Bernese Mountain Dogs are a beloved breed known for their distinctive tri-colored coats. They have a thick double coat that sheds heavily, requiring regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Their medium to large size makes them a great companion for active families. With a sturdy build and strong muscles, they can weigh between 80-120 pounds.
Their friendly and outgoing nature makes them excellent family pets, but they do require early socialization to ensure they are comfortable around strangers. They are natural guardians of their family and territory.
Their intelligence and trainability make them a popular choice for first-time dog owners, but consistency and patience are key to successful training. With positive reinforcement and rewards, they can learn a wide range of commands and behaviors.
Physical Traits
The Bernese mountain dog is a sturdy breed with a strong, wide back. Its body is slightly longer than it is tall.
Its head is flat on top with a moderate stop, and the ears are medium-sized, triangular, and set high. The teeth have a scissors bite.
The legs of the Bernese mountain dog are straight and strong, with round, arched toes. Its dewclaws are often removed.
Its bushy tail is carried low.
Temperament and Personality
Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their good-natured, self-assured, and docile temperament.
They can be calm inside the house, but need regular activity and exercise to stay happy and healthy. This means they're perfect for families who love to hike and explore the outdoors.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are naturally patient and gentle, making them a great breed for families with children. They're also very affectionate and love to be around their favorite people.
While they can be a bit aloof with strangers, they're excellent guardians and will often stick close to their family. With proper socialization, they can become confident and friendly dogs.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train. They thrive on structure and routine, and love to participate in activities like carting, drafting, and agility sports.
Overall, Bernese Mountain Dogs are calm, sweet-tempered dogs that make wonderful companions for active families.
For another approach, see: Bernese Mountain Dogs Calm
Care and Grooming
Bernese Mountain Dogs require regular grooming to prevent matting and control heavy shedding. They need to be brushed several times a week, with daily brushing during shedding season.
Their thick double coat repels dirt and insulates them from the cold, but can make them prone to overheating in the summer. They should be kept inside during really hot days.
To keep your Bernese Mountain Dog's coat healthy, brush them thoroughly at least weekly, and bathe them roughly every month, depending on how dirty they get. Regular nail trims and ear cleanings are also essential to prevent infections.
Consider reading: Do Bernese Mountain Dog Shed
Grooming
Bernese Mountain Dogs shed year-round, with the heaviest shedding during seasonal changes. They require a brushing once a week, with more in spring and fall, to keep their coat neat and reduce the amount of fur on the floor and furniture.
Their thick double coat needs regular attention to prevent matting and control the heavy shedding. Deshedding tools like the FURminator can help remove the undercoat and keep the shedding more manageable.
A different take: Bernese Mountain Dog Coat
You should brush your Berner thoroughly at least weekly, and daily during shedding season, to remove loose fur and prevent mats and tangles. Begin brushing your Berner as a puppy so they become accustomed to regular grooming.
Their ears are prone to trapping bacteria, dirt, and liquid, so special attention should be paid to them. Weekly ear cleanings using a veterinarian-recommended cleanser can help prevent ear infections.
Berners are relatively calm and easy to care for, but they still need regular exercise and socialization to stay happy and healthy. They thrive with mental and physical exercises, such as daily walks and dog sports.
You'll need to bathe your Berner about once every couple of months, depending on their activity level and how often they get dirty. Regular nail trims and ear cleanings are also essential to keep them clean and healthy.
Their thick coats can make hotter weather tough on them, so it's essential to keep them inside during really hot days. Providing shade and cool water can help keep them comfortable.
Berners are known for their patient and calm demeanor, but they still need regular grooming to prevent matting and shedding. Brushing them three to four times a week can help keep tangles and shedding manageable.
Their teeth need regular brushing, and your veterinarian can help teach you the best tooth-brushing techniques for your dog. Professional teeth cleaning by a vet is also recommended once a year.
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Return
When you bring a Bernese Mountain Dog home, you're in for a lifetime of love and companionship. They're natural-born friends who thrive on attention and affection.
Their thick, tri-colored coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. A weekly brushing session will keep their coat looking its best.
Their bushy tails are a hallmark of the breed, but they can get tangled and matted if not properly cared for. Regular brushing will help prevent this.
Here are some key grooming tips to keep your Bernese Mountain Dog happy and healthy:
Their ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection or wax buildup. A gentle cleaning with a damp cloth will keep them clean and healthy.
Their black nose is a distinctive feature of the breed, but it can get dry and cracked if not properly cared for. A gentle application of nose balm will keep it healthy and shiny.
