Bernese Mountain Dog 101: A Comprehensive Guide to Care and Ownership

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a beloved breed known for its gentle and intelligent nature, but it's essential to understand their unique needs and characteristics to provide the best care.

They are a medium to large-sized breed, typically weighing between 80-120 pounds and standing between 23-27 inches tall at the shoulder.

Their thick double coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, with daily brushing recommended for optimal health.

With proper care and attention, Bernese Mountain Dogs can live up to 8-12 years, but their lifespan can be significantly reduced if they are not properly fed, exercised, and monitored for health issues.

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The Bernese Mountain Dog is a sturdy breed, bred for work, and its physical characteristics reflect that. They are slightly longer than they are tall.

Their head is flat on top with a moderate stop, and their ears are medium-sized, triangular, and set high. The teeth have a scissors bite.

Their legs are straight and strong, with round, arched toes. The dewclaws are often removed.

These dogs are large, with males weighing 50 to 70 pounds and females weighing 45 to 65 pounds. Males reach 25 to 27.5 inches in height, while females reach 23 to 26 inches.

Both males and females have muscular bodies and are usually longer than they are tall. Their coats are long, thick, and tri-colored, typically black with brown and white markings.

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The Bernese Mountain Dog's temperament is a perfect blend of calm and playful, making them an excellent choice for families. They are generally friendly towards strangers, other dogs, and other pets.

They can be an intimidating watchdog with a deep bark, but they are not overly aggressive. In fact, 86.60% of tested Bernese Mountain Dogs passed the Temperament Test.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are patient and gentle, which makes them a great pet for families with children. They can be protective of their owners and somewhat aloof with strangers, but proper socialization from an early age will help them be patient with other children and pets.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the more active giant breeds, but it's still fairly low-energy compared with most dogs. They are generally friendly toward strangers, other dogs, and other pets, making them an excellent choice for people of all ages.

Their easygoing temperament also makes them a great pet for families with children, as they are patient and gentle. They can be protective of their owners and somewhat aloof with strangers, but aren't usually aggressive.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are easy to train, and they enjoy learning new things, which makes them a great breed for first-time dog owners. They are also alert and have natural instincts to guard, making them good watchdogs.

With proper socialization from an early age, your Bernese will be patient with other children and other pets. They can be calm inside the house and need activity and exercise, but don't have a great deal of endurance.

Bernese Mountain Dogs thrive on attention from their family, and they can get quite attached. They prefer to spend time with their people, but with enough exercise and mental stimulation, they can be left home alone for five to eight hours.

If you're going to leave your Bernese Mountain Dog alone for an extended period, crate training may be necessary to prevent destructive behaviors when they get lonely.

The Bernese Mountain Dog sheds year-round, with heavy shedding during seasonal changes. This means you'll need to brush your Bernese regularly to keep its coat neat and reduce the amount of fur on the floor and furniture.

Weekly brushing is usually sufficient, but you may need to brush more often in spring and fall. You'll also want to pay special attention to your Bernese's ears, as they can trap bacteria, dirt, and liquid, increasing the risk of ear infections. Regular ear cleanings with a veterinarian-recommended cleanser can help prevent this.

A bath about once every couple of months is usually enough, depending on your Bernese's activity level and how often it gets dirty.

Bernese Mountain Dogs shed year-round, but the heaviest shedding happens during seasonal changes.

Weekly brushing is usually enough to keep their coat neat, but you may need to brush more often in spring and fall.

Their double coat sheds heavily, but regular grooming can minimize shedding and keep their coat and skin healthy.

You should brush your Bernese daily during seasonal shedding, which typically occurs in the fall and spring.

Ear infections can be prevented with regular ear cleanings, using a veterinarian-recommended cleanser, and cleaning their ears weekly.

Their nails need regular trimming to prevent painful splitting, cracking, or breaking.

Most Bernese Mountain Dogs shed moderately throughout the year, with more shedding during the shedding season twice a year.

