which dog is better to get, A Bernese mountain dog, or an Irish Wolfhound?

Answer 1

Both have relatively short expectancies which is something you must consider. They are very sweet dogs, the Bernese being a large breed and the Wolfhound a giant. If you have the time and space for one, either will make a great pet. Just bare in mind their life expectancies.

Answer 2

It depends on what you want the dog to do. Bernese Mountian dogs are herders or working dogs and an Irish Wolfhound is a hound, they track. I'd get an Irish Wolfhound, for the size they are gentle, loving, quiet and calm. A great large breed.

Answer 3

If you get an irish wolfhound be preparred to get a huge dog . they are one of the biggest dogs in the world. A burmese is a big dog but they are good dogs and very loving and so are the wolfhounds just make sure you know what you are getting and find a reputable breeder if you are set on these breeds . If not then maybe you could go to a shelter and adopt one . good luck .

Answer 4

Both are lovely dogs, but they both have different personalities that work well with different kinds of families and situations. If you have kids or little ones, Irish Wolfhounds are wonderful with them. And mountain dogs are quite lovable too. Research some more on the breeds and chose the one that's best for you.

Answer 5

Bernese Mountain Dog

My friend had a Bernese and he was the best dog. Sadly he died at age five because of Bloat (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus). His owners spent alot of time training him which is why he was such a great dog.

Bernese are outdoor dogs at heart, though well-behaved in the house; they need activity and exercise, but do not have a great deal of endurance. They can move with amazing bursts of speed for their size when motivated. If they are sound (no problems with their hips, elbows, or other joints) they enjoy hiking and generally stick close to their people.

The Bernese temperament is a strong point of the breed. Affectionate, loyal, faithful, stable and intelligent but don't forget emotional, Bernese Mountain Dogs make wonderful family pets. The majority of Bernese are very friendly to people, and other dogs. They often get along well with other pets such as cats, horses, etc. They are very trainable provided the owner is patient and consistent in training; Bernese need time to think things through. They do not respond well to harsh treatment, but are very willing to please and work well for praise and treats. The breed is stable in temperament, and is patient and loving.

The Bernese calm temperament makes them a natural for pulling small carts or wagons, a task they originally performed in Switzerland. With proper training they enjoy giving children rides in a cart or participating in a parade. The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America offers drafting trials open to all breeds; dogs can earn a NDD (Novice Draft Dog) or an DD (Draft Dog) title. Regional Bernese clubs often offer carting workshops.

Answer 6

Most Bernese Mountain dogs are very proned to cancer and don't live very long. I haven't seen one live past 8. Which, they are great dogs, would steer me away from the breed because I couldn't handle that. Wolfhounds are very nice dogs as well, but you must be careful, very proned to bloat, so if you get one, when you have it fixed, talk to your vet about getting the beltloop procedure done, that way, the bloat wont twist.

Answer 7

I am going to be honest and say I do not know much about Irish Wolfhounds and I actually have never had the privilege of meeting one :) However, I do know they are one of the largest dog breeds out there. Here is the website for the breed club of America: http://www.iwclubofamerica.org/ you will find LOTS of useful information there!!! And here: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/irishwolfhound.htm

I do however know quite a bit about Bernese Mountain Dogs. I have fostered a few, helped whelp several litters, and will be welcoming a Berner pup in my family this fall. I will glady give you my two cents about this wonderful breed!!

I work with and am a member of the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Nashoba Valley (http://www.bmdcnv.org/). My close friend is a breeder and has been for years. I have helped her whelp many litters!! And have recently began (key word!) to learn the in and out of showing and hope to show alongside my friend.

Bernese are wonderful dogs, I really cannot say enough good things about them, however they have many health issues (genetic) and do not have a long life expectancy because of their size (like any large breed). They also need to go to obediance classes because of their size and strengh. They are quick learners and are eager to please their humans.

Also, like any large breed... more expensive to feed, more expensive vet bills, more expensive flea/tick and heartworm prevention, and more exercise!!!

The only advice I can give you is to find your local Wolfhound and Berner club and go to different events. See as many Wolfhounds and Berners as you can, talk to as many owners as you can, and PLEASE do a lot of research to find a responsible and reputable breeder. Ask a TON of questions, ask for references and actually call!! Also, any Bernese breeder that tells you "cancer is not in my lines" is a liar! Cancer, unfortunately, is in all the Berner lines. That does not mean your pup will develop it, but it is certaintly common in the breed.

Educate yourself!! You would hate to purchase a Bernese puppy from a mill/broker/backyard breeder and end up having to pay $2500 for hip surgery by the age of one. I have seen this time and time again with this breed at my work. They are the "poster" breed for hip and elbow dysplasia. Make sure the breeder is affliated with the AKC AND the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America (they are quite strict with breeder regulations).

Go to the link I supplied you with. Lots of info! Good luck in your search!

Answer 8

It's apples and oranges. Two different breeds. I have IWs. They are the "heartbreak breed" because their average lifespan is 6.5 years. They are prone to bone cancer, heart trouble, bloat. They are expensive to feed, provide vet care and take care of. They must have room to run or be taken on long walks/runs every day. If you don't find a reputable breeder, you are just asking for lots of vet bills. Even with a good breeder, they have many medical problems. It costs an average of $1100 a year for vet care. Average for a Healthy dog. Food bill is greater. They are wonderful, wonderful dogs. But, you have to have money to care for them properly. They are great with kids, but BIG chewers as pups. Their tails can hit and destroy nice knick-knacks. They like to sleep on your sofa and beds. They are an inside dog- not to be chained or stuck outside away from the family. Please see the Irish Wolfhound Club of America site for lots of great information about these wonderful dogs. Make sure you have room for a 150 pound female or 190 pound male with water in their beards...They are messy. I love this breed and I'm glad they are in my life, but they truly are not for everyone. Please try to find a dog show and see them in person.

Answer 9

They are both great dogs