Bernese Mountain Dog: Complete Breed Guide & Information
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Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle giants known for their calm, affectionate nature and strong work ethic. Originally bred as farm dogs in the Swiss Alps, their intelligence, loyalty, and patient demeanor make them excellent companions, whether pulling carts, serving as therapy dogs, or being devoted family pets.
- Breed popularity ranking: 23 of 202
- Club: Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America
- Population: 50,000 – 100,000
Weight
80–115 lbs
Height
23–27 inches
Lifespan
7–10 years
Breed Group
Working Group
Bernese Mountain Dog Growth Chart
History and Origin
The Bernese Mountain Dog, or Berner Sennenhund, originates from the Swiss Alps, particularly the canton of Bern. This breed is one of four regional “Sennenhund” types—mountain dogs used by alpine herders and farmers. Their ancestry likely dates back over 2,000 years, descending from large mastiff-type dogs brought to Switzerland by Roman soldiers. These dogs interbred with native working dogs, resulting in strong, cold-hardy breeds suited for rugged mountain life.
Historically, Bernese Mountain Dogs served as versatile farm companions. They were commonly used for pulling carts loaded with milk and produce, herding cattle across alpine pastures, and guarding property. Their power, endurance, and calm disposition made them highly valued in rural Swiss communities. By the late 1800s, the breed’s population declined due to the rise of mechanized farming and transportation. Fortunately, Swiss dog enthusiasts, led by Professor Albert Heim, took an interest in preserving the breed. A breed club was established in 1907, standardizing the Bernese Mountain Dog’s appearance and promoting its working traits.
The breed was introduced to the United States in the 1920s and was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1937. Today, Bernese Mountain Dogs are cherished worldwide for their striking tri-color coats, gentle temperament, and deep loyalty—qualities that reflect their noble working heritage.
Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Body Build | Strong, muscular, and sturdy with a broad chest |
| Coat Type | Thick, double coat; moderately long and slightly wavy or straight |
| Coat Colors | Tri-color: Jet black base with rust (reddish-brown) and white markings |
| Facial Markings | White blaze between eyes and on muzzle; rust spots above eyes (eyebrow dots) |
| Chest Markings | Distinct white cross or inverted “Y” shape on chest |
| Tail | Bushy, carried low when relaxed, may curve slightly upward when active |
| Ears | Medium-sized, triangular, set high, and lie flat close to the head |
| Eyes | Dark brown, almond-shaped, with a gentle, intelligent expression |
| Nose | Black and well-developed |
| Feet | Round and compact with well-arched toes (cat-like feet) |
| Overall Expression | Alert, friendly, and confident |
Bernese Mountain Dog Characteristics
The further out a point is along a spoke, the stronger that trait is in the breed (on a scale of 1 to 10).
| Trait | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | 9 | Calm, gentle, and affectionate. Excellent with children and other pets, making them ideal family dogs. |
| Sociability & Friendliness | 9 | Very social and friendly with people and other animals. Eager to interact and rarely aggressive. |
| Intelligence | 7 | Smart and capable learners. They understand commands well, though they may need some patience during training. |
| Trainability | 8 | Easy to train with positive reinforcement. They respond well to consistent, gentle guidance. |
| Energy Level | 6 | Moderate energy. They enjoy daily walks and playtime but aren’t overly hyper or demanding. |
| Shedding Level | 8 | High-shedding breed with a thick double coat. Regular grooming is needed to manage hair loss. |
| Protective Instinct | 7 | Protective without being aggressive. They’ll alert you to unusual activity but are not typically guard dogs. |
| Loyalty | 10 | Extremely devoted and loyal. They form strong bonds with their humans and are very affectionate. |
| Barking Level | 5 | Moderate barkers. They will alert to visitors or strange noises but are not prone to excessive barking. |
| Adaptability | 8 | Adapt well to different environments as long as their exercise and companionship needs are met. Prefer cooler climates. |
Exercise & Activity Breakdown
Bernese Mountain Dogs are strong, working dogs originally bred for draft and farm work in the Swiss Alps. While they are not as high-energy as some breeds, they still need regular physical and mental exercise to stay healthy and content.
- Puppy (0–12 months): During puppyhood, their joints and bones are still developing, so over-exercising can lead to orthopedic issues. Short bursts of play and gentle walks are ideal. Social play and early training are key during this life stage, helping to shape a well-mannered and confident adult dog.
