Is the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Chinook better for families with children?

Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Chinook are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Chinook?

The Bernese Mountain Dog sheds more than the Chinook. If shedding is a concern, the Chinook is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Chinook?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Bernese Mountain Dog or Chinook bigger?

Bernese Mountain Dog and Chinook are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, Bernese Mountain Dog or Chinook?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Bernese Mountain Dog or Chinook?

For apartment or apartment living, Bernese Mountain Dog has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Chinook: Which Sheds Less?

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Chinook: full comparison

Trait	Bernese Mountain Dog	Chinook
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	Medium	High
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	High	Medium
Shedding	Very High	High
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	8 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large dog that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. By comparison, the Chinook is a large dog that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Bernese Mountain Dog thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. The Chinook needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Bernese Mountain Dog needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and sheds constantly and keeps the vacuum busy all year. The Chinook needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and leaves a noticeable amount of hair on furniture and clothing. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Bernese Mountain Dog is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. The Chinook is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. On guarding instinct, Bernese Mountain Dog announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Chinook announces visitors but stops short of guarding.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Bernese Mountain Dog has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Bernese Mountain Dog and Chinook are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Bernese Mountain Dog and Chinook are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Chinook has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Chinook has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Bernese Mountain Dog if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.

Choose the Chinook if you want a longer-lived breed, you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure, or you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Chinook better for families with children?: Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Chinook are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Chinook?: The Bernese Mountain Dog sheds more than the Chinook. If shedding is a concern, the Chinook is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Chinook?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Bernese Mountain Dog or Chinook bigger?: Bernese Mountain Dog and Chinook are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, Bernese Mountain Dog or Chinook?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Bernese Mountain Dog or Chinook?: For apartment or apartment living, Bernese Mountain Dog has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Chinook