Bernese Mountain Dog puppies are a joy to behold, with their thick, fluffy coats and sweet, gentle eyes. They're a large breed, but they're also known for being gentle giants.
The average weight of a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy is between 80-120 pounds, with males weighing more than females. This is important to consider when choosing a puppy, as you'll need to make sure you have enough space for them to grow.
Their thick coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, but it's worth it for the adorable, fluffy results. With regular brushing and occasional trimming, you can keep your Bernese Mountain Dog's coat looking its best.
Physical Characteristics
Bernese mountain dog puppies are adorable, resembling plush dog toys.
These sturdy dogs can weigh between 70–115 pounds.
Their dark brown eyes are expressive and welcoming, giving them a sweet and endearing look.
Their tricolored coat features a thick black base with distinctive white and rust markings on the face.
The moderately long and silky coat can be straight or slightly wavy.
Bernese mountain dogs are large, standing 23–27.5 inches tall at the shoulder.
Temperament and Behavior
Bernese mountain dog puppies are incredibly gentle and affectionate, making them fantastic companions for families of all sizes and ages, including children.
They're low-energy dogs that enjoy plenty of downtime with their people, whether it's playing in the yard or lazing on the couch. They do not like to be alone.
Early training is essential to teach them how to behave properly in the house and with people. Their large size is one of their most notable features.
Berners are slow to mature, reaching adult size long before they reach mental maturity. Socialization helps ensure that your Berner puppy grows into a well-rounded dog.
With proper socialization, Bernese mountain dogs get along well with cats and other dogs, and they can even be great watchdogs due to their large size and intimidating bark.
For more insights, see: Big Mountain Dogs
Temperament
Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their intelligence and eagerness to please, making them a joy to train.
They're low-energy dogs that enjoy plenty of downtime with their people, whether that's playing in the yard or lounging on the couch.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are patient, calm, and affectionate, making them a great fit for families.
However, they can be somewhat aloof with strangers, so proper socialization is key when they're young.
They're also naturally protective of their family, but this doesn't usually manifest as aggression.
In fact, they're generally gentle and calm, making them a great watchdog without being a threat.
With their loving and gentle nature, it's essential to expose them to a variety of people, animals, and situations to help them become well-rounded dogs.
Early training is also crucial to teach them how to behave properly in the house and with people.
As they mature, Bernese Mountain Dogs become loyal companions that thrive on being part of the family.
They're quick to form close bonds with their human family, and their gentle demeanor makes them a great fit for families of all sizes and ages.
However, their size can be a concern, especially around young or small children, so it's essential to teach children how to approach and touch dogs gently.
With proper socialization and training, Bernese Mountain Dogs can become wonderful companions for families and individuals alike.
Related reading: Bernese Mountain Dogs Calm
Born for Cold Weather
Bernese Mountain Dogs are born for cold weather. Their thick double coats provide excellent insulation against the cold, keeping them warm and comfortable even in frosty conditions.
They're originally from Switzerland, where they're well-equipped to handle chilly temperatures. This natural adaptation makes them perfect companions for snowy adventures.
Their thick coats are a result of their evolutionary history in the snowy landscapes of Switzerland. This means they can frolic through winter wonderland or curl up next to the fireplace with ease.
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Fun Facts and Tips
Bernese mountain dog puppies are quite impressive, and here are some fun facts to prove it.
They can pull up to 10 times their own weight, which is nearly 1,000 pounds! That's a lot of strength for a little pup.
These dogs used to be delivery dogs, pulling carts filled with dairy products and bread from farm to farm. They'd make great delivery dogs today, but most of them just like to play and have fun.
Here's an interesting read: Bull Terrier Fun Facts
Only the Bernese mountain dog has long hair among the four Sennenhund breeds. The others are a bit more low-maintenance when it comes to grooming.
You might have heard of Luna the Berner, an Instagram-famous Bernese mountain dog with over 100,000 fans. She's clearly got a knack for being adorable.
Here are some fun facts about your Bernese mountain dog's appearance:
- They're sometimes called "vieräugler" (four eyes) due to the small rust-color markings above their eyes.
- These markings are a distinctive feature of the breed.
Finding and Choosing a Puppy
Finding a responsible breeder is crucial when looking for a fluffy Bernese Mountain Dog puppy. The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America (BMDCA) at www.bmdca.org is a great place to start.
You can scroll through their list of breeders or search by state to find one that matches your needs. Some breeders may have a current litter, while others may have waiting lists.
Contacting the local club in your region can also provide valuable information about their programs and breeders. You can find a list of local clubs at BMDCA.
AKC.org's puppy finder service can also be a useful resource, but be aware that not all responsible breeders list their litters here.
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Return
As you're considering bringing a Bernese Mountain Dog into your family, it's essential to think about their return on investment. These dogs require a lot of attention and care, but they're worth it.
Their lifespan is relatively short, typically ranging from 7 to 10 years. This means you'll need to factor in the cost of veterinary care and potential health issues.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are naturally gentle and affectionate, making them excellent family pets. They're great with children of all ages and are often referred to as "gentle giants" due to their large size and kind disposition.
However, their large size also means they need plenty of space to move around. A large, fenced yard is a must, as they can't be relegated to an outdoor kennel. They're happiest when they can participate in all family activities.
In terms of training, Bernese Mountain Dogs are intelligent and eager to please, but they can be slow to mature physically and mentally. Early obedience training and socialization are crucial to help them become well-adjusted adult dogs.
For another approach, see: Yorkshire Terrier Care
Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when bringing a Bernese Mountain Dog into your family:
Finding a Responsible Breeder
Finding a responsible breeder can be a daunting task, but there are some reliable resources to help you get started. The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America (BMDCA) at www.bmdca.org is a great place to begin.
You can scroll through their directory of active responsible breeders or search by state to find a breeder that matches your needs. Be prepared to contact the breeders themselves to find a good match.
The BMDCA website also has a list of local clubs in your region, which often have websites with information about their programs and breeders. You can get a full list of local clubs at BMDCA.
AKC.org offers a free puppy finder service that shows a list of breeders who currently have puppies available in your region. However, be aware that this list may not include all responsible breeders.
To ensure you're working with a responsible breeder, it's essential to do your due diligence and research their reputation.
Broaden your view: Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breeders
How to Pick a Video Part 1
Choosing the right video is crucial when selecting a puppy to bring home.
Puppies are often sold on videos, which can be a great way to see their temperament and behavior.
You can find videos of puppies on websites like Petfinder or through breeders' social media.
Consider the puppy's age in the video - a puppy under 8 weeks old is too young to be separated from its mother.
At 8 weeks, puppies are typically weaned and ready to start interacting with humans.
Look for a video that shows the puppy interacting with its littermates and mother - this can give you an idea of their socialization and behavior.
A puppy that's been handled regularly and is confident around people is a good sign.
Check the video for any signs of fear or aggression - a puppy that's fearful or aggressive may not be a good fit for your family.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Alaskan Malamute Behaviour
If you notice any red flags, it's best to keep looking.
Watch for a puppy that's energetic and playful, but also calm and relaxed - this can be a sign of good temperament.
A puppy that's too hyper or too laid-back may not be the best fit for your lifestyle.
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Sources
- https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/bernese-mountain-dog
- https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/dog-breeds/bernese-mountain-dog
- https://bernerwise.com/guide-buying-bernese-mountain-dog-puppy/
- https://dogtime.com/puppies/117225-bernese-mountain-dog-puppies
- https://bernerwise.com/pick-perfect-bernese-mountain-dog-puppy/
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