Bernese Mountain Dog vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Australian Bulldog - Breed ComparisonBernese Mountain Dog is originated from Switzerland but Australian Bulldog is originated from Australia. Bernese Mountain Dog may grow 21 cm / 9 inches higher than Australian Bulldog. Bernese Mountain Dog may weigh 20 kg / 45 pounds more than Australian Bulldog. Bernese Mountain Dog may live 4 years less than Australian Bulldog. Bernese Mountain Dog may have more litter size than Australian Bulldog. Both Bernese Mountain Dog and Australian Bulldog requires Moderate maintenance.

History

bernese mountain dog - historyThe Bernese Mountain Dog comes from the Swiss Alps and is one of four separate breeds called Sennenhund or “Alpine pasture dog”. The Name Bernese Mountain Dog indicates the area of Switzerland that the dogs come from – the canton of Bern. These groups of dogs accompanied the dairymen and herders and they were farm dogs. They pulled carts, delivered goods from village to village. The Bernese Mountain Dog was part of this group along with: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Appenzeller,Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Bernese Mountain Dog. It is probably true that the Bernese Mountain Dog has been a part of farm life in the Alps for over 2000 years.

In some regions of the Alps, these dogs were called Durrbachhund after a small town named Durrbah and are said to be rooted in the Molosser breeds. Tin 1902 the Swiss Kennel Club recognized the Bernese Mountain Dog as a separate breed and the first breed club was founded in 1907 in the region of Burgdorf. The first standard for the breed was written and separated the 4 dogs into their own breeds. The Molosser is an ancient breed whose versatility and travels made it expressly influential in the developing of Mastiff dogs like St. Bernards, Great Pyranees, Mastiffs and Swiss Mountain Dogs like the Bernese.

However at the end of the 19th century famers and shepherds began to import other breeds of working dogs, while at the same time automated modes of transportation began to replace the farm dogs. Under these circumstances the number of Bernese Mountain Dog began to decline and the breed faced potential extinction. A group of people were gathered together to save the Berner, including Franz Schertenleib and Albert Heim. Still today the Bernese are in short supply and because of the need and desire to increase the numbers, some breeding practices have not been as good as they should have been. However, today’s Berner is a great family dog and he still loves to work. He is good at carting, herding, search and rescue, watch dog, tracking, and competitive obedience.

The Bernese Mountain Dog came to the US after World War I and was imported to Britain in the 1930’s. The AKC accepted the Berner as a new Working-Class breed in 1937. It was not until 1968 that the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America was formed. In 1981, the AKC accepted the club as a member and in 1990 they (AKC) adopted the standard used today to judge the Bernese Mountain Dog.

australian bulldog - historyThe Australian Bulldog was bred from several breeds: The Bullmastiff, English bulldog, the English Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the Boxer. You will notice that his appearance is quite similar to the English bulldog, but this breed has a less-squished muzzle, fewer wrinkles and longer legs. They have great strength with a good thickness of the bone. They are solid and compact breed with good muscle tone.

The head structure of an Aussie Bulldog is one of its main attributes. It is very strong, square shaped with depth and width of muzzle less than a general bulldog. They have some wrinkle across the nose. Eyes are wide apart, large and clean. The jaw is wide and square, with strong teeth.

The name Australian Bulldog was given by Noel and Tina Green, the founders of the breed. They introduced Australian Bulldog to the public in 1998.

Description

bernese mountain dog puppy - descriptionThe Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, lovable clown. He has a heavy build with a tri color- mostly black – coat. He should have a white chest and rust coloring on the front of his legs, the sides of his mouth, and above his eyes. His eyes should be dark and blue eyes are a disqualification. His coat is silky, thick and long. He has medium sized triangle shaped ears and a scissors bite. He has round toes and strong, straight legs, He is well suited to cold weather. His skull is broad and flat, his muzzle is straight and strong, his nose must be black, and he does not usually drool.

