Bernese Mountain Dog

Working · Large

Labrador Retriever

Sporting · Large

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever

Side-by-side comparison of the Bernese Mountain Dog and Labrador Retriever — 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

Labrador Retriever

Based on trainability rating

Less shedding

Labrador Retriever

Based on shedding level

Better for apartments

Labrador Retriever

Based on apartment-friendly rating

Lower maintenance

Labrador Retriever

Based on grooming needs

Longer lifespan

Labrador Retriever

Based on average lifespan

Detailed comparison

Physical traits

Trait	Bernese Mountain Dog	Labrador Retriever
Size	Large	Large
Height	23–27.5″	21.5–24.5″
Weight	70–115 lbs	55–80 lbs
Lifespan	7–10 yrs	11–13 yrs
Group	Working	Sporting
Coat type	Long, thick, silky double coat	Double coat, short and dense

Temperament & behavior

Trait	Bernese Mountain Dog	Labrador Retriever
Energy level	Moderate	Very High
Trainability	High	Very High
Barking level	Low	Moderate

Compatibility

Trait	Bernese Mountain Dog	Labrador Retriever
Good with kids	Very High	Very High
Good with dogs	High	Very High
Good with cats	Moderate	Moderate
Apartment friendly	Very Low	Low

Care requirements

Trait	Bernese Mountain Dog	Labrador Retriever
Shedding	Very High	High
Grooming needs	Moderate	Low
Daily exercise	30–60 min	60–120 min
Daily food	3–5 cups	2–3 cups
Annual cost	$1 800–$3 200	$1 500–$2 500

Temperament