Bernese Mountain Dog vs Otterhound: full comparison
| Trait | Bernese Mountain Dog | Otterhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Large |
| Energy level | Medium | Medium |
| Trainability | High | Medium |
| Friendliness | Very High | Very High |
| Good with children | Very High | Very High |
| Grooming needs | High | High |
| Shedding | Very High | Very High |
| Barking | Low | Medium |
| Protectiveness | Medium | Low |
| Adaptability | Medium | Medium |
| Typical lifespan | 8 years | 11 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
Size and living space
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a big, substantial dog that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. By comparison, the Otterhound is a big, substantial dog that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with 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 needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. The Otterhound needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.
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 Otterhound needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and sheds constantly and keeps the vacuum busy all year. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.
Temperament, training and family life
The Bernese Mountain Dog learns quickly and enjoys the training process, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. The Otterhound trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. On guarding instinct, Bernese Mountain Dog announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Otterhound shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers.
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 Otterhound are an even match — either can work well.
- For first-time dog owners, Bernese Mountain Dog has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
- For being left alone during the workday, Otterhound has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
- For allergy sufferers, Bernese Mountain Dog and Otterhound are an even match — either can work well.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Bernese Mountain Dog if you want an easier dog to train, you want a more protective, watchful guardian, or you prefer a quieter dog.
Choose the Otterhound if you want a longer-lived breed.
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Otterhound better for families with children?
- Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Otterhound are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
- Which sheds more, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Otterhound?
- The Bernese Mountain Dog and Otterhound shed a similar amount (very high).
- Which is easier to train, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Otterhound?
- The Bernese Mountain Dog is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
- Is Bernese Mountain Dog or Otterhound bigger?
- Bernese Mountain Dog and Otterhound are a similar size (Large).
- Which barks more, Bernese Mountain Dog or Otterhound?
- Otterhound tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Bernese Mountain Dog is the quieter choice.
- Which is better for apartment living, Bernese Mountain Dog or Otterhound?
- For apartment or apartment living, Bernese Mountain Dog has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.