The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, gentle giant of a dog. They typically stand between 23 and 28 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 70 and 115 pounds. They have a thick, glossy black coat with brown or liver-colored patches and white markings.

The coat is long and relatively straight and frequently sheds, so daily brushing is necessary to keep it from becoming matted. Bernese Mountain Dogs are typically gentle and good-natured despite their size, making them excellent family pets. They require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy, but they are not particularly energetic dogs.

With a lifespan of 7 to 10 years, they are not the longest-lived breeds, but they are devoted and loyal companions while with you. Because they are non-hypoallergenic and shed a lot, requiring frequent grooming, they may not be the right fit for everyone, but if you are looking for a sweet-tempered companion dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog may be perfect for you.

History

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a member of the Sennenhund breeds, which are all dogs that come from the Swiss Alps. These dogs were originally used for various tasks on farms, such as driving cattle, pulling carts, and guarding property.

However, as farming methods changed and became more modernized, the need for this type of dog declined, and their population began to dwindle. 

After noticing the dwindling number of Bernese mountain dogs in 1907, Professor Albert Heim decided to form a breeding club to bring attention back to the breed.

Thanks to his efforts, as well as those of other passionate breeders, the Bernese mountain dog began to regain popularity. In 1926, a farmer from Kansas imported a pair of Bernese mountain dogs to help him around his farm, and other farmers quickly took notice of how helpful they could be. 

They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1937.

Today, the Bernese mountain dog is cherished by families around the world for their loyalty, obedience, and friendly nature. These beautiful pups make wonderful companions and are sure to bring joy to any home they enter! 

Appearance

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, sturdy dog with a noble appearance. These dogs have Mastiff ancestry, which is evident in their sizable heads and large, floppy ears. They are also known for their big, brown eyes that tend to have a slight droop to them.

Coat

The Bernese Mountain Dog’s coat is one of its most defining features. This breed has a thick, double coat designed to protect them from the cold weather in the Swiss Alps. The outer coat is straight and coarse, while the inner coat is softer and thicker.

This combination makes for a very dense coat that sheds relatively a lot. The coat is typically black with white markings on the chest, legs, and face. However, some Bernese Mountain Dogs may also have tan or rust-colored markings on their faces and legs. 

Size

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, muscular breed of dog originally bred in the Swiss Alps. The average male Bernese Mountain Dog weighs between 80 and 115 pounds, and the average female weighs between 70 and 95 pounds.

In terms of height, males typically stand between 25 and 28 inches tall at the shoulder, while females usually stand between 23 and 26 inches tall. 

Lifespan

One downside of owning a Bernese Mountain Dog is that they have a relatively short lifespan. On average, Bernese Mountain Dogs live for 7-10 years. This is shorter than the lifespan of most other dog breeds, but it is still long enough to enjoy many happy years with your furry friend.

Environment

When it comes to finding the ideal living environment for a Bernese Mountain Dog, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, Bernese Mountain Dogs need plenty of space to run and play because of their size.

A house with a large backyard is ideal, but apartments can also be suitable if they are close to a park or have access to regular walks.

Secondly, Bernese Mountain Dogs need plenty of exercise, so it’s essential to live in an area where you can easily take them for long walks or hikes.

And finally, because of their thick coats, Bernese Mountain Dogs do best in cooler climates. If you live in a warm environment, ensuring your dog has access to air conditioning, and plenty of shade is essential.

Temperament

Bernese mountain dogs (also known as Berners) are calm, loving dogs who enjoy being part of the family. However, because they were bred as working dogs, Berners still have a strong instinct to protect their home and family. They are typically good with children but may be too rough for very young kids.

They can be restless and even destructive if they become bored or anxious, so it is important to provide them with plenty of exercise and stimulation. 

Bernese mountain dogs need early socialization to ensure they are comfortable around people and other animals. They can be aloof around strangers but warm up quickly with a little patience. Bernese mountain dogs require patience and consistency during training but are otherwise highly intelligent and trainable.

