Breed comparison

Bernese Mountain Dog or Newfoundland: Which breed should you choose?

Bernese Mountain Dog and Newfoundland are two dog breeds often compared by prospective owners. Here’s a point-by-point comparison to help you decide: size, temperament, purchase price, monthly budget, and compatibility with your lifestyle.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Giant40–60 kg€1,000 – €2,000

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Newfoundland

Giant50–70 kg€1,100 – €1,600

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Key takeaways

Newfoundland is larger: 50–70 kg compared with 40–60 kg for Bernese Mountain Dog.
Newfoundland costs less to buy: €1,100 – €1,600 compared with €1,000 – €2,000 for Bernese Mountain Dog.
The monthly budget is similar for both breeds: about €221 per month.
Both breeds need a similar level of daily activity (4/5).
For “Families and children,” both breeds are tied (5/5).
Bernese Mountain Dog scores higher for “Apartment living”: 2/5 compared with 1/5 for Newfoundland.
Newfoundland scores higher for “First-time owners”: 3/5 compared with 2/5 for Bernese Mountain Dog.
Both breeds have a similar life expectancy: 7–9 years.

Our verdict

Choose Bernese Mountain Dog if you’re looking for…

Families often at home: He thrives with available owners who fully integrate him into their daily lives.
Households with children: His gentle and protective temperament is suited to families able to supervise interactions.
Moderate outdoor enthusiasts: He willingly accompanies leisurely walks and hikes in cool weather.
Home with outdoor space: A garden makes him more comfortable provided that real daily outings are maintained.

Choose Newfoundland if you’re looking for…

Families often at home: He thrives with available, affectionate loved ones who are able to fully integrate him into family life.
Owners who enjoy calm outdoor activities: He enjoys regular walks, wide-open spaces and, above all, environments near water.
People ready for a giant dog: His well-being depends on a budget, space and organization compatible with his large size.

Detailed comparison

	Bernese Mountain Dog	Newfoundland
General information
Origin	Switzerland	Canada
FCI group	2	2
Build	Giant	Giant
Height at the withers	60–70 cm	66–71 cm
Weight	40–60 kg	50–70 kg
Coat	Long, dense, smooth or slightly wavy	Medium-long, double, dense
Life expectancy	7–9 years	8–10 years
Average price	€1,000 – €2,000	€1,100 – €1,600
Monthly budget	≈ €221	≈ €221
Compatibility
Families and children	Excellent	Excellent
Daily exercise needs	High	High
Apartment living	Fair	Limited
First-time owners	Fair	Good
Other pets	Very good	Very good
Tolerance of being alone	Limited	Limited
Guarding instinct	Very good	Very good
Strengths and weaknesses
	Obedient Low risk of running away Rarely barks Good health High exercise needs Not very adaptable Prone to destructive behavior High-maintenance coat Sheds a lot Drools a lot	Obedient Low risk of running away Robust health High exercise needs Not very adaptable Prone to destructive behavior Barks a lot High-maintenance coat Sheds a lot Drools a lot

Add a third breed Which dog should you choose?

Bernese Mountain Dog or Newfoundland: Which breed should you choose?

Bernese Mountain Dog

Newfoundland

Key takeaways

Our verdict

Detailed comparison

Bernese Mountain Dog

Newfoundland

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