Bernese Mountain Dog vs Great Pyrenees
Both are fluffy giants. The Bernese is the eager family teddy bear; the Pyrenees is the independent night-shift guardian who barks at the moon on principle.
Side by side
| Bernese Mountain Dog | Great Pyrenees | Verdict | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 5/5 | 5/5 | Tie |
| Energy | 3/5 | 2/5 | The Bernese Mountain Dog has more energy |
| Shedding | 5/5 | 5/5 | Tie |
| Barking | 3/5 | 5/5 | The Great Pyrenees barks more |
| Trainability | 4/5 | 2/5 | The Bernese Mountain Dog is easier to train |
| Kid-friendliness | 5/5 | 5/5 | Tie |
| Drooling | 4/5 | 4/5 | Tie |
| Life expectancy | 7–10 years | 10–12 years | The Great Pyrenees lives longer |
Vet costs
Age 1, U.S.-average prices, $2,000 emergency savings.
Bernese Mountain Dog
- First-year expected vet cost: $954
- Fair monthly insurance price at age 1: $67/mo
- Top cost drivers: Malignant histiocytosis · Elbow dysplasia
- Expected lifetime vet cost: $8,964
Great Pyrenees
- First-year expected vet cost: $846
- Fair monthly insurance price at age 1: $59/mo
- Top cost drivers: Bone cancer · Underactive thyroid
- Expected lifetime vet cost: $12,551
Lifetime totals include lifespan: the Bernese Mountain Dog is expected to live 7–10 years, the Great Pyrenees 10–12 years.
In year one, the Great Pyrenees is expected to cost about $108 less.
Statistical estimate, not a quote or insurance advice.
Choose the Bernese Mountain Dog if…
- You want a gentle, more trainable family giant
- You want a dog that wants to be with you
- You can handle a giant amount of shedding
Choose the Great Pyrenees if…
- You have land or livestock to guard
- You're fine with nighttime barking
- You accept a dog that makes its own decisions
FAQ
Which is cheaper to insure?
In year one, the Great Pyrenees is expected to cost about $108 less. Fair monthly insurance price at age 1: Bernese Mountain Dog $67, Great Pyrenees $59. Statistical estimate, not a quote or insurance advice.
Which sheds more?
It's a tie on shedding. Shedding: Bernese Mountain Dog 5/5, Great Pyrenees 5/5.
Which lives longer?
The Great Pyrenees lives longer. Bernese Mountain Dog: 7–10 years; Great Pyrenees: 10–12 years.
Which is better with kids?
It's a tie on kid-friendliness. Kid-friendliness: Bernese Mountain Dog 5/5, Great Pyrenees 5/5.
Test-drive the Bernese Mountain Dog · Test-drive the Great Pyrenees · Bernese Mountain Dog profile · Great Pyrenees profile