Swiss Bernese Mountain Dog: A Comprehensive Guide

The Swiss Bernese Mountain Dog is a majestic breed that originated in the Swiss Alps. They were originally bred to pull carts and herd cattle.

These dogs are known for their distinctive tri-colored coat, which is typically black with white and rust markings. They have a thick double coat that sheds heavily, so regular grooming is a must.

Swiss Bernese Mountain Dogs are large dogs, with males weighing between 80 and 120 pounds and standing between 23 and 27.5 inches tall at the shoulder. They are a sturdy breed with a muscular build.

The Bernese Mountain Dog's large size requires a home and transportation that can accommodate it without being forced into cramped spaces.

They need access to soft bedding to prevent callouses and bursitis, which is the inflammation of the cushioning sacs between tendons, joints, and tissues.

The breed is prone to shedding and drooling, so it may not be a good choice for fastidious housekeepers.

The Bernese Mountain Dog requires no more than an hour of walking or playing during the cool parts of the day.

It enjoys activities like tug, swimming, nose work, and trick training, but especially loves carting and sled pulling.

Coat care consists of weekly brushing and occasional bathing, with daily brushing required during seasonal shedding in the spring and fall.

The breed is not long-lived, averaging only 7-10 years.

They are prone to gastric dilatation-volvulus, a life-threatening emergency involving the bloating and blockage of the stomach that can require immediate veterinary intervention.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a gentle giant, known for its easygoing temperament. It's a friendly breed that gets along well with strangers, other dogs, and other pets.

They can be a bit intimidating with their deep bark, but they're not excessive barkers. In fact, they're often wagging their tails while alerting you to potential threats.

As a breed, Bernese Mountain Dogs are naturally good-natured, self-assured, and docile. They may be aloof with strangers, but once they bond with you, they're loyal companions.

One thing to keep in mind is that Bernese Mountain Dogs can be a bit strong for children or the elderly to manage, due to their size and strength. However, with proper training and supervision, they can make excellent family pets.

They're also very affectionate and patient, making them a great match for families with kids. They'll happily tolerate children climbing all over them, and they'll even enjoy a calm evening with the family.

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a rich history that dates back to a small town called Dürrbach, where these large dogs were especially frequent. This breed was used as an all-purpose farm dog for guarding property and driving dairy cattle to alpine pastures.

In the early 1900s, fanciers began exhibiting the breed at shows in Berne, and by 1907, a few breeders from the Burgdorf region founded the first breed club, the Schweizerische Dürrbach-Klub. This club wrote the first Standard, which defined the dogs as a separate breed.

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The breed quickly gained popularity, with 107 registered members by 1910. This was a remarkable achievement, considering the breed was still in its early stages of development.

In 1937, the American Kennel Club recognized the breed, classifying it as a member of the Working Group. Today, the Bernese Mountain Dog is growing in popularity in the US, ranking 22nd place by the American Kennel Club in 2017.

The Bernese mountain dog is a sturdy breed with a strong, wide back. They are slightly longer than they are tall.

Their head is flat on top with a moderate stop. The ears are medium-sized, triangular, and set high. They are rounded at the top.

Their legs are straight and strong, with round, arched toes.

The Bernese mountain dog is slightly longer than it is tall, which gives it a unique physique.

Its muscular build is supported by a strong, wide back that's perfect for carrying its sturdy body.

The breed's legs are straight and strong, with round, arched toes that help it grip the ground.

The dewclaws of the Bernese are often removed, which can be a consideration for new owners.

Let's talk about coat and color. Humans come in a wide range of coat types, from thin and delicate to thick and coarse.

The thickness of a person's coat is largely determined by their body fat percentage, which can vary from 15% to 40% or more. Facial hair is also influenced by coat type, with thicker coats often producing more facial hair.

Coat color is determined by the production and distribution of two types of melanin: eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin produces brown and black colors, while pheomelanin produces red and yellow colors.

Some people have a condition called albinism, which affects the production of melanin and results in a complete lack of skin and hair pigmentation. This is a rare condition, affecting only about 1 in 20,000 people.

Eye color is also influenced by the production and distribution of melanin, with brown eye color being dominant in many populations.

On a similar theme: Bernese Mountain Dog Eye Problems

The Swiss Bernese Mountain Dog is a natural for pulling small carts or wagons, a task they originally performed in Switzerland.

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, so you can learn how to train your Bernese to pull a cart.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are also eligible to compete in AKC Herding Events, which is a great way to showcase their herding instincts.

With proper training, they can participate in herding trials and even carting competitions.

For another approach, see: Bernese Mountain Dog Cart Pulling

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a breed that thrives on physical and mental stimulation. They need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

They're naturally suited 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.

Their high energy level requires a daily routine that includes activities like running, swimming, or hiking. A minimum of 30 minutes of exercise per day is recommended.

Broaden your view: Bernese Mountain Dog Exercise

Bernese Mountain Dogs excel at herding and carting competitions, showcasing their intelligence, athleticism, and trainability. They're also great at herd guardianship, especially in cold climates.

Their calm temperament makes them a great breed for families with children, but they can be wary of strangers. Proper socialization from an early age is essential to help them feel comfortable around new people.

In Switzerland, they're used by the police for their exceptional defensive instincts and loyalty. With consistent training and exercise, they can become valuable members of the family.

Getting enough physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise can help you manage stress and improve your mood.

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week. This can be broken down into 30 minutes per day, five days a week.

Exercise can also help you sleep better at night. Adults should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

Staying active can even help you live longer. Research shows that regular exercise can add 3-7 years to your life expectancy.

It's never too late to start exercising, whether you're 20 or 60. Even small amounts of physical activity can make a big difference in your overall health.

The Swiss Bernese Mountain Dog sheds year-round, and the heaviest shedding is during seasonal changes.

To keep its coat neat and reduce the amount of fur on the floor and furniture, a weekly brushing is usually sufficient, with more in spring and fall.

A bath is only needed about once every couple of months, depending on the dog's activity level and how often it spends its time in the dirt.

Weekly ear cleanings using a veterinarian-recommended cleanser can help reduce the risk of an ear infection, which can be a concern due to the ears' tendency to trap bacteria, dirt, and liquid.

Bernese Mountain Dogs shed year-round, and the heaviest shedding is during seasonal changes. This means you'll need to brush your Bernese more often in the spring and fall to keep its coat neat.

A weekly brushing is usually sufficient to keep the coat in good condition, but be prepared for more frequent brushing during seasonal changes. You'll be glad you do, as it will reduce the amount of fur on the floor and furniture.

The Bernese will only require a bath about once every couple of months, depending on its activity level and how often it spends time in the dirt. If your Bernese is a messy one, you may need to bathe it more frequently.

Weekly ear cleanings are crucial to prevent ear infections in Bernese Mountain Dogs. Use a veterinarian-recommended cleanser to keep those ears clean and healthy.

Health Issues can arise from poor grooming habits.

Skin conditions like acne and eczema can be triggered by using harsh shampoos or soaps.

Ingrown hairs are a common issue for people who shave or wax regularly.

Poor dental hygiene can lead to gum disease and tooth loss.

Regular trims can help prevent matting and tangling of fur, reducing the risk of hairballs and skin irritation in pets.

Notable Bernese Mountain Dogs are quite the fascinating bunch. Hercules, a Bernese Mountain Dog, was brought home by Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger from the Emmental region of Switzerland during a 2006 weeklong trip to discover his family's roots in the country.

Smelly and Harvey Milkbone, two Bernese Mountain Dogs, were owned by the characters Bryan and David in the 2012 TV series The New Normal. Buttercup is a Bernese Mountain Dog on the television series 9-1-1: Lone Star.

Ohly, a Bernese Mountain Dog, gained fame after disappearing and being found on Mount Seymour in a treacherous area known as "Suicide Gulley." Members of North Shore Rescue tracked, located, and rescued Ohly.

Quincey von Wiesmadern, a Bernese Mountain Dog, appeared in videos with Austrian singer Hansi Hinterseer. Hannah is the real-life inspiration for the protagonist of children's books such as A Beach Day for Hannah and A Snow Day for Hannah by Linda Petrie Bunch.

Argus and Fiona, two Bernese mountain dogs, were shot and killed when they entered a neighbor's yard. The neighbor who shot the dogs admitted to overreacting. Izzy survived the Northern California wildfires and emerged from the woods with her tail wagging.

Bród and Síoda, two pet dogs of the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins, made headlines. Síoda died on September 19, 2020, and was replaced by a new puppy named Misneach in March 2021. Bród died on April 22, 2023.

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Here are some notable Bernese Mountain Dogs in a nutshell: