Bernese Mountain Dog vs. Newfoundland: Which Bull Is Right For You?

Torn between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Newfoundland? It’s hard! Both breeds are loving, fluffy giants with a reputation for loyalty and devotion to their families.

At first glance, they may look exactly the same, but there are distinct differences in their history, attitude, and even their size.

In this guide, we’ll go through the main differences and similarities between the two breeds, from puppyhood to adulthood. You’ll learn how big each individual gets, what kind of exercise and grooming they really need, and what health issues prospective owners should be aware of.

Let’s start with a quick look at where each breed came from and the jobs they were bred to do.

Breed Origins

I Bernese Mountain Dogor Berner, comes from the Swiss Alps and was originally bred as a hard-working farm dog. These dogs were very versatile, pulling carts, driving cattle and guarding homes. But at the beginning of the 20th century their numbers decreased.

Dedicated breeders in Switzerland have helped revive the breed. And today Berners retain their working qualities, are equally valued as loving family companions, and their popularity has spread throughout the world.

I Newfoundlandor Newfie, have very different roots, sharing their ancestry with the Labrador Retriever.

Bred on the rugged coast of Canada, these large dogs were the companions of fishermen. Their thick, water-resistant coats and natural swimming ability make them ideal for hauling nets and even rescuing people from icy waters.

Although modern Newfies no longer catch fish, they are still used in water rescue work – and are famous for their patience and gentle nature with children.

If you haven’t read “Laura, Alice’s New Puppy” by Phillipe Dumas, try to get a copy – it sums up the essence of the Newfoundland breed in a fun and memorable children’s story. (It will make you want a Newfie puppy – be warned!)

Quick Comparison:

Coat & Appearance

Both breeds are admired for their bright coats. But here we are talking about heavy fur. So if you live in a warm climate you need to think carefully about how one of these denser species will cope. It will depend on how long your summer is, how hot it is, and whether you have a place for your dog to cool off when he needs it (water, air conditioning, etc.)

I Bernese Mountain Dog it has a thick, medium-length double coat with three distinct color markings: black, rust, and white. This classic pattern is one of the brand’s trademarks. They are really good

I Newfoundland they have a long, water-resistant outer coat and a dense undercoat that helps them thrive in cold water. Although solid black is the most common, they also come in brown, gray, or black and white (called i Landseer pattern). Production standards are more flexible for Newfies than for Berners.

Maintenance Requirements

Get ready for hair – lots of it. And not just for your dog.

Berners shed a lot, especially during the coat change season. Brushing two to three times a week is usually enough, but daily brushing is best when they are “blowing” their undercoats.

Newfoundlands shed as much, if not more, and their long coats need regular brushing to prevent mats. Both breeds should be kept in their natural state with minimal trimming, and should never be clipped, as their double coats protect them from both heat and cold.

A dog that needs constant grooming needs to learn to stand and be socialized from a young age. So you will need to acclimate your dog to being raised from a puppy, even though a puppy’s coat is short and manageable.

We should probably say ‘drool’ at this point. Remember the movie ‘Beethoven’? That was St Bernard, but the drool situation in Newfies is the same. Large dogs tend to drool. And some Newfies are very drooling. So you need to decide if that will bother you.

The weather

Both Berners and Newfies have a well-earned reputation as loving, family-friendly dogs, and there really isn’t much to choose between them.

I Berner loyal, calm, and willing to please. As working dogs, they are intelligent and thrive when given tasks or training challenges.

I Newfoundland it is famous for its gentle, patient nature – it is often called the “gentle giant.” Their strong attitude makes them very good for children.

Both breeds are social, people-oriented, and are happiest when included in family life.

Training & Socialization

If your dog is the size of a small pony, there is more room for accidental damage. Both property and people. So with dogs this is great, good behavior is important. Even a gentle Newfie or Berner can accidentally knock someone over if they are not properly trained.

Both types respond better to them positive reinforcement methods, such as food, toys, and praise. Berners are very sensitive and can close with strong corrections.

