The Bernese Mountain Dog is a beloved breed known for its gentle and intelligent nature. Originating from Switzerland, they were originally bred to pull carts and herd cattle.
Their thick coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, making them a high-maintenance breed.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia and cancer, which can significantly impact their lifespan.
These dogs are naturally calm and even-tempered, making them an excellent choice for families with children.
Physical Characteristics
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large breed, with males weighing up to 60 kg and standing 70 cm tall.
These dogs are slightly longer than they are tall, giving them a sturdy build.
Their head is very large, with two long, soft, dangling ears and deep, dark almond-shaped eyes.
A distinctive feature is their wide, black nose, which makes them truly adorable!
Their coat is beautiful and thick, with three colours: black, brown, and white, evenly distributed to highlight their strong points.
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Daily brushing is very important to keep their hair shiny at all times.
Their legs are straight and strong, with round, arched toes.
Their dewclaws are often removed, and their bushy tail is carried low.
The topline of a Bernese Mountain Dog is level from the withers to the croup.
Their chest is broad, with well-sprung, deep ribs that reach to the elbows and a well-developed forechest.
Males denote a masculine appearance, while females are distinctly feminine.
The breed's size is consistent, with males measuring 25 to 27½ inches and females measuring 23 to 26 inches.
Character and Behaviour
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a breed known for its calm and gentle nature, making it a great addition to many families. They are naturally good with children and can be quite patient, even allowing kids to climb on them.
One of the most distinctive traits of the Bernese Mountain Dog is its intelligence. They are able to learn commands and directions quickly, which makes them a joy to train. However, they can also have a bad habit of biting everything they come across, so be sure to keep an eye on them and remove any tempting objects from their reach.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are also known for their loyalty and affection towards their family. They tend to bond strongly with one owner or family, and can be a bit aloof with strangers. This makes them excellent guardians, as they will protect their loved ones without hesitation.
In terms of exercise, Bernese Mountain Dogs need regular activity to stay happy and healthy. They enjoy hiking and playing outdoors, and can move with surprising bursts of speed when motivated. However, they don't have a great deal of endurance, so be sure to pace yourself and give them plenty of breaks.
Here are some key characteristics of the Bernese Mountain Dog:
- Self-confident and alert
- Good-natured and reliable with their families
- Self-assured and accepting with strangers
- Intelligent and able to learn quickly
- Loyal and affectionate towards their family
Overall, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a wonderful breed that makes a great companion for many families. With proper care and attention, they can thrive and bring joy to their loved ones for years to come.
Grooming and Care
Grooming is a crucial aspect of Bernese Mountain Dog care, and it's essential to understand their unique needs.
Bernese Mountain Dogs shed year-round, with the heaviest shedding occurring 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. However, this may need to be done more frequently during spring and fall.
The Bernese will only require a bath about once every couple of months, depending on their activity level and how often they spend time in the dirt.
It's also vital to pay special attention to their ears, as they can trap bacteria, dirt, and liquid, leading to ear infections.
Weekly ear cleanings using a veterinarian-recommended cleanser can help reduce the risk of ear infections.
Regular grooming and care can make a big difference in the health and happiness of your Bernese Mountain Dog.
Health and Longevity
Bernese Mountain Dogs have a relatively low life expectancy compared to other breeds. They typically don't live beyond 10 years.
A 2016 Swiss study found that 381 out of 389 dogs in the study lived for an average of 8.4 years. This is lower than expected, even for a larger breed.
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A 2005 Swedish study discovered that 72% of Bernese Mountain Dogs died before reaching 10 years of age. This highlights the importance of regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy lifestyle for these dogs.
The life expectancy of Bernese Mountain Dogs can vary depending on the location and study. A 2013 Dutch study found an average life expectancy of 8 years, while a 2024 UK study found it to be 10.1 years.
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Activities and Training
Bernese Mountain Dogs are natural-born cart pullers, a task they originally performed in Switzerland. They enjoy giving children rides in a cart or participating in a parade.
With proper training, Bernese Mountain Dogs can excel in AKC Herding Events. They have a strong herding instinct and can be trained to compete in herding trials.
These dogs are intelligent and eager to please, but respond poorly to harsh training methods. Positive reinforcement training engages their natural desire to please and gets better results.
For your interest: Bernese Mountain Dog Pulling Cart
Activities
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a natural for pulling small carts or wagons, a task they originally performed in Switzerland.
With proper training, they enjoy giving children rides in a cart or participating in a parade, such as the Conway, New Hampshire holiday parade. Regional Bernese clubs often offer carting workshops.
Carting competitions are held for the breed, and they're eligible to compete in AKC Herding Events since July 1, 2010.
Their herding instincts and trainability can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests. They're energetic, attentive, and impetuous, but indisposed to biting.
They tend to attach to one person, and have an inherent suspicion of strangers. They excel at herd guardianship, especially in the Holy Regions of Switzerland.
They're untiring, often unruly, resistant to the coldest winters, and excellent defenders of stable or home. They've been used by the police in Switzerland.
Training
Training is essential for Bernese Mountain Dogs, and it's best to start with obedience and socialization training early.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are intelligent and eager to please, making them a joy to train.
Their size may be intimidating, but these dogs are gentle and sensitive, so harsh training methods are not recommended.
Rescue and Adoption
Bernese Mountain Dogs have a reputation for being loyal and loving companions, but they're also natural heroes. They've been known to save their owners from life-threatening situations.
One notable example is Nico, a Bernese Mountain Dog who saved two people from a California rip current in 2015. His bravery and quick thinking likely saved their lives.
Their strong instincts and protective nature make them natural rescuers. They'll often go to great lengths to ensure their family's safety.
Here are some remarkable stories of Bernese Mountain Dogs saving the day:
- Nico saved two people from a California rip current in 2015.
- Bella saved her owner from a burning house by pulling him out.
- Oakley saved her family by sitting on her owner's head until he woke up when their Vermont ski condo caught fire overnight.
- Ben, a Bernese Mountain Dog/Border Collie mix, saved his family from a fire that started after they were asleep.
Interesting Facts
Bernese Mountain Dogs are known to be loyal companions, but they can be quite particular about who they obey. They will typically only follow two people, those they consider their leaders.
These dogs are also notorious for being clumsy and awkward, especially during their puppy stage. They have a funny way of moving around, and it's not uncommon to see them trip over their own paws.
After a short play session, Bernese puppies are usually exhausted and will crash for a quick nap. Don't worry, it's completely normal for them to be tired so easily – it's just a sign of their high energy levels to come.
As they grow up, Bernese Mountain Dogs will become an inexhaustible source of energy, and you might find yourself missing those cozy naps they used to take.
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