Bernese Mountain Dog vs Shih Tzu

Which dog breed is right for you?

Bernese Mountain Dog

Size
70–115 lbs, 23–28 in
Lifespan
7–10 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
High
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Affectionate Gentle Loyal Patient

Shih Tzu

Size
9–16 lbs, 9–11 in
Lifespan
10–18 years
Exercise
Low
Grooming
High
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Affectionate Playful Outgoing Loyal

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 Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu — meaning "lion dog" in Mandarin — was bred for centuries within the walls of the Chinese imperial palace, likely from crosses between the Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese. These small, sturdy dogs stand 9 to 10.5 inches tall and weigh 9 to 16 pounds, with a slightly longer body than they are tall and a proud, flowing gait. Their luxurious double coat grows continuously and can reach floor length, coming in virtually every color and combination, with a distinctive chrysanthemum-like pattern on the face where hair grows in all directions.

Temperament & Personality

Shih Tzus are affectionate, outgoing, and delightfully playful — bred solely as companion dogs, they have centuries of experience perfecting the art of being a devoted lapdog. They are friendly with nearly everyone, including children, strangers, and other pets, making them one of the most sociable toy breeds available. Shih Tzus are happy, adaptable, and surprisingly sturdy for their size, with a mischievous charm that keeps their families entertained.

Pros

  • Exceptionally friendly and sociable with people of all ages and other animals
  • Low exercise requirements — short walks and indoor play satisfy their needs
  • Minimal shedding when coat is kept in a shorter "puppy clip"
  • Adaptable and content in apartments, condos, and any living situation

Cons

  • Long coat demands daily brushing or frequent professional grooming
  • Brachycephalic structure contributes to breathing issues and heat intolerance
  • Prone to eye problems (proptosis, corneal ulcers), ear infections, and dental disease
  • Can be stubborn about housetraining — patience and consistency are essential

A Shih Tzu's sole mission in life is to love and be loved — find yours waiting on Puplister today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Shih Tzu?
The Bernese Mountain Dog is 70–115 lbs, 23–28 in sized while the Shih Tzu is 9–16 lbs, 9–11 in sized. They differ in size (70–115 lbs, 23–28 in vs 9–16 lbs, 9–11 in), lifespan (7–10 years vs 10–18 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Bernese Mountain Dog or Shih Tzu?
Bernese Mountain Dog is generally good with kids. Shih Tzu is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Bernese Mountain Dog or Shih Tzu?
The Bernese Mountain Dog has a lifespan of 7–10 years while the Shih Tzu has a lifespan of 10–18 years.

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