What is the difference between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a English Springer Spaniel?

The Bernese Mountain Dog is 70–115 lbs, 23–28 in sized while the English Springer Spaniel is 40–50 lbs, 19–20 in sized. They differ in size (70–115 lbs, 23–28 in vs 40–50 lbs, 19–20 in), lifespan (7–10 years vs 12–14 years), and care requirements.

Which breed is better with kids, Bernese Mountain Dog or English Springer Spaniel?

Bernese Mountain Dog is generally good with kids. English Springer Spaniel is generally good with kids.

Which breed lives longer, Bernese Mountain Dog or English Springer Spaniel?

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a lifespan of 7–10 years while the English Springer Spaniel has a lifespan of 12–14 years.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs English Springer Spaniel — Breed Comparison

About the Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog — or Berner — originated in the Swiss Alps near the city of Bern, where it served as a versatile farm dog capable of drafting, herding, and guarding. These gentle giants stand 23–27.5 inches tall and weigh 70–115 pounds, with a sturdy, well-balanced frame built for mountain work. Their striking tri-color coat — jet black with rich rust and crisp white markings — is long, thick, and slightly wavy, designed to insulate against harsh alpine winters.

Temperament & Personality

Berners are calm, affectionate, and exceptionally good-natured — they are one of the most family-friendly large breeds, renowned for their patience and gentleness with children. They are eager to please and respond well to positive training methods, though they mature slowly and retain puppyish behavior longer than many breeds. They are friendly with other dogs and even cats, and their calm demeanor makes them excellent therapy dogs.

Pros

Exceptionally gentle and patient with children — a true family dog
Eager to please and highly trainable with positive reinforcement
Calm, steady temperament that adapts well to household routines
Beautiful, majestic appearance that commands admiration wherever they go

Cons

Tragically short lifespan — averaging only 6–8 years due to high cancer rates
Heavy shedding, especially during seasonal changes, requiring frequent grooming
Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, histiocytic sarcoma, and bloat
Large size and drooling tendencies make them poorly suited for small living spaces

Berners fill homes with warmth and love — discover adoptable Bernese Mountain Dogs on Puplister and welcome one into your family.

About the English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel — named for its ability to "spring" game birds into flight — is a medium-sized sporting dog with centuries of British hunting heritage. Standing 19–20 inches tall and weighing 40–50 pounds, these well-proportioned dogs have a moderately long coat with feathering on the ears, chest, legs, and belly, typically in liver and white or black and white patterns. They are the tallest of the British spaniels and are built for a full day of tireless work in the field.

Temperament & Personality

English Springer Spaniels are enthusiastic, cheerful dogs that approach life with boundless energy and a perpetually wagging tail. They adore their families and are particularly wonderful with children — playful enough for games yet gentle enough for quiet companionship. Their eagerness to please and quick intelligence make them highly trainable, though their exuberance can sometimes outpace their obedience.

Pros

Tireless outdoor companion — ideal for hikers, runners, and active families
Highly trainable and eager to please — excel in obedience, agility, and tracking
Friendly and sociable with people, children, and other dogs
Dual-purpose breed — equally capable as a working gun dog and loving family pet

Cons

High energy demands — needs 1–2 hours of vigorous exercise daily to prevent restlessness
Prone to ear infections due to pendulous ears that trap moisture and debris
Susceptible to progressive retinal atrophy and phosphofructokinase deficiency
Some field-bred lines display "rage syndrome" — sudden aggression linked to specific bloodlines

An energetic, loving Springer Spaniel could be your perfect adventure partner — search adoptable dogs on Puplister.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs English Springer Spaniel