Bernese Mountain Dog Group: Understanding Temperament, Health, and Care

The Bernese Mountain Dog group is known for their gentle and calm nature, making them a popular choice as family pets. They are naturally reserved and can be wary of strangers.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are large dogs, weighing between 80-120 pounds and standing 23-27 inches tall. This size requires regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental health.

Their thick coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, with daily brushing recommended. This also helps to reduce shedding and prevent hair accumulation in the home.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and cancer. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify these issues early on.

Discover more: Bernese Mountain Dog Hip Dysplasia

The Bernese Mountain Dog requires a home and transportation that can accommodate its large size without being forced into cramped spaces. They need access to soft bedding to prevent callouses and bursitis.

A Bernese Mountain Dog's daily exercise needs are moderate, requiring no more than an hour of walking or playing during the cool parts of the day. They enjoy activities like tug, swimming, nose work, and trick training.

Their grooming needs are fairly straightforward, but they shed year-round, with the heaviest shedding during seasonal changes. A weekly brushing is usually sufficient, with more frequent brushing during spring and fall to keep their coat neat and reduce loose fur.

They also need regular ear cleanings to prevent ear infections, and their nails should be trimmed monthly. And, of course, they need regular baths, about once every couple of months, depending on their activity level and how dirty they get.

The Bernese Mountain Dog's grooming needs are quite specific. They shed year-round, but the heaviest shedding is during seasonal changes.

To keep their coat neat and reduce the amount of fur on the floor and furniture, a weekly brushing is usually sufficient, with more in spring and fall. Brushing should be done daily during shedding season to remove loose fur and prevent mats and tangles.

A bath is only needed about once every couple of months or so, depending on how high their activity level is and how often they spend their time in the dirt. Regular grooming sessions should start from an early age, so they become accustomed to it.

Check this out: Grooming a Lagotto Romagnolo

The Bernese Mountain Dog's ears can trap bacteria, dirt, and liquid, so special attention should be paid to them. Weekly ear cleanings using a veterinarian-recommended cleanser can help reduce the risk of an ear infection.

They have a double coat that repels dirt and insulates them from the cold, but this also means they can overheat in the summer. It's essential to keep them inside during really hot days.

Regular nail trims are also crucial, with monthly checks to see whether they need one. And, of course, their ears should be examined weekly for dirt, redness, swelling, or smell.

Fresh water should always be available for your Berner, so make sure to keep a bowl filled at all times.

Selecting a quality, nutritionally balanced canine diet is crucial, especially for Berner puppies that require large breed diets to prevent joint problems.

Berner puppies grow at a slow and steady pace with these diets, which is essential for their health.

Feeding meals twice a day is a common practice, but be aware that elevated bowls can increase the risk of bloat.

Slow feeder bowls are a better option to slow down eating and prevent bloat.

Discuss your dog's diet and quantity with your veterinarian to ensure they're eating properly.

Be mindful of treats and extra food, as they can lead to weight gain and put stress on your Berner's joints.

Bernese Mountain Dogs need a home with plenty of space for them to move around and play, so a yard is a must.

Their large size requires regular exercise, but they don't need too much - just an hour of walking or playing during the cool parts of the day will do.

To prevent callouses and bursitis, provide your Bernese Mountain Dog with soft bedding to lie on, especially on hard surfaces.

Their coat requires weekly brushing and occasional bathing, and be prepared for lots of loose fur and occasional strings of drool.

Feeding them a large-breed puppy food can help slow down their growth rate and lower the risk of hip dysplasia.

Always have fresh water available for your dog, and select a quality, nutritionally balanced canine diet that's suitable for their size.

Avoid using elevated bowls, as they could increase the risk of bloat, and instead use slow feeder bowls to help prevent this.

Their diet should be discussed with a veterinarian to ensure they're eating properly, and treats and extra food should be kept to a minimum to prevent weight gain.

Here's an interesting read: Bernese Mountain Dog Food Calculator

Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to certain health issues, which is something to consider before bringing one home. They have relatively short lifespans, typically living between seven to 10 years.

Hip and elbow dysplasia are genetic abnormalities that can affect this breed, and while they can't be prevented, your vet can provide guidance on treatment. Blood disorders like Von Willebrand's disease can also occur, which affects the blood's ability to clot properly.

Cancer is a significant concern for Bernese Mountain Dogs, with 55% of deaths attributed to the disease. Histiocytic sarcoma is the most common type of cancer in this breed, and symptoms can include lethargy, weight loss, and decreased appetite.

A table of common health issues affecting Bernese Mountain Dogs:

The Bernese mountain dog is a physically robust breed, slightly longer than it is tall, which can make it well-suited for its original purpose as a working dog.

Its muscular build is a result of its strong, wide back, which is a key characteristic of the breed.

A flat top head with a moderate stop is a distinctive feature of the Bernese mountain dog's physical appearance.

The ears are medium-sized, triangular, and set high on the head, adding to the breed's overall unique look.

The teeth of the Bernese mountain dog have a scissors bite, which is a specific arrangement of the upper and lower teeth.

Explore further: Bull Terrier Head Shape

Its legs are straight and strong, with round, arched toes that are well-suited for the breed's original purpose of working on uneven terrain.

The dewclaws of the Bernese mountain dog are often removed, which is a common practice in many breeds.

Its bushy tail is carried low, adding to the breed's overall dignified appearance.

As you consider bringing a Bernese Mountain Dog into your family, it's essential to be aware of the breed's common health problems.

Bernese Mountain Dogs have relatively short lifespans, typically living between seven to 10 years.

Hip and elbow dysplasia are genetic abnormalities that can cause joint issues, and your vet can provide guidance on treatment.

Bloat is a potentially lethal condition that can occur when the stomach twists, often due to eating too quickly.

Progressive retinal atrophy is a degenerative eye disease that can lead to blindness.

The most common cancer affecting Bernese Mountain Dogs is histiocytic sarcoma, which can cause symptoms like lethargy, weight loss, and decreased appetite.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are also prone to blood disorders, including type I von Willebrand's disease, where the blood doesn't clot properly.

Here are some of the breed's most common health issues, along with their prevalence:

It's worth noting that larger breeds, including Bernese Mountain Dogs, have a higher risk of certain health issues.

Life expectancy can vary significantly for Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Research suggests that the average life expectancy for Bernese Mountain Dogs is around 8-10 years. 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.

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

While some studies have reported lower life expectancies, others have found that Bernese Mountain Dogs can live up to 12 years or more, depending on various factors. A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 10.1 years, compared to 12 years for crossbreeds and 12.7 years for purebreds.

Here's a rough breakdown of the life expectancy for Bernese Mountain Dogs based on various studies: