Appearance and Personality of Strong Pup!
Bernese Mountain Dogs are a large breed, with a heavy-set stature and muscular appearance. These dogs are known for their distinctive, long tri-colored coats that are mostly black, with cross-shaped white markings on the chest, a white horseshoe-shaped patch on the nose, and rust-colored markings above the eyes, on the legs, and around the chest.
The AKC breed standard is very particular about the size and positioning of these markings.
The breed has a wide, flat-topped head, medium, triangular ears that flop down with some feathering, and a bushy tail that they carry low. As with other Molossers, these dogs have loose jowls and a tendency to drool, especially after eating.
Bernese Mountain Dogs generally have a friendly and laid-back temperament, making them good family dogs. According to the breed standard, these dogs should not be aggressive or shy, though some may be reserved around strangers. Proper socialization from a young age is recommended to counteract this tendency.
These dogs are affectionate, patient, and docile, which usually makes them very good around children. Although they may have a high prey drive, these dogs can live well with other pets.
Full-grown Bernese Mountain dogs are big and solid. For males, their height will be 24–28 inches tall, (61–71 cm), and for females, it will be 22–26 inches (56–66 cm). These dogs typically weigh 80–120 pounds (35–55 kg) for males, and 70–110 pounds (30–50 kg) for females.
As the Bernese Mountain Dog grows in popularity, so too the popularity of Bernese-crosses grows. There are a number of common crossbreeds, which have been bred to achieve specific results, whether in terms of size, looks, or temperament.
Some people also believe crossbreeds to be healthier than purebred dogs, though this is debated. Let’s take a look at some of those crosses.
When buying a designer dog, make sure you source your pups from a reputable breeder.
The trend in crossbreeds has led to irresponsible breeding and puppy farming, which is not only cruel but can also lead to unhealthy puppies and encourage inherited diseases.
Unfortunately, given the large size of these dogs, and their relatively small gene pool, these dogs are not always the healthiest. The average lifespan from Bernese Mountain Dogs is just six to eight years, though some have been known to live longer.
These dogs are prone to a number of inherited conditions and diseases, including the following:
Responsible breeders will carry out medical screening prior to breeding to ensure that neither parent carries the genes that can contribute to these conditions. However, some conditions cannot be screened for.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are also prone to obesity, especially if they do not receive enough exercise or a nutritious diet. The recommended amount of food for an adult Bernese is 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dog food, daily, given in two meals.
These dogs need frequent brushing to maintain their thick double coats, and three-monthly baths to avoid bad odors. The breed is prone to ear infections, so make sure to check your dog’s ears frequently, and ask your veterinarian if they need cleaning too.
While grooming your dog, check for any lumps, rashes, hair loss, or other signs of disease or infection. This will help to keep your dog healthy and spot any illnesses early.
Bernese Mountain Dogs need a fair amount of space and are not suited to apartment living. They do best in homes with large gardens where they can roam freely. They also need a minimum of 30 minutes of more active exercise daily and love joining their owners on hikes.
Just be careful not to let these dogs overheat: with their thick coats and dark coloring, they are not suited to heavy exercise in hot weather.
Diet and Nutrition
Always have fresh water available for your dog, and select a quality, nutritionally balanced canine diet. Berner puppies especially will benefit from a diet made for large breeds. These diets contain the proper nutrition to encourage slow and steady growth to help prevent joint problems and other issues.
Most owners feed meals twice per day. Discuss the diet and quantity with your vet to ensure your dog is eating properly. And make sure treats and other extra food don’t lead to your dog overeating and becoming overweight. Excess weight can put a great deal of stress on these big dogs’ joints and lead to other health problems.
Who is the Bernese Mountain Dog?
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large farm dog that originated in the Swiss Alps. These dogs are one of four types of Swiss Mountain Dog, or Sennenhund. The other Sennenhund dog breeds are the:
BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG HISTORY DEEPDIVE
If you buy something from a link on our site, we may earn a commision. See our advertising disclosure.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a big, beautiful giant with a friendly, goofy nature. But how much do you know about this majestic Swiss breed? Read on to learn everything you need to know about these very special dogs, from training to puppy prices.