Bernese Mountain Dog

Group

Working

Weight

36-52 kg

Height

58-66 cm

Lifespan

7-10 years

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About the Bernese Mountain Dog

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

With their super soft tri-coloured coats and big brown eyes, the Bernese Mountain dog is instantly recognisable. If you’re considering bringing one of these huge fluffy goofballs into your family, you’re sure to find this Bernese Mountain dog breed guide useful.

Could this breed be the perfect match for you? Hopefully, once you’ve finished reading this guide, you’ll know if it is or not!

From training your new fluffy friend to potential health problems and how much Bernese Mountain dog puppies cost, you’ll find it all right here, so keep scrolling to find out more!

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.

What is a Bernese Mountain Dog breed?

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large sturdy dog known to be very strong and muscular. One of the four Sennenhund breeds from the Swiss Alps, the breed also descends from Roman Mastiff type dogs.

Sporting a silky signature tri-coloured coat – white, tan, and black, this dog oozes elegance and charm. Because of their thick coats, they do best in colder countries and may struggle in hot climates.

Learn more about: Bernese Mountain Dog Colours

Who is a Bernese Mountain Dog 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.

Bernese Mountain Dog Grooming & Shedding

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!

Learn more about: Bernese Mountain Dog Grooming Tips & Styles

Do Bernese Mountain Dogs bark a lot?

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.

What is the average weight & height of a Bernese Mountain Dog?

Male Bernese Mountain Dogs typically weigh around 36 to 52kg and measure between 63-70cm tall. Females should weigh around 32-43kg 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.

Learn more about: Bernese Mountain Dog Size & Weight Chart

Are Bernese Mountain Dogs easy to train?

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.

Learn more about: Bernese Mountain Dog Training Guide – Crate, Toilet & More Tips!

How do Bernese Mountain Dogs behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The Bernese Mountain Dog temperament is easy going 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 stand-offish 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.

Learn more about: Bernese Mountain Dog Temperament & Personality Traits

Does the Bernese Mountain Dog have any common health issues?

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 and elbow dysplasia
Bloating
Eye conditions
Kidney disease

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, especially kidney health problems and hip & elbow dysplasia, for which testing is available.

Learn more about: Common Bernese Mountain Dog Health Issues

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 does a Bernese Mountain Dog need to be fed?

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.

Learn more about: What to Feed a Bernese Mountain Dog? Diet & Feeding Chart

How much can you expect to pay for 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.

Learn more about: Bernese Mountain Dog Prices In Australia

Bernese Mountain Dog FAQs

Are Bernese Mountain Dogs good with kids?

Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for being good with kids – they’re affectionate and playful around children. With that said, if you have a very small child, care should be taken since your Bernese is a big dog and may accidentally knock them over.

Bernese dogs tend to get attached to one family member in particular, usually a child. Ultimately, this dog breed can mix well with kids as long as they’re socialised from a young age.

Do Bernese Mountain Dogs make good guard dogs?

Yes, because of its history as a watchdog and property guard, a Bernese Mountain Dog’s instinct is to guard and protect its family and territory.

Although they’re not aggressive, Bernese are capable of defending their owners when they need to. Their huge size and watchdog instincts will make them intimidating to unsuspecting intruders!

Where can I find a Bernese Mountain dog puppy?

The best way to source your new puppy is by going through a reputable Bernese Mountain Dog breeder. Although a quick internet search can provide lots of options, you should be very wary of dishonest breeders or even dreaded puppy mills.

What should I look for in a reputable breeder?

The first thing to look for is a breeder that has a reputation for taking good care of their dogs. Ask among friends, family, training clubs or the Bernese Mountain Dog Club to find some recommendations.

Another thing to remember is that if a breeder claims that their puppies are Kennel Club registered, make sure you check that this is true before you buy from them.

Kennel Club approved breeders will only use the best breeding practices and will be obligated to carry out breed-specific health checks, so you can be confident you’ll be getting a healthy pup.