The Bernese Mountain Dog

Big, loving, and strong are three words that accurately describe the Bernese Mountain Dog. Here’s what you’ll want to know when considering this unique breed as your next furry family member.

Bernese Mountain Dog History 

This breed comes from Switzerland and in particular the Swiss Alps. However, their ancestors originally came to Switzerland in ancient times with the Roman soldiers. The Romans used them as war dogs that fought alongside the troops in battle. In more recent times they were used to drive herds of cattle over long distances and in mountainous terrain, to their pastures.

They were also used to guard the cows and other types of livestock and functioned as general farm dogs. Their strength and size also meant that they could help farmers by pulling heavy carts filled with milk cans and supplies. When searching for Bernese Mountain Dog info don’t be confused if you see them referred to as “Berners.” They are often called this for short since the breed name is so long.

Personality

The typical Bernese Mountain Dog temperament is that of calmness. They are well-mannered and intelligent big dogs that like to be around people. While they may be suspicious of strangers they become very attached to their owners and often one person in particular.

This breed is happiest when they are close to their family; they want to be wherever you are and not left alone in a yard. Bernese Mountain dogs are typically good with other dogs and pets and are fabulous with young children since they are very tolerant of being grabbed, pinched, and pulled. They love the outdoors and are known for being easy to train.

Uses

While they can be used on the farm, nowadays mountain dogs usually function as loyal companions. If you are looking for a hiking buddy this breed could be it. Their calm nature and the fact that they tend to be so well-behaved also make them an excellent choice for therapy dogs.

They even have been used as police dogs in certain countries. The instincts they have to protect livestock also make them natural guard dogs for their home and family. And competitive cart and weight pulling are activities this breed excels at. Of course, since they handle the cold so well you may want to consider one if you are looking for a pet and happen to live somewhere that has extreme winter weather.

Physical Description

This breed is considered to be large or even extra-large in size. Typically a male can be anywhere from twenty-five to twenty-seven and a half inches tall while a female Bernese Mountain Dog will range from twenty-three to twenty-six inches in height. Males usually weigh from eighty-six to one hundred and ten pounds although a huge Bernese Mountain Dog may be closer to one hundred and twenty.

Females weigh a little less and range from seventy-nine pounds to one hundred and ten. These dogs have a strong and muscular build with a large head and triangular hanging ears. The tail is long straight and bushy. Their coat is thick and fairly long. It can be either straight or slightly wavy.

The coat should be tri-colored and made up of white, a rusty brown, and black. The standard calls for white on the feet, the tip of the tail, mask, and chest. There should be patches of brown on the legs, around the mouth, and above the eyes while the body is a stunning black. Normally the dewclaws on this breed are removed.

There are a few other dogs that look like Bernese Mountain Dogs and are often confused for them. While they may look similar there are actually three other separate mountain dog breeds: the Great Swiss Mountain Dog, the Appenzell Mountain Dog, and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog.

Health

Unfortunately, the average lifespan of a Bernese Mountain Dog is quite short. On average they normally live to be only between six and eight years old. If you have one that lives to be older than eight you should consider yourself lucky. Each dog breed has specific issues that it is susceptible to and this one is no different.

Bernese mountain dog health issues include elbow and hip dysplasia, bloat, eyelid problems, and cataracts. And while the leading cause of death for most dog breeds is cancer, the rate of various types of cancer such as lymphosarcoma is much higher in this breed. While you can’t always prevent health issues you can increase the chances of owning a Bernese that will have a healthy and happy life.

The best way to do this is to only purchase a puppy from a reputable breeder. Bernese mountain dog breeders should offer proof that a puppy has been evaluated for elbow and hip dysplasia, heart problems, and Von Willebrand’s disease. The eyes should also have been checked and certified as being healthy too.

Care

While they are considered to be easier to train than other breeds, because they do get so large, and dealing with a big un-trained pet of any type can be challenging, Bernese Mountain Dog training should start in puppyhood. Socialization with people and animals is extremely important particularly since they are a little more reserved than other breeds.

Because they do have a medium energy level and tend to gain weight easily some daily exercise is important. Of course, you’ll also want to be careful not to overfeed your pet. Brushing your pet should be done at least weekly if not more frequently. And be prepared for a lot of hair. While they shed pretty much year-round Bernese Mountain Dog shedding is also seasonal and can be excessive in the spring and fall.

These dogs have coats that are designed for cold climates so they are not suited for very warm and humid weather, and they can overheat if they get too hot. When the temperatures rise having somewhere your pet can cool off such as a dog swimming pool is always a smart idea.

If you’re looking for a pet that’s large, great with the family, and loves the cold weather, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a great choice. In fact, once you own one, it may be the only breed you’ll ever want!

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