Bernese Mountain Dog
Also known as Berner, Berner Sennenhund
- Height at the withers
- 58 to 70 cm
- Weight
- 32 to 52 kg
- Life expectancy
- 7 to 10 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- Switzerland
- FCI group
- 2 · Pinschers, molossers and Swiss mountain dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- living with a cat
- close neighbors: it barks little
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- allergy sufferers: it sheds a lot
- intense heat: be careful in summer
Overview
A large, strong and sturdy working dog with a distinctive long tricolor coat and a calm, gentle temperament. One of the four types of Swiss mountain dog, it is known for its kind nature, its loyalty and its qualities as an exceptional family companion.
History and origins
Developed in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, as an all-around farm dog for guarding, driving cattle and pulling carts, especially to deliver milk. Having become rare by the late 19th century, it was saved in the early 20th century by passionate Swiss breeders, including Professor Albert Heim.
Health
Life expectancy is 7 to 10 years, and the breed is fragile. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Malignant histiocytosis and other cancers
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Gastric torsion (bloat)
- Steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis
- Degenerative myelopathy
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Long, straight coat. Very heavy shedding, average coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Very low, 1 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Very heavy, 5 out of 5
- Drooling
- Rarely, 2 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Fragile, 1 out of 5
In our lists
Bernese Mountain Dog FAQ
How big does the Bernese Mountain Dog get?
The Bernese Mountain Dog stands 58 to 70 cm at the withers and weighs 32 to 52 kg. It is a large dog.
Does the Bernese Mountain Dog shed a lot?
It sheds very heavily and its coat needs average care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Can the Bernese Mountain Dog live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the Bernese Mountain Dog need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Bernese Mountain Dog good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Bernese Mountain Dog live?
Life expectancy is 7 to 10 years, and the breed is fragile. The main health problems to watch for are malignant histiocytosis and other cancers, as well as hip and elbow dysplasia.