He is an imposing sight, but he is also as non-aggressive as any breed. He is strong, intelligent, and agile. He should have his dew claws removed. This breed should be self-assured, yet good natured and calm. He is welcoming to strangers and loyal to his people. He needs his people.

australian bulldog puppy - descriptionAustralian bulldogs can be very good companions considering their natural loyalty. They just love to interact with humans and they are rarely aggressive.

They can be taught to be excellent watchdogs. The perfect place to raise this breed would be a house with a yard. The Australian Bulldog is usually dominant toward other dogs in its territory but, with proper training and early socialization, you can teach them to get along with other dogs and pets.

No matter if you are an active single, or you plan to bring an Australian bulldog puppy into the big family, as long as you are caring and loving toward him, he will be an amazing pet.

The Australian Bulldog is not recommended for apartment life. But, you can teach him to live in the smaller space if you tend to respect his daily need for activity. This breed is an indoor dog, and should not be left outside all day in a kennel. The best advice is to raise them in temperate climates since they can’t bear the extreme heat or extreme cold.

Characteristics

bernese mountain dog dog - characteristicsWhen reading the AKC standard for the Bernese Mountain Dog you will find that the breed is good natured and self-assured. They are not aggressive, shy or anxious. These are gentle, loving dogs. At the same time, they should be socialized to all kinds of animals, people and children when they are puppies. They are happy outside but need to live in the house with their people. They need exercise and play, and because they are so large, they need this outside. But when it comes to cuddling and sleeping they need to be indoors.

They love children though you should be careful with small children because of the Berner’s size and their not being aware of their size at times. They are extremely loyal to their people and want to be with people. They are intelligent, and they want to please their people. At the same time, they are sensitive. They do not respond well to punishment or harshness. They are imposing but they are lovers at heart.

Around children

australian bulldog dog - characteristicsAustralian Bulldog is a breed that will protect their family. They are great during the playtime with children as well. If you don’t have children, make sure you socialize your dog with children while he is still young.

Special talents

They are extremely intelligent. You can teach you Australian Bulldog almost everything in a very short time.

Adaptability

early socialization is a must with the Australian Bulldog.

Learning ability

you should start to train your Australian Bulldog as soon as possible. Positive reinforcement-based training methods are the ones you need to master in order to raise a good Australian Bulldog. They will be trained easily if there is a firm, consistent hand in training and they need leadership role from their owners. They can be taught very easy to be obedient and they love playing games like Frisbee, catch, water activities (but they swim very rarely because of their big and heavy chests), exploring the nature.

Health Problems

bernese mountain dog puppies - health problemsEven though it is well known that cancer is the leading cause of dog deaths across the globe, the Bernese Mountain Dog is particularly prone to die of cancer. Half of all Berners compared with 27% of all dogs, die from cancer. The Berner’s life span is also shorter than most dogs his size. IT is also not just one cancer that attacks the Bernese Mountain Dog but rather at least 6 or more including mast cell, osteosarcoma, malignant histiocytosis, fibrosarcoma, and lymphosarcoma. They can also suffer from PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), hypoadrenocorticism, cataracts and histiocytic sarcoma. Another issue that plaques the Berner more than other breeds is musculoskeletal issues that cause mortality. This can include issues such as cruciate ligament rupture, arthritis and hip dysplasia. These types of aliments cause death in 6% of the breed while they are usually the cause of mortality in only 2% of all other dogs.

australian bulldog puppies - health problemsAustralian Bulldog has better health than the English bulldog and its health continues to improve with each generation.

Breathing problems

The pushed-in face causes harder breathing. Be aware that they can’t use the air to cool itself off as quickly as necessary. During the extreme heat, Australian Bulldogs can develop heat stroke and die from it.

Skin problems

Take special care of the wrinkles on their nose. They will require everyday care since wrinkles need to be cleaned and kept dry to prevent the skin infection. Bath the dog only when it is necessary because of too much bathing with soap damages the natural oils in its skin.

