Bernese Mountain Dog vs Golden Retriever - Which Dog is Best for You?

[@IronsSharpenIronsGolf]

This is a great video. I had a golden as a kid, so my heart leans that way but there’s a lot of valuable info here! (Also this is really put together, along with the description and links 🎉)

[@beautyandtheberners]

Thank you so much! If my husband would allow me to have 3 dogs I'd have my two Berners and a Golden - they're both amazing breeds! And I really appreciate the kind words about the editing - it's always a work in progress!

[@IronsSharpenIronsGolf]

@@beautyandtheberners i travel a ton so I'll just continue to watch dog videos to fill my heart haha. you're preaching to the choir on the editing. Keep at it. I'll keep watching!

[@beautyandtheberners]

@@IronsSharpenIronsGolf thank you so much! I’ll keep learning and watching your videos as well!

[@IronsSharpenIronsGolf]

@@beautyandtheberners thank you!

[@mikeyb6859]

We lost our Golden a year ago, and he was the very best dog we ever had. He was a true member of the family and we were considering another one, but we have decided to get a Berner this time. We just adopted a 9 week-old puppy, Beau, and she is strikingly beautiful. We are so looking forward to all the fun we are going to have.

[@beautyandtheberners]

I'm so sorry on the loss of your fur baby. It's never enough time with them. Enjoy your new baby! Berners and Goldens are both amazing breeds for families.

[@seanwilliams8833]

We lost our Berner two years ago this week - she was just two weeks shy of her 13th birthday and was perfectly healthy until the day she passed. We really got lucky!! She gave us a wonderful life! It's the only breed we would consider at this point, even though Golden's are wonderful as well.

[@beautyandtheberners]

@@seanwilliams8833 wow 13!! That’s amazing and yes you’re very lucky! Love hearing stories like that. And I completely agree- we always say “our next dog we’ll get a Golden”. And then we just can’t imagine getting anything other than a Berner! We haven’t had a Golden yet😂

[@steveterry7981]

You were very lucky! I lost my 7 year old Berner last month. I loved my Berner, but the pain from the loss so young is not something I think I want to go through again.

[@muchachonextdoor5608]

Every Berner needs a Golden as a sidekick. I have a 105 lb female Bernese and her best friends are golden and goldendoodles. She's been the best dog, much more cautious than a Golden but mine is up for any adventure.

[@beautyandtheberners]

Aww I love that you have the combo! I truly think they’re two of the best breeds out there.💕

[@waltervanderboor]

We had three Bernese Mountain dogs all living to the age of 9.5 and all in general good health. Biggest issue was skin problems on the few hot days in the northern Europe country we lived in. For me still the best breed for a family that also wants some protection. Now considering a lab or a golden since we live on a boat and moved to sailing in the tropics. No territory for a Berner despite Airconditioning given the experience. The skin blistered under hot temperature (25C and above), which led to open wounds, despite trying to keep them col. Very painful (we think) although treatable and no complaints from the dogs. My experience is that Berners love the snow and the mountains (as the name gives it away) but none liked sailing or going on a wobbly boarding. And as far as bathing? they all preferred a mud bath over the one at home. For several years we organized walks for Bernese mountain dogs and got to100 of them on one walk, ours where to be recognized as they had mud all over. Super sweet dogs in general. But consider they like the cold, some space to play and daily walks.

[@beautyandtheberners]

Thank you for watching and for your comment! Yes, they can develop skin conditions in excessive heat - hot spots, allergies etc. I agree that boats and wobbly surfaces aren’t a Berner’s favorite. Our love being in water that they can stand in, but swimming…forget it! They bob and sink even though we’ve given them lessons. Good luck on your boating adventure and hope you find the right breed for your new lifestyle!

[@waltervanderboor]

@@beautyandtheberners it was between a golden retriever and a lab, undecided yet... just found how not great they are as guard dogs..(helping burglars to open the bag) maybe a giant schnauzer instead

[@beautyandtheberners]

@@Terri-ficlee wow that’s amazing!! What a blessing🥰

[@sarah.parsons]

If I ever live on a boat, I'll get a Schipperke. They make excellent boat dogs, or so I've read.

