Bernese Mountain Dog
Complete Breed Guide
"Don’t be fooled by my size; I’m a big bundle of love!"
Quick Facts About Bernese Mountain Dogs
Working
70–115 lbs
23–27"
No
Based on current listing prices on Puppies.com. Results may vary.
Overview
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a gentle giant with a heart as big as their frame. This beloved Swiss breed is known for its warm personality, unwavering loyalty, and stunning tri-color coat. If you are looking for a loving, devoted companion who will be by your side through everything, the Bernese Mountain Dog might be your perfect match.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of Switzerland's most treasured breeds — and it is easy to see why. Beneath that impressive tri-color coat and sturdy frame is one of the warmest, most devoted companions you will ever find. Kind, intelligent, loyal, and endlessly affectionate, Berners live for the people they love and are never happier than when they are right by your side. This breed is as beautiful as they are gentle. Their long, flowing tri-color fur is instantly recognizable, and their warm, expressive eyes tell you everything you need to know about their personality before they even reach you for a hug. Bernese Mountain Dogs are naturally watchful and make wonderful family guardians — calm and composed, never aggressive, and wonderful with children when raised alongside them. Active and eager to please, the Bernese Mountain Dog thrives in a home where they can be part of the family in every sense of the word. They are not just a pet; they are a devoted companion, a gentle protector, and a source of joy every single day. If you are ready for a big, loving presence in your life, the Bernese Mountain Dog is ready for you.
Temperament and Behavior
Bernese Mountain Dogs are friendly, vigilant, and fiercely loyal to their families. They love being active, but at the end of the day, all they want is your love and attention. This breed is smart and protective, but not aggressive. They’ll alert you to unfamiliar visitors with a loud bark and may be dominant if other Bernese Mountain Dogs are around. They are terrific around kids and pets, as long as they’ve been socialized and acquainted with one another.
Coat & Grooming
You can recognize Bernese Mountain Dogs by their tri-color pattern. They’re known for having solid black bodies, legs, heads, and ears; rust-colored or tan cheeks and calves; and a white chest, muzzle, toes, and tail tip. Almost all Bernese Mountain Dogs look similar, although the amount of white in their coat may vary. Their undercoat is dense, with a medium-length straight or curly outer coat that sheds frequently. The breed’s hair is weather resistant and may feel rough but not too harsh to pet.
Lifestyle & Living Conditions
Bernese Mountain Dogs are great with children and will protect their families no matter what. They can play nicely with cats and other pets as long as they’ve been socialized. Because of their size and exercise needs, these dogs require a lot of space and prefer homes with large yards over apartments. Above all, Bernese Mountain Dogs require companionship and attention, so as long as they’re by your side, their tails will be wagging.
Exercise & Activity
Bernese Mountain Dog are fans of exercising and being outdoors. Their thick coats are perfect for cold weather, but whether it’s summer or winter, they love running and playing off leash as much as possible. However, when your Bernese Mountain Dog is still a puppy, try to avoid hard exercise so they can save their energy to grow and build strong bones. During training, handle them with a loving, consistent approach and an even keel. They’re eager to learn and will be responsive to your voice during exercises and other activities.
Health Considerations
On average, Bernese Mountain Dogs live to be between seven and eight years old. Conditions that may be more common in the breed include allergies, especially food-related ones, which can pose a problem for some Bernese. Autoimmune Diseases are impacting Berners just like they do in other pure and mixed breeds. One such illness is Aseptic Meningitis, which can be difficult to diagnose and potentially life-threatening if not treated properly and in a timely manner. Bloat (gastric torsion and/or volvulus) is potentially life-threatening and incredibly swift in onset. It occurs when the stomach fills with gas and then may rotate. In Bernese, at least two types of cancer are inherited. They are Mast Cell Cancer and Histiocytic Sarcoma (formerly known as Malignant Histiocytosis). Other health conditions may include: cataracts, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), Elbow Dysplasia (ED), Hip Dysplasia (HD), Entropion and Ectropion, which affects the eyelids, Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD), Panosteitis (Pano), Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Sub-aortic Stenosis (SAS), and Von Willebrand's Disease (vWD).
Medical References
- Bernese Mountain Dog Health Report, www.bernergarde.org
Breed descriptions and health information are provided for educational purposes only and should not replace consultation with a licensed veterinarian. Individual dogs may vary in temperament and health.
Characteristics at-a-glance
Ratings are on a scale of 1–10, based on breed standards and typical temperament.
Bernese Mountain Dog FAQs
Common questions about the Bernese Mountain Dog breed, answered by our editorial team.
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