To prevent matting, brush their coat weekly, and consider grooming every two weeks for optimal results.

Daily brushing during shedding season will help remove loose hair and keep your pet looking their best.

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Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to inheriting certain genetic health issues due to their small gene pool. Cancer is a major concern, with a high incidence of bone, lymph, and muscle cancer.

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One of the most common cancers affecting the breed is bone cancer. The breed's short lifespan is largely attributed to cancer.

Hip dysplasia is another condition that affects the breed, causing pain and dysfunction in the hip joint. Elbow dysplasia is also prevalent, with studies showing a range of 13.91% to 26% of Bernese Mountain Dogs affected.

Bloating, or gastric dilatation-volvulus complex, is a life-threatening condition that requires emergency surgery. It occurs when gas accumulates in the stomach, causing it to twist.

Eye diseases, including progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts, can also affect Bernese Mountain Dogs. These conditions can result in loss of vision.

Here are some common health issues affecting Bernese Mountain Dogs:

It's essential to choose a reputable breeder who engages in responsible breeding practices and screens for common diseases and conditions to minimize serious health concerns.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large breed that requires a spacious home and regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. It needs at least an hour of walking or playing during the cool parts of the day.

To keep your Bernese Mountain Dog comfortable, provide it with access to soft bedding to prevent callouses and bursitis, and offer cold hard surfaces when it's available. The breed is prone to shedding and drooling, so be prepared for regular grooming.

Regular grooming is a must, especially during seasonal shedding, which can be profuse in the spring and fall. Daily brushing will help keep your Bernese Mountain Dog's coat looking its best.

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Returning your garden to its former glory can be a daunting task, but with a little planning and elbow grease, you can get it back on track.

After a harsh winter, your plants may have suffered damage, so it's essential to inspect them carefully and prune any dead or damaged branches. This will help prevent the spread of disease and encourage healthy growth.

Deadheading spent blooms can encourage your flowers to produce more flowers, so don't be afraid to snip them off. For example, roses and peonies will often produce more blooms if you remove the faded flowers.

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Regular watering is crucial during the return phase, but be sure to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other problems.

Pruning tools should be cleaned and disinfected after use to prevent the spread of disease. This is especially important if you're pruning plants that are susceptible to disease, such as roses or hydrangeas.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large breed that requires a spacious home and suitable transportation to accommodate its size without being forced into cramped spaces. It needs regular exercise, but not too much, so an hour of walking or playing during the cool parts of the day is sufficient.

A Bernese Mountain Dog's coat requires weekly brushing and occasional bathing, especially during seasonal shedding in the spring and fall. Daily brushing may be necessary during these periods to prevent matting and tangling.

This breed is prone to shedding and drooling, so it may not be the best choice for fastidious housekeepers. Regular grooming can help manage these issues.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is vulnerable to heatstroke and should not be left in warm climates without access to air-conditioning. However, it loves the snow and can be a great companion for winter activities.

It's essential to monitor your Bernese Mountain Dog's weight and feed measured meals at scheduled times to prevent health problems like hip dysplasia and diabetes. Free feeding should be avoided.

The breed is also prone to gastric dilatation-volvulus, a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate veterinary intervention. Some owners opt to have their dog's stomach surgically attached to the abdominal wall to prevent this condition.

Living with a Bernese Mountain Dog requires some specific considerations. They thrive in colder climates due to their thick coats.

A securely fenced yard is a must for these dogs, as they love to explore. They need space to run around and get some exercise.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are ideal for experienced pet parents who can provide the right environment. They require a lot of attention and training to become well-behaved companions.

These dogs are social and love to spend time indoors with their family. They need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, and more is even better.

Without enough exercise, Bernese Mountain Dogs can develop destructive behaviors or start barking excessively. This is a common issue if they don't get enough physical and mental stimulation.

Some Bernese Mountain Dogs can be aggressive towards other male dogs, especially when they're young. They may also assert themselves as dominant, which can be a challenge to manage.

