Last Updated: Nov 07, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Bernese Mountain Dog Versus Catahoula Leopard Dog: Introduction
- Bernese Mountain Dog versus Catahoula Leopard Dog: Overview
- Bernese Mountain Dog versus Catahoula Leopard Dog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Catahoula Leopard Dog
- The Similarities Between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Catahoula Leopard Dog
- Size Comparison of the Bernese Mountain Dog versus Catahoula Leopard Dog
- Appearance (Colors) of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Catahoula Leopard Dog
- Lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Catahoula Leopard Dog
- Temperament of the Bernese Mountain Dog Versus the Catahoula Leopard Dog
- Price of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Price of Catahoula Leopard Dog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Bernese Mountain Dog versus Catahoula Leopard Dog
- Do Bernese Mountain Dogs shed more than Catahoula Leopard Dogs?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Catahoula Leopard Dog?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Catahoula Leopard Dog?
- Are Bernese Mountain Dogs good family dogs? What about Catahoula Leopard Dogs?
- Is the Bernese Mountain Dog Easier to Train than the Catahoula Leopard Dog?
- Which one drools more, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Catahoula Leopard Dog
- How Kid-friendly are Bernese Mountain Dogs and Catahoula Leopard Dogs?
- Does the Bernese Mountain Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Catahoula Leopard Dog?
- Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Catahoula Leopard Dogs?
- Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Bernese Mountain Dog vs. Catahoula Leopard Dog
- Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Bernese Mountain Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Bernese Mountain Dog versus Catahoula Leopard Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Bernese Mountain Dog Versus Catahoula Leopard Dog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Catahoula Leopard Dog? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Catahoula Leopard Dog better suits you.
We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Catahoula Leopard Dog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Catahoula Leopard Dog is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Bernese Mountain Dog and for the Catahoula Leopard Dog. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Catahoula Leopard Dog.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Catahoula Leopard Dog.

Bernese Mountain Dog versus Catahoula Leopard Dog: Overview
A very important difference between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Catahoula Leopard Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a giant-sized dog while the Catahoula Leopard Dog is a large-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Bernese Mountain Dog belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
On the other hand, the Catahoula Leopard Dog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
Bernese Mountain Dog versus Catahoula Leopard Dog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Bernese Mountain Dog to the Catahoula Leopard Dog based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Catahoula Leopard Dog
| Factor | Bernese Mountain Dog | Catahoula Leopard Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Height | 23 to 28 inches | 20 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 6 to 10 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Weight | 70 to 115 pounds | 50 to 90 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 8.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Average Price | $2390 | $650 |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2995 | $400 – $800 |
| Temperament Score | 86.6 percent | 78.6 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Bernese Mountain Dog in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Catahoula Leopard Dog. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for the Bernese Mountain Dog is 66 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Catahoula Leopard Dog is 70 out of 125.
Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Catahoula Leopard Dog, we still believe that the Bernese Mountain Dog is a better pet than the Catahoula Leopard Dog.
This is because Bernese Mountain Dogs are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Bernese Mountain Dog will come out on top.
Also, we are biased in favor of the Bernese Mountain Dog :-). We are for the Bernese Mountain Dog. So get a Bernese Mountain Dog!

The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Catahoula Leopard Dog
Below is a list of where the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Catahoula Leopard Dog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Catahoula Leopard Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog and the Catahoula Leopard Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Catahoula Leopard Dog are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Bernese Mountain Dog versus Catahoula Leopard Dog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Catahoula Leopard Dog.
The Bernese Mountain Dog weighs 70 to 115 pounds when fully grown. The Bernese Mountain Dog is 23 to 28 inches when fully grown.
On the other hand, the Catahoula Leopard Dog weighs 50 to 90 pounds when fully grown. The Catahoula Leopard Dog is 20 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

Appearance (Colors) of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Catahoula Leopard Dog
Bernese Mountain Dog Colors
The Bernese Mountain Dog comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Black
- Bicolor
- Brindle
- White / Cream
The Bernese Mountain Dog comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- Brown / Chocolate
- White / Cream
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
Catahoula Leopard Dog Colors
The Catahoula Leopard Dog comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Apricot / Beige
- White / Cream
- Brindle
- Black
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- Brown / Chocolate
- Merle (Blue)
- Merle (Red)
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Harlequin
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Sable
The Catahoula Leopard Dog comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- White / Cream
- Brown / Chocolate
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- Merle (Blue)
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Black
- Apricot / Beige
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
Lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Catahoula Leopard Dog
The lifespan of the Bernese Mountain Dog is between 6 to 10 years. The average lifespan of the Bernese Mountain Dog is 8.0 years.
The lifespan of the Catahoula Leopard Dog is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Catahoula Leopard Dog is 12.0 years.
The Catahoula Leopard Dog lives longer than the Bernese Mountain Dog.

