Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are strong and sturdy guardians. They have a fairly laid back temperament, though they will not hesitate to make their owners aware of anyone arriving with a string of barks.
They are generally well behaved,…read more below
Quick Facts
LIFESPAN (YRS)
6-8
WEIGHT (LBS)
79-110
TEMPERMENT
Loyal
COLOR
White
HEIGHT (in)
23-28
Bernese Mountain Dog Personality
Bernese Mountain Dogs are strong and sturdy guardians. They have a fairly laid back temperament, though they will not hesitate to make their owners aware of anyone arriving with a string of barks.
They are generally well behaved, and their high intelligence makes training much easier than with other similar breeds. These lovable dogs form extremely strong bonds with their owners, preferring to spend most of their time with their families and loved ones. Although, they can still be shy or even aloof around strangers.
Though they need plenty of space to stretch their legs and get the exercise they need, they do not have especially high exercise needs, though they are still able to keep up with even the most active owners. They love the great outdoors and will jump at any opportunity to spend time outside, playing with their favorite people.
Bernese Mountain Dogs do well indoors so long as they can get a good workout every day. They are quite content to curl up with their families when indoors, and can get along well with any children in the house if properly socialized.
Bernese Mountain Dog Characteristics
Intelligence
5/5
Trainability
5/5
Grooming Required
3/5
Exercise Needed
3/5
Family/Child Friendly
4/5
Stranger Friendly
3/5
Affection Level
3/5
Barking Tendencies
3/5
Shedding Level
4/5
Dog Park Friendly
3/5
Cat Friendly
3/5
Apartment Friendly
3/5
Bernese Mountain Dog Care
A Bernese Mountain dog will usually do well with a nutritionally balanced, premium dry dog food. Be sure to select a dog food that is appropriately formulated to suit your dog’s size, age, and level of activity.
To avoid overeating and unhealthy weight gain, it is suggested to stick to a feeding schedule, rather than free feeding. Meal portions should also be made appropriately for their age and activity level.
Make sure that there is always plenty of clean drinking water available for them to stay properly hydrated.
Bernese Mountain Dogs have a thick, dark double coat that is not difficult to keep well groomed, but that does require regular care.
Brushing twice or more per week will do a good job of keeping their coats free of any debris and loose hairs, though more frequent brushing will become necessary during shedding season. Mats and tangles in their coats can be cleared with a metal comb.
It will be important to regularly trim their nails in order to avoid injury and to keep them comfortable as they move around. Check their nails every 4-6 weeks and trim them when needed.
Check their ears each week for any dirt or waxy buildup. Wipe the ears with either a damp cloth or a dog ear cleaning solution to help avoid ear infections.
Brushing their teeth regularly will greatly decrease their risk of tooth and gum issues from forming. Be sure to brush their teeth several times per week, if not daily.
Though the Bernese Mountain Dog has excellent stamina and strength, they only require a moderate amount of exercise each day. At least a half an hour of some form of workout every day is suggested.
These dogs prefer to be outside, and will always be happy to accompany their owners on hikes and other outdoor activities. Backyard play is another great way to give them the one on one time they crave, as well as the workout they need.
For those days when these options may not be available, one or two walks around the block will do a good job of letting them burn some energy, allowing them to be content to curl up with their families for the rest of the day.
Be sure to use a leash or a lead whenever your BMD is not in a secure area, such as a well fenced yard or indoors.
Being such large dogs, obedience training and early socialization are understandably important, but these dogs tend to be gentle giants and respond quite well to training.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are typically eager to please, and will do well with obedience training so long as their owners are consistent and gentle in handling. Positive reinforcement will always have better results than any harsh treatment with these dogs.
Keep training sessions light and playful, and use them as a way to continue building a strong bond of trust with your BMD. The greater this bond, and the more fun they can have with training, the more eager they will be to participate and do well.
History
Bernese Mountain Dog History & Lineage
The Bernese Mountain Dog, sometimes referred to as the Dürrbachhund, has is a descendant of the Roman Molosser breeds. They have been used predominantly as cattle driving dogs and livestock guardians since their creation.
Around the turn of the 20th century, these dogs began to be shown at dog shows in Berne, and by 1907 the first parent club was formed by a number of local fanciers. The breed standard was also written the same year.
Bernese Mountain Dogs continue to be one of the most popular breeds among German speaking countries, though their popularity has quickly spread to many other places around the world. The U.S. has especially seen a rise in the popularity of this breed. In 2013, they were ranked the 32nd most popular breed in North America by the American Kennel Club.
Bernese Mountain Dog Medical Challenges
The Bernese Mountain Dog is considered to be a mostly healthy breed, and most of them live full lives without any serious health concerns. However, like most dogs, they are still able to experience certain issues such as joint dysplasia, retinal atrophy, blood disorders, and certain forms of cancer. Annual checkups with your veterinarian will play an important role in helping you to keep on top of your dog’s current health. The National Breed Club also suggests that you speak with your vet about hip, elbow and ophthalmologist evaluations, as well as cardiac exams and Von Willebrand’s Disease DNA tests to help you better understand and protect your pup’s health. Your Bernese Mountain Dog will be grateful for all the loving care that you provide for them, and they will be sure to find plenty of ways to show it that will continue to bring you joy.
Bernese Mountain Dog Care
Monthly
Lifetime
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Other Services
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Dog Trainer
Dog Walker
Dog Sitter
Dog Groomer