Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and other types of mountain dogs were originally bred to work in the rugged terrain of their homeland. Today, you’re more likely to find these sweet mountain dog breeds snuggling up to their humans indoors rather than working on highland farms. 

Bernese Mountain Dog

Weight: 70-115 pounds
Height: 23-27.5 inches
Lifespan: 7-10 years
Coat Type: High shedding, medium length, double coat
Personality Traits: Well-tempered, relaxed, devoted

Perhaps the most iconic of all large mountain dog breeds are the effortlessly beautiful Bernese Mountain Dogs. These tri-colored pups have silky black fur on their backs, white hair down their nose and chests, and brown markings on their eyes and legs. 

With their warm double coats, the breed originated as herding and farm dogs in the frosty Swiss Alps. Berners are in the working group for a reason – they are incredibly strong and highly trainable. In the 1800s, you could find these pups working as drafting and sledding dogs. 

Bernese Mountain Dogs are just as sweet-natured as they are beautiful. They are very affectionate with humans, playful with children, and well-tempered with other dogs. Even the 19th century Swiss Alps dog parents treasured a snuggle with their Berner at the end of a long day. 

Saint Bernard

Weight: 120-180 pounds
Height: 26-30 inches
Lifespan: 8-10 years
Coat Type: Medium shedding, short, smooth double coat
Personality Traits: Gentle, curious, strong

If you’re looking for big mountain dog breeds, look no further. Saint Bernards can weigh upwards of 180 pounds in adulthood! Their large stature may be intimidating, but Saint Bernards are total teddy bears. They are very loyal to their humans and are especially loving of young children. 

Saint Bernards hail from the Swiss Alps along with Bernese Mountain Dogs. Although these types of mountain dogs are exceedingly strong, their wrinkly face and drooping jowls are downright adorable. 

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Weight: 85-140 pounds
Height: 23.7-28.5 inches
Lifespan: 8-11 years
Coat Type: Medium shedding, smooth, short length 
Personality Traits: Loyal, hard-working, friendly 

If you bred a Lab with a Berner, you’ll probably end up with a pup that looks just like the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. They have the same tri-coloring as Bernese Mountain Dogs but with much shorter hair compared to other big mountain dog breeds. 

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are one of the larger mountain dog breeds standing at 28.5 inches tall. Though they can weigh up to 140 pounds, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are also incredibly agile and were famously fast herding dogs in the old days of the Alps. 

Great Pyrenees

Weight: 85+ pounds
Height: 25-32 inches
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Coat Type: Medium shedding, medium length, double coat 
Personality Traits: Calm, intelligent, affectionate

Named after the mountain range bordering France and Spain, Great Pyrenees historically protected livestock from predators. Their fluffy, cloud-like white coats may be inviting to humans, but don’t let appearances fool you. Great Pyrenees would fearlessly take on bears and wolves to defend their flock. 

Today, Great Pyrenees are watchful and protective of their human families. They aren’t social like other big mountain dog breeds, but that doesn’t mean these pups are any less affectionate with the people they trust. You can expect lots of snuggle time if you choose to adopt a Great Pyrenees. 

Entlebucher Mountain Dog 

Weight: 40-65 pounds
Height: 16-21 inches
Lifespan: 11-13 years
Coat Type: Smooth, medium shedding, short length 
Personality Traits: Happy, clever, protective

To survive the harsh seasonal conditions, mountain dog breeds are typically big and strong with double fur coats. You’ll find the Entlebucher Mountain Dog to be slightly different from other types of mountain dogs. They are one of few small mountain dog breeds, weighing 40 to 65 pounds and standing only 16 to 21 inches tall. 

The breed has the same black, tan, and white tri-coloring as Bernese Mountain Dogs with short hair like the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Entlebucher Mountain Dogs have a lot of energy to burn which makes them fantastic for herding and farm work. 

Newfoundland

Weight: 100-150 pounds
Height: 26-28 inches
Lifespan: 9-10 years
Coat Type: Medium shedding, medium length, double coat
Personality Traits: Comforting, sweet, mellow

This real-life stuffed animal is the Newfoundland dog, or Newfie as they are affectionately called. You might mistake these types of mountain dogs for big black bears with their fuzzy coal-black coats and dark brown eyes. Although Newfies look intimidating, rest assured that they are one of the most loving, patient, and sweet-natured large mountain dog breeds. 

Newfoundlands love to swim and have historically worked aboard ships as water rescue dogs. The breed has been nicknamed “nanny dog” because they are protective and playful with young children. Their affectionate nature and fluffy fur make them the ideal cuddle companion, as well. 

Anatolian Shepherd

Weight: 80-150 pounds
Height: 27-29 inches
Lifespan: 11-13 years
Coat Type: Medium shedding, smooth, double coat
Personality Traits: Loyal, introverted, independent

Anatolian Shepherds have been the ultimate herding and flock-protecting dogs since the early days of man. Documentation of the breed dates back to 2000 BC. There is even evidence that Anatolian Shepherds are referenced in the Bible. These pups have outlasted other dog breeds because they are as strong and resilient as their 150-pound bodies. 

These types of mountain dogs hail from the Asian region of Turkey called Anatolia. Short-length tan coats helped to avoid freezing in sub-zero winters and overheating in scorching summers. Anatolian Shepherds are much more reserved and independent compared to other mountain dog breeds. 

Icelandic Sheepdog

Weight: 25-30 pounds
Height: 16.5-18 inches
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Coat Type: Medium shedding, double, medium length 
Personality Traits: Energetic, social, curious

The tiniest of all mountain dog breeds is the happy-go-lucky Icelandic Sheepdog. Weighing only 25 to 30 pounds, Icelandic Sheepdogs are surprisingly hardy and tenacious. These pups are beloved by residents of Iceland and they are the only dog breed native to the country. 

Icelandic Sheepdogs are a spitz-type breed with curly tails, erect ears, and a fox-like appearance. With a seemingly permanent smile and playful spirit, it’s hard not to be happy around an Icelandic Sheepdog. 

Leonberger

Weight: 90-170 pounds
Height: 25.5-31.5 inches
Lifespan: 7 years
Coat Type: High shedding, long, double coat
Personality Traits: Playful, outgoing, affectionate

Last, but certainly not least, on our list of mountain dog breeds is the Leonberger. These dogs can weigh anywhere from 90 to 170 pounds and stand up to 31.5 inches tall. The breed originated as companion dogs in 19th-century Germany and were eventually trained to do farm work. 

Like Berners and Newfies, Leonbergers are gentle giants with a sweet temperament. Long sandy-colored coats accentuate their pointed ears, dark faces, and squirrel-like bushy tails. Beautiful coats come at a cost – Leonbergers shed quite a bit and require frequent grooming to stay pretty and pristine.