Bernese Mountain Dogs are a sturdy breed, and their size is one of their most distinctive features. On average, males reach a height of 24-28 inches (61-71 cm) and weigh between 80-120 pounds (36-54 kg).
Males typically take around 2-3 years to reach their full height, while females reach their full height in about 1-2 years.
During this growth period, Bernese Mountain Dogs can eat up to 4-5 cups of food per day, spread out over 3-4 meals.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are a large breed, and their size can affect their overall health and well-being.
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Size and Growth
At 6 months old, a Bernese Mountain Dog typically weighs between 45 and 70 pounds for females and 50 to 70 pounds for males, and stands around 19 to 23 inches tall.
Both males and females will continue to grow until they're between 2 and 3 years old. During this time, they'll add substance and bulk to their bodies, reaching their full height of 23 to 27.5 inches and weighing between 70 to 95 pounds for females and 80 to 115 pounds for males.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) official breed standards state that male Bernese Mountain Dogs should weigh between 80 and 115 pounds and female Bernese Mountain Dogs should weigh between 70 and 95 pounds at full development.
At What Age Is a Person Fully Grown?
People grow for about 20 years, but their bones stop growing around age 18-25.
In that time, they'll be at or near their mature height, but most people will require up to two years to completely fill out their chest.
Some people, like athletes or individuals with certain medical conditions, may continue to grow after this age, but it's relatively rare.
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Size
Bernese Mountain Dogs can grow to be quite large, with males weighing between 80 to 115 pounds and females weighing between 70 to 95 pounds at full development.
The breed's growth rate is slower than most, taking around one year to reach their mature size in terms of height and weight. However, most Bernese Mountain Dogs will require up to two years to completely fill out their chest.
Males stand over two feet tall, measuring 23 to 27.5 inches from the floor to the shoulder, while females stand around 23 to 26 inches tall.
Here's a breakdown of the breed's size range:
As a breed, Bernese Mountain Dogs are more susceptible to hereditary conditions such as Von Willebrand disease, which can impact their growth and overall health. Regular vet visits and preventative care can help ensure a happy and healthy life for your Bernese Mountain Dog.
Size Variations
Bernese Mountain Dogs can vary in size, but on average, a 6-month-old puppy will weigh between 45 and 70 pounds, with males being on the taller end of the range.
Both male and female puppies will stand around 19 to 23 inches tall, with males being taller. Females weigh 70 to 95 pounds at full development, while males weigh 80 to 115 pounds.
Genetics and lifestyle can affect the growth and size of your Bernese Mountain Dog, with regular exercise and a healthy diet playing a crucial role in their development.
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Sizes of Sub-Breeds
A 6-month-old Bernese Mountain Dog typically weighs between 45 and 70 pounds, depending on its sex, with males being slightly heavier.
Both male and female puppies will stand around 19 to 23 inches tall at this age.
Males will reach their full weight by the time they're 3 years old, while females will reach theirs slightly sooner.
The American Kennel Club notes that full-grown males can weigh between 80 and 115 pounds, while females typically weigh between 70 and 95 pounds.
Adult males stand between 25 and 27.5 inches tall, while females stand between 23 and 26 inches tall.
Genetics and lifestyle can affect a Bernese Mountain Dog's growth and size, so it's essential to consider these factors when bringing one home.
Regular exercise, such as at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily, is crucial for maintaining a Bernese Mountain Dog's physical and mental health.
Female Bernese Mountain Dogs are typically smaller than males, but several factors can influence growth and weight.
The breed's original purpose as farm dogs means they require space to move around, making them unsuitable for small homes.
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Mini
Mini Bernedoodles typically weigh between 15 to 40 pounds as adults, making them a great option for those who want a smaller dog.
The standard Bernedoodle is quite a bit larger, weighing between 70 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Mini Bernese mountain dogs, on the other hand, weigh between 35 to 55 pounds when fully grown.
These smaller dogs still pack a lot of love and energy, but they're often easier to manage for apartment dwellers or those with smaller living spaces.
Here's a comparison of the weights for mini Bernedoodles, mini Bernese mountain dogs, and standard Bernedoodles:
Care and Nutrition
Bernese mountain dogs require a moderate amount of exercise to be happy and healthy dogs. They need space for their big bodies to move and play, so a yard is likely a good idea.
Their grooming is fairly straightforward, but be prepared for lots of loose fur and occasional strings of drool. You'll want to brush them regularly to keep their coats under control.
To prevent weight gain and related health problems, feed them several small meals throughout the day rather than one large meal. This will help regulate their eating habits and prevent overeating.
Make sure to provide a fixed feeding schedule, so your dog knows exactly when to expect their next meal. This will also help put an end to whining and begging.
A Bernese mountain dog's activity level affects how much food they need. An active dog will require more food to compensate for the extra calories burned.
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Care
Bernese mountain dogs need a moderate amount of exercise to be happy and healthy.
Their grooming is fairly straightforward, but be prepared for lots of loose fur and occasional strings of drool.
You'll need to provide space for their big bodies to move and play, so a yard is a good idea.
Consistent training and socialization are also essential for Berners to thrive.
A moderate energy level means they'll need regular physical activity to stay happy and healthy.
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Diet and Nutrition
Fresh water is essential for your Bernese Mountain Dog, especially during the summer months when they're more susceptible to kidney problems. Make sure to have water available in several places around the house.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to putting on too much weight, which can lead to joint problems and other health issues. Excess weight can put a great deal of stress on their joints.
Feeding your Bernese Mountain Dog a quality, nutritionally balanced diet is crucial for their health. A diet made for large breeds is especially beneficial for Berner puppies.
Most people feed their dogs twice a day, but you should avoid using elevated bowls as they can increase the risk of bloat. Instead, use slow feeder bowls to help slow down eating.
Bernese Mountain Dogs love to eat and can be clever in trying to get more food, so it's essential to establish a fixed feeding schedule. This will help your dog get used to when they'll be fed and reduce whining and begging.
A very active dog will need more food as they're burning more calories, so make sure to consider their exercise level when determining their diet. For example, a 50 kg active dog needs 819 grams of dry food daily.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest Bernese Mountain Dog?
The world's largest Bernese Mountain Dog is Brutus, a massive dog from Montana who stands 38 inches tall and weighs 240 pounds. Meet Brutus, the giant among dogs.
Sources
- Bernese Mountain Dog Growth & Weight Chart (pawlicy.com)
- BMDCA Rescue & Rehome (bmdca.org)
- Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America Breeder Directory (bmdca.org)
- History of the Bernese Mountain Dog (bmdca.org)
- Bernese Mountain Dog (akc.org)
- How Big Does A Bernese Mountain Dog Get? (forbes.com)
- Bernese Mountain Dog Facts, History & Breed Details (trupanion.com)
- Everything you need to know about Bernese Mountain Dogs (yarrah.com)
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