[@waltervanderboor]

@@sarah.parsons Yes that how they have been bred. BUt they can not handle tropical climates. Hence a no for us

[@devinmortier5269]

My Berner passed away at 9yrs old, thinking about a golden bc idk if I can do that again… ours made it longer than average but my god do I miss that dog

[@beautyandtheberners]

I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve never gotten over the loss of my first Berner. He was only 7.5. I understand being hesitant about getting another and going through that again. I can’t imagine my life without them though.

[@johnos4892]

I have had both, on my second Bernese currently. As adults the Bernese are much more attached to the owner, literally following the adult around like most puppies wanting to be with them all the time. Adult Bernese dogs keep more puppy like attitude such as playing with toys , showing excitement and cuddling, which I like. My golden was much more of a guard dog than the Bernese. My golden was more acceptable of being alone as adult and seem to actually like the presence of other dogs. The Bernese like other dogs but wants to be with people not the other dogs.

[@jessiematthews6339]

My Golden is an 85 pound 28ish inch tall monster who is still under 2 years old! :) I was looking for a service dog prospect and really wanted a Bernese, but ended up choosing a Golden for their longer lifespan. As for health concerns, one thing I have learned is that waiting to spay or neuter until your dog has fully matured and their growth plates have closed can mitigate at least some of the risk of hip and elbow dysplasia. Choosing a vasectomy or ovary sparing spay procedure instead of full spay or neuter can help protect them from many forms of cancer while also preventing unwanted pregnancy, though not all vets offer these alternatives and you may have to search around to find somewhere to have it done. The OFA provides a list of genetic and medical tests they recommend based on breed. Embark and Wisdom both offer health-based genetic testing that screens for things like cancer, and since they don't overlap on all of the tests, I recommend getting both if you can.

[@beautyandtheberners]

Yes! There was a study from UC Berkeley a few years ago and then another that just came out showing waiting to spay/neuter in some breeds (including male Bernese in particular) did show a statistically significant decrease in the incidence of osteo diseases and certain cancers. Of course this has been criticized as people think it will contribute to more overbreeding, but people need to be responsible for their animals as always.

[@edschulhof6303]

Enjoying your videos. Most of my family and friends have rescue dogs and cats. One is part Golden Retriever. My daughter has two pit bull mix. Two black lab mix live next door. I have two cats that were born in my backyard to a stray cat. Happy Sardine Sunday!

[@beautyandtheberners]

Thank you so much - it means more than you know! Love the rescues and the mixes too! I’m actually a foster mom to some dogs here and there (don’t have any at the moment) and I’m shocked I don’t have a whole pack! My husband would divorce me😂.

[@snOOpster007]

Lovely video thank you x I have a labernese altho I say she’s a laburnum (1/4 lab 3/4 Bernese) 8 mths - training up beautifully but can’t recommend highly enough lots of early socialising simply because everyone wants to say hello even tiny kids but she’s bouncy and excited and is slowly learning not to jump up at people for kisses x

[@beautyandtheberners]

Thank you for watching! And I agree, early socialization with all breeds, but especially the big ones, is so important. Enjoy your fur baby!

[@busywithdogs]

Very informative, I love both breeds from afar. I love harder-drive working dogs. I love that you are helping people evaluate which breed is right for them.

[@beautyandtheberners]

Thank you! I love both breeds as well. I'm obviously partial, but whatever breed/mix you choose the most important part is that your lifestyle fits the dog and not the other way around. People run into trouble when they try to make the breed adapt and it causes problems, usually at the dog's expense.

[@busywithdogs]

@@beautyandtheberners I whole heartedly agree!

[@rcrogers6]

Where is the link to your newsletter? BTW, you did not mention the amazing prices for these beautiful dogs: $2000 to over $3000!

[@beautyandtheberners]

@@rcrogers6 hi! The link is in the description but here it is again: pages.beautyandtheberners.com Yes they aren’t cheap! Cost varies so much depending on where you live, parental lineage, and whether or not you want to breed them or simply have a family pet.

