A little look at life together.
Getting to know the Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large Swiss working breed with a long tricolor coat and an affectionate reputation. Plan for a large adult's space and handling needs, plus regular brushing through a shedding double coat.
An everyday routine
Make space for substantial daily activity and short learning sessions. A busy weekend cannot replace a dependable weekday routine.
Coat care to plan for
Set aside time each week for coat care, checking through the hair rather than only brushing the surface. Shedding periods or longer furnishings may need extra attention.
Before deciding, meet the individual dog and ask about their history, handling preferences, and current routine. Breed tendencies are a starting point, not a promise about personality.
Bernese Mountain Dog questions
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs shed a lot?
Yes. The Berner has a double coat that sheds a fair amount, and more heavily during the two shedding seasons each year. Plan on weekly brushing, moving to daily when the coat is coming out. The shedding is considerable, so the breed may not be ideal for people prone to allergies.
How big does a full-grown Bernese Mountain Dog get?
Males stand 25 to 27.5 inches tall and weigh 80 to 115 pounds, and females stand 23 to 26 inches and weigh 70 to 95 pounds. Height is measured at the shoulder.
How long do Bernese Mountain Dogs live?
Most live 7 to 10 years, with an average of seven to eight and some dogs reaching ten and beyond. Those are breed-wide figures, not a prediction for one dog, and longevity in a puppy's family is a fair thing to ask a breeder about.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs good with children?
They have a gentle reputation and are particularly gentle with children. Most are excellent with kids, but it depends on the child, the dog and the parents, and no large dog should be left unsupervised with small children. Many Berner puppies also go through a mouthy stage.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs bark a lot?
Usually not. Berners are not prone to excessive barking unless they are left on their own for too long, and they bark a moderate amount compared with other breeds.
How much exercise does a Bernese Mountain Dog need?
Plan on at least half an hour of moderate exercise every day, plus several trips outside, and some Berners need considerably more. A small fenced yard is a convenience rather than real exercise, and Berners should live indoors with their family.
Can Bernese Mountain Dogs handle hot weather?
Heat is hard on them. This is a hardy dog that thrives in cold weather, but its size and heavy black coat make it susceptible to heat stroke. Shade and water are essential and air conditioning is preferred in extreme heat. Ask your vet how to plan summer routines for your dog.
What were Bernese Mountain Dogs bred for?
Farm work in the Swiss canton of Bern. Berners drove cattle, guarded farmyards and pulled carts, and they are one of four Swiss mountain dog breeds. The Bernese is the only one of the four with a long, silky coat.
