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Bernese Mountain Dog vs Chesapeake Bay Retriever vs Maltese

Three friendly breeds enter—one emerges as your best match. Use the trait grids below to spot practical differences in lifestyle fit.

Full body image of a Bernese Mountain Dog
size

Bernese Mountain Dogs are large and sturdy, weighing 70-115 lbs and standing 23-28 inches tall.

energy level

Bernese Mountain Dogs have a moderate energy level, requiring regular exercise and playtime.

exercise needs

Daily exercise, like walks or playtime, keeps Bernese Mountain Dogs happy and helps prevent boredom.

trainability

Bernese Mountain Dogs are intelligent and eager to please, but can be stubborn at times.

intelligence

Bernese Mountain Dogs are smart and enjoy learning new commands and problem-solving activities.

adaptability

Bernese Mountain Dogs prefer cooler climates and need space, making them better suited for larger homes.

with kids

Gentle and patient, Bernese Mountain Dogs are wonderful playmates and companions for children.

with other pets

Friendly and sociable, Bernese Mountain Dogs typically get along well with other dogs and pets.

in cold climates

Bernese Mountain Dogs are well-suited for cold weather due to their thick, double-layered coat.

in hot climates

Bernese Mountain Dogs struggle in hot climates and require extra care, like shade, water, and limited exercise.

shedding

Bernese Mountain Dogs shed seasonally and require regular brushing to manage their coat.

grooming

Regular brushing is necessary to maintain the Bernese Mountain Dog's thick coat and prevent matting.

bark tendency

Bernese Mountain Dogs bark occasionally, usually only when necessary or provoked.

health issues

Bernese Mountain Dogs have breed-specific health issues that require additional care and attention, such as regular veterinary checkups, preventative care, and potential medication or treatments.

Full body image of a Chesapeake Bay Retriever
size

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are large dogs, weighing 55-80 lbs, with a height of 21-26 inches.

energy level

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers have a high energy level and require regular exercise and mental stimulation.

exercise needs

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers need a significant amount of exercise, including daily walks, runs, and opportunities to swim or retrieve.

trainability

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are intelligent and trainable, but can be stubborn. Consistent, positive reinforcement is essential.

intelligence

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are highly intelligent dogs and excel in various dog sports and activities, especially those involving water.

adaptability

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers can adapt to different living situations, but they need plenty of space and exercise to thrive.

with kids

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

with other pets

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers can get along well with other pets, especially when raised together.

in cold climates

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are well-suited for cold climates, thanks to their dense, water-resistant coats.

in hot climates

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers can tolerate hot climates but need to be monitored for signs of overheating during exercise.

shedding

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers have a dense coat that sheds moderately, requiring regular brushing to minimize shedding.

grooming

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers require regular grooming, including brushing and occasional bathing to keep their coats clean and healthy.

bark tendency

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers bark occasionally, usually only when necessary or provoked.

health issues

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are generally healthy, but regular veterinary checkups and preventative care are still necessary.

Full body image of a Maltese
size

Maltese are toy-sized dogs, weighing 4-7 lbs, with a height of 8-10 inches.

energy level

Maltese have a moderate energy level and enjoy short walks and indoor playtime.

exercise needs

Maltese require minimal exercise, with daily walks and playtime indoors being sufficient.

trainability

Maltese are moderately easy to train, but they may require patience and consistency.

intelligence

Maltese are of average intelligence and can learn new commands with proper training.

adaptability

Maltese are highly adaptable and do well in various living situations, including apartments and houses.

with kids

Maltese are generally okay with kids but are better suited for families with older children who understand how to handle small dogs gently.

with other pets

Maltese can get along well with other pets when properly socialized.

in cold climates

Maltese can tolerate some cold weather but should be protected from extreme cold with appropriate clothing and shelter.

in hot climates

Maltese can tolerate hot climates reasonably well but should always have access to shade and water.

shedding

Maltese have minimal shedding due to their long, silky coats.

grooming

Maltese require regular grooming, including daily brushing and occasional trims, to maintain their long coats.

bark tendency

Maltese have average bark tendencies and may bark for various reasons, such as alerting their owners or during playtime.

health issues

Maltese are generally healthy, but regular veterinary checkups and preventative care are still necessary.