeping they need to be indoors.

They love children though you should be careful with small children because of the Berner’s size and their not being aware of their size at times. They are extremely loyal to their people and want to be with people. They are intelligent, and they want to please their people. At the same time, they are sensitive. They do not respond well to punishment or harshness. They are imposing but they are lovers at heart.

dutch shepherd dog - characteristicsYour alert, intelligent and somewhat rare Dutch Shepherd is a loyal, protective dog, and while he can be aggressive around intruders and be a great guard dog, he can also be a gentle, loving animal around his human family members.

Though his tongue is long and often hangs out, you won’t have to contend with drooling. He is a wonderfully active dog and doesn’t easily gain weight. He isn’t a barker or howler, and his exceptional intelligence makes him highly trainable.

Whether there are children or other animals in the house, you can rely on your Dutch Shepherd to get on well with them, making him a wonderful family pet and canine friend.

Health Problems

bernese mountain dog puppies - health problemsEven though it is well known that cancer is the leading cause of dog deaths across the globe, the Bernese Mountain Dog is particularly prone to die of cancer. Half of all Berners compared with 27% of all dogs, die from cancer. The Berner’s life span is also shorter than most dogs his size. IT is also not just one cancer that attacks the Bernese Mountain Dog but rather at least 6 or more including mast cell, osteosarcoma, malignant histiocytosis, fibrosarcoma, and lymphosarcoma. They can also suffer from PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), hypoadrenocorticism, cataracts and histiocytic sarcoma. Another issue that plaques the Berner more than other breeds is musculoskeletal issues that cause mortality. This can include issues such as cruciate ligament rupture, arthritis and hip dysplasia. These types of aliments cause death in 6% of the breed while they are usually the cause of mortality in only 2% of all other dogs.

dutch shepherd puppies - health problemsThe Dutch Shepherd dogs are the healthiest of the Shepherd breeds. They have relatively few health problems.

However, like the German Shepherds they may develop hip dysplasia, but this is in fact fairly rare. Get your pet to the vet if you suspect this in your dog because it can lead to lameness.

In 2018 the University of Minnesota identified a disease in Dutch Shepherds called Miositis. This is an inflammatory myopathy causing painful inflammation of the skeletal muscle tissue.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

bernese mountain dog dogs - caringAs with any large purebred dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog needs high quality food that will provide hi with nutrition and keep him from becoming overweight if fed properly. He is however a very large dog with a very large appetite. Watch his calorie intake. It’s ok to use treats if you fit them into the overall calorie intake for the day. Feed him smaller meals twice a day.

Health issues

As previously mentioned the breed has quite a few health challenges to deal with, cancer being the number one issue. The small genetic line is one of, if not the main, culprit in this high mortality rate and short life span of the Bernese Mountain Dog. In addition to the conditions mentioned above, they are also susceptible to bloat (stomach inversion). In addition, they face the conditions mentioned previously and should be tested for dysplasia of the hip and elbow, Von Willebrand’s Disease, Cardiac testing and an eye or ophthalmologist exam.

Exercise and games

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a gentle giant. They have a calm happy demeanor and they love to work. In fact, they need to work. They love children and will quickly give them cart rides. They compete in carting competitions and herding events sponsored by the AKC. They need exercise but not an extreme amount or intense type. A half-hour a day is enough for them. They love long walks or hiking. They are great companions for backpacking or camping. They are also good at tracking, rally, obedience, and agility.

Grooming:

dutch shepherd dogs - caringUnfortunately Dutch Shepherds shed quite a bit of hair during their shedding period in spring and autumn. This makes regular brushing important during these seasons so as to remove the dead hairs, especially from the undercoat.

The wire- or rough-haired variety shouldn’t be brushed but should rather be groomed by a professional groomer every 6 months or so.

Their nails need to be trimmed when necessary, to avoid cracking, splitting, or an injury.

Their ears can be cleaned weekly to get rid of any debris or wax build-up. This, if left, can lead to infection. Brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week to avoid dental disease which brings on a host of illnesses.

Exercise:

These dogs do need regular exercising, and at the same time need to be physically and mentally stimulated. He is the kind of dog that has been used for herding purpose on the farm and he just craves activity. Take him with you on your walks and include him in ball games, hikes, jogging, swimming or when you go cycling – he is game for all kinds of activities.

Diet:

The formula for their diet would be that of a medium to large dog with high energy levels. The top commercially manufactured foods have been developed to include all the important vitamins and minerals. Fish oil can also be added to their food to keep the coat shiny.

Add in cooked rice, cooked vegetables and chicken from time to time and be sure to add in some raw meat occasionally to prevent problems with the skin. Always ensure that your pet has fresh, cool water to drink.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Dutch Shepherd vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Dutch Shepherd vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Dutch Shepherd vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Dutch Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Dutch Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Dutch Shepherd vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Dutch Shepherd vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Dutch Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Dutch Shepherd vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Dutch Shepherd vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Dutch Shepherd vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Dutch Shepherd vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Dutch Shepherd vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Dutch Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Dutch Shepherd vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Dutch Shepherd vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Dutch Shepherd vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Dutch Shepherd vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Dutch Shepherd vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Dutch Shepherd vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Dutch Shepherd vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Dutch Shepherd vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Dutch Shepherd vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Dutch Shepherd vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Dutch Shepherd vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Bernese Mountain Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Bernese Mountain Dog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Bernese Mountain Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Bernese Mountain Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Bernese Mountain Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Bernese Mountain Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Bernese Mountain Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Bernese Mountain Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Bernese Mountain Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Bernese Mountain Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Bernese Mountain Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Bernese Mountain Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Bernese Mountain Dog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Bernese Mountain Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Bernese Mountain Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Bernese Mountain Dog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Bernese Mountain Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Bernese Mountain Dog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Bernese Mountain Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Bernese Mountain Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Bernese Mountain Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Bernese Mountain Dog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison