Bernese Mountain Dog: temperament, size, care and health

About the Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a big, sturdy dog with a thick, silky coat of jet black, rich rust and white markings. Adults generally stand about 23 to 27.5 inches at the shoulder, and males can weigh well over 100 pounds. The face carries a calm, soft expression, often with a white blaze between the eyes and rust spots above them.

It was developed as an all-purpose farm dog in the Swiss canton of Bern, where it drove cattle, guarded property and pulled small carts of milk and cheese. In modern homes it is kept as a gentle companion, and many owners enjoy it for carting, hiking and therapy visiting.

Temperament and family life

Berners are known for being sweet, sociable and slow to anger. They usually want to be near their people, and a dog left outdoors alone is often unhappy. Most are friendly with visitors, though some are reserved at first and young dogs can be shy without early socialization.

Their size means they must be taught not to lean, jump or pull, but the breed is generally patient with children and gets along with other dogs and household pets. Play tends to be gentle rather than rough, and adult dogs are often content to rest nearby. Males may be more laid back, and individuals vary.

Exercise and training

A Bernese needs moderate daily exercise, such as walks, a hike or some play in the yard. It is not built for sustained running, and growing puppies should not be over-exercised, since heavy jumping and long forced runs can stress developing joints. Many enjoy pulling a cart or working in drafting, which fits the breed's heritage.

The breed is intelligent and keen to please, but it matures slowly and can be a goofy adolescent for two or three years. Sensitive to harsh words, it responds best to kind, consistent training and plenty of praise. Early lessons in loose-lead walking pay off enormously with a dog that will weigh as much as an adult person.

Grooming and shedding

The long double coat sheds heavily, and twice a year the undercoat comes out in clumps. Plan to brush several times a week, and daily during the shedding seasons, using a slicker brush and an undercoat rake. Even so, expect hair on floors, furniture and clothes year round. Bathing a few times a year is usual, though the coat repels dirt well and drying a dog this large takes time.

Check the ears, which hang down and can trap moisture, and keep the feet trimmed and nails short. Heat is a real problem for the breed, so shade, water and air conditioning matter in summer.

Health

The Bernese Mountain Dog has one of the shorter lifespans among popular breeds, often only 7 to 10 years. Cancer, especially histiocytic sarcoma, accounts for many deaths. Other concerns include hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat and degenerative myelopathy, a spinal cord disease. Breeders typically screen hips and elbows and use available DNA tests, and buyers can ask for health records and the lifespan of the parents and grandparents. The above is general information, so take questions about an individual dog to your veterinarian.

History

The Bernese is one of four Swiss mountain dog breeds and has ancestral roots in Roman mastiffs. By the beginning of the twentieth century only a few of the large dogs remained, and Swiss enthusiasts gathered them and began organized breeding. The first breed club formed in 1907, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1937.

Is the Bernese Mountain Dog right for you?

This breed suits a family that wants a large, affectionate companion and accepts heavy shedding, a lot of bulk and a shorter time together. It is a poor match for hot climates, for owners who cannot bear the idea of an early loss or for homes that want a high-energy athlete. Those who like the look but want a different build may compare the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, while the Newfoundland is a gentle giant that loves water. The Golden Retriever is a smaller, longer-lived option.