Bernese Mountain Dog: Your Complete Guide
The Bernese mountain dog is a working dog breed originating from Bern, Switzerland. These dogs, and similar Sennenhunds, have long been utilized by Swiss dairy farmers as an all-purpose dog to herd and protect cattle.
Shortly known as the Bernese or Berner, the Bernese mountain dog has a sweet temperament that’s outgoing and affectionate. As with any other dog breed, there’s a lot to cover about these dogs.
Our article will detail everything about the Bernese mountain dog, from their physical features and temperament to grooming needs and health. Read to the end to know if the Bernese mountain dog is the right breed for you.
Quick Look at the Bernese Mountain Dog
Below is a quick look at the Bernese mountain dog, summarizing the breed’s physical features, coat type, grooming needs, temperament, and more.
| Weight/Height | 70-120 pounds / 23-27 inches |
| Coat Type | Medium-length wiry coat with a thick undercoat |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding | |
| Temperament | Affectionate, sweet, gentle, loyal |
| Good With Kids | |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits |  |
| Lifespan | 7-10 years |
What Is the History of Bernese Mountain Dogs?
The Bernese mountain dog originates from Bern, Switzerland. It’s a region of Switzerland that’s very mountainous, explaining why this breed is called a mountain dog.
Berners are believed to originate from the Roman mastiff and belong to the Sennenhund-type dogs, alongside the greater Swiss mountain dog, Entlebucher mountain dog, and Appenzeller Sennenhund. The Bernese mountain dog is the most popular among these breeds, ranking 21st in the AKC’s most popular dog breeds list of 2023.
Bernese mountain dogs were utilized by Swiss dairy farmers to herd and protect cattle from predators. They were known as cheese dogs among the farmers and were highly favored working dogs.
However, despite their abilities as an all-rounded cattle dog, the population of Bernese mountain dogs declined in the late 19th century. Albert Heim founded a Swiss breed club for the breed in 1907, and with the efforts of enthusiasts of this breed, ensured a steady population of Bernese mountain dogs in the coming decades.
Bernese mountain dogs first became known in the US when a Kansas farmer imported them in 1926. The breed became popular among farmers with their affectionate and loving personalities in no time, and the AKC recognized the Bernese mountain dog in 1937.
What Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Look Like?
The Bernese mountain dog is a tri-colored breed. The majority of the coat is black, with spots of rust/brown in the cheeks and legs and white around the paws and muzzle. The accepted colors under the breed standards are black tan and white or black rust and white.
What Size Is a Bernese Mountain Dog?
The Bernese mountain dog is a large dog breed, standing between 23 and 27 inches tall and weighing 70 to 120 pounds. This range makes them an ideal breed for those looking for families and individuals looking for a large and affectionate dog.
If the Bernese mountain dog’s size is too big for your preferences but like everything else about the breed, the mini bernedoodle can be a fitting choice. These dogs are mixes of Bernese mountain dogs and poodles with similar personalities but are 18 to 22 inches tall and weigh between 25 and 50 pounds.
What Is a Bernese Mountain Dog’s Coat Type and Length?
The Bernese mountain dog has a coat texture ranging from straight to slightly wavy. The length is medium and doesn’t require clipping or trimming often. Since the Berners originate from the cold mountains of Bern, they adapted to the climate and have a thick undercoat that sheds quite a lot – we’ll cover shedding in more detail down below.
What Is a Bernese Mountain Dog’s Temperament?
The temperament of the Bernese mountain dog isn’t like most other dog breeds utilized for guarding and herding. They are very affectionate and loving dogs that bond strongly with every member of their family.
The friendly and loving temperament is what made this breed such a favorite among Swiss dairy farmers, where they would comfort their owners after a hard day’s work. Still, the Bernese mountain dog is more than just affectionate. Below, you’ll learn more about the breed’s personality traits.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Good With Kids?
The Bernese mountain dog is such a gentle giant around kids. These dogs are very calm and keep their cool around small family members. They are also tolerant of children’s rowdy behavior.
Although Berners are gentle and patient towards kids, an adult’s supervision is essential to ensure everyone gets along well. Due to their large size, a Bernese mountain dog may hurt children without knowing, especially during playtime if it gets rough.
