How do I make sure my Bernese Mountain Dog is healthy?
Our Bernese Mountain Dog growth chart can help you monitor your puppy’s weight and confirm it falls within a vet-approved range, but your dog’s diet and exercise will have a big effect on how close your dog stays to these predictions. Note that nearly 60% of dogs in America are obese, which can lead to serious secondary health complications including diabetes and arthritis, so you should be mindful of your Bernese Mountain dog’s weight from a young age.
Like all purebreeds, these dogs are more susceptible to a variety of genetic diseases. In particular, Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to hip dysplasia, eye cataracts, and Von Willebrand disease.
According to the Veterinary Centers of America (VCA), Von Willebrand disease occurs when there is a lack of a particular protein, called the Von Willebrand factor, which helps platelets clump together and form blood clots. In severe cases left untreated, a minor cut could cause a dog to bleed to death. Treatment usually involves blood transfusions and medications that increase the Von Willebrand factor protein in the bloodstream to improve the dog’s crucial ability to form blood clots.
Pro Tip: New pet parents can get reimbursed for up to 90% of veterinary bills by enrolling in a pet insurance plan. Compare Bernese Mountain Dog health insurance options to have peace of mind knowing that your puppy will have access to gold-standard veterinary care for life.
Preventive pet care can play a large part in and minimizing the effects of genetic diseases on your Berner’s quality of life. Prevention is always better than treatment and routine veterinary visits provide your veterinarian with the chance to screen your puppy for signs of disease and provide personalized lifestyle recommendations to keep your pup healthy and happy.
However, even with preventive care, our dogs may require medical treatment for unexpected injuries and illnesses, many of which can cost thousands of dollars. Pet insurance provides you with a financial safety net by reimbursing you for a portion of the money you pay out-of-pocket on veterinary service for covered conditions.
Pet insurance lets you focus on what’s really important – being there for your puppy if anything were to happen – rather than worrying about the cost of dog x-rays, diagnostic tests, and prescription medications. Wellness plans are also available to help with the cost of preventive pet care, including flea/tick prevention, spay or neutering, and so much more.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are more than pets, they’re family members. Protect their health and your financial well-being by finding a pet insurance plan on Pawlicy Advisor, where you can access customized policy recommendations that help you save money over the life of your pet.
Bernese Mountain Dogs – Breed Information & Education for Puppy Buyers, Owners and Breeders
A common question new Berner owners ask: “Is my puppy the right size for how old he/she is?
The answer is: size of adult Berners varies; so naturally the size of Berner pups at any given point in their development will vary.
If your puppy looks smaller or larger, is taller or shorter, has heavier or lighter bones or a slighter or bulkier build, a longer or shorter coat than a Berner puppy of the same age you met somewhere – DONT WORRY. Focus on keeping your puppy happy, healthy, work on training and on providing a nurturing, supportive environment. Your pup will grow up. Genes your pup inherited from his mother and father and ancestors control how your dog will look as an adult. Make the most of the genetic potential your pup inherited. Provide your pup with adequate nutrition and physical conditioning (exercise) during development.
This photo shows the same Berner as a young adult and a mature adult.
Bernese are SLOW MATURING DOGS. Most Berners do not reach their adult height and weight until they are 2 or 3 years old. Berners continue to flesh out and add substance and bulk well into their middle years.
Often during the first year to 18 months of age puppies look gangly, leggy or unbalanced, and gawky. How puppies walk or run during the first year might look mildly uncoordinated – especially when a big growth spurt occurs. It is not uncommon for Berner puppys skeletons to grow unevenly. A growing puppys rear end (butt) may be an inch or 2 higher than the front end at certain times during development. NOT TO WORRY! BE PATIENT!!! If you think about it, people look very different at 30 or 40 years of age than they looked when they were 12, 16 or 20.
How Much Should a 12-month-old Bernese Mountain Dog Weigh?
A 12-month-old female Bernese Mountain Dog typically weighs 90 pounds. The typical weight range is from 78 pounds to 100 pounds.
A 12-month-old male Bernese Mountain Dog typically weighs around 95 pounds (42.8 kg). The typical weight range is from 83 pounds to 105 pounds (38 kg to 48 kg).
Bernese Mountain Dogs 101: Everything You Need To Know – Is It the Right Dog for You?
I think it’s fair to say that size is one of the primary considerations before getting any dog. Besides, you need to ensure you have the space to accommodate them. If you are looking at the Bernese Mountain Dog specifically, you need to be particularly mindful. Chances are you know they are large dogs already, but how large exactly, and what does this mean for ownership? Well, here is all the size information you are going to need to know.
So, how big do Bernese Mountain dogs get? Bernese Mountain Dogs are considered a large dog breed. They typically measure between 23-28″ in height and weigh between 70-110 lbs. Males are generally larger than females and tend to gravitate toward the upper end of the range.
No real surprise that they have a working history and have been used to herd cattle pull carts and to serve as intimidating watchdogs.
But this breed is also known for its affectionate and gentle nature and temperament too; making them ideal family dogs and companions.