Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Bernese Mountain Dog Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction
- Bernese Mountain Dog versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview
- Bernese Mountain Dog versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog
- The Similarities Between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog
- Size Comparison of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Temperament of the Bernese Mountain Dog Versus the Portuguese Water Dog
- Price of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Price of Portuguese Water Dog
- Health Problems of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Health Problems of Portuguese Water Dog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Bernese Mountain Dog versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Do Bernese Mountain Dogs shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Which one drools more, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Portuguese Water Dog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Does the Bernese Mountain Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Bernese Mountain Dog vs. Portuguese Water Dog
- Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Are Bernese Mountain Dogs good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Bernese Mountain Dogs and Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Is the Bernese Mountain Dog Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Conclusion: Bernese Mountain Dog versus Portuguese Water Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Bernese Mountain Dog Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Water 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 Bernese Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Water 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 Bernese Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Water 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 Bernese Mountain Dog and for the Portuguese Water 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 Bernese Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog.
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 Portuguese Water Dog.
Bernese Mountain Dog versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview
A very important difference between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a giant-sized dog while the Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog are Working Dogs. This means both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Water 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.
Bernese Mountain Dog versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Bernese Mountain Dog to the Portuguese Water 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 Bernese Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog
| Factor | Bernese Mountain Dog | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 23 to 28 inches | 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 6 to 10 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Weight | 70 to 115 pounds | 35 to 60 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 8.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Average Price | $2870 | $2860 |
| Price Range | $1800 – $3438 | $2500 – $3300 |
| Temperament Score | 86.6 percent | 77.9 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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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 Portuguese Water 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 Bernese Mountain Dog is 66 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Water Dog is 84 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Portuguese Water Dog is a better pet than the Bernese Mountain Dog. So, you should get the Portuguese Water 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 Bernese Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog
Below is a list of where the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog are most different:
- Bernese Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Portuguese Water Dogs adapt well to apartment living.
- Bernese Mountain Dogs have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, Portuguese Water Dogs 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, Portuguese Water Dogs do not have the tendency to drool.
- Bernese Mountain Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Portuguese Water Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
The Similarities Between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog are most similar:
- Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog do not like to be left alone.
- Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
- Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Water 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 Bernese Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
- Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog are very easy to train.
- Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog are highly intelligent.
- Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
- Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
- Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog are very playful.
- Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog can tolerate cold weather.
- Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
- Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
- Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog are prone to nip and chew at things.
Size Comparison of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Portuguese Water Dog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog.
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, Portuguese Water Dogs weigh 35 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Portuguese Water Dogs are 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the when fully grown.
Lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Portuguese Water Dog
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 Portuguese Water Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is 12.0 years.
Portuguese Water Dogs live longer than Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Temperament of the Bernese Mountain Dog Versus the Portuguese Water Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog has a better temperament than the Portuguese Water Dog.
This is because the temperament score for the Bernese Mountain Dog is 86.6 percent while the temperament score for the Portuguese Water Dog is 77.9 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 86.6 percent, the Bernese Mountain Dog has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 77.9 percent, the Portuguese Water Dog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog by measuring the temperaments of 194 Bernese Mountain Dogs and 163 Portuguese Water Dogs.
Price of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Price of Portuguese Water Dog
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 Portuguese Water Dog puppy is $2860. The price of the Portuguese Water Dog typically ranges from $2500 – $3300. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 140 Portuguese Water Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is more expensive than the Portuguese Water Dog.
The charts below show the price distribution for the Bernese Mountain Dog and Portuguese Water Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many Bernese Mountain Dog puppies or how many Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dogs
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Bernese Mountain Dog puppy or the Portuguese Water 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.
Health Problems of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Health Problems of Portuguese Water Dog
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 Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Bernese Mountain Dog.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Portuguese Water Dog than for the Bernese Mountain Dog.
6 health tests are recommended for Bernese Mountain Dog while 11 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Water Dog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Bernese Mountain Dogs and in Portuguese Water Dogs.
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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Bernese Mountain Dogs here.
Portuguese Water Dog Health Problems
Portuguese Water Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Portuguese Water 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 Portuguese Water Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Portuguese Water 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 Portuguese Water Dogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Portuguese Water Dogs here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Bernese Mountain Dog versus Portuguese Water Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?
Bernese Mountain Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Portuguese Water Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Portuguese Water Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs have a very high tendency to drool.
Portuguese Water Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are moderately easy to groom.
Portuguese Water Dogs 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 Portuguese Water Dog?
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.
Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Portuguese Water Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Bernese Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Bernese Mountain Dog vs. Portuguese Water Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Bernese Mountain Dogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Portuguese Water Dogs 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 Portuguese Water Dog?
Bernese Mountain Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.
Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Portuguese Water Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Bernese Mountain Dogs and Portuguese Water Dogs?
Bernese Mountain Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Portuguese Water Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Bernese Mountain Dog Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are very easy to train.
Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.
Is the Bernese Mountain Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Bernese Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Portuguese Water Dogs are OK for new dog owners.
Conclusion: Bernese Mountain Dog versus Portuguese Water 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 Bernese Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog better suits you and your family.