Early socialization is important – introducing puppies to new people, places, and situations helps prevent embarrassment or over-excitement later on. For families with young children, a well-trained Newfie can be a safe and stable companion, while Berners enjoy active, structured training activities.

Exercise Requirements

If you’re looking for a dog to accompany you while training for a marathon, these are probably not the breed for you. Despite their size, neither type requires endless hours of running. What they need consistent, moderate exercise.

• Bernese Mountain Dogs: At least 30 minutes a day of brisk walking or playing outside. They enjoy hiking and can even enjoy sports like agility or obedience trials because of their high energy levels compared to Newfies.
• Newfoundlands: And you need daily work, but at a gentle pace. This is a dog that lives for swimming and playing in the water. So if you live near a lake or beach, they will be part of it. And if you happen to be a lifeguard, this could be a match made in heaven.

Both breeds are active dogs, but of the two, the Berner tends to be more energetic, while the Newfie has a calm, steady pace.

Health Considerations

You may have heard that big dogs don’t live as long as small dogs. And there is truth in that.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Berners are prone to joint problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia. They can also develop hypothyroidism, which affects metabolism, skin, and coat health. But perhaps the most challenging problem in this species is the high rate of cancer.

Some studies have put the cancer rate in Bernese Mountain Dogs as high as 50%. As a result, sadly, their life expectancy is short: just 7-10 years.

Newfoundland

Newfies share the risk of hip and elbow dysplasia, but as with other large breeds, heart conditions are a major problem for this breed (including subaortic stenosis and dilated cardiomyopathy). They can also get a urinary disorder called cystinuria, which can cause painful obstruction.

Keeping Any Breed Healthy

Choosing a reputable breeder is the best step you can take to reduce the risk of inherited conditions. Responsible breeders screen for joint, thyroid, and heart problems and provide documentation of the results. Puppy mills and backyard breeders, in contrast, often skip health inspections.

If you are considering a Berner, aim to find a breeder with a lower than average cancer rate in their lines.

It is also worth considering choosing puppies from an old stud dog. If she is in her second decade, that shows less risk to her children.

For Newfies, focus on lines with a low incidence of heart problems. At the end of the day, although no breed is without health risks, Newfoundlands tend to live longer than Berners, despite their larger size. And this is definitely worth remembering.

Integrated care

Remember that large breeds, especially large ones, need their joints protected as they grow. So be careful not to overexert your puppy. And remember that growth can continue for the first two years in large dogs.

Living With Berner vs. Newfie

So, which type is best suited? It will depend on your lifestyle and the situation in which you live.

• Choose a Bernese Mountain Dog if you are looking for a small (yet large) dog with high energy, suitable for active families who enjoy hiking or outdoor adventures.
• Choose a Newfoundland when you are ready for a real giant with a calm, patient spirit — especially if you have children or live near water.

Both breeds need space, a commitment to grooming, and families that don’t mind heavy shedding (and in Newfie’s case, lots of drool!).

Whatever you choose, do your homework carefully to make sure you choose a breeder who is committed to improving the health of the breed.

A good breeder will be a constant source of knowledge and support as you set out on your happy journey with the puppy of your dreams!

References and Resources

Bernese Mountain Dog. American Kennel Club.

Newfoundland. American Kennel Club.

Fries, CL, Remedios, AM Pathogenesis and Diagnosis of Canine Hip Dysplasia: A Review. Canadian Veterinary Journal, 1995.

Clayton Jones, G. Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs. British Veterinary Association and The Kennel Club, 2017.

Hypothyroidism in dogs. Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Health Conditions and Diseases Known to Affect Bernese Mountain Dogs. Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America, 2011.

Meurs, KM Hereditary Heart Disease in the Dog. Tufts’ Canine and Feline Breeding and Genetics Conference, 2003.

Newfoundland: Cystinuria and Urolithiasis. Universities Federation for Animal Welfare, 2016.

Canine Disorders Known to Affect Newfoundlands. Newfoundland Club of America, 2016.

Meek, et al. Hypomorphic identification FANCG Different from Bernese Mountain Dogs. Genes, 2022