Breed Comparison: Akbash Versus Bernese Mountain Dog

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Akbash Versus Bernese Mountain Dog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Akbash and the Bernese Mountain Dog? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Akbash and the Bernese Mountain Dog better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Akbash and the Bernese Mountain Dog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Akbash and the Bernese Mountain Dog is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Akbash and for the Bernese Mountain Dog. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Akbash and the Bernese Mountain Dog.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Akbash or the Bernese Mountain Dog.

Akbash versus Bernese Mountain Dog: Overview

A very important difference between the Akbash and the Bernese Mountain Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Akbash is a large-sized dog while the Bernese Mountain Dog is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Akbash and the Bernese Mountain Dog are Working Dogs. This means both the Akbash and the Bernese Mountain Dog were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Akbash versus Bernese Mountain Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Akbash to the Bernese Mountain Dog based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Akbash and the Bernese Mountain Dog

Factor Akbash Bernese Mountain Dog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 6 to 10 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 3/5
Height 27 to 34 inches 23 to 28 inches
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 1/5
General Health 4/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Weight 75 to 140 pounds 70 to 115 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 8.0 years
Average Price $610 $2870
Price Range $500 – $800 $1800 – $3438
Temperament Score 87.5 percent 86.6 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • AKC DNA Profile
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degeneratative Mylopathy (DM) DNA results for both SOD1-A and SOD1-B, or an at-risk result for either SOD1-A or SOD1-B registered with the OFA.
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Akbash in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Bernese Mountain Dog. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Akbash is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Bernese Mountain Dog is 66 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Akbash is a better pet than the Bernese Mountain Dog. So, you should get the Akbash!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Akbash and the Bernese Mountain Dog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Akbash and the Bernese Mountain Dog

    Below is a list of where the Akbash and the Bernese Mountain Dog are most different:

    • Akbashs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Bernese Mountain Dogs have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Akbashs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Bernese Mountain Dogs are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Akbashs can be left alone for some time without problems. However, Bernese Mountain Dogs do not like to be left alone.
    • Akbashs are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds However, Bernese Mountain Dogs have the tendency to develop certain health problems.

    The Similarities Between the Akbash and the Bernese Mountain Dog

    The Akbash and the Bernese Mountain Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Akbash and the Bernese Mountain Dog are most similar:

    • Both the Akbash and the Bernese Mountain Dog do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Akbash and the Bernese Mountain Dog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Akbash and the Bernese Mountain Dog cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Both the Akbash and the Bernese Mountain Dog do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
    • Both the Akbash and the Bernese Mountain Dog have low exercise needs.
    • Both the Akbash and the Bernese Mountain Dog can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Akbash and the Bernese Mountain Dog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Akbash and the Bernese Mountain Dog shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Akbash and the Bernese Mountain Dog gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Akbash and the Bernese Mountain Dog are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Akbash and the Bernese Mountain Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Size Comparison of Akbash versus Bernese Mountain Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Akbash and the Bernese Mountain Dog.

    Akbashs weigh 75 to 140 pounds when fully grown. Akbashs are 27 to 34 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Bernese Mountain Dogs weigh 70 to 115 pounds when fully grown. Bernese Mountain Dogs are 23 to 28 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Akbash versus Bernese Mountain Dog

    The lifespan of Akbashs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Akbashs is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dogs is between 6 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dogs is 8.0 years.

    Akbashs live longer than Bernese Mountain Dogs.

    Temperament of the Akbash Versus the Bernese Mountain Dog

    The Akbash has a better temperament than the Bernese Mountain Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Akbash is 87.5 percent while the temperament score for the Bernese Mountain Dog is 86.6 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 87.5 percent, the Akbash has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 86.6 percent, the Bernese Mountain Dog has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Akbash and the Bernese Mountain Dog by measuring the temperaments of 16 Akbashs and 194 Bernese Mountain Dogs.

    Price of Akbash versus Price of Bernese Mountain Dog

    The average price of the Akbash puppy is $610. The price of the Akbash typically ranges from $500 – $800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 12 Akbash puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Bernese Mountain Dog puppy is $2870. The price of the Bernese Mountain Dog typically ranges from $1800 – $3438. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 446 Bernese Mountain Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Bernese Mountain Dog is more expensive than the Akbash.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Akbash and Bernese Mountain Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many Akbash puppies or how many Bernese Mountain Dog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Akbashs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Akbashs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Bernese Mountain Dogs

    A breakdown of the prices of Bernese Mountain Dogs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Akbash puppy or the Bernese Mountain Dog puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Akbash versus Bernese Mountain Dog

    Akbashs can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Bernese Mountain Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Akbashs shed more than Bernese Mountain Dogs?

    Akbashs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Bernese Mountain Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Akbash or the Bernese Mountain Dog

    Akbashs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Bernese Mountain Dogs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Akbash or the Bernese Mountain Dog?

    Akbashs are moderately easy to groom.

    Bernese Mountain Dogs are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Akbash Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Bernese Mountain Dog?

    Akbashs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Bernese Mountain Dogs have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Akbashs Bark and Howl? What about Bernese Mountain Dogs?

    Akbashs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Bernese Mountain Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Akbashs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Bernese Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Akbashs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Bernese Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Akbash vs. Bernese Mountain Dog

    Akbashs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Bernese Mountain Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Akbashs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Akbashs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Bernese Mountain Dogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Akbash or the Bernese Mountain Dog?

    Akbashs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Bernese Mountain Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Akbashs good family dogs? What about Bernese Mountain Dogs?

    Akbashs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Bernese Mountain Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Akbashs and Bernese Mountain Dogs?

    Akbashs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Bernese Mountain Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Akbash Easier to Train than the Bernese Mountain Dog?

    Akbashs are fairly easy to train.

    Bernese Mountain Dogs are very easy to train.

    Is the Akbash Better for Apartment Owners than the Bernese Mountain Dog?

    Akbashs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Bernese Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Akbash or the Bernese Mountain Dog?

    Akbashs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Bernese Mountain Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Akbash versus Bernese Mountain Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Akbash and the Bernese Mountain Dog better suits you and your family.