Nonetheless, there shouldn’t be a need for concern as long as there’s an adult present. Berners get along well with kids of all ages and pair well both with quiet and energetic children.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Good With Other Animals?
A properly socialized Bernese mountain dog will act friendly towards other dogs, especially the ones they grew up with. They also enjoy making new doggy friends during walks and playing gently.
Bernese mountain dogs also tend to get along well with cats. Most Berners don’t have a high prey drive, but individual temperament is what matters. Depending on your Bernese mountain dog’s prey drive, they may or may not be ideal to be around for small animals, particularly prey animals like rabbits and Guinea pigs.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Aggressive?
Bernese mountain dogs aren’t generally aggressive dogs. Most Berners approach unfamiliar dogs with a wagging tail, looking to befriend them – nothing else.
However, males may be wary of other male dogs and view them as a threat or competition. You can ensure this won’t happen with proper socialization and letting your Bernese mountain dog interact with new dogs throughout puppyhood.
Towards new people, Berners tend to keep a suspicious eye but will act as usual upon checking in with their owners that the stranger means no harm. With all these traits, Bernese mountain dogs require proper socialization at an early age, but turning them into well-rounded dogs doesn’t take much time with their friendly demeanor.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Bark?
Bernese mountain dogs aren’t big barkers. They usually bark when there’s a reason for it, such as a stranger approaching the yard, making them great watchdogs that will alert you in case of something doubtful. This also makes the breed ideal for those living in apartments and communities with noise restrictions.
However, the breed’s size and shedding levels don’t make them the most suitable for people living in a small apartment. They require a spacious living area to feel comfortable, and small places can make shedding difficult to manage, especially when the coat starts shedding heavily during seasonal changes.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Affectionate?
Berners are the ultimate big fluffy dogs you can cuddle with all day and night. These dogs are loving bugs towards every family member but tend to attach to one person more than others, calling them their special human. With Berners, expect a dog that will demand attention when you’re busy and get on your lap without being aware of their size.
This friendly personality also makes the Bernese mountain dog warm up to strangers quickly. They are easy-going dogs that behave as usual around strangers with proper socialization and getting affirmation from their owner.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Intelligent?
Bernese mountain dogs are very intelligent dogs. Their intelligence is what enabled them to be excellent herders and protectors in the Bernese Alps. They are quick to understand new things and aware of their owner’s emotions and mood.
Having an intelligent dog is undoubtedly something that many prospective dog owners want, but it can work against the owner if a Bernese mountain dog can’t find an output for their mind.
Berners require a lot of mental stimulation to benefit their health. Dog puzzles, scent work, exploring new places and smells, and training are excellent ways to engage their minds. These should be incorporated into a Bernese mountain dog’s daily routine to ensure they don’t get bored.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Energetic?
Bernese mountain dogs are medium-to-high-energy dogs. They need to be walked for at least an hour daily to stay fit. As mentioned, they also have high mental stimulation needs. Berners may get bored with routine walks and exhibit behavioral issues without variation in their lives.
These dogs benefit from activities that engage their bodies as well as their minds. Agility training and advanced obedience are great ways to ensure a Bernese mountain dog finds satisfaction in their life. Giving them a job, such as working as a service animal or doing what they were bred for in the Bernese Alps, are great ways to ensure your Berner is well-exercised.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Easy to Train?
Bernese mountain dogs are not only intelligent but also very eager to please. These dogs have an inherent desire to please their owners by doing what they are told. This makes training this breed effortless compared to similar dog breeds with independent personalities.
You can finish basic obedience training in just a few weeks and begin training your Berner for advanced commands. They also make great candidates for agility training. If you have an agility training park or facility near home, it can be the perfect place for your Berner to get enough mental and physical exercise.
One thing to note about this breed’s trainability is Berners don’t respond well to harsh punishment. They are sensitive dogs that absorb training like a sponge following positive training techniques, making praise and high-value treats the best tools to train these dogs.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Good Watchdogs?
Bernese mountain dogs are such naturals at being watchdogs. These dogs have vigilant eyes that look for potential dangers to their family, especially if raised as a herding dog. If anything out of the ordinary happens, a Berner will let you know by barking.
