The Bernese Mountain Dog, one of the four Sennehund, or Swiss Mountain, breeds, is a large working dog native to the Swiss Alps, specifically the canton of Bern. These cuddly, kind giants, who weigh between 70 and 115 pounds, are distinguished by their unique tricolor coats of black, white, and rust. They have a reputation for being loving and gentle, which makes them excellent family companions.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are a great fit for active families with kids because they are bright and quite simple to train. Originally, they were developed to herd animals, pull carts, and defend their families from harm. Despite having been imported to the country in the 1920s for agricultural labor, this loyal breed is now used as a companion, working dog, therapy dog, and service animal.
Prior to taking a puppy home, spend some time learning about the health issues and shorter lifespan that this breed is prone to. A few extra years have been added to the lifetime of Bernese Mountain Dogs thanks to the tireless work of breed conservationists. However, it’s important to remember that, in comparison to other dog breeds, they have the highest risk of canine cancer. Regretfully, the lifespan of a Bernese Mountain Dog is limited to six to eight years.
provide adopting dogs from shelters or rescue groups top priority in order to provide them a loving home. However, picking a trustworthy breeder is essential if you’re looking for Bernese Mountain Dog puppies. Make sure the breeder prioritizes the health of their dogs and adheres to ethical standards by doing extensive research on them. Reputable breeders provide careful consideration to their dogs’ temperament and overall health, perform any required medical examinations, and provide their puppies a loving home.
Quick Facts about Bernese Mountain Dog
| Origin | Swiss Alps |
| Size | Large |
| Breed Group | Working |
| Bernese Mountain Dog Lifespan | 6-8 years |
| Coat | Thick, double coat that needs to be groomed and brushed frequently. Twice a year, they have heavy sheds. |
| Temperament | Amiable, kind, and devoted. They get along well with kids and other animals. |
| Exercise needs | Being active, Berners require a minimum of thirty minutes of exercise each day. They like to go on walks, play fetch, and go trekking. |
| Training | Dogs with intelligence are simple to train. They have a strong desire to please and react well to praise. |
| Health | Berners are more likely to experience bloat and hip and elbow deformity. To identify any health issues early, it’s critical that your Berner have routine examinations from a veterinarian. Unfortunately, the longevity of this adored breed is renowned for being shorter. |
| Types | They belong to the breeds of Swiss Mountain Dogs or the Sennenhund group. The Appenzeller Mountain Dog, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog, and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are the others. |
| Swiss Mountain Dog Breeds | They are members of the Sennenhund or Swiss Mountain Dog breeds. The others are the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog, and the Appenzeller Mountain Dog. |
Bernese Mountain Dog Overview
The flamboyant tricolor coat and white “Swiss cross” on the chest of the Bernese Mountain Dog, also known as the Berner or Berner Sennenhund in their native Switzerland, make them readily recognizable. Beneath that gorgeous coat comes a robust dog that is ideal for labor-intensive tasks: In Switzerland, these stunning, kind dogs have long been employed as draft horses and herders.
In the past, the Berner was an essential component of agricultural life, guarding families, driving livestock, and pulling carts full of supplies to be sold in neighboring communities. Despite being well-mannered and diligent laborers, they were on the verge of extinction in the early 1900s when farmers had access to alternative modes of conveyance. Thankfully, a small group of enthusiasts worked to protect the breed.
When playing with family, the Berner can be laid back but social, and occasionally even a touch silly. They get along well with adults and kids of all ages, but they are not a good fit for apartment dwellers or those without a sizable, fenced yard for them to play in. The Berner should not be kept in an outside kennel; instead, they should live with their family. When they are able to take part in all family activities, they are happy.
The Berner breed of dogs is intelligent and easily trainable, as they were intended to be working dogs. Given that they are huge when mature—typically weighing approximately 100 pounds—early obedience training and socialization are advised. It is important for potential owners to understand that Berners take a while to mature both emotionally and physically; they may stay puppyish for a while. The Berner is also recognized for having a “soft” nature, meaning that they are sensitive to criticism and take it personally.
Berners frequently have short life spans, either in spite of or possibly because of their exceptional temperament and attractiveness. Due to inbreeding, the breed’s limited gene pool has led to a number of health issues. Many dogs with health issues are being bred with little to no consideration for the impact this has on the breed as a whole, as more people become aware of the breed.
Bernese Mountain Dog Highlights
Appearance: Large, robust frames and eye-catching tricolor coats characterize Bernese Mountain Dogs. With rust and white markings, such as a rust “mask,” rust paws, and a white blaze on their face, they have a rich black base. In colder climates, its double coat offers protection and warmth.
Gentle Nature: Berners are renowned for being kind and loving animals. Because of their enormous stature and peaceful, loving nature, they are frequently referred to as “gentle giants.” They are wonderful family pets since they are kind and gentle with kids.
