Bernese Mountain Dog: Characteristic, Health & Fun Facts!

Bernese Mountain Dogs are considered hardworking, intelligent, and loyal to have as a pet. They enjoy spending time with their owners.

Their development was done to herd cattle, be watchdogs, and pull carts. There are four types of Swiss mountain dogs, and they are one of them.

Keep reading to learn what’s it like to have a Bernese Mountain Dog as a pet. 

Bernese Mountain Dog

About The Breed

The tricolor, flashy coat, and white-colored “Swiss cross” on the chest make it easy to identify a Bernese Mountain Dog from a distance.

These dogs go by the name Berner Sennenhund in Switzerland, their hometown. Apart from having beautiful coats, they are known for their heavy work duties.

Earlier, they were used as draft dogs and herders in Switzerland. 

Back then, these dogs had jobs in farm life, like protecting the family, pulling carts to nearby villages for selling goods and driving cattle.

Despite being hard workers and obedient, their population almost went extinct around the 20th century when new forms of transportation were introduced to the farmers. Thanks to some sensible fanciers, this breed is still alive today.

They have not only a wonderful appearance but also beautiful personalities.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is suitable for apartment living and houses with small or no yards at all. These dogs like being with their family instead of running outside. 

Bernese Mountain Dog Breed History

The Bernese Mountain Dog was developed by breeding mastiff-type dogs, and the Molosser has the biggest influence in this process.

There are four types of Swiss mountain dogs-Entlebucher Sennenhund, Berner Sennenhund, Appenzeller Sennenhund, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

It is said that these four breeds were developed as a result of crossing mastiff-type dogs or the Molosser that were brought by the Romans during their invasion of the Alps around the first century B.C. and the Swiss Alps farm dogs. 

The origin of the Berners is said to be older than 2,000 years. They used to work in Swiss farms accompanying livestock, loyally serving owners, pulling carts, and acting as watchdogs.

Around 1888, it is said that only 36% of the Swiss population was engaged in agriculture and needed a tough dog who could pull heavy carts and herd cattle.

In 1899, the Swiss people wanted to protect their native breed and established a dog club, “Berna.” These breeds appeared in a variety of dog shows too.

However, during World War I, breeding and dog shows were put on hold. When the war finished, the Bernese Mountain Dog was exported to Holland first, then to the U.S.

Two British breeders began importing this breed in 1936, and their first litter took birth in England.

The Bernese Mountain of America was established in 1968 and later became a member of the American Kennel Club. 

Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Job Card/Overview

Breed NameBernese Mountain Dog
Other NameBerner
Dog Breed TypeWorking dogs
OriginSwitzerland 
Parent BreedsGuard-type and Mastiff breeds
Height23-28 inches
Weight70-115 pounds
Life Expectancy6-10 years
Coat TypeDouble coat
Common ColorsTricolor, Black, White
Grooming NeedsMedium to high
HypoallergenicNo 
TemperamentOpen-hearted, Affectionate, Intelligent
Apartment LivingSuitable for apartment living
Pet-FriendlyYes if socialized 
Health ConcernsBloat, Hip Dysplasia, Von Willebrand’s Disease
Overall HealthHealthy 
Intelligence LevelMedium to high
TrainabilityEasy to train
Energy LevelHigh 
ActivityActive 
Litter Size1-14 puppies 
What To Know
• Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, sturdy dogs weighing 70-115 pounds and standing 23-28 inches tall.
• They are gentle, affectionate, and great with families, known for their calm and friendly nature.
• These dogs have a beautiful tri-colored, long, and thick coat that requires regular grooming.
• Be aware of potential health issues, including hip and elbow dysplasia, cancer, and bloat.
• Bernese Mountain Dogs need daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

Characteristics

Bernese Mountain Dog

Adaptability

Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their adaptability, excelling in various environments. With a gentle and friendly nature, they easily integrate into family life.

Their patience and willingness to learn make them versatile companions. They adjust well to different living conditions, but their thick coat requires extra care in hot climates.

Their adaptability shines in their capacity to be loyal, loving, and adaptable furry friends.

Adaptability

Adaptive to Apartment Living

Suitable for New Owners

Sensitivity Scale

Comfortable Being Alone

Comfortable with Cold Weather

Comfortable with Hot Weather

Friendliness

Bernese Mountain Dogs are renowned for their exceptional friendliness. They are gentle giants that love to be around people and other animals.