Grooming

While they are relatively low-maintenance compared to other breeds, Bernese Mountain Dogs require specific grooming requirements to keep their coats healthy and looking their best.

Brushing:

Bernese Mountain Dogs should be brushed at least once weekly to remove any dirt, debris, or loose hair from their coat. It’s important to use a brush specifically designed for dogs with thick coats like the Bernese Mountain Dog. We recommend using a slicker brush or a shedding blade. 

Bathing:

Unless your dog gets really dirty or muddy, they shouldn’t need to be bathed more than once every few weeks. However, when you do bathe them, be sure to use a dog-specific shampoo that won’t strip the natural oils from their coat. After shampooing, make sure to rinse your dog thoroughly until the water runs clear. 

Ears:

Because of their long ears, Bernese Mountain Dogs are susceptible to ear infections if they aren’t kept clean. Be sure to check your dog’s ears weekly for any dirt or debris. If you see anything suspicious, consult your veterinarian. 

Nails:

Like all dogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs’ nails will need to be trimmed regularly (usually every 4-6 weeks). If you’re uncomfortable doing this yourself, you can take your dog to a professional groomer, or your veterinarian can do it. 

Dealing with Drool Stains 

If you have a drooler, you know that one of the challenges of owning a Bernese Mountain Dog is dealing with all the drool stains! To prevent the drool from being embedded in your dog’s fur, you should always keep a clean-up cloth on hand. 

Nutrition

As any dog owner knows, providing a healthy diet for your pet is essential to their well-being. And when it comes to Bernese Mountain Dogs, there are a few things to keep in mind regarding their nutritional needs.

• First of all, these dogs are pretty large, so they require a diet high in protein and calories. Secondly, they are prone to joint problems, so it is essential to include foods rich in glucosamine and chondroitin.
• Lastly, Bernese Mountain Dogs have a thick coat of fur, so they need a diet that includes omega-3 fatty acids to help keep their skin and fur healthy. 

Protein 

Protein is an essential part of any dog’s diet and plays a vital role in their overall health. It helps to build and maintain muscle mass, supports the immune system, and helps with cell regeneration. For adult dogs, 18% of their diet should be protein. 

Fat 

Fat is another important element of your dog’s diet as it provides energy and helps keep their skin and coat healthy. Fat should make up 5-8% of an adult dog’s diet. 

Carbohydrates 

Carbohydrates help to give your dog energy and are essential for their digestive health. They should make up around 10% of an adult dog’s diet. 

Vitamins and Minerals 

Vitamins and minerals are essential for your dog’s overall health and well-being. They help support the immune system, keep the bones and muscles healthy, and aid cell regeneration. Vitamins and minerals should comprise around 4% of an adult dog’s diet. 

As you can see, there are a variety of nutrients that are important for your Bernese Mountain Dog’s health. When choosing a food for your dog, be sure to look for one specifically formulated for large breeds, as they have different nutritional needs than smaller breeds.

Training

Bernese Mountain Dogs are highly intelligent and eager to please when it comes to training, making them one of the easiest breeds to train. Basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down can be easily taught, and Bernese Mountain Dogs will quickly learn tricks and behaviors that are fun and interactive.

If you are thinking about adding a Bernese Mountain Dog to your family, be prepared to commit to regular training sessions. With patience and consistency, you will soon have a well-mannered four-legged friend who is a joy to be around.

Exercise

The amount of exercise your Bernese Mountain dog needs will vary depending on their age, health, and energy level. However, as a rule of thumb, Bernese Mountain dogs need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day.

This can be in the form of a walk, playtime in the backyard, or even just some fetch in the house. If you have an energetic dog, they may need up to 60 minutes of exercise per day. 

It’s important to make sure that your Bernese Mountain dog gets enough exercise because it helps them stay healthy and prevents them from getting bored or destructive. A tired dog is a good dog!

Conclusion

The Bernese mountain dog is a large breed with a gentle personality. They require daily exercise and socialization from an early age but make great family pets with proper training.

If you’re thinking about adding a Bernese mountain dog to your family, be sure to research the breed thoroughly so you understand all the challenges that come along with owning one.