Breed comparison
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Cocker Spaniel
How the two breeds compare on the American Kennel Club's 1 to 5 trait ratings, and which one suits which home.
5Affection with family4
5Good with young children5
5Good with other dogs5
4Openness to strangers4
4Playfulness3
4Energy level4
4Trainability4
3Mental stimulation needs3
4Adaptability4
3Watchdog / protective3
3Barking3
5Shedding3
3Coat grooming4
3Drooling2
The biggest differences
- Shedding: the Bernese Mountain Dog scores 5 out of 5, the Cocker Spaniel 3.
They score the same on good with young children, good with other dogs, openness to strangers, energy level, trainability, mental stimulation needs.
Which one should you choose?
Pick the Bernese Mountain Dog if its looks and size suit you better, since the ratings are close. Pick the Cocker Spaniel if you want less dog hair.
Ratings are general breed tendencies from the AKC. Every dog is an individual, so meet the dog, and its parents if you can, before you decide. Not sure? Try the breed selector.
Source: American Kennel Club breed ratings (compiled February 2022). How we check.