Temperament of the Bernese Mountain Dog Versus the Catahoula Leopard Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog has a better temperament than the Catahoula Leopard Dog.
This is because the temperament score for the Bernese Mountain Dog is 86.6 percent while the temperament score for the Catahoula Leopard Dog is 78.6 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 86.6 percent, the Bernese Mountain Dog has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 78.6 percent, the Catahoula Leopard Dog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Catahoula Leopard Dog by measuring the temperaments of 194 Bernese Mountain Dogs and 14 Catahoula Leopard Dogs.
Price of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Price of Catahoula Leopard Dog
The average price of the Bernese Mountain Dog puppy is $2390. The price of the Bernese Mountain Dog typically ranges from $1500 – $2995. However, the price of a Bernese Mountain Dog can be as low as $300 and as high as $10000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 920 Bernese Mountain Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Catahoula Leopard Dog puppy is $650. The price of the Catahoula Leopard Dog typically ranges from $400 – $800. However, the price of the Catahoula Leopard Dog can be as low as $100 and as high as $1650. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 247 Catahoula Leopard Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is more expensive than the Catahoula Leopard Dog.
| Bernese Mountain Dog | Catahoula Leopard Dog | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2390 | $650 |
| Price Range | $1500 to $2995 | $400 to $800 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Bernese Mountain Dog and Catahoula Leopard Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many Bernese Mountain Dog puppies or how many Catahoula Leopard Dog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

A breakdown of the prices of Bernese Mountain Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

A breakdown of the prices of Catahoula Leopard Dogs
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Bernese Mountain Dog puppy or the Catahoula Leopard Dog puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

Tolerates Being Alone: Bernese Mountain Dog versus Catahoula Leopard Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs shed more than Catahoula Leopard Dogs?
Bernese Mountain Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Catahoula Leopard Dogs shed moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Catahoula Leopard Dog?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are moderately easy to groom.
Catahoula Leopard Dogs are very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Catahoula Leopard Dog?
Bernese Mountain Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.
Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs good family dogs? What about Catahoula Leopard Dogs?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Catahoula Leopard Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Bernese Mountain Dog Easier to Train than the Catahoula Leopard Dog?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are very easy to train.
Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Catahoula Leopard Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs have a very high tendency to drool.
Catahoula Leopard Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Bernese Mountain Dogs and Catahoula Leopard Dogs?
Bernese Mountain Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Catahoula Leopard Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Does the Bernese Mountain Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Catahoula Leopard Dog?
Bernese Mountain Dogs have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Catahoula Leopard Dogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Catahoula Leopard Dogs?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Catahoula Leopard Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Bernese Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Catahoula Leopard Dogs can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Bernese Mountain Dog vs. Catahoula Leopard Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Catahoula Leopard Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Bernese Mountain Dogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Catahoula Leopard Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Is the Bernese Mountain Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Catahoula Leopard Dog?
Bernese Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Catahoula Leopard Dog?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Bernese Mountain Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Bernese Mountain Dog compares to other breeds aside from the Catahoula Leopard Dog. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Bernese Mountain Dog to other breeds:
Bernese Mountain Dog versus Leonberger Bernese Mountain Dog versus Cane Corso Bernese Mountain Dog versus Rottweiler Bernese Mountain Dog versus Irish Wolfhound Bernese Mountain Dog versus Labrador Retriever Bernese Mountain Dog versus Tibetan Mastiff Bernese Mountain Dog versus Alaskan Malamute Bernese Mountain Dog versus Great Pyrenees Bernese Mountain Dog versus Golden Retriever Bernese Mountain Dog versus Bullmastiff Bernese Mountain Dog versus Mastiff Bernese Mountain Dog versus Newfoundland Bernese Mountain Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Bernese Mountain Dog versus Vizsla Bernese Mountain Dog versus Bernedoodle Bernese Mountain Dog versus Dalmatian Bernese Mountain Dog versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Bernese Mountain Dog versus Saint Bernard
Conclusion: Bernese Mountain Dog versus Catahoula Leopard Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Catahoula Leopard Dog better suits you and your family.