Australian Terrier vs Bernese Mountain Dog
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
Australian Terrier
Also known as: Aussie, Australian Rough
The Australian Terrier is a small, robust breed known for its spirited personality, intelligence, and loyalty. Originally bred to hunt vermin and guard homes, this terrier is both a devoted companion and an alert watchdog, characterized by its distinctive rough, weather-resistant coat and keen expression.
Small
Medium
11-15 yrs
25-28 cm
6.8-9.1 kg
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, sturdy breed known for its striking tricolor coat, gentle temperament, and strong working abilities, originally bred in the Swiss Alps to herd cattle and pull carts. Their friendly and affectionate nature makes them excellent family companions.
Extra Large
Medium
7-8 years yrs
N/A
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Australian Terrier | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming Needs | ||
| Family Friendly | ||
| Independence |
Key Characteristics
| Good with Kids | ||
| Good with Dogs | ||
| Good with Cats | ||
| Hypoallergenic | ||
| Apartment Friendly | ||
| First-Time Owner OK |
| Detail | Australian Terrier | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Extra Large |
| Energy Level | Medium | Medium |
| Grooming | Medium | High |
| Trainability | Moderate | Easy |
| Barking Level | High | Medium |
| Shedding Level | Low | High |
| Chew strength | Moderate | Moderate |
| Housing | Yard | Yard |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Australian Terrier | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Beginner (with conditions) | Beginner |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | Confident beginner or experienced owner willing to train consistently. Works from home or has flexible schedule. Single-dog household preferred, or with opposite-sex passive dog. No small prey animals. Comfortable with managing barking through training. | Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Bernese Mountain Dog. |
Australian Terrier Dealbreakers
- Want a silent dog
- Have pocket pets (hamsters, rats) that roam
- Want a dog that can be off-leash in unfenced areas
- Unwilling to manage potential dog-aggression
- Passive or permissive owner (if you treat them like a baby, they will become a tyrant)
Bernese Mountain Dog Dealbreakers
- Cannot meet 45-60 min daily exercise
- Cannot tolerate heavy shedding
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Australian Terrier | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Low | Medium |
| Primary Reasons | Barking complaints from neighbors, Incompatibility with other pets (chasing cats, fighting dogs), Owners buy thinking they are low-maintenance small dogs and are overwhelmed by their big-dog energy and tenacity | Underestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Australian Terrier | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Australian Terrier | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | High | Medium |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Low | Low |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Australian Terrier | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Low |
Australian Terrier Social Traits
Medium
Often bossy and may spark fights with much larger dogs, refusing to back down. Same-sex aggression is a known trait.
Bernese Mountain Dog Social Traits
Low
Generally friendly
Training
Australian Terrier
- Harsh methods trigger their 'terrier grit,' causing them to shut down or fight back
- Use high-value rewards (food/toys)
- Keep training sessions short and varied
- Practice 'Nothing in Life is Free' to maintain household boundaries
Bernese Mountain Dog
- ** Positive reinforcement is the only viable path. Berners are notoriously "soft" dogs; harsh corrections or yelling will cause them to shut down or become fearful [cite: 16].
Australian Terrier Considerations
Bred to alert settlers to snakes and intruders, they score 5/5 on watchdog ability. In modern settings, this means barking at delivery trucks, hallway footsteps, and leaves blowing across the patio. Often a dealbreaker for renters with noise restrictions.
Documented risk of aggression toward dogs of the same sex, particularly between two females. This often emerges at sexual maturity (18-24 months) and can escalate from posturing to serious fighting. They generally do best as the only dog or with a companion of the opposite sex.
Their prey drive is not a game; it is a job. They were engineered to kill rats and snakes. They cannot be trusted with hamsters, rabbits, or guinea pigs, and they may harass cats that run. This is a Full Predatory Sequence breed—they do not just chase; they grab and shake.
Bernese Mountain Dog Considerations
The BMD was bred to work closely alongside farmers in the Swiss Alps, pulling carts and driving cattle. This history has created a breed that is genetically wired to be near their humans constantly. They are not independent yard dogs; they are "shadows." Leaving a Berner alone for 8+ hours a day often results in severe distress, destructive chewing, and vocalization.
While affectionate, their desire for physical contact (leaning their 100lb body weight against your legs) can be a hazard for elderly owners or very small children, despite their gentle intent.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Australian Terrier | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Caution - safe only if raised together and the cat does not run | Generally safe with proper introduction |
| Small Mammals | Unsafe - high risk for hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, rodents | Supervision required |
| Birds / Reptiles | Unsafe - high risk | Caution advised |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Australian Terrier | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Full | Medium |
| Biddability | Medium | High |
| Noise Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | 18 months | 18 months |
Australian Terrier: Full Predatory Sequence: Orient → Eye → Stalk → Chase → Grab-Bite → Kill-Bite. Bred to kill snakes and rats. You cannot 'train out' the desire to shake a rat; you can only manage it. Not 'will to please' dogs - they are 'what's in it for me?' dogs.
