ABernese Mountain Dog at a Glance: Quick Facts

Here’s a quick overview of the Bernese Mountain Dog’s key characteristics to help you understand the breed at a glance.

Temperament

Good-natured, calm, self-assured, affectionate with family, gentle with children.

Height

Males: 25-28 inches; Females: 23-26 inches at the shoulder.

Weight

Males: 80-115 lbs; Females: 70-95 lbs.

Lifespan

7-10 years.

Grooming Needs

High. Requires brushing 2-3 times per week, daily during shedding seasons.

Exercise Level

Moderate. Requires at least 30 minutes of daily exercise, such as walks and playtime.

Good With

Families, children, and other pets (with proper socialization).

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Shedding Level

High. Sheds moderately year-round and heavily in spring and fall.

The Soul of a Bernese Mountain Dog: Temperament and Personality

Bernese Mountain dog lying on green grass

The Bernese Mountain Dog’s temperament is the cornerstone of its appeal. They are often described as big, affectionate teddy bears, possessing a calm, sweet demeanor that endears them to everyone they meet. Beneath their majestic exterior lies a heart of gold; these dogs are profoundly loyal and devoted to their people, thriving on attention and affection from their favorite humans. A well-socialized Berner is a picture of confidence and good nature, greeting strangers politely once introduced.

Originally an all-purpose farm dog, the Berner is highly intelligent and self-assured, ranking #27 on the list of smartest dog breeds. This intelligence, combined with an eagerness to please, makes them wonderfully trainable. They are particularly sensitive to their owner’s tone of voice and respond best to positive, encouraging training methods. While they are alert and can be excellent watchdogs—barking to announce visitors but rarely being unnecessarily noisy—they are not typically aggressive. Their patience is legendary, making them fantastic, gentle companions for children. However, their farm-dog heritage can give them a high prey drive towards smaller animals outside their “pack,” a trait that early socialization can help manage.

Is a Bernese Mountain Dog Right For Your Family & Lifestyle?

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a phenomenal companion, but its size and needs aren’t suited for every situation. It’s crucial to be honest about your lifestyle before bringing one home.

A Bernese Mountain Dog is an ideal companion for:

Active families with children: Their patient and gentle nature makes them a trustworthy friend for kids.

Owners in cooler climates: Their thick double coat was built for the Swiss mountains, and they adore cold weather and snow.

People with larger homes and fenced yards: While adaptable, they appreciate having space to roam and play safely.

First-time owners: Their intelligence and trainable nature make them a great, if large, choice for novices.

You might want to reconsider a Bernese Mountain Dog if:

You live in a very hot climate: Berners are sensitive to heat and can overheat easily.

You are a meticulous housekeeper: They are heavy shedders, especially during seasonal changes. You will find their hair everywhere.

You live in a small apartment with no yard: While possible, it’s not ideal for a dog of this size and energy level.

You are away from home for long hours: Berners suffer from separation anxiety and can become destructive or depressed if left alone for more than a few hours at a time.

Caring for Your Bernese Mountain Dog: Needs & Recommendations

Providing the right care is key to a long, happy life with your Berner. These large dogs have specific needs that every potential owner should be prepared to meet.

Diet & Nutrition

A high-quality, large-breed dog food is essential to support the Berner’s bone structure and energy levels. It’s critical to avoid overfeeding, as obesity can strain their joints and shorten their already brief lifespan. As a large, deep-chested breed, Bernese Mountain Dogs are at a higher risk for bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus), a life-threatening condition. To mitigate this risk, feed your dog two to three smaller meals per day rather than one large one, avoid strenuous exercise immediately before or after eating, and ensure they don’t gulp their food too quickly by using a slow-feeder bowl.

Exercise Requirements

Despite their history as working dogs, Berners have moderate exercise needs. About 30-60 minutes of activity per day is usually sufficient to keep them happy and healthy. This can include brisk walks, hiking (in cool weather), or active playtime in a secure yard. They can be intense and playful, but are also known to match their owner’s energy level and can be one of the laziest “couch potato” dogs if you let them. Always be mindful of the temperature; their thick coats make them prone to overheating in warm weather, so exercise should be scheduled for cooler parts of the day.

 

Grooming

The Bernese Mountain Dog’s beautiful, silky double coat requires significant upkeep. They are heavy shedders, a process that intensifies seasonally in the spring and fall. Brushing 2-3 times per week with a slicker brush and a metal comb or undercoat rake is necessary to prevent matting and manage loose hair. During heavy shedding periods, daily brushing is recommended. Nails should be trimmed once or twice a month, and weekly ear checks and cleanings will help prevent infections. Daily dental care, such as brushing, is crucial for preventing painful dental diseases later in life.

Training & Socialization

Training a Bernese Mountain Dog is a rewarding experience. They are intelligent, eager to please, and sensitive, responding best to positive reinforcement and a gentle but firm hand. Early and consistent socialization is vital. Exposing your Berner puppy to a wide variety of people, places, sounds, and other animals will help them grow into a well-adjusted, confident adult. They excel in obedience training and can even learn to respond to hand signals in addition to verbal commands.

Health & Lifespan: What to Expect

The most significant consideration for any potential Berner owner is the breed’s health and relatively short lifespan of 7-10 years. While loving and wonderful, they are prone to several genetic health conditions. Reputable breeders are essential, as they conduct rigorous health screenings to minimize the risk of passing these issues to puppies.

