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

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

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

The Bernese Mountain Dog and Leonberger shed a similar amount (very high).

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

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

Is Bernese Mountain Dog or Leonberger bigger?

Leonberger is the larger breed; Bernese Mountain Dog is smaller and more compact.

Which barks more, Bernese Mountain Dog or Leonberger?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

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

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 Leonberger: Easier to Groom?

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Leonberger: full comparison

Trait	Bernese Mountain Dog	Leonberger
Size	Large	Giant
Energy level	Medium	Medium
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	High	Very High
Shedding	Very High	Very High
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	8 years	9 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Leonberger is a larger dog than the Bernese Mountain Dog, which affects space, food and exercise needs.

Size and living space

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large and powerful breed that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. By comparison, the Leonberger is one of the true giant breeds that requires real space: bigger rooms, a bigger car and a bigger food budget. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.

Exercise and energy needs

The Bernese Mountain Dog wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. The Leonberger wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Bernese Mountain Dog needs frequent grooming and benefits from professional trims and sheds constantly and keeps the vacuum busy all year. The Leonberger is high-maintenance to groom, needing regular professional grooming and daily brushing and sheds constantly and keeps the vacuum busy all year. 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 takes to training fast and works willingly, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. The Leonberger takes to training fast and works willingly, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. On guarding instinct, Bernese Mountain Dog will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Leonberger will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

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 Leonberger are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Bernese Mountain Dog and Leonberger are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Bernese Mountain Dog and Leonberger are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Bernese Mountain Dog and Leonberger are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Bernese Mountain Dog if you prefer lower grooming upkeep or you want a smaller, more apartment-friendly dog.

Choose the Leonberger if you want a bigger, more substantial dog or you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Leonberger better for families with children?: Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Leonberger are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Leonberger?: The Bernese Mountain Dog and Leonberger shed a similar amount (very high).
Which is easier to train, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Leonberger?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Bernese Mountain Dog or Leonberger bigger?: Leonberger is the larger breed; Bernese Mountain Dog is smaller and more compact.
Which barks more, Bernese Mountain Dog or Leonberger?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Bernese Mountain Dog or Leonberger?: 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 Leonberger