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | Australian Terrier | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| House Training | Medium | Moderate |
| Crate Training | Medium | Medium |
| Adolescent Regression |
Australian Terrier: While small and portable, they are intense. House training is moderately difficult (terriers can be stubborn), and their sharp puppy teeth are used freely during play. Critical socialization window is 8-16 weeks - must socialize to handling and strangers to prevent natural wariness from turning into defensiveness.
Bernese Mountain Dog: Bernese Mountain Dog puppies require consistent training and patience.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Australian Terrier | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 12 months |
| Adolescence | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| Adult Years | 2-9 | 2-8 |
| Senior Onset | ~10 years | ~8 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-3 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Australian Terrier | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 25-28 cm | N/A |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Small | Extra Large |
| Lifespan | 11–15 years | 7–8 years |
| Litter Size | 4-6 | 4-8 |
Australian Terrier Coat
Bernese Mountain Dog Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Australian Terrier | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | Kill rats and snakes in gold mines and sheep stations, tend sheep, and alert owners to intruders | Originating in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, these dogs were the "poor man's horse |
| Origin | Australia, 19th century | in the canton of Bern |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Australian Terrier | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Low | Varies |
| Whelping Difficulty | Easy | Medium |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Australian Terrier | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | Low | Low |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Low | Low |
| Min Fence Height | 1.2m | 1.5m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | High | Low |
Health & Common Conditions
Australian Terrier Health Issues
Bernese Mountain Dog Health Issues
Australian Terrier Suggested Tests
- Annual blood glucose and urinalysis (starting at age 5)
- OFA Patella Evaluation
- CERF Eye Examination
- Family history of Diabetes inquiry
Bernese Mountain Dog Suggested Tests
- Genetic risk test (Antagene) for Histiocytic Sarcoma
- CHIC numbers including hips, elbows, eyes (CERF), cardiac, and Von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD)
- DNA testing of parents for Degenerative Myelopathy
- Prophylactic gastropexy (stomach tacking) for Bloat
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Australian Terrier | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Low | Medium |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | Low |
| Neurological Risk | Low | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Low | Low |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | Medium |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Australian Terrier | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Food Allergies | General environmental allergens |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Australian Terrier | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Fast | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | Low | Low |
| Anal Gland Issues | Rare | Occasional |
Senior Care & Aging
Australian Terrier Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Diabetes Mellitus (watch for excessive thirst/urination)
- Cataracts
- Joint stiffness
Mobility usually remains good until very late life. Primary concern in seniors is monitoring for diabetes symptoms (excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss despite normal eating).
Bernese Mountain Dog Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis
- Vision decline
- Cognitive changes
Senior care varies by individual health.
Grooming & Care
Australian Terrier
medium maintenanceBernese Mountain Dog
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Australian Terrier Daily Life
Bernese Mountain Dog Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Australian Terrier | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Under 25lbs | Under 50lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Australian Terrier | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Low | Medium |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Australian Terrier | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Australian Terrier | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Low | High |
| Therapy Dog | Medium | Low |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Low | Low |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | Australian Terrier | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,200-2,500 | N/A |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,200–$2,500 | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Australian Terrier | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $120–$200 | $180–$300 |
| Yearly Range | $1,440–$2,400 | $2,160–$3,600 |
| Food / Month | $30-50 | $100-150 |
| Insurance / Month | $40-70 | $80-150 |
| Grooming / Session | $50-80 | $100-150 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $300-600 | $50-100 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Australian Terrier Lifetime Cost
$15,000-30,000
Bernese Mountain Dog Lifetime Cost
N/A
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Australian Terrier | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Rare | Occasional |
| Slobber Level | None | Low |
| Smell When Wet | Mild | Moderate |
| Zoomies Frequency | Weekly | Occasional |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | High | Low |
Australian Terrier Quirks
The Ruff
Distinctive ruff of hair around the neck (like a lion's mane) which was historically protective against snake bites
The Topknot
The soft, silky hair on their head contrasts with the wire body coat and needs gentle combing
Digging for Fun
They don't just dig to escape; they dig for fun. Provide a designated sandpit and bury toys in it to save your flowerbeds.
Bossiness
They will attempt to run the household. 'Nothing in life is free' training is recommended to maintain boundaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
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