Considering adopting a Bernese Mountain Dog? You're in for a treat. These gentle giants make wonderful companions, with a lifespan of 6-8 years on average.
Their thick coats require regular grooming, but it's worth it for the affectionate nature they bring to your life. With proper care, Bernese Mountain Dogs can weigh between 80-120 pounds and stand 23-27 inches tall.
As a relatively large breed, they need plenty of exercise and space to roam. But with a calm demeanor, they're perfect for families with children or for those who want a low-maintenance pet.
Adoption Process
The adoption process for a Bernese Mountain Dog is a bit more involved than other breeds, but it's worth the extra effort. The first step is to find a reputable rescue organization or breeder that specializes in Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Bernese Mountain Dogs can be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and eye problems, so it's essential to work with a breeder or rescue organization that prioritizes health testing. They should have records of the dog's parents' health clearances.
Before adopting a Bernese Mountain Dog, it's crucial to have a suitable living situation. They require regular exercise and plenty of space to move around, so a house with a yard is ideal.
For more insights, see: English Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breeders
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a gentle giant, known for being even-tempered and adorable. They have a glossy coat that's practically begging to be petted.
Deciding to add a Bernese Mountain Dog to your family is a big decision. You want to make sure they'll be a good fit for your home and lifestyle.
These dogs aren't for everyone, so it's essential to consider whether they're the best breed for you. They require careful consideration to ensure you can provide the right environment for them.
Care and Suitability
Bernese Mountain Dogs can make excellent family pets, but it's essential to understand their temperament and needs. They're known for their even-keeled, mild temperament and are incredibly loyal, but they usually find companionship with one special human.
Their large stature can be deceiving, as they're "soft" in nature and take a little longer to mature, both socially and mentally. Gentle training without harsh correction is recommended.
To care for a Bernese Mountain Dog, you'll need to establish a strong grooming routine, brush your dog often, and bathe them as needed, usually every few months. A reputable veterinarian is also essential to ensure your pup is on a regular immunization schedule and up-to-date on all shots.
Here's a feeding guide to help you understand the needs of your Bernese Mountain Dog at different stages:
- Puppies between eight and 12 weeks old: Four bowls of dry food per day
- Puppies between three and six months old: Three meals every day
- Puppies between six months and one year old: Two meals every 24 hours
- First birthday and beyond: One meal per day, or two lighter meals
Assistance
We're not heroes, but concerned individuals focused on finding the best new home for purebred Bernese Mountain Dogs in need.
We've seen many dogs come into our attention due to changing life situations, such as families relocating or experiencing economic stress.
The responsibility of determining whether or not a dog is suitable for adoption rests solely between the prospective new owner and the current owner.
We don't evaluate or foster dogs, nor do we determine the suitability of an individual dog for adoption. That's a decision best made between the two parties involved.
If you're seeking a rescue dog, we can help put you in touch with someone who has a Bernese Mountain Dog they want to re-home.
On a similar theme: Best Toys for Bernese Mountain Dog
How to Care for Them
To care for a Bernese Mountain Dog, start by finding a reputable veterinarian in your area to ensure your pup is on a regular immunization schedule and up-to-date on all shots.
It's essential to establish a strong grooming routine to keep your Bernese Mountain Dog clean, healthy, and in great condition. Brush your dog often and bathe him as needed, usually every few months.
To determine how much food your Bernese Mountain Dog needs, adjust the portion based on their age, size, and activity level. Most full-grown adult dogs in this breed will eat around three to six cups of high-quality dry food every day.
Here's a feeding guide to help you understand the cycles:
- Puppies between eight and 12 weeks old: Four bowls of dry food per day
- Puppies between three and six months old: Three meals every day
- Puppies between six months and one year old: Two meals every 24 hours
- First birthday and beyond: One meal per day, or two lighter meals
Do They Shed?
Bernese Mountain Dogs do shed, but it's manageable with proper care. Their thick, medium-length double coat sheds heavily, especially during spring and fall.
You can expect to see a lot of loose hair around the house, but regular brushing can help reduce it. Brushing several times a week can make a big difference, and it's a great bonding time with your dog.
A long-toothed steel comb is perfect for getting out their undercoat and breaking up matted fur. You'll also need a steel pin brush and slicker brush to make their coat shine.
Bathing your Bernese Mountain Dog every three months or so is essential for maintaining their hygiene and making shedding seasons more tolerable.
Family Dog Suitability
Bernese Mountain Dogs can make excellent family pets due to their even-keeled and mild temperament. They're incredibly loyal and get along fine with anyone, though they usually find companionship with one special human.
Their large stature belies a "soft" nature, which means they can take a little longer to mature, both socially and mentally. This requires gentle training without harsh correction.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are intelligent creatures that can learn well under gentle and calm training conditions. They're eager to please and open-hearted, making them a joy to train with.
However, their timid nature and slow maturity mean they can be slower to train than other breeds. Be patient and resist the urge to correct harshly if they don't get it right the first time.
For another approach, see: How to Train a German Shorthaired Pointer to Hunt
Size
A Bernese Mountain Dog is a sturdy breed. They can weigh between 70 and 120 pounds.
Males will typically reach 26 inches at their withers, while females will reach 25 inches. This size makes them excellent guard dogs.
Their size also means they need plenty of space to move around and exercise. A large yard or regular walks are a must for these dogs.
If this caught your attention, see: Will Shiba Inu Coin Reach .01
How Long Does It Take to Mature?
Bernese Mountain Dogs take a while to mature, and most don't reach their full size until they're about two or three years old. This is slower than many other breeds.
Their growth is mostly concentrated during these two to three years, but they'll continue to fill out and add bulk into their middle years.
At six months old, Bernese Mountain Dog puppies start to look more like themselves, as their puppy fuzz gives way to their adult coat.
Additional reading: Bull Terrier 100 Years Ago vs Now
Sources
- Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue (pvbmdc.org)
- Rescue - Bernese Mountain Dog Club of the Greater Twin Cities (twincitiesbmd.org)
- www.bmdca.org (bmdca.org)
- Learn About Rescuing Bernese Mountain Dogs (rescuepledge.org)
- Bernese Mountain Dog: Why You'll Love Them (thebarkingboutique.com)
Featured Images: pexels.com