Loyal and Protective: These dogs make ideal watchdogs because they have a strong protective sense and are devoted to their families. Their size and defensive instincts might dissuade any dangers, even though they are not usually violent.
Working Heritage: Because they were bred as working dogs in the Swiss Alps, Bernese Mountain Dogs have a strong work ethic. They were farm dogs and cart pullers, and part of that work ethic is still ingrained in them. They take pleasure in being assigned duties and engaging in activities with their masters.
Health Considerations: Unfortunately, bloat, some forms of cancer, and hip and elbow dysplasia are among the health problems that Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to. Prospective owners ought to budget for probable veterinarian costs and make an investment in routine examinations and preventative care.
Short Lifespan: This breed’s comparatively short lifespan typically 7 to 10 years is one of its drawbacks. When determining whether to add a Bernese Mountain Dog to your household, take this into account.
History of Bernese Mountain Dog
One old breed that sticks out as being very adaptable, well-traveled, and influential in the evolution of several Mastiff-type dogs, including Berners, is the Molosser. It is believed that the four breeds of Swiss dogs—Appenzeller, Entlebucher, Berner, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs—were crossed from farm dogs in the Swiss Alps to Molosser or Mastiff-type dogs brought by the Romans during their invasion of the region in the first century B.C.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are most likely silently tucked away on modest holdings in the Alps, where they have been employed on Swiss farms for almost 2,000 years. They have stood guard, dragged carts, accompanied cattle, and offered devoted company to owners. When just 36% of Swiss workers were employed in agriculture by 1888, there was less of a need for powerful dogs who could pull carts loaded with merchandise and herd cattle.
But in 1899, the Swiss developed a dog organization known as Berna because they were interested in maintaining their original breeds. Breeders of various purebred dogs were among the members. The Swiss Mountain Dog Club organized a show at Ostermundigen in 1902 to raise awareness of the Swiss mountain breeds.
Two years later, a number of circumstances led to a significant advancement for the breeds: the Swiss Dog Club sponsored a class for Swiss shepherd dogs, which included Mountain dogs, at an international dog show in Bern. Additionally, this was the first year that these dogs were called “Bernese.” The Swiss Kennel Club officially recognized Bernese Mountain Dogs as a breed in that same year.
Breeding and dog shows were put on hold during World War I in favor of war operations. The American Kennel Club did not yet recognize the breed, but following the war, the first Bernese Mountain Dogs were transferred, first to Holland and later to the US.
The first litter of Berner pups was born in England in 1936, the year that two British breeders started importing Berners. Two Berners, a male and a female, were brought from Switzerland that same year by the Glen Shadow Kennel in Louisiana. The AKC informed Glen Shadow in early 1937 that the Working Class had come to accept the Bernese Mountain Dog as a new breed.
Bernese Mountain Dog Size
Male Dogs: On average, male Bernese Mountain Dogs weigh between 80 and 115 pounds and have a shoulder height of 25 to 28 inches.
Female Dogs: Females weigh between 70 and 95 pounds and are 23 to 26 inches tall. Breed members can range in size from smaller to larger.
Bernese Mountain Dog Health Issues
Breeding carelessness can lead to health problems for Bernese Mountain Dogs. While not every Berner will contract any or all of these illnesses, it’s still vital to know about them if you’re thinking about getting one.
Cancer
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Portosystemic Shunt (PSS)
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
- Panosteitis (Pano)
- Gastric Torsion
Bernese Mountain Dog Care
Condos and apartments are not for Berners. The ideal property has a sizable, safely gated yard. The Berner breed has a lot of energy because they are working dogs. They require at least thirty minutes a day of intense activity in addition to yard play; three times that amount keeps this robust dog in peak condition.
The attractive, thick coat of the Berner makes them a perfect match for frigid locations. They enjoy playing in the snow a lot. However, because of their size and black coat, they are more vulnerable to heat stroke. Don’t let them work out hard in the sweltering heat; instead, let them do it in the early morning or late at night when it’s cooler. During the hot days, keep them cool either inside with air conditioning or fans or outside in the shade.
If you’re parenting a Berner puppy, you’ll need to exercise extra caution. Berners grow quickly between the ages of four and seven months, similar to many large-breed dogs, which puts them at risk for bone diseases and injuries. A high-quality, low-calorie food that prevents them from growing too quickly works well for them.
In addition, wait until the Berner puppy is at least two years old and their joints have fully developed before allowing them to run and play on hard surfaces (like pavement), leap excessively, or pull large loads. Both regular grass play and puppy agility classes, with their one-inch leaps, are acceptable.
Bernese Mountain Dog Feeding
A large breed of dog with strong energy and exercise requirements should have a diet specifically designed for Bernese Mountain Dogs. If you’re unsure about what to feed your Bernese Mountain Dog or the appropriate quantity quantities, speak with your veterinarian or a qualified nutritionist. Their food requirements will alter as they get older, from puppies to adults and seniors. Keep yourself aware of these dietary needs.