A Detailed Comparison of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Shiranian.

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Bernese Mountain Dog Versus Shiranian: Introduction

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

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

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 Shiranian.

Bernese Mountain Dog versus Shiranian: Overview

A very important difference between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Shiranian is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a giant-sized dog while the Shiranian 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 Shiranian belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Bernese Mountain Dog versus Shiranian: Comparison Table

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

Factor Bernese Mountain Dog Shiranian
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 1/5 1/5
General Health 1/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Height 23 to 28 inches 7 to 12 inches
Dog Friendly 3/5 3/5
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 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 4/5
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 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
Life Span 6 to 10 years 12 to 16 years
Weight 70 to 115 pounds 4 to 16 pounds
Average Lifespan 8.0 years 14.0 years
Average Price $2870 $1270
Price Range $1800 – $3438 $1000 – $1350
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 Shiranian. 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 Shiranian is 84 out of 125.

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

    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 Shiranian 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 Shiranian

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

    • Bernese Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shiranians adapt well to apartment living.
    • Bernese Mountain Dogs can tolerate cold weather. However, Shiranians cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
    • Bernese Mountain Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Shiranians do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Shiranians are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Bernese Mountain Dogs have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Shiranians have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.

    The Similarities Between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Shiranian

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

    • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Shiranian do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Shiranian cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Shiranian have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
    • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Shiranian 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 Shiranian gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Shiranian are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Shiranian are very playful.
    • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Shiranian are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Shiranian are very friendly towards strangers.

    Size Comparison of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Shiranian

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

    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, Shiranians weigh 4 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Shiranians are 7 to 12 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Shiranian

    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 Shiranians is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shiranians is 14.0 years.

    Shiranians live longer than Bernese Mountain Dogs.

    Price of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Price of Shiranian

    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 Shiranian puppy is $1270. The price of the Shiranian typically ranges from $1000 – $1350. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 21 Shiranian puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Bernese Mountain Dog is more expensive than the Shiranian.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Bernese Mountain Dog and Shiranian. For different price points, the charts show how many Bernese Mountain Dog puppies or how many Shiranian 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 Shiranians

    A breakdown of the prices of Shiranians

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

    Bernese Mountain Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Shiranians do not like to be left alone.

    Do Bernese Mountain Dogs shed more than Shiranians?

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

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

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

    Bernese Mountain Dogs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Shiranians do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Bernese Mountain Dogs are moderately easy to groom.

    Shiranians 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 Shiranian?

    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.

    Shiranians 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.

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

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

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

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

    Bernese Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shiranians cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bernese Mountain Dog vs. Shiranian

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

    Shiranians 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 Shiranians Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

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

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

    Bernese Mountain Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Shiranians get along fairly well with other dogs.

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

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Bernese Mountain Dogs and Shiranians?

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

    Shiranians get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Bernese Mountain Dogs are very easy to train.

    Shiranians are not easy to train.

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

    Bernese Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shiranians adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

    Shiranians are very good for new dog owners.

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