It happens to all of us. We can usually tell the difference between two similar (to us) breeds when they’re standing next to each other, but put each one by itself, and we’re not so sure.  This happens with several breeds: Norfolk Terriers and Norwich Terriers, Cardigan Welsh Corgis and Pembroke Welsh Corgis, and others. It infuriates some owners, but we’re sympathetic because some of us don’t get to see many of these breeds on a regular basis, let alone see one that’s standing right next to a breed that, in some ways, seems similar to us.

Lots of folks can mix up the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Bernese Mountain Dog, and for those familiar with both breeds, the differences seem obvious. For the rest of us, however, not so much. Both breeds are mostly black in color with tan and white markings, both can have tan markings above the eyes, both have triangular ears with a rounded tip, both have round feet, and both have a long tail carried low. For a long time, in fact, many thought these two breeds, as well as the other Swiss mountain breeds, were the same breed with variations.

We’re big fans of the KISS School of Thought (keep it simple, stupid) coupled with mnemonics, a memory device that helps us remember stuff.  We truly apologize up front to the owners and breeders of both breeds for simplifying their breed, but we want readers to know how to tell your breeds apart until they learn the nuances of each.  Here’s something that helps some folks. As a rule, the Bernese Mountain Dog has longer hair than the other Swiss mountain dogs, so tell yourself, “Bernice has longer hair.”

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Bernese Mountain Dog owners, share with us other ways newbies can tell your breeds apart (and share your pictures!)

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