The Dog Codex

Compare

Side by side

Choose two breeds. You’ll see the same strip of citeable traits — not a winner, and not kids / apartment / shedding scorecards.

Temperament lines are short plate excerpts, not a verdict. Open each plate for the full entry.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dog

Working · Switzerland

  • AKC group

    Working

  • Size

    Large

  • Height

    58–70 cm (AKC)

  • Weight

    ~32–52 kg (AKC profile)

  • Energy

    Moderate

  • Energy notes

    The Bernese is a strong working dog with a calm side: the FCI calls it of medium temperament, the AKC says Berners are generally placid, and its natural working gait is a slow trot, though it is capable of speed and agility. The AKC recommends at least half an hour of moderate exercise every day and says Berners enjoy long walks and hikes, carting and drafting, and sports such as agility, obedience, rally and tracking.

  • Trainability

    High

  • Coat

    The coat is thick, moderately long and straight or slightly wavy, with a bright natural sheen, and the AKC shows it natural with no undue trimming.

  • Origin

    Switzerland

  • Temperament

    Self-confident, alert and good-natured, never sharp or shy, says the AKC standard; a Bernese should stand steady, though it may stay aloof with strangers. The FCI describes an attentive, vigilant dog, fearless in everyday situations, good-natured and devoted to its own people, self-assured and calm with strangers, of medium temperament and docile.

Cane Corso

Cane Corso

Working · Italy

  • AKC group

    Working

  • Size

    Large

  • Height

    58–70 cm (FCI)

  • Weight

    40–50 kg (FCI)

  • Energy

    High

  • Energy notes

    High. The FCI classes the Cane Corso as a versatile utility dog with a working trial and calls it extremely agile and responsive.

  • Trainability

    High

  • Coat

    The coat is short, stiff, shiny and dense, with a light undercoat that the AKC notes grows thicker in cold weather.

  • Origin

    Italy

  • Temperament

    The AKC standard describes the Cane Corso as an unequaled protector of its property and owners: intelligent and easily trained, noble and majestic, and docile and affectionate with its owner, loving with children and family. The FCI calls it a guardian of property, family and livestock, extremely agile and responsive, and disqualifies dogs that are aggressive or overly shy.