However, Berners aren’t good guard dogs. They will simply alert their human parents, and their job will be done. Upon an intruder coming close, a Bernese mountain dog may bark at first but then invite them to play after a quick interaction.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Good Service Dogs?
The level of trainability, loving temperament, and physical capabilities of the Bernese mountain dogs make them exceptional service animals. They can be well-socialized to not get distracted in various social settings and help their handler with undying loyalty.
The large and muscular frame of the Bernese mountain dogs enables them to be excelling mobility assistance dogs. They can help their handler with a physical disability get up from a chair, drive momentum to climb stairs, or retrieve fallen objects.
Berners are also great psychiatric service animals, where their temperament not only consolidates the owner on a daily basis but can provide deep pressure therapy and interrupt self-harm behaviors.
How to Care for a Bernese Mountain Dog?
Bernese mountain dogs are relatively high-maintenance dogs that require their owners to get involved with their dog’s life a tad bit more than others. They have high grooming needs and must be exercised for a fair amount of time to stay healthy.
Berners also require frequent vet visits and may have higher health expenses due to the conditions the breed is prone to develop. Below, you’ll learn more about what it takes to care for a Bernese mountain dog, including their health needs.
Do You Need to Groom a Bernese Mountain Dog?
The Bernese mountain dog has relatively high grooming needs. Brushing the coat two to three times a week is a must to maintain their fluffy appearance and prevent shedding from becoming a problem. You can use a curved wire slicker or a pure bristle brush to handle the majority of their grooming needs.
The coat may also require some tidying up every six to eight weeks. Although Berners don’t need full haircuts, you may need to take them to a professional groomer to give them a fresh appearance.
Besides coat care, Bernese mountain dogs need ear cleaning once a month, daily teeth brushing, and nail trimming every six or so weeks. With all these, you can expect to spend some time on a Berner’s grooming routine.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Shed?
Bernese mountain dogs are heavy shedders. They shed moderately year-round and enter into a fur storm twice a year, during seasonal changes. When this happens, brushing often and bathing when necessary will help maintain shedding.
Considering their shedding levels, Bernese mountain dogs aren’t the best choice for people with pet allergies. Bernedoodle, a hybrid between this breed and the poodle, can be an excellent option if you like this breed’s overall qualities but are too timid to adopt due to allergies. Bernedoodles are just as sweet dogs with the potential of having hypoallergenic coats, particularly the curly ones.
What Health Problems Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Have?
The Bernese mountain dog is prone to several health conditions. Some of these may be hereditary diseases, so working with a breeder who screens their breeding stock’s health is critically important.
Breeders should screen their dogs for elbow and hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, blood issues, and heart problems. As with other large dog breeds, Berners are also susceptible to bloat, and owners of this breed (and other large dogs) must educate themselves about the early signs of this life-threatening condition.
Additionally, mast cell tumors, fibrosarcoma, malignant histiocytosis, and lymphosarcoma are the common types of cancers that may affect this breed.
How Long Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Live?
Unfortunately, Berners have a short lifespan compared to many other dog breeds due to various health issues that may affect this breed.
On average, they can live between 7 and 10 years, with some dying much earlier. However, there’s a bright side – you can help your Bernese mountain dog live longer by providing the best care possible as a dog owner.
What Should a Bernese Mountain Dog Eat?
Bernese mountain dogs can thrive on various diets. While most Berners will be well-nourished by eating high-quality commercially available dog food, you may also choose a homemade or raw diet. However, these should be carefully checked by a vet to ensure your Bernese mountain dog gets all the nutrients they need to live a healthy life.
As for how much to feed a Berner, anywhere between four and five cups of dog food per day should be enough. If on a raw diet, Berners can eat two to five percent of their body weight as raw food. You can check all these with your vet to know the best diet, as well as the amount to feed your Bernese mountain dog.
Is a Bernese Mountain Dog the Right Dog for Me?
The Bernese mountain dog is a large dog breed with a sweet temperament. This breed can make ideal companions (and working dogs) for a wide range of individuals and families.
If the Bernese mountain dog’s exercise, grooming, health, and feeding needs aren’t intimidating, and you have a spacious yard, this breed can be an excellent family pet. Berners are sweet-natured dogs that can get along well with everyone, including other pets, making them fast adapters to their new family.