Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greyhound

A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.

Bernese Mountain Dog breed photo

Bernese Mountain Dog

AKCFCIKC

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.

Size

Extra Large

Energy

Medium

Lifespan

7-8 years yrs

Height

N/A

VS
Greyhound breed photo

Greyhound

AKCFCIKC

Der Greyhound ist die schnellste Hunderasse der Welt.

Size

Large

Energy

Medium

Lifespan

10-12 yrs

Height

N/A

Quick Comparison

TraitBernese Mountain DogGreyhound
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
DetailBernese Mountain DogGreyhound
SizeExtra LargeLarge
Energy LevelMediumMedium
GroomingHighLow
TrainabilityEasychallenging
Barking LevelMediumLow
Shedding LevelHighMedium
HousingYardApartment

Owner Fit & Decision Guide

Owner Match

TraitBernese Mountain DogGreyhound
Experience LevelBeginnerExperienced
First-Time Owner
Ideal OwnerActive individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Bernese Mountain Dog.Aktive Einzelperson oder Familie, die einem Greyhound ausreichend Bewegung und Training bieten kann.

Bernese Mountain Dog Dealbreakers

  • Cannot meet 45-60 min daily exercise
  • Cannot tolerate heavy shedding

Greyhound Dealbreakers

  • Kann 45-60 Minuten tägliche Bewegung nicht erfüllen
  • Kann sich nicht zu Pflegebedürfnissen verpflichten

Surrender Risk

FactorBernese Mountain DogGreyhound
Risk LevelMediumMedium
Primary ReasonsUnderestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of careUnterschätzter Bewegungsbedarf, Verhaltensherausforderungen, Pflegekosten

Temperament & Personality

Behavior Comparison

TraitBernese Mountain DogGreyhound
Prey Drive
Watchdog Ability
Stranger Friendly
Drool Level
Wanderlust

Vocalization

TraitBernese Mountain DogGreyhound
Barking LevelMediumLow
Howling Tendency
Whining TendencyLowLow
Separation Vocalization
Bernese Mountain Dog bark triggers
StrangersDoorbellsOther dogs
Greyhound bark triggers
FremdeTürklingelnAndere Hunde

Safety & Reliability

TraitBernese Mountain DogGreyhound
Escape Artist
Dog Park Suitable
Off-Leash Reliable
Small Animal Safe
Leash Reactivity
Resource Guarding RiskLowLow

Bernese Mountain Dog Social Traits

Velcro Dog
One Person Dog
Handling ToleranceMedium
Stranger Wariness

Low

With Other Dogs

Generally friendly

Greyhound Social Traits

Velcro Dog
One Person Dog
Handling ToleranceMedium
Stranger Wariness

Moderate

With Other Dogs

Im Allgemeinen freundlich

Training

Bernese Mountain Dog

MethodPositive reinforcement
Challenges
s:** Their size makes jumping up or leash pulling dangerous. "Four on the floor" training must start at 8 weeks.
Tips
  • ** 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].

Greyhound

MethodPositive Verstärkung
Challenges
Aktivitäten zur Mittagszeit im Sommer.
Tips
  • Trainingseinheiten kurz und abwechslungsreich halten

Bernese Mountain Dog Considerations

challengeSeparation Anxiety ("Velcro Dog" Syndrome)

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.

challengeThe "Leaner"

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.

Greyhound Considerations

dealbreakerTrennungsangst

Dies ist der häufigste Grund für die Rückgabe pensionierter Renngreyhounds. Die meisten Ex-Rennhunde waren nie allein in ihrem Leben; sie werden in einem Wurf geboren, in einem Rudel aufgezogen und mit anderen Hunden zusammen gehalten. Völlig allein in einem stillen Haus gelassen zu werden kann Panik auslösen, was zu Zerstörung, Heulen und Unsauberkeit führt.

challengeSchlaferschrecken (Schlaggression)

Viele Greyhounds schlafen mit offenen Augen und fallen in tiefe REM-Phasen. Da sie in Zwingern während des Schlafens oft nicht angefasst werden, können sie defensiv reagieren (Knurren, Schnappen), wenn sie im Schlaf berührt oder erschreckt werden. Dies macht sie zu einem Risiko für Haushalte mit Kleinkindern, die möglicherweise die Regel 'schlafende Hunde soll man nicht wecken' nicht einhalten.

challengeDas 'Einfrieren'

Eine häufige Verhaltensquirk, bei der ein Greyhound während eines Spaziergangs seine Pfoten pflanzt und sich weigert, sich zu bewegen. Dies ist oft eine Reaktion auf Überwältigung, Angst oder einfach die Entscheidung, dass der Spaziergang vorbei ist. Es ist keine Sturheit im traditionellen Sinne, sondern eine Abschaltereaktion.

challengeRaubtrieb-Drift

Selbst Greyhounds, die in Innenräumen friedlich mit kleinen Hunden zusammenleben, können diese als Beute betrachten, wenn der kleine Hund läuft, quietscht oder sich draußen unregelmäßig bewegt. Der Übergang von 'Freund' zu 'Beute' kann sofort erfolgen.

