Which is Better Between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Cavachon?

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Bernese Mountain Dog Versus Cavachon: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Cavachon 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 Bernese Mountain Dog and for the Cavachon. 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 Bernese Mountain Dog and the Cavachon.

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

Bernese Mountain Dog versus Cavachon: Overview

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

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Cavachon belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Bernese Mountain Dog versus Cavachon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bernese Mountain Dog to the Cavachon 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 Bernese Mountain Dog and the Cavachon

Factor Bernese Mountain Dog Cavachon
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 1/5 3/5
General Health 1/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
Height 23 to 28 inches 12 to 13 inches
Dog Friendly 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Life Span 6 to 10 years 10 to 15 years
Weight 70 to 115 pounds 15 to 35 pounds
Average Lifespan 8.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $2870 $2190
Price Range $1800 – $3438 $1800 – $2500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • 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
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Cavachon. 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 Bernese Mountain Dog is 66 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Cavachon is 87 out of 125.

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

    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 Bernese Mountain Dog and the Cavachon so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

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

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

    • Bernese Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Cavachons adapt well to apartment living.
    • Bernese Mountain Dogs have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, Cavachons are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Bernese Mountain Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Cavachons are good for new dog owners.
    • Bernese Mountain Dogs have a very high tendency to drool. However, Cavachons do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Bernese Mountain Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Cavachons do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    The Similarities Between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Cavachon

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

    • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Cavachon do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Cavachon 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 Bernese Mountain Dog and the Cavachon gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Cavachon are very easy to train.
    • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Cavachon are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Cavachon are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Cavachon have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Cavachon are very playful.
    • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Cavachon are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Cavachon get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Cavachon are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Cavachon have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Size Comparison of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Cavachon

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

    Bernese Mountain Dogs weigh 70 to 115 pounds when fully grown. Bernese Mountain Dogs are 23 to 28 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Cavachons weigh 15 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Cavachons are 12 to 13 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Cavachon

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

    The lifespan of Cavachons is between 10 to 15 years . The average lifespan of Cavachons is 12.5 years.

    Cavachons live longer than Bernese Mountain Dogs.

    Price of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Price of Cavachon

    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 reviewing the prices of 446 Bernese Mountain Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Cavachon puppy is $2190. The price of the Cavachon typically ranges from $1800 – $2500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 262 Cavachon puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Bernese Mountain Dog is more expensive than the Cavachon.

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Bernese Mountain Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Bernese Mountain Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Cavachons

    A breakdown of the prices of Cavachons

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Bernese Mountain Dog puppy or the Cavachon 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: Bernese Mountain Dog versus Cavachon

    Bernese Mountain Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Cavachons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Bernese Mountain Dogs shed more than Cavachons?

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

    Cavachons do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

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

    Bernese Mountain Dogs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Cavachons do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Bernese Mountain Dogs are moderately easy to groom.

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

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

    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.

    Cavachons 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 Bernese Mountain Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Cavachons?

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

    Cavachons bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Bernese Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Cavachons can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bernese Mountain Dog vs. Cavachon

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

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

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

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

    Cavachons can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Bernese Mountain Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Cavachons get along very well with other dogs.

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

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Bernese Mountain Dogs and Cavachons?

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

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

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

    Bernese Mountain Dogs are very easy to train.

    Cavachons are very easy to train.

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

    Bernese Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Cavachons adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

    Cavachons are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Bernese Mountain Dog versus Cavachon. 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 Bernese Mountain Dog and the Cavachon better suits you and your family.