The Bernese Mountain Dog is a majestic breed that originated in Switzerland, known for its distinctive tri-colored coat and sturdy build. They typically weigh between 80-120 pounds and stand between 23-27.5 inches tall at the shoulder.
One of the most striking features of the Bernese Mountain Dog is its thick, tri-colored coat, which can be black, white, and rust. This coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are intelligent and loyal companions, often forming strong bonds with their families. They thrive on attention and interaction, making them a great choice for active families.
Their intelligence and loyalty make them relatively easy to train, but consistency and patience are key to developing good behavior.
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Physical Characteristics
The Bernese mountain dog is slightly longer than it is tall, highly muscular, with a strong, wide back.
Their head is flat on top with a moderate stop, and the ears are medium-sized, triangular, set high, and rounded at the top.
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The Bernese mountain dog has a scissors bite, and its legs are straight and strong, with round, arched toes.
Its dewclaws are often removed, and its bushy tail is carried low.
The Bernese mountain dog has a thick, tricolored coat with white, black, and brown colors, with black being the predominant color on the body.
Physical Traits
The Bernese mountain dog is a sturdy breed with a strong, wide back.
Its head is flat on top with a moderate stop. The ears are medium-sized, triangular, and set high, rounded at the top. The teeth have a scissors bite.
The legs of the Bernese mountain dog are straight and strong, with round, arched toes.
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The Coat is Tricolored
The coat of a Berner is thick and tricolored with white, black, and brown colors, with black being the predominant color on the body.
Black is the predominant color on the body of a Berner, with white chests and white on the face being common features.
White can be seen on the face, and brown can be seen around the legs and above the eyes, nose, and mouth.
The thickness of the tricolored coat enables Berners to withstand harsh, cold climates, much like the climate in their native Switzerland.
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Grooming
Grooming is a crucial aspect of owning a Bernese Mountain Dog, and it's essential to understand their specific needs.
They shed year-round, with the heaviest shedding occurring during seasonal changes.
A weekly brushing is usually sufficient to keep their coat neat and reduce the amount of fur on the floor and furniture.
However, during spring and fall, they may require more frequent brushing to manage their shedding.
A bath is only necessary about once every couple of months, depending on their activity level and how often they get dirty.
It's also vital to pay attention to their ears, as they can trap bacteria, dirt, and liquid, leading to ear infections if not cleaned regularly.
Weekly ear cleanings using a veterinarian-recommended cleanser can help prevent ear infections.
Vacuuming daily is a reality for Bernese Mountain Dog owners, especially during shedding season.
Temperament and Behavior
Bernese mountain dogs are generally good-natured, self-assured, and docile, but may be aloof with strangers.
They tend to bond with one owner or family, and are somewhat standoffish towards strangers. This doesn't mean they're not social, but rather they have a strong attachment to their loved ones.
Bernese mountain dogs are excellent guardians and work well with other pets, making them a great addition to many families.
Calm and Affectionate
Bernese mountain dogs are calm inside the house and need activity and exercise. They can move with amazing bursts of speed for their size when motivated.
These dogs are very affectionate and good-natured, eager to please their humans and desire to be part of the family. They do well with children and other pets.
They are patient dogs that take well to children climbing over them. They are excellent guardians and tend to bond with one owner or family.
Berners love to cuddle with their humans, making them a perfect match for those who desire a large, fluffy, tricolored dog.
They Mature Slowly
Bernese Mountain Dogs mature slowly, both physically and mentally. They don't reach full-grown maturity until 2 to 3 years of age.
This means they tend to stay in the goofy puppy stage longer than other dog breeds. They're like big, furry kids who take time to grow up.
It's not just physical growth that's slow - Bernese Mountain Dogs are also slow to mature mentally. This makes them challenging to train as working dogs and understand the tasks expected of them.
According to an old Swiss saying, a Bernese Mountain Dog spends three years in each of the following stages: being a puppy, being a good dog, and being an old dog. The rest of their life is considered a gift.
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Health and Longevity
Bernese Mountain Dogs have a relatively short lifespan compared to other breeds.
A 2013 French study found that the life expectancy of Bernese Mountain Dogs is around 8.1 years.
Their lifespan can vary depending on several factors, but overall, they tend to live shorter lives.
A Swedish study from 2005 found that 72% of Bernese Mountain Dogs died before reaching 10 years of age.
This means that many Bernese Mountain Dogs don't live past their first decade.
Here's a comparison of life expectancy for Bernese Mountain Dogs from different studies:
It's worth noting that crossbreeds and purebreds have a longer lifespan, with a maximum life expectancy of 12.7 years for purebreds.
Care and Upkeep
The Bernese Mountain Dog's large size requires a home and transportation that can accommodate it without being forced into cramped spaces.
This breed loves the snow and can tolerate cold hard surfaces, but needs access to soft bedding to prevent callouses and bursitis.
The Bernese Mountain Dog sheds heavily and drools, so it may not be a good choice for fastidious housekeepers.
Daily brushing is necessary during seasonal shedding, which can be profuse in the spring and fall.
A weekly brushing and occasional bathing are all that's needed for coat care, aside from seasonal shedding.
This breed is not long-lived, averaging only 7-10 years.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is prone to gastric dilatation-volvulus, a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate veterinary intervention.
To prevent this condition, some owners opt to have the stomach surgically attached to the abdominal wall.
Like all large breeds, puppies should be fed a large-breed puppy food that slows the rate of growth, which lowers the risk of hip dysplasia.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the perfect markings for a Bernese Mountain Dog?
A Bernese Mountain Dog's perfect markings feature a jet black coat with rich reddish-brown on cheeks, eyes, legs, and chest, accompanied by a symmetrical white blaze and cross on the chest. White markings on paws and the tip of the tail are also preferred, but not essential.
How to tell a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog?
A purebred Bernese Mountain Dog can be identified by its distinctive flat skull, strong and straight muzzle, and black nose. Look for these key features to confirm the breed's authenticity.
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