Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a massive, friendly, sturdy breed. You’ll first notice their impressive size and striking tricolor coat, then discover their gentle, loving nature. What’s not to love?

Country of Origin

Switzerland
Breed Group

Working
Height

Male 25-28 In
Female 23-26 In
Weight

Male 80-115 Ib
Female 70-95 Ib
Life Span

7-10 years

Back to all breeds

In a Nutshell

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a hard-working gentle giant, known for their friendly and affectionate nature. These dogs have a fascinating history and were initially bred for farmwork in the Swiss Alps. Despite their large size, they are known for being patient and good with children, which makes them excellent family pets. Nowadays, their farming capabilities are less relevant, but if you ever need your dog to do some (not too) heavy lifting- a Bernese Mountain Dog would make a good candidate for the task.

Life With a Bernese Mountain Dog

Low (1) High (5)

Energy level

Trainability Level

Amount of Shedding

Tendency of Barking

Exercise Needs

Kid Friendly

Pet Friendly

Looks & Personality

The Bernese Mountain Dog has both the right look and the right attitude. Their thick, long coat is black with rust and white markings. These dogs have a broad head, expressive dark eyes, and a bushy tail. Their sturdy and muscular build is a testament to their working background, and it’s no wonder this breed was so helpful to farmers. The Bernese Mountain Dog’s coat is beautiful and functional, providing insulation against cold weather.

In terms of personality, Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their calm and friendly demeanor. They are affectionate and loyal to their families, profoundly bonding with their owners. These dogs are patient and gentle, making them excellent pets for families with children. However, remember that their size and strength call for proper training and socialization from an early age. Despite their working dog background, they only need moderate exercise and enjoy plenty of couch cuddles at home.

Common Health Problems

Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to various health issues and have a relatively short lifespan. In addition to cancer and joint issues, this breed is prone to several genetic disorders that can be life-threatening. These conditions are incurable but can be prevented through DNA testing before breeding. Adopting only from reputable breeders is crucial to ensure a longer, healthier life for your beloved dog.

Did you know?

Enrolling in Animalia Pet Insurance
while your pet is healthy is a wise decision.

Waiting until a disease develops means it won't be covered.

A tip from a vet

Sadly, this breed tends to develop cancer. Their thick coat and joyful nature mask these medical issues, allowing them to advance to a more severe stage. Make sure to scan your dog regularly for unusual lumps or enlarged lymph nodes (they surely wouldn’t mind), and if you find anything suspicious, head to the clinic for further testing. It’s often best to sample the tumor and send it for pathologic analysis. European studies have also found that Bernese Mountain Dogs suffer more from Leptospirosis, making the annual vaccine much more critical.

A tip from a trainer

This dog might not fetch your running shoes at 5am, but regular exercise is essential to keep them at a healthy weight and help burn off some of that energy. Bernese Mountain Dogs thrive on praise and treats (just like us) and are eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. However, given their size and strength, it's crucial to instill basic obedience commands and good behavior early to prevent accidental mishaps around the house.

Did You Know

Bernese Mountain Dogs were often nicknamed “Cheese Dogs” by Swiss farmers as they used to transport carts loaded with milk and cheese.

These dogs can pull up to 1,000 pounds. Impressed? We sure are!

They reach their mature size around age two, giving you more time to enjoy that sweet, clumsy puppy period.

In The News

A ski resort in Colorado is proud of its Bernese Mountain Dog “employee”, Kitty Jacob Astor, who welcomes guests upon arrival. The resort even hired a “Fur Butler” for Kitty, who boasts a popular Instagram profile and a very happy life.

The History Behind the Breed

As the name suggests, Bernese Mountain Dogs come from Bern, Switzerland. Thanks to their size and strength, these dogs helped with a wide range of farming jobs, quickly becoming reliable furry farmers. They were used to pull carts loaded with goods (mainly milk and cheese), herd livestock, and serve as watchdogs, protecting farms from intruders. The breed quickly became a companion pet in addition to all the above, thanks to their loving and playful nature.

In the early 20th century, the breed faced a decline due to the mechanization of farming. However, efforts by dedicated breeders, including Professor Albert Heim, helped to revive the Bernese Mountain Dog, focusing on preserving their gentle nature. The breed’s Swiss club was established in 1907, and the AKC registered its first Berner three decades later. Today, the breed is cherished worldwide as a loyal family companion.

Get a free quote on pet insurance for
your Bernese Mountain Dog today!

Suggested Breeds

All breeds