Grooming
With a thick, long double coat, these dogs shed — a lot. They should be brushed at least three to four days a week to remove excess fur and dirt. They only need bathing every three months, unless they get particularly dirty.
Temperament
They are intelligent, easy to train, self-confident, good-natured, calm and patient.
These loyal companions are extremely active and boisterous as puppies, and they tend to be “mouthy” during play as puppies; though they are extremely child-friendly dogs, nipping may frighten some younger kids.
They get along with other pets if they are brought up together, but some may have a higher prey drive, so you should “cat and tiny dog test” first.
Since they were bred originally as guard dogs, they can be cautious around strangers, and some may become shy, so early socialization is imperative. They are very social and need to be around their people, so they don’t do well being stuck in an apartment all day without any exercise or company.
Hi, Cindy! Yes, the one Bernese Mountain dog did look sad…but I included the picture because he or she was well past the average lifespan of 7 years old. If someone is considering one of these beauties, I thought it might be good to know that at least one of them had made it past seven:)
Look at the size of the paws are on this 40-day old Bernese Mountain dog puppy!
These hardy dogs were working farm dogs and performed tasks such as hauling small loads in dog carts, or herding cows.
Bernese Mountain dogs, one of several Swiss Mountain dog breeds, were developed in Berne and gained American Kennel Club (AKC) recognition in 1937.
The breed standards were set in 1907 by a small group of breeders in Burgdorf, and the dogs gained popularity with the Swiss farmers.
BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG 101! Everything You Need To Know
Bernese Mountain Dogs, also known as Berners, originated in the Swiss Alps. They are easily recognized by their adorable gentle faces and a long-haired, tri-colored, silky coat. Originally bred as cold weather farm dogs, these smart and loyal pups love to spend time with their owners. Berners are hardworking and obedient dogs who are eager to please but they also show high energy levels.
Could this be the right dog for you? Learn more about living with a Bernese Mountain Dog to make the best decision for your family.
Pro Tip: The Bernese Mountain Dog is a unique breed with a unique set of health needs. The best way to ensure your Berner gets the treatment necessary when it matters most is to sign up for pet insurance.
The Bernese Mountain Dog originated in and around the city of Berne in Switzerland. Originally, it was bred as a general-purpose farm dog that acted as a property guard, watchdog, and carting dog.
The Berner is one of four related tricolored Swiss mountain dogs, along with the Appenzeller, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog, and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. All these breeds feature the same three colors, but only the Bernese has the signature long coat.
After World War I, the first Bernese Mountain Dogs were brought to the Netherlands and then to the United States shortly thereafter — although they were not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) until 1981.
Berners are large, strong, and sturdy to accomodate the work they were bred for. The average weight of a Bernese Mountain Dog is 50 to 70 pounds for males and 45 to 65 pounds for females. Males reach from 25 to 27.5 inches in height, or or between 23 and 26 inches for females. Both have muscular bodies and are usually longer than they are tall.
These dogs are known for their long, thick, tri-colored coats that are typically black with mark of brown and white.
The Bernese Mountain Dog’s temperament is steady and easygoing. According to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS), 86.60% of the tested Bernese Mountain Dogs passed the Temperament Test.
These working dogs enjoy learning new things and love having a job to do. They are also alert and have natural instincts to guard, which makes them good watchdogs.
Berners are calm, gentle, and patient, which makes them a great pet for families. They can be protective of their owners and somewhat aloof with strangers but aren’t usually aggressive. Proper socialization from an early age will make sure that your Bernese is patient with other children and other pets.
According to the AKC, the average lifespan of the Bernese Mountain Dog is between seven and 10 years, which is shorter than the average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Although large dog breeds do not tend to live as long as smaller ones, Bernese Mountain Dogs have one of the shortest life expectancies among all breeds, along with Great Danes, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, and the shortest lifespan of any breed.
The best way to increase your Berner’s life expectancy, or at least improve the quality of the years you have with him, is with proper exercise, diet, and care.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are very intelligent and eager to please, so they’re easy to train. They are also affectionate and quite sensitive. It is very easy to hurt their feelings and, therefore, they will respond better to positive training and rewards rather than harsh corrections. Berners love spending time with their family. If left alone for long periods of time, they might develop undesirable behaviors.
Obedience training and early socialization are important for all breeds, but large dogs like the Bernese Mountain Dog, in particular, can really benefit from it. However, it should be noted that Berners are slow to mature both mentally and physically and shouldn’t be pushed into training too quickly.
These big dogs are rather low-energy but that doesn’t mean they should spend the entire day lazing around. Berners need at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day in order to stay fit and healthy. They love spending time outdoors and make great companions on hikes or long walks. Many members of the breed participate in carting and drafting competitions, as well as other canine sports such as rally, agility, obedience, tracking, and herding.
As a general rule, a healthy Bernese dog will eat from three to six cups of good quality food per day, preferably divided into two meals.
Like all large breed puppies, Berners benefit from special diets that promote slow growth in order to prevent the development of joint issues. In addition, owners should keep an eye on their pet’s weight and ensure to feed measured meals at scheduled times. Free feeding should be avoided as it can contribute to hip dysplasia and other health problems such as diabetes.
Work with your vet to determine the best type and amount of food for your pet.
The coat of the Bernese is thick and long and requires weekly brushing in order to remain clean and prevent matting. Grooming is recommended every two weeks.
Most Berners shed moderately throughout the entire year, with more profuse shedding during the shedding season twice a year. During this time, daily brushing is recommended to remove loose hair from the outer coat and keep your pet looking their best.