Bernese Mountain Dog

Working · Large

German Shorthaired Pointer

Sporting · Large

Bernese Mountain Dog vs German Shorthaired Pointer

Side-by-side comparison of the Bernese Mountain Dog and German Shorthaired Pointer — size, temperament, shedding, trainability, cost, and compatibility ratings.

Quick comparison

Best for families

Bernese Mountain Dog

Based on good-with-kids rating

Easier to train

German Shorthaired Pointer

Based on trainability rating

Less shedding

German Shorthaired Pointer

Based on shedding level

Better for apartments

Bernese Mountain Dog

Based on apartment-friendly rating

Lower maintenance

German Shorthaired Pointer

Based on grooming needs

Longer lifespan

German Shorthaired Pointer

Based on average lifespan

Detailed comparison

Physical traits

Trait	Bernese Mountain Dog	German Shorthaired Pointer
Size	Large	Large
Height	23–27.5″	21–25″
Weight	70–115 lbs	45–70 lbs
Lifespan	7–10 yrs	12–14 yrs
Group	Working	Sporting
Coat type	Long, thick, silky double coat	Short, thick, water-repellent

Temperament & behavior

Trait	Bernese Mountain Dog	German Shorthaired Pointer
Energy level	Moderate	Very High
Trainability	High	Very High
Barking level	Low	Moderate

Compatibility

Trait	Bernese Mountain Dog	German Shorthaired Pointer
Good with kids	Very High	High
Good with dogs	High	High
Good with cats	Moderate	Low
Apartment friendly	Very Low	Very Low

Care requirements

Trait	Bernese Mountain Dog	German Shorthaired Pointer
Shedding	Very High	Moderate
Grooming needs	Moderate	Very Low
Daily exercise	30–60 min	90–120 min
Daily food	3–5 cups	2–3 cups
Annual cost	$1 800–$3 200	$1 400–$2 200

Temperament