Obesity

The Australian Bulldog, on average, is fed two times a day. They have the high risk of obesity, so there is no real need for more than two meals. Make sure to choose a premium quality food and to feed the dog according to the instructions. Also, they need lots of fresh water since they will be super active pet.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

bernese mountain dog dogs - caringAs with any large purebred dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog needs high quality food that will provide hi with nutrition and keep him from becoming overweight if fed properly. He is however a very large dog with a very large appetite. Watch his calorie intake. It’s ok to use treats if you fit them into the overall calorie intake for the day. Feed him smaller meals twice a day.

Health issues

As previously mentioned the breed has quite a few health challenges to deal with, cancer being the number one issue. The small genetic line is one of, if not the main, culprit in this high mortality rate and short life span of the Bernese Mountain Dog. In addition to the conditions mentioned above, they are also susceptible to bloat (stomach inversion). In addition, they face the conditions mentioned previously and should be tested for dysplasia of the hip and elbow, Von Willebrand’s Disease, Cardiac testing and an eye or ophthalmologist exam.

Exercise and games

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a gentle giant. They have a calm happy demeanor and they love to work. In fact, they need to work. They love children and will quickly give them cart rides. They compete in carting competitions and herding events sponsored by the AKC. They need exercise but not an extreme amount or intense type. A half-hour a day is enough for them. They love long walks or hiking. They are great companions for backpacking or camping. They are also good at tracking, rally, obedience, and agility.

australian bulldog dogs - caringFeeding the puppy and adult: high-quality dog food for active dogs is a must. Do not overfeed them. If you are not sure about the amount of food your dog really needs, please consult a vet.

Grooming

The Australian Bulldog needs minimal grooming. They should be brushed at least once a week using a firm bristled brush. They shed a moderate amount on a regular basis so there will be loose hair to deal with. Make sure to clip the nails when necessary. They will need a tooth brushing two times a week and checking and wiping its ears once a week.

Points for Good Health: every day long walks, plenty of exercises, special skin care and regular vet check-ups.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Non sporting dog
Origin:
Switzerland
Australia
Height Male:
61 - 71 cm
24 - 28 inches
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
58 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
44 - 49 cm
17 - 20 inches
Weight Male:
35 - 55 kg
77 - 122 pounds
28 - 35 kg
61 - 78 pounds
Weight Female:
30 - 50 kg
66 - 111 pounds
23 - 30 kg
50 - 67 pounds
Life Span:
6 - 8 Years
9 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 15
3 - 8
Size:
Giant dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Berner Sennenhund Bernese Cattle Dog - Berner, Bernese
Aussie bulldog, Australian Boss dog
Colors Available:
Tri-Black,Rust,White
in the shades of brindle like red, fawn, pied, apricot, mahogany, orange, silver
Coat:
double, long, thick
short, fine coat with a smooth texture
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Docile, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Quiet, Social, Stubborn, Sweet
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Bernese Mountain Dog vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  2. Newfoundland Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  4. Alaunt vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  5. Alangu Mastiff vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  6. Pyrenean Mastiff vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  7. Bisben vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. Moscow Watchdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  9. Spanish Mastiff vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  10. St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  11. Kars Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  12. Moscow Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  13. Ciobanesc de Bucovina vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  14. Great Dane vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  15. Bernese Mountain Dog vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  16. Bernese Mountain Dog vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  17. Bernese Mountain Dog vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  18. English Mastiff vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  19. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  20. Bully Kutta vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  21. Irish Wolfhound vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Chow Chow vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  23. Dalmatian vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  24. Chinese Shar Pei vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  25. Keeshond vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  26. Australian Bulldog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Australian Bulldog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  28. Mexican Hairless vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  29. Tibetan Terrier vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  30. Standard Poodle vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  31. Norwegian Lundehund vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  33. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  34. Australian Shepherd vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  35. American Bulldog vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  36. Bull Terrier vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  37. Golden Doodle vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  38. Pomsky vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  39. Basset Hound vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  40. Border Collie vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  41. Sakhalin Husky vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  42. Other vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  43. Olde English Bulldogge vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds