Breed comparison
Bernese Mountain Dog vs English Setter
How the two breeds compare on the American Kennel Club's 1 to 5 trait ratings, and which one suits which home.
5Affection with family5
5Good with young children4
5Good with other dogs4
4Openness to strangers4
4Playfulness4
4Energy level3
4Trainability4
3Mental stimulation needs4
4Adaptability4
3Watchdog / protective3
3Barking3
5Shedding3
3Coat grooming3
3Drooling3
The biggest differences
- Shedding: the Bernese Mountain Dog scores 5 out of 5, the English Setter 3.
They score the same on affection with family, openness to strangers, playfulness, trainability, adaptability, watchdog / protective.
Which one should you choose?
Pick the Bernese Mountain Dog if you have young children, you want an energetic exercise partner, you have other dogs. Pick the English Setter if you prefer a calmer dog, 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.