Bernese Mountain Dog Versus Patterdale Terrier. Differences and Similarities

Last Updated: Nov 07, 2022

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Bernese Mountain Dog Versus Patterdale Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Patterdale Terrier? 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 Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier. 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 Patterdale Terrier.

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 Patterdale Terrier.

Bernese Mountain Dog versus Patterdale Terrier

Bernese Mountain Dog versus Patterdale Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Patterdale Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a giant-sized dog while the Patterdale Terrier is a small-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 Patterdale Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Bernese Mountain Dog versus Patterdale Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bernese Mountain Dog to the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier

FactorBernese Mountain DogPatterdale Terrier
Adapts Well To Apartment Living1/51/5
Tolerates Being Alone1/51/5
Tolerates Hot Weather1/54/5
General Health1/54/5
Good For Novice Owners2/52/5
Height23 to 28 inches12 to 15 inches
Dog Friendly3/54/5
Easy To Groom3/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/52/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor3/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs3/52/5
Easygoing2/52/5
Does NOT Drool2/55/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/53/5
Easy To Train4/53/5
Intelligence4/55/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl2/54/5
NOT Rambunctious2/52/5
Potential For Playfulness4/54/5
Tolerates Cold Weather5/54/5
Affectionate With Family5/54/5
Kid-Friendly5/54/5
Friendly Toward Strangers5/54/5
Does NOT Shed1/54/5
Does NOT chew on things1/52/5
Low Prey Drive1/51/5
Life Span6 to 10 years11 to 14 years
Weight70 to 115 pounds11 to 13 pounds
Average Lifespan8.0 years12.5 years
Average Price$2390$640
Price Range$1500 – $2995$500 – $688
Temperament Score86.6 percent80.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • AKC DNA Profile
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degeneratative Mylopathy (DM) DNA results for both SOD1-A and SOD1-B, or an at-risk result for either SOD1-A or SOD1-B registered with the OFA.
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data
    *Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (The American Temperament Test Society)

    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 Patterdale Terrier. 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 Patterdale Terrier is 77 out of 125.

    Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Patterdale Terrier, we still believe that the Bernese Mountain Dog is a better pet than the Patterdale Terrier.

    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!

    Bernese Mountain Dog versus Patterdale Terrier

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Patterdale Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Patterdale Terrier are most different:

  • Bernese Mountain Dogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments. However, Patterdale Terriers can tolerate hot weather.
  • Bernese Mountain Dogs have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, Patterdale Terriers are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Bernese Mountain Dogs have a very high tendency to drool. However, Patterdale Terriers do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Bernese Mountain Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Patterdale Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • The Similarities Between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Patterdale Terrier

    The Bernese Mountain Dog and the Patterdale Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Patterdale Terrier are most similar:

  • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Patterdale Terrier do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Patterdale Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Patterdale Terrier are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Patterdale Terrier are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Patterdale Terrier gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Patterdale Terrier are very easy to train.
  • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Patterdale Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Patterdale Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Patterdale Terrier are very playful.
  • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Patterdale Terrier can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Patterdale Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Patterdale Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Patterdale Terrier are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Patterdale Terrier are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Patterdale Terrier have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size Comparison of the Bernese Mountain Dog versus Patterdale Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Patterdale Terrier.

    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 Patterdale Terrier weighs 11 to 13 pounds when fully grown. The Patterdale Terrier is 12 to 15 inches when fully grown.

    Size of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Size of Patterdale Terrier

    Lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Patterdale Terrier

    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 Patterdale Terrier is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Patterdale Terrier is 12.5 years.

    The Patterdale Terrier lives longer than the Bernese Mountain Dog.

    Bernese Mountain Dog versus Patterdale Terrier

    Temperament of the Bernese Mountain Dog Versus the Patterdale Terrier

    The Bernese Mountain Dog has a better temperament than the Patterdale Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Bernese Mountain Dog is 86.6 percent while the temperament score for the Patterdale Terrier is 80.0 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 80.0 percent, the Patterdale Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Patterdale Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 194 Bernese Mountain Dogs and 5 Patterdale Terriers.

    Price of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Price of Patterdale Terrier

    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 Patterdale Terrier puppy is $640. The price of the Patterdale Terrier typically ranges from $500 – $688. However, the price of the Patterdale Terrier can be as low as $300 and as high as $1200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 24 Patterdale Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Bernese Mountain Dog is more expensive than the Patterdale Terrier.

    Bernese Mountain Dog Patterdale Terrier
    Average Price $2390 $640
    Price Range $1500 to $2995 $500 to $688

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Bernese Mountain Dog and Patterdale Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Bernese Mountain Dog puppies or how many Patterdale Terrier 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 Bernese Mountain Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Patterdale Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of Patterdale Terriers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Bernese Mountain Dog puppy or the Patterdale Terrier 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.

    Bernese Mountain Dog versus Patterdale Terrier

    Tolerates Being Alone: Bernese Mountain Dog versus Patterdale Terrier

    Bernese Mountain Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Patterdale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Bernese Mountain Dogs shed more than Patterdale Terriers?

    Bernese Mountain Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Patterdale Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Patterdale Terrier?

    Bernese Mountain Dogs are moderately easy to groom.

    Patterdale Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Patterdale Terrier?

    Bernese Mountain Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Patterdale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Bernese Mountain Dogs good family dogs? What about Patterdale Terriers?

    Bernese Mountain Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Patterdale Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Bernese Mountain Dog Easier to Train than the Patterdale Terrier?

    Bernese Mountain Dogs are very easy to train.

    Patterdale Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Patterdale Terrier

    Bernese Mountain Dogs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Patterdale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Bernese Mountain Dogs and Patterdale Terriers?

    Bernese Mountain Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Patterdale Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Bernese Mountain Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Patterdale Terrier?

    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.

    Patterdale Terriers 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.

    Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Patterdale Terriers?

    Bernese Mountain Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Patterdale Terriers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Bernese Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Patterdale Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bernese Mountain Dog vs. Patterdale Terrier

    Bernese Mountain Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Patterdale Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Bernese Mountain Dogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Patterdale Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Is the Bernese Mountain Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Patterdale Terrier?

    Bernese Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Patterdale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Patterdale Terrier?

    Bernese Mountain Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terrier. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Bernese Mountain Dog to other breeds:

    Bernese Mountain Dog versus Vizsla     Bernese Mountain Dog versus Newfoundland     Bernese Mountain Dog versus Dalmatian     Bernese Mountain Dog versus Irish Wolfhound     Bernese Mountain Dog versus Alaskan Malamute     Bernese Mountain Dog versus Labrador Retriever     Bernese Mountain Dog versus Golden Retriever     Bernese Mountain Dog versus Leonberger     Bernese Mountain Dog versus Cane Corso     Bernese Mountain Dog versus Rottweiler     Bernese Mountain Dog versus Bullmastiff     Bernese Mountain Dog versus Great Pyrenees     Bernese Mountain Dog versus Tibetan Mastiff     Bernese Mountain Dog versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Bernese Mountain Dog versus Mastiff     Bernese Mountain Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Bernese Mountain Dog versus Bernedoodle     Bernese Mountain Dog versus Saint Bernard     

    Conclusion: Bernese Mountain Dog versus Patterdale Terrier. 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 Patterdale Terrier better suits you and your family.