Bernese Mountain Dog VS Great Dane
A detailed side-by-side comparison to help you choose between these two popular breeds.
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Bernese Mountain Dog | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 7–10 yrs | 7–10 yrs |
| Weight | 70–115 lbs | 110–175 lbs |
| Height | 23–27" | 28–32" |
| Price | $1500–$3000 | $1000–$2500 |
| AKC Rank | #22 | #19 |
| Group | Working | Working |
| Size | Giant | Giant |
Rating Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Bernese Mountain Dog and Great Dane are both popular choices in 2026, but they suit different lifestyles. A gentle giant with a goofy smile and an irresistible desire to lean against the people they love, often called the most affectionate of all large breeds.. The Apollo of Dogs, combining majestic size with a gentle, affectionate temperament that makes them one of the best-natured giant breeds..
Size and Appearance
The Bernese Mountain Dog (70–115 lbs, 23–27") is smaller than the Great Dane (110–175 lbs, 28–32"). This affects everything from food budget to the size of bed and crate you'll need.
Temperament
Energy: Bernese Mountain Dog 3/5 vs. Great Dane 3/5. Trainability: 4/5 vs. 3/5. With children: 5/5 vs. 4/5. Eager to please and food-motivated, making them relatively easy to train; responds poorly to harsh methods and thrives on gentle, consistent guidance. Must be trained early while still manageable in size; by the time a Dane is full-grown, an untrained dog becomes nearly impossible to physically control.
Health and Lifespan
Lifespan: Bernese Mountain Dog 7–10 years vs. Great Dane 7–10 years. Each breed has its own health profile—Histiocytic Sarcoma is a concern for the Bernese Mountain Dog, while the Great Dane is prone to Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus. Health testing by breeders reduces both risks.
Cost
Purchase price: Bernese Mountain Dog $1500–$3000 vs. Great Dane $1000–$2500. Ongoing costs run $218/month for the Bernese Mountain Dog and $291/month for the Great Dane.
Grooming and Maintenance
The Bernese Mountain Dog (long coat, grooming 4/5, shedding 5/5) and Great Dane (short coat, grooming 1/5, shedding 3/5) have different maintenance levels.
Living Situation
Apartment suitability: 2/5 (Bernese Mountain Dog) vs. 2/5 (Great Dane). Exercise: 3/5 vs. 3/5. Both breeds need active owners.
The Verdict
Your lifestyle determines which breed is the better fit. Consider your space, schedule, experience level, and what you want from a canine companion.
Bernese Mountain Dog: A giant working breed, 7–10 year lifespan, $1500–$3000. Best for: families with kids, needs space, moderate activity. A gentle giant with a goofy smile and an irresistible desire to lean against the people they love, often called the most affectionate of all large breeds.
Great Dane: A giant working breed, 7–10 year lifespan, $1000–$2500. Best for: families with kids, needs space, moderate activity. The Apollo of Dogs, combining majestic size with a gentle, affectionate temperament that makes them one of the best-natured giant breeds.
Size and Physical Differences
When comparing the Bernese Mountain Dog and Great Dane side by side, the physical differences become immediately apparent and play a significant role in determining which breed suits your home environment. The Bernese Mountain Dog weighs 70–115 lbs, while the Great Dane comes in at 110–175 lbs. In terms of height, the Bernese Mountain Dog stands 23–27" tall compared to the Great Dane at 28–32". These measurements directly impact how much space the dog needs to move comfortably, the size of crate and bed required, and even the cost of food and medication dosing since larger dogs require proportionally more of both.
Lifespan is another critical physical factor - the Bernese Mountain Dog typically lives 7–10 yrs, whereas the Great Dane has an expected lifespan of 7–10 yrs. Larger breeds generally have shorter lifespans due to faster cellular aging and greater strain on joints and organs. This difference means a potentially longer commitment with one breed versus the other, affecting everything from total lifetime costs to the emotional timeline of companionship. Consider which lifespan range aligns with your family situation and long-term plans before making a decision between these two breeds.
Temperament and Lifestyle Fit
Beyond physical traits, the temperament profiles of the Bernese Mountain Dog and Great Dane reveal which breed integrates more naturally into your daily life. Both breeds share an energy level of 3/5, meaning exercise demands are comparable. For trainability, the Bernese Mountain Dog scores 4/5 versus 3/5 for the Great Dane, making it generally easier to train for first-time owners.
The Great Dane tends to bark more frequently at 3/5 versus 2/5, an important consideration in shared-wall living situations. Consider which temperament profile aligns with your household dynamics, daily schedule, and activity preferences before choosing between these two breeds.
Cost of Ownership
The initial purchase price differs between these breeds: the Bernese Mountain Dog typically costs $1500–$3000, while the Great Dane runs $1000–$2500. However, the purchase price represents only a fraction of the total cost of dog ownership. First-year expenses including supplies, initial veterinary visits, vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery, and early training classes typically add $1,000–$2,500 on top of the acquisition cost regardless of breed. Larger breeds generally incur higher ongoing costs because they consume more food, require larger doses of medications, and need bigger crates, beds, and accessories.
Monthly costs for either breed include food ($30–$100 depending on size and dietary needs), pet insurance ($30–$60), routine grooming ($0–$100 depending on coat type), and miscellaneous supplies. Annual veterinary care adds $300–$800 for healthy dogs, with senior dogs and those with chronic conditions requiring significantly more. Over a full lifespan, total ownership costs for medium to large breeds commonly reach $15,000–$30,000, not including emergency veterinary care. Before deciding between the Bernese Mountain Dog and Great Dane, create a realistic budget that accounts for these ongoing expenses to ensure you can provide excellent care throughout the dog's entire life without financial strain.
Hidden costs that prospective owners frequently overlook include professional training classes ($150–$500 for basic obedience), boarding or pet sitting during vacations ($30–$75 per night), dog-proofing your home ($100–$300), and replacement of items damaged during puppyhood. Renters should factor in pet deposits ($200–$500) and monthly pet rent ($25–$75) that many landlords charge. Pet insurance at $30–$60 per month is strongly recommended regardless of which breed you choose, as a single emergency can easily cost $3,000–$8,000. Establishing an emergency veterinary fund alongside insurance provides a financial safety net that prevents care decisions from being driven by budget constraints during your dog's most vulnerable moments.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Choose the Bernese Mountain Dog if: You are looking for a breed that matches the Bernese Mountain Dog's specific combination of traits and temperament characteristics outlined above. Consider this breed if your living situation, activity level, and experience with dogs align well with what the Bernese Mountain Dog demands. Prospective owners should visit our full Bernese Mountain Dog profile for detailed information on health issues, grooming requirements, training tips, and real ownership costs broken down by category.
Choose the Great Dane if: Your lifestyle and preferences align more closely with the Great Dane's temperament and physical characteristics. Review the complete Great Dane breed profile for in-depth coverage of health, temperament, cost breakdowns, and practical ownership advice. Spending time with both breeds before making a final decision is strongly recommended - attend breed-specific events, connect with local breed clubs, or visit reputable breeders and rescue organizations to interact with dogs of each breed in person.
Still undecided? Use our Dog Age Calculator and Puppy Weight Calculator to understand the growth and aging trajectory for each breed. Browse our expert guides for advice on training, nutrition, health care, and choosing the right breed for your specific situation. The right dog is not simply the most popular or the most attractive breed - it is the one whose daily needs, temperament, and care requirements align with what you can realistically provide over the next decade or more. Take the time to meet dogs of both breeds in person before committing - the investment in research and firsthand experience prevents the heartbreak of rehoming a dog that does not fit your lifestyle.