Their friendly disposition makes them excellent family pets and great companions. They often seek affection and enjoy cuddling.

This breed’s warmth and kindness are truly remarkable, making them a popular choice for those seeking a loving and friendly canine companion.

All About Friendliness

Lovable with Family

Kid-Friendly

Dog-Friendly

Frank with strangers

Personality 

The Bernese Mountain Dogs are known to be alert, smart, and affectionate. They have a tolerant, serene, and calm personality.

They are happy to be involved in family activities as they love family time. One of the most noticeable features of this breed is its huge size.

Start training them early so that they can behave well inside as well as outside the house. They grow in size way sooner than they grow mentally. 

These dogs are family protectors that don’t lead to aggression. They might get a little alert and shy around strangers; that’s why socialization becomes necessary to take them out of their shells.

The Bernese Mountain Dogs love pleasing their owners, making it easier to train them. 

They are said to have low energy levels and want to spend quality time with their owners, even if it means being couch potatoes.

Their history as watchdogs, plus their loud bark, makes them great watchdogs. However, there’s no serious threat behind their loud barking.

Temperament

Friendly with Children

Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their gentle and friendly nature, making them excellent companions for children.

Their calm disposition and protective instincts create a safe and loving environment for kids.

These lovable giants often enjoy playing and cuddling with children, fostering strong bonds within the family.

Amicable to Other Pets

Bernese Mountain Dogs are renowned for their amicable nature toward other pets.

Their gentle disposition and calm temperament make them excellent companions for other animals, whether it’s cats, smaller dogs, or even farm animals.

Proper socialization from a young age ensures they coexist harmoniously with different furry friends.

Barking Tendencies

Bernese Mountain Dogs typically have a moderate barking tendency. They may bark when they sense something unusual or as a form of communication.

While they’re not known for excessive barking, proper training and socialization can help manage this behavior and ensure they bark for valid reasons, making them great family pets.

Possibilities of Staying Alone

Staying alone for extended periods can be challenging for Bernese Mountain Dogs. They thrive on companionship and can suffer from separation anxiety.

Ensure social interaction, mental stimulation, and regular exercise to prevent boredom.

Hiring a dog walker or pet sitter can be beneficial for their well-being when you can’t be with them.

Pros And Cons Of The Bernese Mountain Dog Breed 

Pros

  • Gentle giant, with great temperament.
  • Excellent family and kid-friendly.
  • Good watchdog, and protective instincts.
  • Stunning appearance, a beautiful coat.
  • Loves outdoor activities, active.

Cons

  • Shedding, high grooming needs.
  • Prone to health issues.
  • Requires substantial exercise.
  • May drool and slobber.
  • Large size, space required.

Male Vs. Female Attitude

The attitude of a Bernese Mountain Dog is said to be gentle, intelligent, and lovely regardless of gender. 

Appearance

General Appearance

The Bernese Mountain Dog boasts a striking general appearance with its powerful and robust frame. This breed is known for its long, tri-colored coat, typically black, rust, and white.

Its expressive, kind eyes and friendly demeanor make it a favorite among families. This majestic breed exudes a warm and welcoming presence.

Coat Color

The Bernese Mountain dog has a double thick coat- a wooly undercoat and a long outer coat.

Their coat is usually seen as tricolor with large portions of jet black-colored hair with bright white and rich rust.

You’ll notice a white cross-type mark on their chest which is known as the “Swiss cross.” They look beautiful, and to maintain this beauty, you should bathe them once in three months.

Tartar buildup can destroy your pet’s gum health, so brushing their teeth twice or thrice a week should help avoid that.

Trim their nails when you start hearing a scratching sound when they walk. 

Shedding

The Bernese Mountain Dog looks magnificent, but it comes with a cost which is heavy shedding.

They shed moderately throughout the year and heavily shedding during fall and spring. Brush their coat more than twice a week to remove loose hair. 

Size

The breeding of the Bernese Mountain Dog was done with some tough work to make them muscular and strong.

A male Berner can grow between 25-28 inches, and a female Berner can grow tall between 23-26 inches. 

Health 

There are some health issues associated with the Bernese Mountain Dog because of irresponsible breeding. Well, if you’re considering getting this breed as your pet, you should be aware of these health issues too.