[@rcrogers6]

@@beautyandtheberners I just want a HEALTHY family dog to squash an old, now single man.

[@marcelonogueira8129]

Great video! Thanks!

[@beautyandtheberners]

Thank you! Glad you liked it! Is there a breed you’d like me compare in a future video?

[@MarkSchillaci]

Love the information as well as the videos of the dogs.....how can you go wrong with EITHER (or both) of them!!

[@beautyandtheberners]

If I wasn't in fear of a divorce, I'd get a 3rd that would be a Golden!😜

[@MarkSchillaci]

@@beautyandtheberners I heard that in the video...LOL!

[@daytwaqua]

I'm hoping to get a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy for my Golden Retriever grandpuppy to play with, especially since my son hasn't been all that consistent about socializing the pupper. Once I get a Berner, my next goal will be to add a Newfoundland Dog, which I consider to be the holiest of dog breed trios. And, as an added bonus, if I find myself thrown overboard in the frigid North Atlantic Ocean, I've got the perfect dog to save me lol.

[@beautyandtheberners]

I love it! Are there many Berner breeders in your area? If not I’m happy to recommend some. I also love Newfies though I’ll admit the slobber is a deal breaker for me. But they’re gorgeous dogs! Send me a picture when you have all 3😉. And true, if you’re stranded in a polar vortex you’re good! lol

[@harryurban4219]

I took the easy way out and I have both . I will say though that I lean more toward my Berner . She is gorgeous and very sweet

[@beautyandtheberners]

Love that approach! If I had a 3rd dog it'd definitely be a Golden! And yes, you really can't beat the sweetness of the Berners. What's the biggest difference that you've noticed?

[@harryurban4219]

My Berner is a little more reserved with strangers than my Golden . My Berner is bonded to me and my Golden loves the whole family . They are both great breeds though

[@couplanddancehall]

@@beautyandtheberners @harryurban4219 I have both as well. 3 yr old Golden, and a rescue Berner. She is so very sweet. and FUNNY!. way more laid back than the golden. They are best friends. They interact with each other like two people would. At times, the golden gets jealous of the berner and blocks her from me. The golden drags the berner around on the floor like a mop. They love to play and romp together. But when she has had enough of him, she goes at him full force and literally knocks the golden over. Sort of like hitting him over the head with a frying pan :):) We live in Texas, the heat definitely affects the berner. I have to be careful with her on long walks in the evening during the summer. The Berner is about 5 yrs old, best guess from Vet. As for their intelligence levels, the berner is extremely calculating and intentional. The golden is wild with abandon, not a care in the world..which makes him prone to silly accidents :):)

[@dudeguybro]

Both are good for me as I have one of each 😎

[@beautyandtheberners]

@@dudeguybro nice! The dream duo!😊

[@dudeguybro]

@@beautyandtheberners My Golden (male) is four years older than the Bernese (female), and she loves him so much. She follows him everywhere. Lol

[@beautyandtheberners]

@@dudeguybro that's awesome!! Dogs are honestly the best!

[@geoffp625]

Was the way i discovered Bernese, I saw people walking both while walking my golden.

[@beautyandtheberners]

@ that’s awesome!

[@Californiagent]

I got a rottsky ❤

[@beautyandtheberners]

Aww yay!! Congratulations!🐾

[@mahpeetakoda1290]

Der TZitel ist genau richtig. - Was ist der beste Hund für dich :). Bernersennen haben zwei Nachteile. SIe haben eine kurze Lebenserwartung. Und du brauchst unendliche Zeit für die Fellplege. Sie haben eine Menge Fell.

[@beautyandtheberners]

Thank you! The Berner’s short life expectancy is definitely the biggest disadvantage. I wouldn’t say we spend a ton of time on their coat, although yes, they do shed a lot so you’ll spend a lot of time vacuuming😉. Good nutrition and brushing once a week will help keep the coat in good condition. We also use a pet vacuum on them which has been a game changer!!

