Bernese Mountain Dog vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed ComparisonBernese Mountain Dog is originated from Switzerland but Austrian Pinscher is originated from Austria. Bernese Mountain Dog may grow 21 cm / 9 inches higher than Austrian Pinscher. Bernese Mountain Dog may weigh 37 kg / 82 pounds more than Austrian Pinscher. Bernese Mountain Dog may live 6 years less than Austrian Pinscher. Bernese Mountain Dog may have more litter size than Austrian Pinscher. Bernese Mountain Dog requires Moderate maintenance. But Austrian Pinscher requires High 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.

austrian pinscher - historyThe Australian pinscher exists from the early nineteenth century in Australia. They were originally breed and raised to be great family pet and the guard of the property. They don’t have the gene for a hunting and that’s why they were kept close to the family. Since they were thought to live in areas where they can roam and run free, they have a high daily need for the activity.

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.

austrian pinscher puppy - descriptionThe Australian pinscher, medium sized dog breed, with strong and solid body muscularity, is a happy dog with generally very positive personality. They don’t weight much, and they have usually athletic bodies because they are very active dog kind. Their head is built as a roundish triangle with wrinkled wide forehead and strong cheekbones. They have strong scissor bite and usually darker lips. They have brown or golden brown lively eyes, medium to small ears that fit perfectly to the head size. Their tails are most of the time happy and up in the air, usually fluffy because of the longer hairs on the tails.

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.

Children friendliness

austrian pinscher dog - characteristicsIf you decide to have an Austrian pinscher as a pet in a family with small children, you will make a great choice. Their playful nature and energetic behaviour have been accepted by the children very well. They have an affectionate attitude towards their family, and they will be the great watchdog for your children.

Special talents

Guarding a farm, large yard, animals on the farm or in a yard. Guarding and playing with children, long runs or long bike rides. They will follow you anywhere.

Adaptability

Since they are great with the family and children as well, they can’t be rated with a five-star grade for stranger friendliness and other dog’s friendliness. Sure, they can be trained to be very socialized if you have the time and the patience, but if you don’t you shouldn’t be surprised if they are generally not stranger friendly. It’s their nature. They are devoted only to the family and they usually have a hard time when their family leaves them. This breed is not advisable to be kept indoors or with the seniors that don’t move much.

Learning ability

The Austrian pincher's ability to learn fast and be trained quickly is not super good. They do well – they will listen to their owners always but they are not so great when it comes to learning trick for fun. They will be more than happy to run to catch the ball, but they won’t give it back because they can play alone. They can be learnt to do the basic things, but their lovable and playful nature will overall and they will end up asking for an ear scratch or a belly rub.

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.

austrian pinscher puppies - health problemsThey usually have no health issues like skin irritations, problems with eyes or ears, but they need to be groomed regularly because they shed a lot. They don’t need the regular baths, but when you do bathe them, take a good care of washing and rinsing their thick undercoat. Keep their ears clean and their claws tidy, and you will be happy together. There is a normal percentage of the joint injuries and heart malfunctions due to the increased activity. But, if you take a good care of your Austrian Pinscher, you wouldn’t have to worry about this at all.

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.

How to feed the Austrian pinscher

austrian pinscher dogs - caringJust like any other active dog, the Austrian Pinscher loves to eat. But they usually know their limit and they are almost never obese. While they are pups, it is best for them to have meals in the morning, afternoon and in the evening. Meals should be rich in nutrients and in small portions. When they grow up, they will need two meals during the day. Take a good care while feeding them – read about the portion needed for their weight and don’t give him extra portions or human junk food. They generally don’t like raw meat, but you can chance on of the daily portions with some meat cooked in the water without any spices.

Good Health tips

Organize your day to have an hour or two for this lovely pet. Austrian pinscher likes to be cuddled, petted and being played with. Be affectionate towards this dog breed because they will be happier and more protective towards you. They like to show love but they also have a need to be appreciated and loved. Keep them off the leach as much as possible and don’t leave them alone for a long period.

Games and Exercises

This lively and energetic dog breed will do well while they have enough place to run. If you have a small yard, take them for a run with you or drive a bike and let them follow. They like to bark, and they will do that if they want your attention.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
Switzerland
Austria
Height Male:
61 - 71 cm
24 - 28 inches
42 - 50 cm
16 - 20 inches
Height Female:
58 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
40 - 48 cm
15 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
35 - 55 kg
77 - 122 pounds
12 - 18 kg
26 - 40 pounds
Weight Female:
30 - 50 kg
66 - 111 pounds
10 - 18 kg
22 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
6 - 8 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 15
3 - 6
Size:
Giant dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Berner Sennenhund Bernese Cattle Dog - Berner, Bernese
Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher, Austrian farm dog
Colors Available:
Tri-Black,Rust,White
The combination of the black and golden yellow, brown and golden yellow. They can have white mark that stretches from the top of the head and across the belly.
Coat:
double, long, thick
short or medium long roughish and thick coat, with softer undercoat
Shedding:
Seasonal
Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Docile, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Quiet, Social, Stubborn, Sweet
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
No

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. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  23. Bull Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  24. Schnauzer vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  25. Fox Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  26. Bull and Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  27. Bedlington Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  28. Irish Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  29. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  30. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  31. Austrian Pinscher vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Austrian Pinscher vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Lakeland Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  34. Jagdterrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  35. Blue Paul Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  36. Indian Bull Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  37. Irish Bull Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  38. Japanese Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  39. Brazilian Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Old English Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  41. Scoland Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  42. Skye Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  44. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  45. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  46. Welsh Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds