Bernese Mountain Dog

also known as Berner Sennenhund, Berner, Bernese Cattle Dog

Pros History


The Bernese Mountain Dog, also known as the Berner Sennenhund, is a breed with a rich history dating back to the 19th century. This breed was developed in the Swiss Alps to work as a farm dog, specifically for herding cattle, cart pulling and as a watchdog.

The breed's name, Bernese Mountain Dog, comes from the fact that it was developed in the Bern region of Switzerland and "Berner" is the German name of the city of Bern, and "Sennenhund" meaning "alpine herders dog" . The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1937.

The origins of the Bernese Mountain Dog can be traced back to the early 19th century, when it was used by the farmers in the Bern region of Switzerland to herd cattle and pull carts. The breed was further developed by the farmers of the region, who needed a dog that could work in the cold and harsh conditions of the Alps.

One of the most notable figures in the history of the Bernese Mountain Dog is Franz Schertenleib, a Swiss farmer, who is credited with working to preserve the breed in the late 19th century. He created a breeding program that emphasized the breed's strength, endurance, and ability to work in the mountains.

Breed Information


Type

Is Bernese Mountain Dog a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the Bernese Mountain Dog name? How do you say Bernese Mountain Dogs?

BernĀ·ese MounĀ·tain Dog

Purpose

What were Bernese Mountain Dogs originally used for?

Working Dog, Guardian, Companion

Lifespan

How Long Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Live? What is average life expectancy for a Bernese Mountain Dog? How long can Bernese Mountain Dogs live?

7-10 years

The average Bernese Mountain Dog lifespan is somewhere between 7-10 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Bernese Mountain Dog Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Bernese Mountain Dog?

What is the average height of a Bernese Mountain Dog? How big is a Purebred Bernese Mountain Dog height? Bernese Mountain Dog dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 25-28 inches (63.5 - 71.1 cm) 14.0 inches (35.6 cm) 20.0 inches (50.8 cm) 23.0 inches (58.4 cm)
Female 23-26 inches (58.4 - 66 cm) 13.0 inches (33 cm) 16.0 inches (40.6 cm) 20.0 inches (50.8 cm)
What is the average weight of a Bernese Mountain Dog? How much should Bernese Mountain Dogs weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 90-120 pounds (41 - 54 kg) 40.0 pounds (18 kg) 65.0 pounds (29 kg) 97.5 pounds (44 kg)
Female 70-100 pounds (32 - 45 kg) 35.0 pounds (16 kg) 55.0 pounds (25 kg) 85.0 pounds (39 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Bernese Mountain Dogs get fat easily?

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a breed that has an average to high tendency to gain weight if their weight is not closely monitored. It is important to maintain a balance between exercise and food intake to keep them at a healthy weight. This can be achieved by scheduling at least one daily walk and engaging in regular playtime with them.

Hypoallergenic

Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Bernese Mountain Dog is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Bernese Mountain Dog personality? What are Bernese Mountain Dog dogs best known for?

Affectionate
Intelligent
Faithful
Loyal

Shedding Level

Are Bernese Mountain Dogs heavy shedders? How Much Does a Bernese Mountain Dog Shed?

Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are heavy shedders, they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Bernese Mountain Dog. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Bernese Mountain Dog dog?

The Bernese Mountain Dog dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Bernese Mountain Dogs come from?

Switzerland

Ancestry

What are Bernese Mountain Dogs descended from?

Molosser, Mastiff-type

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Bernese Mountain Dog breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

Date of Birth

When were Bernese Mountain Dogs first bred? How old is the Bernese Mountain Dog breed?

Ancient Times

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Bernese Mountain Dog?

Working (AKC:1937)
Guardian Dogs (UKC)

Bernese Mountain Dog Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Bernese Mountain Dog eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Bernese Mountain Dog nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Bernese Mountain Dog coat be naturally?

Black
Brown
White

Coat Length

How long is a Bernese Mountain Dogs coat?

The coat of a Bernese Mountain Dog falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Bernese Mountain Dog Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Bernese Mountain Dog?

Wavy

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Bernese Mountain Dog have in a litter? How many puppies can a Bernese Mountain Dog have in her first litter?

7-10 puppies per pregnancy

A Bernese Mountain Dog can have a litter of 7-10 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Bernese Mountain Dog dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

Bernese Mountain Dog Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Bernese Mountain Dogs have a lot of health problems?

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a very healthy breed, with little need for frequent vet visits. However, it's important to keep an eye on their health and have them checked by a veterinarian when needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Bernese Mountain Dog?

Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Bloat
Histicytosis
Dental Disease
Meningitis
Obesity

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Bernese Mountain Dogs?

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Allergies
Epilepsy
Cerebellar Abiotrophy
Kidney Problems
Color Dilution Alopecia

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Bernese Mountain Dog breed?

Eye
Hip
Elbow
Blood And Urine Protein Screens
Up:Uc Ratio For Kidney Function
CT Scan
Dental Examination
Allergy Tests

Bernese Mountain Dog Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Bernese Mountain Dogs have a lot of energy?

Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their high energy levels, so if you're looking for a more low-key dog, this breed may not be the best choice.

Social Needs

Do Bernese Mountain Dogs need socialization? How social are Bernese Mountain Dogs?

Bernese Mountain Dogs have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Bernese Mountain Dogs get?

The Bernese Mountain Dog dog requires a moderate amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people who have a moderate amount of time to devote to their pet and enjoy regular physical activity themselves. They also make great family pets as they have the energy to keep up with children and the temperament to be great companions.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Bernese Mountain Dog have? Do Bernese Mountain Dogs sleep a lot?

Bernese Mountain Dogs dogs are tend to sleep less than other breeds, but they still require adequate sleep to maintain good health.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Bernese Mountain Dog drool a lot?

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a breed that is known for drooling quite a lot. Drooling is the unintentional flow of saliva outside of the mouth and can be a normal characteristic of certain breeds. Bernese Mountain Dog is one of them. If you dislike the presence of drool and the potential for saliva spots on your clothes, it may be best to consider a different dog breed. Drooling is a normal part of their physiology but it's important to consider if it's something you can handle.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Bernese Mountain Dogs tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Do Bernese Mountain Dogs exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.

Mouthiness

Are Bernese Mountain Dogs mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Bernese Mountain Dog running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Bernese Mountain Dogs enjoy doing? How do I keep my Bernese Mountain Dog busy?

Walking, Petting, Sniffing, Exploring, Playing, Fetching, Smelling, Greeting, Jumping, Running, Cuddling, Rolling around, Sunbathing, Sniffing grass, Rolling, Walk, Bark, Play, Run, Pet, Lick, Chase, Fetch, Kiss, Shake, Eating Snacks, Nap, Soccer, Road trip, Tug-of-war

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Bernese Mountain Dog? How much energy does a Bernese Mountain Dog have?

Medium

Bernese Mountain Dogs are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Bernese Mountain Dog walk each week? How many miles should a Bernese Mountain Dog walk every week?

6 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Bernese Mountain Dog, it's at least 6 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Bernese Mountain Dog should exercise a day? How much activity does a Bernese Mountain Dog need?

60 minutes

In general most Bernese Mountain Dogs usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Bernese Mountain Dog?

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Bernese Mountain Dog?

Weekly

Bernese Mountain Dog should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Bernese Mountain Dogs?

Pin Brush
Comb
Scissors
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Bernese Mountain Dog eat?

2.5 cups

For an average 90-120 pound (41 - 54 kg) Bernese Mountain Dog feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Bernese Mountain Dog Cost Daily?

$2.50 - $3.20 / day

The average cost of a Bernese Mountain Dog is somewhere $2.50 - $3.20 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Bernese Mountain Dog Cost Per Month?

$74 - $95 / month

The average per month expenses of a Bernese Mountain Dog is between $74 - $95. This makes an average of $888 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Bernese Mountain Dog Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Bernese Mountain Dog?

The Bernese Mountain Dog breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Bernese Mountain Dog dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Bernese Mountain Dog dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Bernese Mountain Dog do well in apartments? Are Bernese Mountain Dogs good indoor dogs?

It's not recommended to keep the Bernese Mountain Dog in an apartment, but this breed make good apartment dogs as long as they get to spend a good amount of time outside of the apartment. Bernese Mountain Dogs living in apartments will need plenty of physical exercise and stimulation throughout the day to remain happy and well-behaved.

Child Friendly

Are Bernese Mountain Dogs good with kids? Are Bernese Mountain Dogs good around children?

Bernese Mountain Dogs are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Bernese Mountain Dogs good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Bernese Mountain Dogs good with cats? How friendly Bernese Mountain Dogs are toward cats?

Bernese Mountain Dogs are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Bernese Mountain Dog dogs get along with other dogs? Are Bernese Mountain Dogs OK with other dogs?

Bernese Mountain Dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Bernese Mountain Dog dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Bernese Mountain Dogs friendly with strangers?

Bernese Mountain Dogs are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Bernese Mountain Dogs like to play? Are Bernese Mountain Dogs playful?

Bernese Mountain Dogs have an average level of playfulness. The Bernese Mountain Dogs, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Bernese Mountain Dog easily trained?

Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Affectionate and loyal to their family
    Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for being affectionate and loyal to their family.
  • Service Dog
    This breed possesses the necessary traits to excel as a service dog.
  • Good with children
    They are good with children and make great playmates.
  • Good watchdogs
    They make good watchdogs and will alert their owners to any strangers or potential threats.

Cons

  • Tendency to gain weight
    The Bernese Mountain Dog's weight can become problematic if not monitored closely.
  • Large size
    Bernese Mountain Dogs are a large breed which requires a lot of space.
  • Shedding
    Bernese Mountain Dog breeds known for heavy shedding coat.
  • Not Apartment Friendly
    The Bernese Mountain Dog breed is better suited for living outdoors.
  • High energy levels
    They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Bernese Mountain Dogs are not typically recommended for office environments.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    People with allergies should be aware that Bernese Mountain Dogs may cause allergic reactions.
  • Prone to certain health issues
    They are prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and cancer.