Multi-Species Compatibility

SpeciesBernese Mountain DogGreyhound
With CatsGenerally safe with proper introductionVorsicht - kann jagen
Small MammalsSupervision requiredAufsicht erforderlich
Birds / ReptilesCaution advisedVorsicht empfohlen

Advanced Behavior

TraitBernese Mountain DogGreyhound
Predatory Sequence RiskMediumMedium
BiddabilityHighLow
Noise SensitivityLowLow
Territorial Barking
Same-Sex Aggression Onset18 months18 months

First Year & Life Stages

First Year Challenges

ChallengeBernese Mountain DogGreyhound
Puppy Difficulty
Destructive Phase6-186-18
House TrainingModerateModerate
Crate TrainingMediumMedium
Adolescent Regression

Bernese Mountain Dog: Bernese Mountain Dog puppies require consistent training and patience.

Greyhound: Greyhound-Welpen benötigen konsequentes Training und Geduld.

Life Stages Timeline

StageBernese Mountain DogGreyhound
Puppy Phase12 months12 months
Adolescence6-186-18
Adult Years2-82-8
Senior Onset~8 years~8 years
Peak Energy Age1-3 years1-3 Jahre

Size & Physical Characteristics

Physical Stats

MeasurementBernese Mountain DogGreyhound
HeightN/AN/A
WeightN/AN/A
Size CategoryExtra LargeLarge
Lifespan7-8 years years10-12 years
Litter Size4-84-8

Bernese Mountain Dog Coat

Typedouble
LengthMedium
Texturestraight
Colors
Various

Greyhound Coat

Typedouble
LengthMedium
Texturestraight
Colors
Verschiedene

Lineage & Origin

DetailBernese Mountain DogGreyhound
Original PurposeOriginating in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, these dogs were the "poor man's horseHetzjagd—Jagd auf Wild (Hase, Hirsch) durch Sicht und Geschwindigkeit statt Geruch
Originin the canton of Bernpuppyhood

Breeding Details

DetailBernese Mountain DogGreyhound
C-Section RateVariesVaries
Whelping DifficultyMediumMedium
Puppy Mortality RateLowLow

Physical Risks

RiskBernese Mountain DogGreyhound
Bloat / GDV RiskLowLow
Slippery Floor RiskLowLow
Min Fence Height1.5m1.5m
Dig / Escape RiskLowLow

Health & Common Conditions

Bernese Mountain Dog Health Issues

Histiocytic Sarcoma (Malignant Histiocytosis): Affects up to 25% of the breed; accounts for ~50% of all cancer deaths
Hip Dysplasia:16.1% are dysplastic
Elbow Dysplasia: Often cited around 28%
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat): High risk due to deep chest depth
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM): Genetic carriers are common

Greyhound Health Issues

Parodontitis39% Prävalenz
Osteosarkom (Knochenkrebs) (~6% Prävalenz)
HornhautPfotenballen
Magendilatation-VolvulusMagendrehung
Greyhound-NeuropathieNDRG1

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

Greyhound Suggested Tests

  • Genetischer Test auf NDRG1
  • Gastropexie (Magenheftung) zur Vorbeugung von Magendrehung
  • Schilddrüsenwerte prüfen (unter Verwendung von Greyhound-Referenzwerten)

Health Risk Overview

Risk FactorBernese Mountain DogGreyhound
Cancer RiskMediumMedium
Cardiac RiskLowLow
Neurological RiskLowLow
CCL/ACL Tear RiskLowLow
Vet Burden TierMediumMedium

Sensitivities & Allergies

SensitivityBernese Mountain DogGreyhound
Skin Allergies
Environmental Allergies
Stomach SensitivityLowLow
Food Allergies

Health Maintenance

Care ItemBernese Mountain DogGreyhound
Nail Growth RateNormalNormal
Eye Care NeedsLowLow
Anal Gland IssuesOccasionalOccasional

Senior Care & Aging

Bernese Mountain Dog Senior Care

Common Senior Issues

  • Arthritis
  • Vision decline
  • Cognitive changes
Mobility Aid LikelihoodMedium
QoL Decline Age~10 years
End of Life ComplexityMedium

Senior care varies by individual health.