- Adult (1–6 years): In this life stage, they are in their prime and benefit from more structured physical activity. While they aren’t hyperactive, they enjoy having a purpose—making daily walks, moderate hikes, nose work, gentle agility courses, or pulling activities ideal. Mental engagement becomes increasingly important to prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive habits.
- Senior (7+ years): As they age, their joints and energy levels decline. Exercise should be gentler but consistent to support weight management and prevent stiffness. Mental stimulation—like interactive toys or familiar routines—can help keep their minds sharp and spirits high. Always tailor activities to their mobility and comfort level.
Nutrition
Bernese Mountain Dogs need a high-quality diet that matches their life stage (e.g., puppy, adult, senior). Because they are a giant breed, it’s especially important to feed them food specifically formulated for large-breed dogs—particularly during puppyhood.
These specialized diets help control growth rates, reducing the risk of skeletal problems like hip and elbow dysplasia. Avoiding rapid growth during the early months can make a big difference in their long-term joint health. As they age, a diet that supports joint health and weight management becomes increasingly important. Read our “Bernese Mountain Dog Dog Food Guide“ to learn about their nutrition needs and find the best food.
Nutritional Breakdown by Activity Level for Bernese Mountain Dogs
Common Health Issues
Most Bernese Mountain Dogs are healthy, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Common health concerns include:
Recommended Health Tests for Bernese Mountain Dogs:
Proactive health measures, attentive care, and regular veterinary visits can help ensure your Bernese Mountain Dog lives a happy and healthy life as your loyal companion.
💡 Due to this breed’s high proclivity to health issues, we recommend getting pet insurance for financial protection against unexpected medical emergencies, ensuring your pet receives the best possible care without the burden of high out-of-pocket expenses. Check out our best pet insurance guide to find a suitable plan for your pet.
Care Requirements
| Grooming Task | Recommended Frequency | Importance | Tools Needed | Recommended Product |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brushing | 3–4 times per week | Prevents mats and tangles, removes loose fur, and promotes healthy skin | Slicker brush, de-shedding tool, grooming mitt | Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Dog Brush (View on Amazon) |
| Bathing | Every 2–3 months | Keeps coat clean, reduces odor, and helps control shedding | dog-safe shampoo, conditioner, towel, hair dryer (optional) | OUAI Fur Bébé Pet Shampoo (View on Amazon) |
| Nail Trimming | Every 3–4 weeks | Prevents overgrowth, pain, and potential injury while walking | dog nail clippers, nail grinder, styptic powder | Coastal Pet Safari Nail Clipper (View on Amazon) |
| Ear Cleaning | Once a week | Prevents ear infections, especially in floppy-eared breeds | Ear cleaning solution, cotton balls or pads (no Q-tips) | Zymox Ear Cleanser (View on Amazon) |
| Oral Care (Brushing Teeth) | 2–3 times per week (ideally daily) | Reduces plaque and tartar buildup, prevents gum disease and bad breath | Dog toothbrush, enzymatic toothpaste, dental chews | Greenies Dental Care Chews (View on Amazon) |
Bernese Mountain Dog Trainability
Bernese Mountain Dogs are intelligent and affectionate, and they respond best to gentle, reward-based training methods. Their sensitive nature means they thrive on positive reinforcement and clear, patient guidance. Ongoing training is encouraged to help build their confidence, reinforce obedience, and strengthen their bond with their family. While not naturally dominant or aggressive, consistent training helps manage their size and ensures they remain well-mannered companions in any setting.
When compared to other breeds, Bernese Mountain Dogs fall in the mid-to-upper range, showing they are generally cooperative and moderately easy to train—especially with positive reinforcement. While not as sharp as working breeds like the Border Collie, they are well-behaved with consistent, patient training.
Intelligence
According to canine psychologist Stanley Coren (author of The Intelligence of Dogs – View on Amazon), dog intelligence can be broken down into three types:
- Instinctive Intelligence – What a dog is bred to do (herding, guarding, retrieving).
- Adaptive Intelligence – A dog’s ability to solve problems and learn from the environment.
- Working & Obedience Intelligence – How quickly a dog learns commands and obeys them.
IQ Comparison
Bernese Mountain Dogs score moderately in both obedience and problem-solving IQ. This means they are smart, cooperative learners, especially with positive reinforcement—but they may take a bit longer to master complex tasks compared to high-performing breeds like the Border Collie or Poodle.
They can figure things out on their own when motivated and have enough emotional intelligence to make them excellent family companions. Their intelligence leans more toward being thoughtful and responsive rather than quick and hyper-focused.