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Cancer
  • Portosystemic Shunt (PSS)
  • Panosteitis
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Von Willebrand’s Disease
  • Gastric Torsion

Health And Grooming Requirements

Shedding Quantity

Drooling Capability

Effortless to Groom

Overall Health

Capable of Gaining Weight

Size

Maintenance And Care

Some say that the Bernese Mountain Dog isn’t suitable for apartment living. There’s some truth to this statement, as they need a yard to run around because of their huge size.

However, they can live in an apartment as long as they get to spend time with their humans and get enough exercise.

These dogs can survive even in the coldest temperatures thanks to their thick coat. This coat becomes a problem in the summer season as the chances of getting a heat stroke become high. 

Don’t take them outside for too long when it’s hot outside; switch outside time to evening or morning.

Make sure you’re keeping them cool even inside the house using A.C.s or fans. The Bernese Mountain Dogs need special care if you’re willing to take them home.

They grow rapidly during the age of 4-7 months, which increases the chances of injury and bone disorders. 

Grooming

Grooming a Bernese Mountain Dog is essential for their well-being. Their long, tri-colored coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting and shedding.

Monthly baths help keep them clean. Pay attention to their ears, cleaning them to avoid infections.

Nail trims are important to maintain their comfort and mobility. Overall, grooming promotes a happy and healthy Bernese Mountain Dog.

Food And Nutrition

The Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, so a diet plan should be made keeping in mind their size.

Well, you might get this breed at any size or age, so you should always take your vet’s consideration.

A vet will make a diet plan for your dog, keeping in mind their unique dietary requirements.

During the summer season, you should keep fresh water available to your pet every time to keep them cool. 

Exercise And Activity Level 

Bernese Mountain Dogs are moderately active. They enjoy daily walks and playtime but aren’t overly energetic.

Regular exercise keeps them healthy and happy, though they don’t require intense workouts.

These dogs appreciate short hikes and romping in the yard, making them a good fit for moderately active families.

Physical Requirements

Energy range

Intensity

Exercise Requirements

Capable for Playfulness

Trainability

Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally trainable but have a stubborn streak. They’re eager to please, making them responsive to positive reinforcement.

Keep training sessions short, engaging, and consistent. Early socialization helps reduce shyness.

Their intelligence and desire to work make them great candidates for obedience training and various dog sports.

Trainability

Effortless to Train

Smartness

Capable for Mouthiness

Tendency to Attack Prey

Urge to Howl or Bark

Wanderlust Ability

Children and other pets

The Bernese Mountain Dogs make excellent family pets because of their gentle nature towards kids. They will behave well with kids who behave well with them.

So it’s always necessary to socialize with your dog and teach your kids how to behave with your pet.

Tell your kids to maintain a distance when your dog is eating or trying to snatch their meal, as it can lead to aggression even with well-mannered dogs.

These dogs bond well with other pets, and too, however, their size can become a problem sometimes.

Always supervise your pet’s play session with other kids and pets. Bernese Mountain Dogs are moderately active.

They enjoy daily walks and playtime but aren’t overly energetic. Regular exercise keeps them healthy and happy, though they don’t require intense workouts.

These dogs appreciate short hikes and romping in the yard, making them a good fit for moderately active families.

Conclusion 

 The Berners can pull about ten times their weight surpassing even 1,000 pounds. 

Bernese Mountain Dog is a lovable giant breed known for its gentle and friendly disposition.

Their stunning tri-colored coats require maintenance, and potential health concerns should be monitored.

These dogs make excellent family pets when given the attention, exercise, and care they deserve.

Explore More Dog Breeds…

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Where do the Bernese Mountain dog breeds come from?

The Bernese Mountain Dog breed hails from Switzerland’s Bern region. Originally used as farm dogs, they were developed to work in the alpine farms as herders and draft animals.

What is the best diet routine for a Bernese Mountain Dog?

A balanced diet for a Bernese Mountain Dog should consist of high-quality dog food, offering a mix of protein, healthy fats, and moderate carbohydrates.

How much exercise is required for a Bernese Mountain Dog?

Bernese Mountain Dogs need about 60 minutes of daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. Regular walks, playtime, and mental stimulation are essential for their well-being.

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