Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Bernese Mountain Dog?

Bernese Mountain Dogs originate from the Swiss city of Berne. To begin with, they were used as all-purpose farm dogs, acting as carting dogs, watchdogs, and property guards.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of four tri-coloured Swiss Mountain Dogs that are all related - the Appenzeller, Entlebucher, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and the Bernese Mountain Dog. All of these breeds have identical coat colours but the Bernese is the only one with a classic long coat.

The first Bernese Mountain Dogs were transported to the Netherlands after World War I and then to the United States in 1926. However, the American Kennel Club didn't recognise the breed until 1981.

Who are Bernese Mountain Dog dogs best for?

The perfect owner for a Bernese Mountain Dog would be someone with a large home and a securely fenced backyard or garden. These dogs love to explore so lots of space is essential. They also love being with their humans and don't like to be left on their own for long.

If you live in an apartment and you're out most of the day, unfortunately, a Bernese isn't the right dog for you. They're also not ideal for first-time owners either due to their size and dominant nature.

But, if you're an experienced pet parent who can provide plenty of space, time, and energy to train the Bernese well, it could be the perfect match for you. A well-raised and trained Bernese will make a lovely family companion.

How much grooming does a Bernese Mountain Dog need?

As beautiful as the Bernese Mountain Dog's coat is, it takes a lot of looking after! The luxurious coat consists of two layers with the topcoat being super soft and growing to approximately 12-15cm long. The undercoat is thick and provides great protection against cold weather.

A Bernese Mountain Dog will need to be regularly brushed to keep the shedding under control and to prevent mats and tangles from developing. The breed also has a beautiful shiny coat thanks to the natural oils in their skin. Regular brushing will help to evenly spread these oils, keeping the coat and skin healthy.

Because of this, bathing should only be done if needed, as too many baths can strip the natural oils from the coat. But, if your Bernese has insisted on rolling in something revolting, feel free to direct it to the bath!

Do Bernese Mountain Dog bark much?

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a natural watchdog, which means they're not afraid to make their voices known! Although they don't tend to bark excessively, they may emit loud warning barks if they feel they need to.

If your Bernese does bark too much, don't worry, it is possible to reduce it through positive reinforcement, especially if you start early.

Do Bernese Mountain Dog bite?

Like all dog breeds, poor training can lead to your dog developing biting habits. The good news is that, although the Bernese Mountain Dog is a large breed with incredible strength, it's not known for being aggressive.

However, this doesn't mean that you should skimp on your dog's training. If you have children, they should be taught to handle the dog respectfully. Interactions between the dog and the child should always be supervised, no matter how friendly your pooch is.

What is the temperament & personality of a Bernese Mountain Dog?

The Bernese Mountain Dog temperament is easygoing and laidback. These large dogs love learning and they do best when they have a job to do. They're very alert and their instincts make them perfect watchdogs.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is gentle, calm, and patient, making them great family pets. Although they're protective of their humans and sometimes standoffish with strangers, they're not usually aggressive.

Early socialisation can help to ensure that your Bernese Mountain Dog is patient and friendly with children, adults, and other dogs.

What is the weight & size of a Bernese Mountain Dog?

Male Bernese Mountain Dogs typically weigh around 22-32kg and measure between 63-70cm tall. Females should weigh around 20-30kg and usually reach 58-66cm tall.

Although there is a difference in height and weight, both males and females boast muscular bodies and typically have longer bodies in comparison to their height.

How much training does a Bernese Mountain Dog need?

The Bernese Mountain Dog is eager to please and highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train. They're also affectionate and sensitive. Their feelings are easily hurt so harsh corrections can devastate them.

Positive reinforcement and obedience training will go a long way in raising your Bernese. Bernese dogs love their families and thrive on spending time with them. If you leave your dog alone for too long, it may become destructive.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Bernese Mountain Dog?

Unfortunately, because the Bernese breed has a small gene pool, these dogs are at risk of inheriting genetic health conditions, including:

• Cancer

• Von Willebrand's Disease

• Hip Dysplasia

• Bloating

• Eye conditions

Although not all Bernese Mountain Dogs will get any or all of these conditions, it's important to know about them if you're thinking of taking on this breed. If you're getting a Bernese, be sure to talk to your vet about checking for these conditions.

What is the lifespan of a Bernese Mountain Dog?

The average lifespan of a Bernese is around 7-10 years. Although large dog breeds don't usually live as long as smaller breeds, Berners do have a shorter life expectancy compared to other breeds.

To help your Bernese Mountain Dog live a healthy life for as long as possible, be sure to provide it with a proper diet, lots of exercise, and regular veterinary care.

How much should you feed a Bernese Mountain Dog?

Generally, a healthy Bernese Mountain Dog will get through 3-6 cups of food each day, which should be given in two meals.

Like all puppies from large breeds, your Bernese will benefit from a special diet that will promote slow growth to help stop joint issues from developing. Additionally, you should monitor your dog's weight and be sure to feed accurately measured meals on a schedule.

Never feed at random times in unmeasured amounts as this could ultimately cause hip dysplasia and other health issues like diabetes.

What is the price of a Bernese Mountain Dog in Australia?

If you're searching for your new furry best friend, be aware that a responsibly bred puppy will not come cheap. Expect to pay between $900-$2,000 for a well-bred Bernese puppy.

Be very suspicious of breeders offering very cheap puppies, as they're probably irresponsibly and poorly bred.