Dog Breed Intelligence Comparison
Breeding
Berners are known for their gentle nature, but they also have a relatively short lifespan (6–8 years on average) and are prone to several genetic health conditions, which makes responsible breeding critical. Ethical breeders prioritize genetic testing to reduce the risk of inherited diseases. Breeders should space pregnancies to allow the female adequate time to recover and should never breed dogs with known health issues or undesirable traits.
- Age: Bernese should not be bred until they are physically and emotionally mature—usually around 2 years old.
- Litter size: A typical Bernese litter includes 6–10 puppies.
- Temperament: Only dogs with stable, affectionate, and confident temperaments should be included in breeding programs.
Is The Bernese Mountain Dog A Good Family Dog?
If the conditions below align with your lifestyle, personal preferences, and living situation, a Bernese Mountain Dog could be a wonderful pet for your family. Otherwise, you may want to consider other breeds.
✅ = Ideal / Strong Match | ⚠️ = Needs Consideration | ❌ = Not Recommended
| Suitability | Category | Score (1–10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ | Family Bonding | 10 | Deeply loyal, loving, and people-oriented — thrives in close families. |
| ✅ | Child Friendliness | 10 | Exceptionally gentle and patient with children of all ages. |
| ✅ | Good With Other Pets | 9 | Friendly and calm with proper early socialization. |
| ⚠️ | Maintenance Level | 5 | Thick double coat needs regular grooming; heavy seasonal shedding. |
| ⚠️ | Monthly Expenses | 6 | High food consumption, grooming costs, and potential joint care bills. |
| ⚠️ | Home Size Compatibility | 6 | Needs space — ideally a house with a fenced yard. |
| ⚠️ | Lifestyle Match | 6 | Best for moderately active families with time for companionship. |
| ✅ | Trainability | 8 | Smart and eager to please, though sensitive to harsh correction. |
| ⚠️ | Alone Time Tolerance | 5 | Doesn’t handle being alone well; prone to separation anxiety. |
| ⚠️ | Shedding & Drool Level | 4 | Sheds heavily and drools occasionally — cleanup is part of the deal. |
| ❌ | Hypoallergenic | 2 | Not allergy-friendly — sheds and produces dander. |
| ⚠️ | Protectiveness | 6 | Alert and watchful, but not aggressive or territorial. |
| ⚠️ | Mental Stimulation Needs | 6 | Enjoys light mental engagement; not overly demanding. |
| ⚠️ | Climate Tolerance | 4 | Loves the cold; overheats easily in warm/hot climates. |
| ⚠️ | Life Expectancy | 3 | One of the shortest lifespans — average of 6 to 8 years. |
| ✅ | Barking Level | 8 | Generally calm and quiet; barks only when necessary. |
| ⚠️ | Travel Friendliness | 5 | Large size can make travel and transport more challenging. |
| ✅ | Potty Training Ease | 8 | Quick learners when trained with patience and consistency. |
Average Score: 6.83 / 10
Annual Cost of Ownership
| Category | Estimated Annual Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Food & Treats | $900 – $1,200 |
| Routine Vet Care | $300 – $600 |
| Vaccinations & Preventatives | $200 – $400 |
| Pet Insurance | $500 – $900 |
| Grooming | $300 – $600 |
| Training & Socialization | $200 – $500 |
| Toys & Enrichment | $100 – $200 |
| Supplies (bed, bowls, leash, etc.) | $100 – $250 |
| Emergency Vet Fund (recommended) | $300 – $800 |
| Boarding or Pet Sitting | $200 – $600 |
$3,100 – $6,050
Best Places to Get a Bernese Mountain Dog
Online marketplaces: For pre-screened, healthy puppies, Pawrade and PuppySpot are recommended resources, offering puppies from reputable U.S. breeders.
Rescue shelters: While Bernese Mountain Dogs are rarely available at local shelters, opportunities can occasionally arise. Check your local animal shelters or dog rescue organizations. Online communities, such as Facebook groups, can also be helpful resources.
Breeders: Finding a reputable Bernese Mountain Dog breeder can be challenging due to the complex nature of breeding this large, purebred working dog. Start by searching locally within your state. You may need to travel out of state if local options are unavailable. If purchasing from a breeder further away, consider the possibility of shipping the puppy if pickup is not an option. It’s essential to request medical records and health certifications for both parents. The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America’s approved breeder list is a trusted resource when searching for ethical breeders.
Avoid breeders who:
- Don’t provide health clearances for both parents
- Don’t allow visits to meet the dogs or see their living conditions
- Have frequent litters with no waiting list
- Emphasize appearance over health and temperament
Sources
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