Bernese Mountain Dog Pros and Cons: A Comprehensive Guide

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a beloved breed for many reasons. They're large, sturdy dogs with a thick coat of fur that's perfect for cold climates, as they originated from the Swiss Alps.

Their average weight is around 80-120 pounds, making them a substantial companion. They're also known for their calm and gentle nature, which makes them a great fit for families with children.

One thing to consider is their grooming needs, as they require regular brushing and occasional bathing to prevent matting and tangling of their coat. This can be a significant time commitment, especially during shedding season.

Despite their size, Bernese Mountain Dogs are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise, requiring daily walks but not excessive running or high-impact activities.

If this caught your attention, see: Smooth Haired Fox Terrier Puppies

The Bernese Mountain Dog originated in Switzerland, specifically around the city of Berne, where they were bred as general-purpose farm dogs. They were tasked with guarding property, watching over livestock, and even pulling carts loaded with cheese to market.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of four related tricolored Swiss mountain dogs, along with the Appenzeller, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog, and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. These breeds feature the same three colors, but only the Bernese has the signature long coat.

In the 1800s, Bernese Mountain Dogs were used to drive livestock, guard farms, and pull heavy loads. They were also loving companions to their families.

The breed declined in popularity towards the end of the 1800s due to the rise of machines replacing much of their work. This led to the formation of a Swiss club to preserve the breed and revive its popularity.

The Bernese Mountain Dog was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1937, and they've since become a popular breed in the US, ranking No. 21 on the AKC's list of most popular dog breeds in 2023.

Originally, the Bernese Mountain Dog was called the “Dürrbächler”, named after a small village in Switzerland where the dog was very popular with local farmers. They were great at protecting sheep and pulling small carts for the farmers.

The breed drew a great deal of attention at an international dog show in Bern in 1907, and soon became known in other regions. This led to the breed being renamed the Bernese Mountain Dog, named after the canton in Switzerland where the dog comes from.

Consider reading: Small White Dog Types

Bernese mountain dogs are quite athletic and need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. They require at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every day, such as walks, hikes, and games of fetch.

Daily exercise can be in the form of outdoor activities like trips to the dog park or playdates with fellow friendly dogs, as long as they are matched in size and strength.

Bernese mountain dogs are eager to please and can learn advanced tricks and shine in obedience competitions and agility. However, they grow slowly, so agility training should be undertaken in a slow and steady manner to prevent injuries to growing bones and joints.

To prevent destructive behaviors caused by boredom, mental stimulation through advanced training is essential. Bernese mountain dogs are intelligent and can learn to track, compete in AKC tracking events, and even participate in carting and drafting competitions.

Bernese mountain dogs need at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day to stay fit and healthy. They love spending time outdoors and make great companions on hikes or long walks.

Additional reading: Healthy Bull Terrier

Here's a summary of their exercise needs:

It's essential to note that Bernese mountain dogs are prone to heatstroke and may overheat if the weather is hot or humid. They need to be exercised in a way that prevents overheating, such as splitting exercise into shorter treks throughout the day.

The Bernese Mountain Dog's grooming needs are a crucial aspect of their care. They have a double coat that repels dirt and insulates them from the cold, but sheds heavily, especially during seasonal changes.

You'll want to brush your Berner at least weekly, with daily brushing during shedding season to prevent mats and tangles. This habit will also help them get accustomed to regular grooming from an early age.

Bathe your Berner roughly every month, depending on how dirty they get, and check their nails monthly for a trim. Examine their ears weekly for dirt, redness, swelling, or smell, and dry them thoroughly after swimming or bathing.

Drooling can be a problem for some Berners, especially those with loose jowls. Keep a cleanup cloth on hand to prevent the drool from embedding in their fur.

Related reading: Welsh Corgi Grooming

Bernese Mountain Dogs make great family pets, being excellent with kids and loyal, devoted companions. They're also relatively energetic, but not exhausting, making them a great choice for active families.

One thing to consider is their heavy shedding, which can be a challenge for some owners. They also drool a bit, and their heavy coat isn't suitable for warm climates, so be prepared for some extra grooming and potential heat-related issues.

Here are some key pros and cons to keep in mind:

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a wonderful breed, but like any dog, it's not perfect. Here are some pros and cons to consider.

They are extremely affectionate and loving, making them perfect for families who want a dog that will be a part of the pack. With proper socialization, they can be open to meeting strangers and are quite friendly.

Their intelligence and trainability make them a breeze to train, but they do require regular obedience training to maintain good behavior. They are also highly energetic and playful, but their size means they can be a bit clumsy at times.

One of the biggest cons of owning a Bernese Mountain Dog is that they don't like to be left alone for too long. If you have long work hours, this breed may not be the best fit for you.

Here are some key pros and cons to consider:

Overall, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a wonderful breed that can make a great addition to the right family. With proper care and attention, they can thrive and bring joy to your life for many years to come.

