Is the Bernese Mountain Dog Better than the Harrier as a Pet? Our Answer.

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Bernese Mountain Dog Versus Harrier: Introduction

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

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

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 Harrier.

Bernese Mountain Dog versus Harrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Harrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a giant-sized dog while the Harrier is a medium-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 Harrier belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

Bernese Mountain Dog versus Harrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bernese Mountain Dog to the Harrier 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 Harrier

Factor Bernese Mountain Dog Harrier
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 1/5 4/5
General Health 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Height 23 to 28 inches 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder
Dog Friendly 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Life Span 6 to 10 years 10 to 12 years
Weight 70 to 115 pounds 45 to 60 pounds
Average Lifespan 8.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $2870 No Data
Price Range $1800 – $3438 No Data
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
    		•
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    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 Harrier. 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 Harrier is 81 out of 125.

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

    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 Harrier 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 Harrier

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

    • Bernese Mountain Dogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments. However, Harriers can tolerate hot weather.
    • Bernese Mountain Dogs have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, Harriers are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Bernese Mountain Dogs have a very high tendency to drool. However, Harriers do not have the tendency to drool.

    The Similarities Between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Harrier

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

    • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Harrier do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Harrier are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Harrier gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Harrier are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Harrier are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Harrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Harrier are very playful.
    • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Harrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Harrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Harrier are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Harrier have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Size Comparison of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Harrier

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

    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, Harriers weigh 45 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Harriers are 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Harrier

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

    Harriers live longer than Bernese Mountain Dogs.

    Health Problems of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Health Problems of Harrier

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Harrier are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Bernese Mountain Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Harrier.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Bernese Mountain Dog than for the Harrier.

    6 health tests are recommended for Bernese Mountain Dog while 2 tests are recommended for the Harrier.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Bernese Mountain Dogs and in Harriers.

    Bernese Mountain Dog Health Problems

    Bernese Mountain Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Bernese Mountain Dog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Bernese Mountain Dog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Bernese Mountain Dogs for:

  • 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

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Bernese Mountain Dogs here.

    Harrier Health Problems

    Harriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Harrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Harrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Harrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Harriers for:

  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Harriers here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Bernese Mountain Dog versus Harrier

    Bernese Mountain Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Bernese Mountain Dogs shed more than Harriers?

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

    Harriers shed moderately.

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

    Bernese Mountain Dogs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Bernese Mountain Dogs are moderately easy to groom.

    Harriers are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Harriers 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 Harriers?

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

    Harriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Bernese Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bernese Mountain Dog vs. Harrier

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

    Harriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

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

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

    Harriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Bernese Mountain Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Harriers get along very well with other dogs.

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

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Bernese Mountain Dogs and Harriers?

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

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

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

    Bernese Mountain Dogs are very easy to train.

    Harriers are not easy to train.

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

    Bernese Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

    Harriers are OK for new dog owners.

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