Which is Better Between the Akita Chow and the Bernese Mountain Dog?

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Akita Chow Versus Bernese Mountain Dog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Akita Chow 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 Akita Chow 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 Akita Chow and the Bernese Mountain Dog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Akita Chow 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 Akita Chow 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 Akita Chow 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 Akita Chow or the Bernese Mountain Dog.

Akita Chow versus Bernese Mountain Dog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Akita Chow belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

On the other hand, the Bernese Mountain Dog belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs 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.

Akita Chow versus Bernese Mountain Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Akita Chow 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 Akita Chow and the Bernese Mountain Dog

Factor Akita Chow Bernese Mountain Dog
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 1/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 1/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 6 to 10 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
General Health 2/5 1/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 4/5
Height 23 to 25 inches 23 to 28 inches
Does NOT Drool 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 5/5
Weight 88 to 145 pounds 70 to 115 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 8.0 years
Price Range No Data $1800 – $3438
Average Price No Data $2870
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
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    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Akita Chow 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 Akita Chow is 55 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 Bernese Mountain Dog is a better pet than the Akita Chow. So, you should get the Bernese Mountain Dog!

    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 Akita Chow 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 Akita Chow and the Bernese Mountain Dog

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

    • Akita Chows are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs. However, Bernese Mountain Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Akita Chows do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Bernese Mountain Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Akita Chows are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Bernese Mountain Dogs are very friendly towards strangers.

    The Similarities Between the Akita Chow and the Bernese Mountain Dog

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

    • Both the Akita Chow and the Bernese Mountain Dog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Bernese Mountain Dog do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Bernese Mountain Dog do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Bernese Mountain Dog cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Bernese Mountain Dog have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Bernese Mountain Dog are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Bernese Mountain Dog shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Bernese Mountain Dog gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Bernese Mountain Dog are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Bernese Mountain Dog have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Bernese Mountain Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Bernese Mountain Dog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Bernese Mountain Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Akita Chow and the Bernese Mountain Dog can tolerate cold weather.

    Size Comparison of Akita Chow versus Bernese Mountain Dog

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

    Akita Chows weigh 88 to 145 pounds when fully grown. Akita Chows are 23 to 25 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 Akita Chow versus Bernese Mountain Dog

    The lifespan of Akita Chows is between 10 to 12 years . The average lifespan of Akita Chows 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.

    Akita Chows live longer than Bernese Mountain Dogs.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Akita Chow versus Bernese Mountain Dog

    Akita Chows do not like to be left alone.

    Bernese Mountain Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Akita Chows shed more than Bernese Mountain Dogs?

    Akita Chows 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 Akita Chow or the Bernese Mountain Dog

    Akita Chows drool moderately.

    Bernese Mountain Dogs have a very high tendency to drool.

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

    Akita Chows require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Bernese Mountain Dogs are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Akita Chows 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.

    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 Akita Chows Bark and Howl? What about Bernese Mountain Dogs?

    Akita Chows are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Can Akita Chows Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Bernese Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Akita Chows can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Bernese Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Akita Chow vs. Bernese Mountain Dog

    Akita Chows have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

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

    Can Akita Chows Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Akita Chows 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 Akita Chow or the Bernese Mountain Dog?

    Akita Chows do not get along well with other dogs.

    Bernese Mountain Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Akita Chows good family dogs? What about Bernese Mountain Dogs?

    Akita Chows are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Akita Chows and Bernese Mountain Dogs?

    Akita Chows do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Akita Chow Easier to Train than the Bernese Mountain Dog?

    Akita Chows are not easy to train.

    Bernese Mountain Dogs are very easy to train.

    Is the Akita Chow Better for Apartment Owners than the Bernese Mountain Dog?

    Akita Chows 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 Akita Chow or the Bernese Mountain Dog?

    Akita Chows are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Conclusion: Akita Chow 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 Akita Chow and the Bernese Mountain Dog better suits you and your family.