Bernese Mountain Dog
Published: Last updated: by Kyle J. Larson
The Bernese Mountain dog is a fun loving breed who attaches itself to family. They're a large working dog with a thick coat.
Average size and lifespan
Weight: 70-115lbs
Lifespan: 7 - 10 Years
Behavior
- Affection
- Kid-Friendly
- Stranger-Friendly
- Dog-Friendly
- Barking Amount
Care
- Grooming Difficulty
- Shedding Amount
- Easy to Train
- Can Be Alone
- Exercise Need
Environment
- Cold Tolerance
- Heat Tolerance
- Apartment-Friendly
Bernese Mountain Dog Information
This hardy breed is intelligent and strong with a love of cold weather. It makes sense considering that the dog was used on farms for years in Switzerland. Large in stature, the Bernese Mountain Dog loves to exercise and play and is also calm and good-natured. They make excellent family pets. Easy to train, they get along with all members of the home, human and animal; however, for some reason, they often attach themselves to one person in particular.
The dog’s long, heavy coat is usually black, rust, and white or white, tan, and white. Expect lots of shedding. You’ll quickly overlook this minor flaw with all the Bernese Mountain Dog’s good qualities.
History
The Bernese Mountain Dog has been around for centuries, but its exact origins are unknown. They potentially have roots coming from Roman Mastiffs. It’s believed that it was bred in the mountainous areas of Switzerland, where it gets its name. Its coat color comes from cross-breeding with farm dogs that had black coats. The breed was first recognized by the AKC in 1937.
Bernese Mountain Dog Training & Temperament
This is a very gentle, intelligent breed. They love children and are protective of them. Care needs to be paid to train a puppy not to nip or get too rough with children, as with many breeds. They are also protective of their property and will bark to inform you when someone is approaching the home or yard. The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the best-natured dogs around, but they need to be socialized early with other people and pets. Early training helps curb unwanted behaviors such as chewing or barking.
Exercise
This is not an endurance athlete, but it does enjoy a good romp in the yard. It’s a good idea to give it at least one good walk per day, or even better, a hike. This will go a long way to preventing any unwanted behavior.
Grooming
This breed’s coat is dense and has two layers. It sheds a fair amount, especially seasonally. Brushing your dog weekly will keep shedding to a minimum. As with most breeds, be sure to bathe it monthly or more if needed and trim its nails regularly.
All dogs have their own personality and unique training, causing them to differ slightly from these breed stats. However, please let us know if we made an error in the stats, we appreciate your help!
Breed FAQs
Can Bernese Mountain Dogs be apartment dogs?
The Bernese Mountain Dog needs room to run and play. This makes them difficult to keep in small spaces like an apartment.
Can Bernese Mountain Dogs be left alone?
While Bernese Mountain Dogs prefer to be around their owners, they can do fairly well when left alone if necessary.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs good with kids?
Bernese Mountain Dogs can do fine with kids. They will require some monitoring and training to make sure they get along and react well to unpredictable behavior.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs friendly with strangers?
Typically, Bernese Mountain Dogs are friendly with strangers. They tend to be open and willing to trust those they don't know.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs get along with other dogs?
Bernese Mountain Dogs get along great with other dogs. They are very social and tolerate other dogs, where you typically need to watch the other dog more than your own.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs bark a lot?
As far as dogs go, Bernese Mountain Dogs bark an average amount. You can expect them to bark to alert you, get your attention, or when there are strangers or other dogs.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs shed a lot?
Expect a lot of sheeding from Bernese Mountain Dogs. You'll need to brush their coat often or have the vacuum ready.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs need a lot of grooming?
Although Bernese Mountain Dogs require a medium amount of maintenance to keep their coats healthy. Simple tasks like brushing and bathing will suit this breed.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs need a lot of exercise?
The Bernese Mountain Dog has a good amount of energy and will need to be exercised with some walks and play to keep them happy.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs easy to train?
Typically, Bernese Mountain Dogs are easy to train. They enjoy the bonding process with their owner and are quick to learn.
Can Bernese Mountain Dogs handle cold weather?
If you live in a cold climate, Bernese Mountain Dogs will do extremely well and may even enjoy being outside in the chilly weather.
Can Bernese Mountain Dogs handle hot weather?
It's best not to have a Bernese Mountain Dog in hot temperatures for long as it can be dangerous to their health.
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