Their massive heads and loose lips can cause them to drool a lot, especially after eating or drinking. This is just one of the many quirks that come with owning a Bernese Mountain Dog.

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The Bernese Mountain Dog is an energetic breed that requires an hour or more of exercise each day. They love to play and need regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight.

In hot weather, it's essential to exercise them in moderation to prevent overheating. They can run up to four miles in cool weather, but hot weather is not ideal for running long distances. This slow-growing dog should avoid excessive running until he is fully grown—around two years old.

To keep your Bernese Mountain Dog happy and healthy, consider the following exercise guidelines:

Bernese Mountain Dogs are also well-suited for carting and drafting competitions, as well as other canine sports like rally, agility, obedience, tracking, and herding. They love spending time outdoors and make great companions on hikes or long walks.

Getting started in dog sports can be a fun and rewarding experience for you and your furry friend. You can begin by learning about the different types of sports and activities available.

There are various dog sports to choose from, including agility, obedience, and tracking. These sports can be a great way to bond with your dog and provide them with physical and mental stimulation.

If you're unsure which sport is right for you and your dog, consider enrolling in a mixed breed program, such as Canine Partners. This can be a great way to get started and see what works best for you.

Here are some key terms to know when getting started in dog sports:

To get started in dog training, you'll need to learn the basics of dog behavior and training techniques. This can be done through online resources, books, or working with a professional trainer.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a natural-born worker, and with proper training, they can excel in a variety of activities.

They enjoy pulling small carts or wagons, a task they originally performed in Switzerland. With their calm temperament, they make a great addition to parades and festivals.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are also excellent herding dogs, and they tend to excel at herd guardianship, especially in cold climates. They're natural protectors and will defend their territory and family with loyalty.

In terms of exercise, Bernese Mountain Dogs require at least an hour of moderate exercise per day to stay fit and healthy. They love spending time outdoors and make great companions on hikes or long walks.

Here are some fun activities you can do with your Bernese Mountain Dog:

Life expectancy for Bernese Mountain Dogs can be a bit of a concern, with a life expectancy of 8.4 years found in a 2016 Swiss study, and 8 years in a 2013 Dutch study.

In fact, a Swedish study from 2005 found that 72% of Bernese Mountain Dogs died before reaching 10 years of age.

To give you a better idea, here are some studies that have found the life expectancy of Bernese Mountain Dogs:

It's worth noting that while 10.1 years is the highest life expectancy found in the studies, the average lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dogs is actually between 7 and 10 years, according to the AKC.

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The average lifespan of a Bernese Mountain Dog is a crucial consideration for potential adopters. According to the AKC, it's between seven and 10 years, which is shorter than the average lifespan of 10 to 12 years.

This is a significant factor to consider, especially for families with young children. A 2013 Dutch study found a life expectancy of 8 years.

Proper exercise, diet, and care can help increase your Berner's life expectancy or improve the quality of the years you have with him. A 2016 Swiss study found a life expectancy of 8.4 years based on the deaths of 381 out of 389 dogs in the study.

While this may seem like a relatively short lifespan, many Bernese Mountain Dogs can live happy and healthy lives with the right care. A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 10.1 years compared to 12 years for crossbreeds and 12.7 years for purebreds.

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It's essential to be aware of the potential lifespan of this breed when deciding to adopt. A Swedish study from 2005 found 72% of Bernese Mountain Dogs to have died before reaching 10 years of age.

Here's a summary of the average lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dogs based on various studies:

If you're considering bringing a Bernese Mountain Dog into your life, you have two main options: adopting or buying.

You can buy a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy from a reputable breeder by contacting the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America, which will provide you with a list of breeders or regional rescue groups.

Hundreds of great Bernese Mountain Dogs need loving homes, so think about rescuing one instead of buying from a breeder.

If you're interested in similar breeds, you might want to check out the Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, and Great Pyrenees.

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