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Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Facts & Information


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Referred to as “the Berner” by those who adore them, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a canine with a fan club. Which is not surprise considering these dogs are not only beautiful on the outside, but they’re also remarkably friendly and affectionate. Though one of the larger breeds, Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle, and when given attention, exercise, and the opportunity to use their quick minds, they make excellent companions.

Via Pixabay/Mylene2401

Is a Bernese Mountain Dog the right kind of dog for you? There are a lot of things to consider when adding a dog to your life, so we’ve covered just about everything you’ll need to know in this in-depth breed profile.

Breed Characteristics

Key

  • Low
  • Medium
  • High
  • Origin: Switzerland
  • Size:
  • Weight: 70-115 pounds
  • Lifespan: 6 to 10 years
  • Breed group: Working
  • Activity level:
  • Barking/howling level:
  • Good with dogs: yes
  • Good with kids: yes
  • Good with cats:
  • Shedding:
  • Easy to groom:
  • Easy to train:
  • Protective:

Bernese Mountain Dog Appearance

Bernese Mountain Dogs are easy to spot, with their lovely, thick, tricolored coats, and gentle eyes. Their size also sets them apart, with some males weighing up to 115 pounds, and standing up to 28 inches tall. They were bred to be working dogs, and their strong, sturdy bodies show how capable they are of heavy work.

Usually, their bodies are jet-black, rust, and white. They generally have a white marking on the chest, white between the eyes, and white on the tip of their tail. Oh, and we can’t forget their adorable rust eyebrows! Distinctive and dapper, no one could ever call the Berner a dull-looking canine.

Bernese Mountain Dog Personality

You’ve most likely encountered folks who are obsessed with their Bernese Mountain Dog – and really, why shouldn’t they be? These pup are true gems in the world of canines, with sweet and sparkling personalities that are hard to resist. In fact, friendly is the word that you’ll most often hear associated with this breed, because not only are they loving and affectionate with their families, but they’re also gregarious towards strangers (though they may bark at them first).

Bernese Mountain Dogs are also wonderful with children, though their large size means you’ll need to monitor them around especially little ones. They get along with most other family pets as well.

Despite their general calmness, these dogs will require quite a bit of your time and attention to be happy. You should plan on exercising them regularly and training them (they love to learn!), which will only make them better, more loyal companions.

Ideal Environment for a Bernese Mountain Dog

It’s important to note that Bernese Mountain Dogs do not do well in the heat, so this is not the breed for someone living in a piping hot area of the country. But if you do encounter the occasional heat wave, take extra care to keep your pup cool, sheltered, and very hydrated.

They also don’t love being cooped up in an apartment, since they’re a working breed and love having room to roam, and adore keeping busy. Bernese can also get a tad vocal when they’re feel restless – something your nearby neighbors may not appreciate.

Ideal Human for a Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs need a true companion – someone who is dedicated to spending time on training, playing, and cuddling with them. If their human isn’t up to the challenge, they’re likely to fall into destructive behaviors like barking loudly, and chewing things (usually the things you love best).

Their ideal human also needs to have time to take care of their luscious, but slightly high-maintenance fur, by brushing it to curb excessive shedding. They’ll also need to embrace the idea of drool – since this may become a regular part of their life!

Bernese Mountain Dog Dog Training

Since they were bred to be working dogs, Bernese LOVE training, learning, and working on a task. Plus, with a dog this size, training is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner.

Obedience and manners are essential for them to learn early on, because it will make them much easier to deal with when they’re older (and even larger). It’s also important to socialize this breed early on by introducing them to a variety of situations, people, animals, and locations. By showing them the world around them, and making them feel comfortable and safe with you as they explore it, they’ll gain the confidence to be the well-adjusted, well-behaved pup you know that they can be.

Though not the fastest breed due to their size, they do often excel at a variety of dog sports because of their high intelligence and quick thinking.

Love that puppy-like wonder? Then you’re in luck with the Bernese who acts like a puppy quite a bit longer than some other breeds. But they’re always eager to please their special person, and will try to make you happy when you’re training them. Since they are such gentle souls, it’s best to use plenty of praise and treats to teach them, as opposed to reprimanding them too harshly which won’t be as effective. Above all this breed really just wants to please their loved ones, and their smarts and charm mean that any effort you put into training them will be well worth it.

Bernese Mountain Dog Grooming

It’s no secret that Bernese Mountain Dogs are sporting a glorious, gorgeous head (and body) of hair. That coif is actually a double coat to help them deal with the elements. Yes, it’s thick, warm, and sheds…a lot. This breed sheds all year long, but does tend to shed more heavily in the spring and fall.

You’ll want to brush your Bernese regularly to help the shedding situation – though you’ll have to accept that a certain amount of fluffy, floating hair in your house just comes with the territory. You can also bathe this breed every few months to keep them looking fresh, and brush there teeth a few times a week to keep that breath fresh(er) too.

Bernese Mountain Dog Health

Unfortunately Bernese Mountain Dogs do have some health issues, most likely because of their small gene pool, and the occasional issue with irresponsible breeding. Some problems they most commonly face include cancer, hip and elbow dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, which leads to loss of eye sight, Portosystemic Shunt (when blood isn’t cleansed by the liver), and Panosteitis.

Bernese Mountain Dogs generally live from 6 to 10 years – which is shorter than many other breeds. But with the proper exercise, food, and regular trips to the vet, your pup will have a good chance at a happy and healthy life.

Bernese Mountain Dog Breed History

The beautiful Bernese hails from the farmlands of Switzerland, in the canton of Bern, where they were bred to heard cattle, pull carts, and be both watch dogs and loyal companions to their humans. They were actually one of four types of Swiss Mountain dogs, but the Bernese is the only one with long hair.

At one point the breed almost died out, until Professor Albert Heim (a respected dog expert) stepped in around 1907 to form a Swiss breed club, and help promote the Bernese Mountain Dog as a wonderful farm dog and friend.

After World War I, some dogs were exported to the United States, and in 1990, the American Kennel Club adopted its current Bernese Mountain Dog standard.

Getting a Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dog breeders

It’s always a good idea to meet the parents of your puppy, and to see how the litter interacts with each other. A good, trustworthy breeder should have records of the parents’ lineage, too and should be able to tell you more about the specific litter. 

The American Kennel Club website is a great place to start your search for a reputable breeder. Make sure you wise up on puppy mills and internet scams—following some simple steps can help avoid further funding of this terrible practice, and help you end up with a pet whose breeding and early-life experience will more reliably result in a well-adjusted dog.

Adopting a Bernese Mountain Dog

A surrendered dog will often already be well trained and simply in need of a new, loving home. You can find rescue centers local to you with a quick internet search. A Bernese Mountain Dog can make for a wonderful friend and they’re sure to be a source of joy, with plenty of laughs and perhaps a little bit of mischief along the way. So whether you’re planning on adopting or finding a breeder to find a puppy, prepare yourself, your home and your heart to welcome a dog with plenty of personality and energy

Whether you’re planning on adopting or finding a breeder to find a puppy, prepare yourself, your home and your heart to welcome a dog with plenty of personality and energy.

More on Bernese Mountain Dogs

If you’re simply in love with Bernese Mountain Dogs, then you’ll be craving what we’ve got for you next. From the most important facts about adopting this breed, to popular gifts for Bernese owners, the best dog food for these pups, heartwarming Bernese stories, and more: