Bernese Mountain Dog

Appearance, Weight and Size of the Bernese Mountain Dog

Not only its nature but also its striking looks make the Bernese a welcome and attractive guest.  

How Big Is a Bernese Mountain Dog? 

With a height at the withers of 64 to 70 centimetres for males and 58 to 66 centimetres for females, the Bernese Mountain Dog undoubtedly belongs to the large dog breeds.

The weight of a healthy, lean Bernese Mountain Dog should not exceed 55 kilograms for males and 45 kilograms for the slightly smaller females. 

Tricolour, Robust Coat 

The Bernese is characterised by its tricolour coat. Black is the predominant colour, lying like a cloak over the body, neck, head and tail. The symmetrical white blaze starts on the forehead and widens towards the muzzle, where it should extend at most to the corners of the mouth.

Also distinctive are the white chest cross, white paws and white tip of the tail. The reddish-brown markings on the cheeks (Yellow Cheeks), the legs and along the sides of the white chest hair add lovely accents and complete its attractive tricolour coat. Typical of the Bernese Mountain Dog are the reddish-brown spots above the eyes, which have earned it the nickname “Four-Eyes”. 

Unlike the other three Swiss mountain dog breeds, Appenzeller Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and Entlebucher Mountain Dog, the Bernese is the only one with a long coat. It may be at most slightly wavy. The abundant coat is soft and glossy and reliably protects this farm dog from cold and snow.  

© Lilli / stock.adobe.com

Bernese Mountain Dog: Character 

Its good-natured and friendly temperament has made this dog one of the most popular farm dogs worldwide. As a family dog , it stands loyally by its loved ones for life and proves to be extremely loyal and affectionate. Thanks to its high stimulus threshold, it usually reacts calmly to environmental stimuli. Aggressive behaviour is completely alien to this people-loving dog, provided it has experienced responsible socialisation.  

Reading tip: Puppy development – six stages to adulthood 

Male dogs may occasionally get into disputes with other males if they feel threatened in their own territory. 

The Bernese Mountain Dog has an innate guarding instinct and will reliably alert you to strangers. Nevertheless, there is no need to fear attacks – some individuals might even greet a burglar with a wagging tail. This is one reason why it is so popular as a family dog. Although screaming or boisterous toddlers are unlikely to unsettle this gentle giant, you should still ensure that even this mild-mannered breed has a quiet retreat and that children and dogs are always supervised.  

Does the Bernese Mountain Dog Have a Hunting Instinct? 

Most Bernese Mountain Dogs have little in the way of a hunting instinct. They are unlikely to follow tracks in woods and fields or constantly lie in wait to chase a hare. However, many Bernese will want to sprint after fleeing potential prey. This should be borne in mind if, for example, the neighbour’s cat makes a dash for it and a 50-kg Bernese suddenly lunges forward. A cat that belongs to the household pack is usually happily accepted.  

Reading tip: Anti-hunting training in five steps 

Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Difficult to Train? 

Bernese Mountain Dogs are said to have a certain stubborn streak. After all, the breed possesses strong self-confidence and a good deal of intelligence, which allows it to question commands. With plenty of love and consistency and a few dog treats, however, the lively puppy can be trained into a well-mannered family dog that can be motivated and inspired for a wide range of tasks.

After successful basic training and socialisation, Bernese Mountain Dogs often enjoy more privileges than other pedigree dogs thanks to their calm and friendly nature. They can easily accompany you almost anywhere and may sometimes be allowed to roam freely without a lead, as they are not prone to wandering. 

Reading tip: Puppy training 

Keeping and Care

As attractive as this dog may be, there are several things to consider when it comes to keeping it in a species-appropriate way. 

Who Is the Bernese Mountain Dog Suitable for? 

The Bernese Mountain Dog is best suited to experienced, active dog owners who enjoy spending time outdoors and can offer their four-legged friend plenty of space.  

Can You Keep a Bernese Mountain Dog in a Flat? 

The large Bernese Mountain Dog needs plenty of space. A house with a garden or even a smallholding is ideal. A small city flat is definitely not suitable for this freedom-loving dog. Bear in mind that puppies must not climb stairs during the first months of life in order to protect their developing joints. For this reason alone, a flat without a lift is not an option. Step-free access to your home can also be a major advantage later on, if your dog can no longer manage stairs due to age and you are unable to carry its full adult weight. 

Is a Bernese Mountain Dog Good for First-Time Owners? 

Yes, the Bernese can be suitable for first-time owners – provided they thoroughly familiarise themselves with the breed’s care and training requirements. Neither should be underestimated. This impressive dog is by no means as laid-back as it is often described. Prospective owners should be prepared to devote plenty of time to shared activities, unless the dog is kept on a farm, in order to keep it balanced and content.  

How Much Exercise Does a Bernese Mountain Dog Need? 

The Bernese requires plenty of exercise and activity of at least one and a half to two and a half hours per day. As an owner, you should therefore have the desire and, above all, the time to stay active with your companion. This Swiss pedigree dog loves long walks with its people and also enjoys mental challenges. 

Reading tip: Hiking with your dog 

How Can You Keep a Bernese Mountain Dog Occupied? 

Intelligence toys and training in carting sports, rescue dog work, as a therapy dog or in tracking are well suited to these clever dogs. However, Bernese Mountain Dogs are only suitable to a limited extent for dog sports. Fast-paced activities with abrupt movements, such as agility, would overwhelm these large, heavy dogs and place unnecessary strain on their joints. 

Coat Care for the Bernese Mountain Dog 

Adequate coat care contributes to your four-legged friend’s wellbeing. The long, smooth coat should be brushed at least two to three times a week to prevent matting and maintain its shine.

In addition, eyes, ears, claws, pads, skin and teeth should be checked daily and cleaned if necessary. Species-appropriate keeping and comprehensive care of your dog not only make an important contribution to its health and wellbeing, but also play a key role in ensuring that you and your Bernese enjoy many happy years together. 

More Tips on Dog Care:

• Dental care for dogs
• Cleaning dogs’ ears: Practical tips for home
• Trimming your dog’s claws: How to do it properly

How Much Does a Bernese Mountain Dog Shed? 

Due to its dense undercoat and longer topcoat, the Bernese Mountain Dog is among the heavier-shedding breeds. During the moulting period, it is best to use a dog brush and comb daily. 

Breeding, Health and Typical Bernese Mountain Dog Diseases

For some time, this handsome pedigree dog was considered a fashionable breed. Temperamental weaknesses and hereditary defects caused by uncontrolled breeding by dubious hobby breeders looking to make money from selling these attractive family dogs were the result. Fortunately, enthusiasts of the original type put an end to this period. Today, aspects such as health and longevity once again play a decisive role in breeding selection. 

Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Prone to Disease? 

Regulations for Bernese Mountain Dog breeding are strict. To reduce hereditary diseases and improve the breed’s health, breeding values are consulted that take into account not only the parent animals but also siblings and other relatives.

Nevertheless, the Bernese Mountain Dog is currently prone to certain diseases. The breed’s biggest problem is a tumour disease known as malignant histiocytosis. Other complaints include joint problems (elbow and hip dysplasia) and kidney diseases. Numerous studies, particularly in the Bernese’s homeland of Switzerland, are helping to promote the breed’s health. One point of contact is, for example, the Swiss Club for Bernese Mountain Dogs.  

Cancer in the Bernese Mountain Dog 

One of the most common causes of death in the breed is a cancer known as histiocytic sarcoma or malignant histiocytosis. Dogs usually fall ill between six and eight years of age. The disease is always fatal, and life expectancy after diagnosis averages around six months. Tumours may appear as skin changes, for example as lumps, sore areas or patches of hair loss. There is also a form that first affects the internal organs. In such cases, exhaustion or coughing may be among the first symptoms. 

Life Expectancy: How Old Does a Bernese Mountain Dog Get? 

The life expectancy of Bernese Mountain Dogs is on average seven to ten years and is therefore low in comparison with most other dogs. 

Tips for Keeping Your Bernese Healthy 

• This heavily coated pedigree dog does not tolerate heat well. In midsummer, this heat-sensitive companion should have access to shady resting places and should avoid physical exertion in the midday sun.  Reading tip: Cooling dogs down in summer – the ten best tips 
• Due to a lack of exercise and an incorrect diet, Bernese Mountain Dogs are unfortunately often prone to obesity. As in humans, excess weight in dogs frequently leads to joint problems and other illnesses. The rule here is: prevention is better than cure!
• Rest periods after meals help prevent the dangerous gastric torsion, to which all large dogs are susceptible.  

The Right Diet for Your Bernese

To prevent your Bernese from becoming overweight and to avoid related health problems, you should ensure a balanced and species-appropriate diet in addition to providing sufficient exercise. You should continue feeding the breeder’s usual dog food for a while after buying your puppy, as it is optimally tailored to the needs of young mountain dogs. A change of food should only be introduced gradually. When it comes to the amount of food for puppies, pay attention to the growth curve, which is particularly important for large dogs such as the Bernese.

Find out more about dog nutrition and which type of diet suits your four-legged friend in our guides:

• Dry dog food vs wet dog food: Advantages and disadvantages at a glance
• BARF for dogs: Advantages and disadvantages of raw feeding
• Feeding your dog a vegan diet
• Whole prey nutrition for dogs

History: From Farm Dog to Family Companion 

The ancestors of the Bernese Mountain Dog were originally kept as farm dogs in the area around Bern, suitable both for pulling carts and driving cattle. The exact origins of these tricolour farm dogs are unclear. It is assumed that Molossers and Mastiffs were among their ancestors, brought to the Alpine region by the Romans. 

From Dürrbächler to Bernese Mountain Dog 

The breed’s history can be traced more precisely only from the beginning of the 20th century, when it was closely linked to the village of Dürrbach and the local Dürrbach inn. The large tricolour dogs were kept on the inn’s farm, which served as a meeting place for villagers, travellers and merchants.

In 1902, the Dürrbächler dogs were shown at a dog show for the first time. Interest in these attractive dogs, previously known only to a few people in the Swiss region, rose rapidly following this and subsequent exhibitions. In 1907, the “Swiss Dürrbach Club” was founded to initiate pure breeding of the breed. The proposal to rename the “Dürrbächler” as “Bernese Mountain Dog” came from the Swiss geologist and cynologist Prof. Dr Albert Heim, who was involved in drafting the first breed standard. The reason for the name change was presumably that the new name was not only catchier but also emphasised its relationship with the Swiss mountain dog breeds.  

The Path to Becoming a Fashionable Breed 

At the start of breeding, as a farm and working dog, traits such as willingness to work, vigilance, strength and robust health were the main focus. As working dogs gradually lost their jobs due to industrialisation, many soon saw the good-natured and even-tempered Bernese as an ideal family dog.

Breeders increasingly prioritised preserving social traits and bred with a stronger focus on the breed’s appearance. Due to its good physical and social qualities and attractive looks, the Bernese Mountain Dog soon became popular beyond Switzerland’s borders. Unfortunately, health problems also became more frequent. Modern breeding therefore once again places strong emphasis on health aspects.  

© Bianca / stock.adobe.com

Buying a Bernese Mountain Dog: What You Should Consider

To ensure you receive as healthy a puppy as possible who will bring you and your family joy for many years, you should always turn to a reputable breeder who values the health of their dogs more than “quick money”.  

How to Find a Good Breeder 

Fortunately, there are many Bernese Mountain Dog enthusiasts who breed this special dog with passion and care. If you are interested in a puppy, there is no need to worry: finding a good and reputable breeder is not particularly difficult with this breed. They breed within a registered club and can also be found through it.

Take your time when choosing a breeder. A good breeder will never try to “sell” you a puppy. Instead, they will provide comprehensive information about life with a Bernese Mountain Dog and will want to see the conditions in which their protégé will live with you. If they feel that the necessary requirements for a successful life together are not met, they may even advise you against buying this pedigree dog. 

Reading tip: Important questions to ask dog breeders 

A Bernese Mountain Dog from a Rescue Centre

Purebred Bernese Mountain Dogs can occasionally also be found in animal rescue organisations. The best point of contact when searching for an older Bernese Mountain Dog is Bernese Mountain Dog rescue organisations, which exist in many countries.  

Bernese Mountain Dog Crossbreeds 

As the Bernese Mountain Dog is a popular breed, there are also deliberate crosses between the Bernese and other dog breeds. These so-called hybrid dogs are viewed critically by many dog lovers. Among the best-known Bernese crossbreeds are the Bernedoodle and the Swissy or Swissydog. A Swissydog is a mix of two different Swiss mountain dog breeds, for example a Bernese Mountain Dog crossed with a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. 

Conclusion: Good-Natured Watchdog 

However much the Bernese is promoted as a laid-back family dog, prospective owners should not forget that this breed is originally a working dog that requires appropriate activity and stimulation. 

Suitable Collars for Your Bernese Mountain Dog

Even more choice of dog collars and other dog accessories can be found in the online shop at zooplus.

Bernese Mountain Dog Profile

Special features:	In the past, the Bernese Mountain Dog was mainly kept as a farm, draught or cattle-driving dog. Today, it is highly popular as a loyal companion and family dog.
Character:	good-natured, friendly, vigilant, self-assured
Height at the withers:	Males: 64–70 cm | Females: 58–66 cm
Weight:	not specified; Males: up to 55 kg | Females: up to 45 kg
Coat:	long, glossy, smooth or slightly wavy, tricolour
Coat care:	higher maintenance, heavy shedding, brush weekly
Exercise:	high need for activity, can be kept busy with obedience or carting sports, for example
Suitable for beginners:	yes
Barking:	rarely barks
Life expectancy:	approx. 7–10 years
Typical illnesses:	joint problems, kidney disease and cancer
FCI group:	Group 2: Pinschers and Schnauzers – Molossoid breeds – Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs Section 3: Swiss Mountain Dogs
Origin:	Switzerland