Common concerns include:

      • Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Malformations of the joints that can lead to arthritis.
      • Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus): A medical emergency common in large, deep-chested breeds.
      • Von Willebrand’s Disease: A blood-clotting disorder.
      • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A degenerative eye condition.
      • Canine Cancers: Various forms of cancer, such as histiocytic sarcoma, are unfortunately common in the breed.

The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America (BMDCA) recommends that breeders screen for hip and elbow dysplasia, eye conditions, cardiac issues, and Von Willebrand’s Disease. When you choose a puppy from PuppyGuyz, you can be confident that our partner breeders adhere to the highest standards of health testing and ethical practices.

The History of the Bernese Mountain Dog: From the Swiss Alps to Your Home

Bernese Mountain Dog, 6 years old, sitting in front of white background

The Bernese Mountain Dog’s story begins over 2,000 years ago in the mountains of Switzerland. It is believed their ancestors, mastiff-type dogs, were brought to the region by invading Roman soldiers. These dogs were crossed with local flock-guarding dogs, creating four distinct Swiss Mountain Dog breeds, with the Berner being the only one with a long, silky coat.

For centuries, they served as indispensable all-purpose farm dogs in the canton of Bern, a region famous for dairy production. They herded livestock, pulled carts of cheese and milk to market, and stood as loyal guardians of the family farm. By the late 1800s, the breed’s numbers were dwindling, but a dedicated effort led by Professor Albert Heim and a Swiss breed club formed in 1907 revived the Berner’s popularity. A Kansas farmer brought the first pair to the United States in 1926, and their gentle nature and striking looks quickly won them a place in the hearts and homes of Americans.

Meet Our Available Bernese Mountain Dog Puppies

Your journey to finding the perfect Bernese Mountain Dog starts here. At PuppyGuyz, we partner with the nation’s top breeders to offer healthy, happy, and well-socialized Berner puppies. Each puppy is raised with love and care, ready to bring joy and companionship to your family. Browse our available puppies below.

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Cavapoo – Rosie

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Siberian Husky – Duke

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Betty Siberian Husky Female
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Siberian Husky – Betty

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German Shepherd – Fern

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German Shepherd – Rory

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Labrador Retriever – Daisy

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Labrador Retriever – Harry

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Isabella female Labrador Retriever
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Labrador Retriever – Isabella

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Find a Bernese Mountain Dog Near You

While we offer safe and secure nationwide delivery right to your door, we have strong networks of exceptional breeders in many states. Find your perfect Bernese Mountain Dog puppy from one of our trusted partners in the following areas:

Looking for a Bernese Mountain puppy in your area? We deliver healthy, well-socialized puppies to families across the United States. Explore our available puppies by state to find the perfect addition to your family:

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Your Comprehensive Bernese Mountain Dog FAQ

We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about Bernese Mountain Dogs, using insights from across the web to create the most complete FAQ available.

How long do Bernese Mountain Dogs live?

Their average lifespan is relatively short, typically ranging from 7 to 10 years. This is a crucial factor for potential owners to consider.

Do Bernese Mountain Dogs shed a lot?

Yes, they are heavy shedders. They shed a moderate amount year-round and have two heavy shedding seasons in the spring and fall when they “blow” their undercoat. Regular grooming is essential to manage the hair.

Are Bernese Mountain Dogs hypoallergenic?

No, they are not hypoallergenic. Their heavy shedding and dander production can be challenging for people with allergies.

How big do Bernese Mountain Dogs get?

They are a large, sturdy breed. Males typically stand 25-28 inches tall and weigh 80-115 pounds. Females are slightly smaller, standing 23-26 inches tall and weighing 70-95 pounds. They usually reach their full adult size around 2 to 3 years of age.

Are Bernese Mountain Dogs aggressive?

Berners are one of the least aggressive breeds towards humans. They are known for their gentle and good-natured temperament. However, an un-socialized Berner, like any dog, can develop behavioral issues, and some males may show aggression towards other male dogs.

Can Bernese Mountain Dogs be left alone?

They do not do well when left alone for long periods. They form very strong bonds with their families and can suffer from separation anxiety, which may lead to destructive behavior or depression. They are best suited for homes where someone is present for most of the day.

Are Bernese Mountain Dogs good family dogs?

They are exceptional family dogs. Their patience, gentle nature, and loyalty make them wonderful companions for children and they generally get along well with other pets when socialized from a young age.

Do Bernese Mountain Dogs bark a lot?

They are not known for excessive barking. They will typically only bark when necessary—to alert you to a stranger, express a need for attention, or signal boredom or loneliness.

How much exercise do they need?

They require a moderate amount of exercise, about 30-60 minutes per day. They enjoy activities like walks and playtime but are not built for long-distance running, especially in the heat.

Are Bernese Mountain Dogs easy to train?

Yes, their intelligence and desire to please make them highly trainable. They are sensitive, so training should always be done with positive reinforcement, patience, and a gentle tone.

Do Bernese Mountain Dogs like snow?

They love the snow! Their Swiss heritage and thick double coat make them perfectly suited for cold, wintry weather. A roll in the snow is one of a Berner’s greatest joys.