Intelligent
Confident
Affectionate
Patient
Loyal
Gentle
Strong
Willed
Fearless
Faithful

Friendly
Obedient
Sociable
Hard
Working
Protective
Mannered

Great Berneses are heavy shedders, but regular brushing can help manage shedding and promote a healthy coat.

McNabs are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Great Berneses make excellent watchdogs - they're vocal and protective of their territory.

McNabs are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Great Bernese and Great Pyrenees

Scottish Collies, Nomadic Basque Sheepdogs

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry®

Dog Registry of America Inc.

Mid 1900s

19th Century

Brown

Hazel
Brown
Amber

Black

Black
Brown

Black
White
Brown
Gray
Red

Black
Red
Pied

Great Berneses have longer coats compared to most dogs.

McNabs have medium-length coats.

A Great Bernese can have a litter of 6-9 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A McNab can have a litter of 13-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Great Berneses are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

McNabs have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.

The Great Bernese breed is generally very healthy, requiring minimal vet visits. Still, it's important to keep an eye on their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

While the McNab breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Bloat
Histicytosis
Addison's Disease
Meningitis
Joint conditions

None Known

Entropion
Cataracts
Epilepsy
Cerebellar Abiotrophy
Kidney Problems
Color Dilution Alopecia
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Ear Infections
Multi-Drug Resistance Gene (MDR1)

Biopsy
Electrocardiogram
Spinal Tap
Internal Imaging (x-ray, CT scan, MRI, etc.)
Blood And Urine Analysis
Blood and Urine Tests
Neurological Testing
Orthopedic Exam
Ocular Exam
Skin and Hair Exams

Ear Examination
Eye examination
Ophthalmic And Ear Exam
Regular Full Physical Examination By Veterinarian

Great Berneses are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

McNabs' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

Great Bernese has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

McNab has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.

Great Berneses need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

McNabs require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

Great Berneses bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

McNab dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

Playfulness, Cuddling, Walking, Lounging, Fetch, Tug-of-war, Walks, Chase, Naps, Morning runs, Long walks, Going for walks, Swim, Walk, Snuggling, Play dates w bf, Car rides, Cuddles, Walking trails, Camping, Hiking, Swimming

Dog Parks, River

Great Berneses are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

McNabs are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Great Bernese, it's at least 11 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For McNab, it's at least 18 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most Great Berneses usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most McNabs usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Ideally, Great Bernese should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

McNab should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Dematter
Nail Clipper

Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

For an average 85-115 pound (39 - 52 kg) Great Bernese feed 4 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 35-65 pound (16 - 29 kg) McNab feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

The average cost of a Great Bernese is somewhere $3.90 - $4.20 per day.

The average cost of a McNab is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

The average per month expenses of a Great Bernese is between $112 - $126. This makes an average of $1344 - $1512 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a McNab is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Great Berneses can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

McNabs are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

Great Berneses are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

McNabs are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Great Berneses are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

McNabs are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.