Bernese Mountain Dogs make excellent family pets, known for their loyal and devoted nature. They are energetic but not exhausting, making them a great choice for families with kids.

Their trainability is one of their best qualities, allowing them to learn and adapt quickly. With proper socialization, they can be open to meeting strangers and are quite affectionate with their families.

Here are some key characteristics of Bernese Mountain Dogs:

They are also good watchdogs, though some may bark more than you'd like. Overall, Bernese Mountain Dogs are a loving and loyal breed that make great companions for families.

Bernese Mountain Dogs can have a relatively short life span, averaging around 6-8 years. This is a significant consideration for any potential owner.

Their heavy shedding is another con to consider. You'll need to be prepared for regular grooming sessions to keep their coat under control.

Some Bernese Mountain Dogs may also drool, which can be a bit messy. This can be a challenge for owners who don't want to deal with constant cleaning.

Their heavy coat isn't suitable for warm climates, so if you live in a hot region, this may not be the best breed for you.

If you do decide to bring a Bernese Mountain Dog into your life, it's best to have access to a yard. This will give them plenty of space to run around and exercise.

For more insights, see: Best Toys for Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs are social animals that thrive on attention and interaction with their family. They need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, and more is always better.

If you don't provide them with enough physical activity, they may develop destructive behaviors or barking issues. This breed isn't suited for apartments or city life due to their size and exercise requirements.

Their fur is very long and thick, but they're sensitive to heat and need plenty of shade and fresh water when outside. They shed heavily throughout the year, so regular combing is a must.

To give you a better idea of the breed's exercise needs, here's a brief checklist:

Bernese Mountain Dogs are a breed with a relatively short life span, typically living between 6-8 years.

One of the main concerns is cancer, which affects many Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Hip and elbow dysplasia are also common issues in this breed.

Arthritis can set in early, often due to joint diseases, which can be a real challenge for owners.

Eye disease is another concern, and regular check-ups are a must.

Bloat is a serious issue that requires immediate attention.

Allergies can also be a problem, so it's essential to monitor your Bernese Mountain Dog's health closely.

To minimize these serious health concerns, it's crucial to purchase from a reputable breeder who engages in responsible breeding practices.

Here's a list of common health issues that affect Bernese Mountain Dogs:

Bernese Mountain Dogs are social companion animals who relish time indoors with family members. They need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

To meet their exercise needs, they require a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise per day. More than an hour is even better to keep them engaged and prevent destructive behaviors.

Without enough exercise, Bernese Mountain Dogs may develop destructive behaviors or barking. They can adapt to apartment life with enough attention and exercise, but their size and needs make them less suitable for city living.

On a similar theme: How Much Exercise Does a Bernese Mountain Dog Need

Bernese Mountain Dogs are a wonderful choice for households with kids, as they are gentle and loving. They'll often take it upon themselves to watch over them, but be aware that their large size and adolescent clumsiness may lead to accidental knocks.

Children should never be allowed to climb or ride on a Bernese Mountain Dog, as it may injure the dog or instigate a bite. This is a crucial consideration for families with young kids.

Bernese Mountain Dogs get along well with other dogs in most households and are often compatible with cats. They're generally easy-going and friendly, making them a great addition to multi-pet families.

However, young Berners may assert themselves as being dominant or be aggressive toward other male dogs. This is something to watch out for and address with proper training and socialization.

These lovable dogs thrive on human companionship and will be happiest as house dogs. They require attention and interaction, so be prepared to spend quality time with your Bernese.

Some Bernese Mountain Dogs may drool excessively, especially after drinking and eating, due to their massive heads and loose lips. This is just one aspect of their unique personality to consider.

Overall, Bernese Mountain Dogs make great companions for families who can provide the necessary attention, space, and training.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a well-balanced large breed dog with a sturdy appearance, slightly longer than they are tall.

Their head is flat and broad with a strong muzzle, and triangular, medium-sized ears are high-set and hang. Large eyes offer an intelligent expression. The tail is long and bushy, not carried across the back or docked.

The Bernese Mountain Dog's body is strong with a deep chest, and strong, muscular legs allow them to move with agility and purpose. A long, thick tri-color coat may be black, rust, and white, or black, tan, and white, with symmetrical markings over the eyes, around the mouth, and on the chest.

The tail is white-tipped and the feet are white. This breed is alert, confident, and friendly without aggression or shyness.

The Bernese Mountain Dog was developed in the Swiss Alps as a farm and drover dog, one of four Swiss Mountain Dog breeds. They were likely developed from Mastiff-type dogs brought to Switzerland from Rome 2,000 years ago.

Intriguing read: Big Mountain Dogs

The breed was most commonly used to herd livestock and pull carts loaded with cheese to market, but were also admirable watchdogs, tasked with guarding the farm or pasture. They made the leap from farm dog to family dog, watching over children and even pulling them in carts.

The Bernese Mountain Dog originated in and around the city of Berne in Switzerland, bred as a general-purpose farm dog that acted as a property guard, watchdog, and carting dog.