Overall, with regular grooming and attention, your Bernese Mountain Dog will be a happy and healthy companion for years to come.
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Exercise
Exercise is an essential part of a Bernese Mountain Dog's life. They need at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every day.
A minimum of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every day is a good starting point. This can include activities like walks, hikes, games of fetch, and trips to the dog park.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are quite athletic and can compete in canine sports. These activities challenge them mentally and physically, and can be a fun way to spend time with your dog.
Examples of athletic activities include obedience, agility, tracking, and carting. Carting is a particular favorite, as it allows your Berner to use their natural instincts and pull a cart.
Daily exercise is crucial for Bernese Mountain Dogs, especially if you live in an apartment or a home without a yard. This can be as simple as a 30- to 60-minute walk every day, which gives your Berner a chance to sniff and explore the world around them.
If you're looking for ways to keep your Berner active, consider getting them involved in dog sports like obedience trials, scent work, or agility. These activities provide both mental and physical exercise, and can be a great way to bond with your dog.
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Pet Care Considerations
If you're considering bringing a Bernese Mountain Dog into your family, you'll want to think about their exercise needs - they require a moderate amount of exercise to be happy and healthy dogs.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally calm dogs, but they can easily be enticed to play, so be prepared for some energetic moments.
You'll need a strong vacuum cleaner to keep up with their heavy shedding, which happens year-round.
Berners are sensitive to overheating, so it's essential to keep them inside during hot weather.
A yard is a must-have for a Bernese Mountain Dog, as they need space for their big bodies to move and play.
You'll be brushing them a lot, especially when the seasons change, so be prepared for some extra grooming time.
Bernese Mountain Dogs thrive with mental and physical exercises, so get them involved in daily walks, dog sports, and other fun activities.
Worth a look: Bernese Mountain Dog Exercise
Training
Socialization is key for Bernese Mountain Dogs, especially since they can grow to be powerful 100 pounds or more.
They're intelligent and eager to please, making positive reinforcement training a great choice.
Start training your Bernese puppy early, even if you don't have children or smaller pets, to help them navigate unfamiliar situations.
Clicker training is a good option, as Berners thrive on routine and won't get bored easily.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are smart enough to learn almost anything you want to teach them.
Pros and Cons
Bernese Mountain Dogs make wonderful companions for families. They are excellent family pets, which is why many people adore them.
Their loyalty and devotion to their families are unmatched. They are truly loyal, devoted animals that will always be by your side.
One thing to keep in mind is that they do have plenty of energy, but it's not exhausting. They're energetic but not exhausting, which means you can enjoy activities with them without feeling burnt out.
Training a Bernese Mountain Dog is relatively easy. They are trainable, which makes them a great choice for first-time dog owners.
Here are some key pros of Bernese Mountain Dogs at a glance:
- Excellent family pet
- Loyal, devoted
- Energetic but not exhausting
- Trainable
Frequently Asked Questions
How big does a Bernese Mountain Dog get?
Bernese Mountain Dogs typically reach heights of 23-27.5 inches and weigh 70-115 pounds, depending on their sex. Males tend to be larger than females.
Sources
- WebMD - What to Know About Bernese Mountain Dogs (webmd.com)
- Vetstreet - Bernese Mountain Dog (vetstreet.com)
- The Kennel Club - Bernese Mountain Dog (thekennelclub.org.uk)
- The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals - Bernese Mountain Dog (pdsa.org.uk)
- American Kennel Club - Bernese Mountain Dog (akc.org)
- Dog Breed Info Center - The Purebred Bernese Mountain Dog (dogbreedinfo.com)
- "U.S. family mourns as neighbour kills their Bernese Mountain dogs" (digitaljournal.com)
- the original (metronews.ca)
- "Ohly Found On Mount Seymour: Dog Reunited With Family" (huffingtonpost.ca)
- "Bernese Mountain Dog Profile" (btck.co.uk)
- "Bernese Mountain Dog: Breed Standard" (akc.org)
- "Bernese Mountain Dog" (akc.org)
- "Bernese Mountain Dog History" (akc.org)
- "Bernese Mountain Dog" (canismajor.com)
- Bernese Mountain Dog, Berner Sennenhund, Dürrbächler, Vertebrate Animals Department, Naturhistorische Museum Bern (nmbe.ch)
- Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Health and Care (petmd.com)
- BMDCA Rescue & Rehome (bmdca.org)
- Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America Breeder Directory (bmdca.org)
- Bernese Mountain Dog (akc.org)
- American Kennel Club’s website (akc.org)
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