Greyhound Senior Care

Common Senior Issues

  • Arthritis
  • Sehverschlechterung
  • Kognitive Veränderungen
Mobility Aid LikelihoodMedium
QoL Decline Age~10 years
End of Life ComplexityMedium

Seniorenpflege variiert je nach individueller Gesundheit.

Grooming & Care

Bernese Mountain Dog

high maintenance
Coat Typedouble
Coat Lengthmedium
Coat Texturestraight
Shedding LevelHigh
Seasonal SheddingHigh
Ear Cleaningweekly
Dental RiskMedium
Obesity Prone
Winter Gear Needed
Summer Restrictions
Paw Protection
Odor LevelModerate
Tactile FeelVaries by coat type
Colors
Various

Greyhound

low maintenance
Coat Typedouble
Coat Lengthmedium
Coat Texturestraight
Shedding LevelMedium
Seasonal SheddingMedium
Ear Cleaningweekly
Dental RiskMedium
Obesity Prone
Winter Gear Needed
Summer Restrictions
Paw Protection
Odor LevelModerate
Tactile FeelVariiert je nach Felltyp
Colors
Verschiedene

Lifestyle Compatibility

Bernese Mountain Dog Daily Life

Exercise Needs60-90 min/day
Alone TimeUp to 4h
Mental StimulationMedium
ApartmentChallenging - needs space
Work from HomeSuitable with adequate exercise
Weekend WarriorSuitable
HousingYard
Barking LevelMedium
First-Time Owner
Exercise Types
WalkingPlayTraining
NighttimeSleeps well when exercised
Food MotivationMedium

Greyhound Daily Life

Exercise Needs60-90 min/day
Alone TimeUp to 4h
Mental StimulationMedium
ApartmentGeeignet
Work from HomeGeeignet mit ausreichend Bewegung
Weekend WarriorGeeignet
HousingApartment
Barking LevelLow
First-Time Owner
Exercise Types
SpazierengehenSpielenTraining
NighttimeSchläft gut, wenn ausreichend bewegt
Food MotivationMedium

Housing & Legal Restrictions

RestrictionBernese Mountain DogGreyhound
BSL Restricted
Common Rental Ban
Insurance Blacklist
Weight CategoryUnder 50lbsUnder 50lbs

Climate Tolerance

ClimateBernese Mountain DogGreyhound
Heat Tolerance
Cold Tolerance
Water AffinityMediumMedium

Travel Compatibility

ActivityBernese Mountain DogGreyhound
Car TravelGoodGood
Camping
Beach Friendly
Hiking Rating
Cabin Flight Eligible
Hotel Friendly Size

Niche Suitability

RoleBernese Mountain DogGreyhound
Service DogHighLow
Therapy DogLowLow
Deep Pressure Therapy
Canicross / Bikejoring
Apartment Adaptable
Tactile / Sensory Friendly
Livestock Guardian
Medical AlertLowLow

Costs & Expenses

Upfront Costs

CostBernese Mountain DogGreyhound
Purchase PriceN/AN/A
Initial Cost Range$1,000–$2,500$1,000–$2,500
Cost Tier

Ongoing Costs

CostBernese Mountain DogGreyhound
Monthly Range$180–$300$110–$170
Yearly Range$2,160–$3,600$1,320–$2,040
Food / Month$100-150$60-90
Insurance / Month$80-150$50-80
Grooming / Session$100-150$60-90
Vet Routine / Year$50-100N/A
Monthly Cost Tier

Bernese Mountain Dog Lifetime Cost

N/A

Greyhound Lifetime Cost

N/A

Quirks & Fun Facts

Daily Quirks

QuirkBernese Mountain DogGreyhound
Snoring
FlatulenceOccasionalOccasional
Slobber LevelLowLow
Smell When WetModerateModerate
Zoomies FrequencyOccasionalOccasional
Counter Surfing
Digging TendencyLowLow

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs can make good family dogs with proper training and socialization. They form strong bonds with their family members.
For Bernese Mountain Dog & Greyhound owners

Turn your dog into a brand deal.

Pet brands are looking for authentic creators — not celebrities. If you own a Bernese Mountain Dog or Greyhound, you can get free products, gear, and exclusive perks just for sharing your dog's life on Instagram.

Apply for free

No followers minimum · Free to join

Based on comprehensive breed research data.

View Bernese Mountain Dog profile·View Greyhound profile