[@mahpeetakoda1290]

Genau! Ernährung hat einen ungeheuren Einfluß auf die Gesundheit. In Deutschland gibt es eine Ernährungsform, die sich BARF nennt ( Biologisch artgerechtes Futter). Wir nutzen das seit 20 Jahren. Es hat sehr sehr viele Vorteile, aber es ist etwas aufwendiger als das Fertigfutter aus dem Supermarkt. Glänzendes Fell, gesundes Wachstum ect. sind die Belohnung für uns :) Ich hatte beim ersten Post was vergessen, ein weiterer Nachteil der Berner------- Sie sind unheimlich verfressen ::)))) Aber ich liebe diese Rasse!!

[@xloob]

We could not decide. So we got both.

[@beautyandtheberners]

@@xloob great choice!

[@NebraskaGonvilleJones]

Loving your videos. I’m planning on overlanding across the globe full time and am thinking about getting a Burnese. Do you think this breed would do well with the constant travel and lots of long to very long hikes? On occasions I would need to leave the dog alone in the bus (fully air conditioned, monitored and ventilated of course) for maybe up to an hour, would this be too stressful for him? I plan on spending the majority of the time in cooler climates but would they hold up in some of the warmer climates? I will be travelling alone, will the dog miss not being around other dogs for periods at a time? I have so many questions 😂 Anyway thanks for your content 😊

[@beautyandtheberners]

Hi! Thank you so much for your kind message - really appreciate it!🙏🏻 Truly at a base level, Berners love being with their person. And I say “person”, not people because it’s been my experience they will attach to one person above all others. So for your situation, I would say the breed would be a great choice. They do better with exercise that is low speed, long duration so as long as you’re not trail running, our Berners LOVE long, slow hikes. Just make sure to give them breaks if the weather is warm and provide them access to clean fresh water. And of course as they age just be aware of body language- they’ll tell you if it’s too much. And if you need to leave them alone for a time that’s fine. Especially if they’re mentally and physically tired. They’ll most likely not move the whole time you’re gone😂. It sounds like you’ve really thought this through which is awesome! I always advocate for the human adjusting to the breed, not the other way around. But my opinion, a Berner would really thrive in this type of lifestyle. Happy to answer any questions you have!😊

[@christianaliddle5184]

i have a english golden retriever right now but she is getting pretty old so, i have been researching about the different dog breed and it has come across these two breeds. i have been heading towards getting a bernese mountain dog, cause i have always had a dog that was a golden retriever or a cousin to the golden retriever

[@beautyandtheberners]

I’m biased but I would definitely recommend a Berner! They are great dogs and very similar personalities to retrievers and labs if you train and socialize them right from the beginning. Let me know what you end up getting!

[@laurawright2230]

Berner!!❤

[@beautyandtheberners]

Great choice!😉 Although, you honestly can't go wrong with either one.

[@lisaandmatthieu4570]

We just got a Golden Mountain Dog. He is both a sweet gentleman and a rambunctious silly heart. He is already sitting, and training is going well. My brother has one as well and he also has that silly sweet personality as well.

[@beautyandtheberners]

Congratulations!💖 Love the Golden Mountain Dogs - best of both worlds!

[@EugeneM-ek1yc]

Both dog breeds are awesome .. my golden is like my child

[@beautyandtheberners]

@@EugeneM-ek1yc I completely agree! Love both 🥰

[@FedJimSmith]

BMDs are just recolored GR the way I see it

[@jhschmitty]

Bernese is simply the best

[@beautyandtheberners]

@@jhschmitty I couldn’t agree more!😉 Thank you for watching!

[@TheHoth1]

I will take both....both of them......!!!! All joking aside, I would feed them with nature whole food. No kibbles and canned food for my future fur babies!

[@beautyandtheberners]

Haha right!? "Both" is always the correct answer when it comes to dogs! And yes, we feed our Berners raw/homemade food only, no kibble for them.

[@Vanessa_L]

My golden is 110 muscular 😅

[@beautyandtheberners]

Big boy! (Or girl😅)

[@UdayGupta-f5v]

Bernese die too early. TOO heartbreaking

[@beautyandtheberners]

@@UdayGupta-f5v unfortunately that is true. It’s the hardest part of being a dog owner. But I still love the breed and there’s a lot of good that outweighs the bad. To each their own! Thanks for watching.