Meet the Bernese Mountain Dog: Essential Tips from Owners

Discover the Bernese Mountain Dog, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, loyal, and playful nature. Recognized as a large dog, Bernese Mountain Dogs have their origins in Switzerland, where they were initially bred for guarding livestock and droving work starting in the 1st century.

In this post, we share insights from nearly 100 Sniffspot Bernese Mountain Dog owners, offering practical advice for new and prospective Bernese Mountain Dog owners. Whether you’re considering adopting or rescuing a Bernese Mountain Dog or already have one, you'll find valuable tips on how to care for and enjoy life with this affectionate breed.

As Sniffspot user Tank says, "Very affectionate breed and always has the biggest personalities!"

Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Survey 2024

Bernese Mountain Dog Quick Characteristics

• Breed Type: Working
• Size: Large
• Life Expectancy: 7 to 10
• Healthy Weight Range: 70 to 115
• Height Range: 23 to 28
• Temperament: Affectionate, Loyal, Playful
• Coat Type: Thick double
• Color: black, white, and rust

About the Bernese Mountain Dog

According to nearly 10,000 Sniffspot community users who shared real-world data about their Bernese Mountain Dogs, these dogs are affectionate and loyal. The Bernese Mountain Dog is also known for being very friendly and social with children and other pets.

When living with a Berner, 80% of our owners indicated that a large house with a fenced yard is ideal. Additionally, 44% of owners found that a rural or suburban area with open spaces is also acceptable. This dog is moderately trainable, often benefiting from a professional trainer. Owners say that the Bernese Mountain Dog learns best with positive reinforcement and consistent routines.

In terms of exercise, 58% of Sniffspot owners say their Bernese Mountain Dog benefits from moderate exercise every day, including 1-2 hours of activity each day, such as walks and active play sessions. The Sniffspot Berner community would recommend this dog for first-time owners.

History and Origin of Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog, or "Berner," is a large working breed originating from the Swiss Alps. Their ancestry can be traced back to mastiff-type dogs brought by Roman soldiers around the 1st century AD, which were then bred with local Swiss dogs. Originally, these dogs were used for draft work, pulling carts, and guarding livestock on farms in Switzerland. They are one of four Swiss mountain dog breeds, distinguished by their long, thick coat that was essential for protecting them from the cold Alpine weather.

Historically, Bernese Mountain Dogs played a vital role in Swiss agricultural life. Farmers relied on them to pull heavy carts of dairy products, guard livestock, and serve as loyal companions. The breed was near extinction in the late 19th century due to industrialization, but efforts by Swiss fanciers helped revive the breed in the early 20th century. They were eventually recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1937.

Today, Bernese Mountain Dogs are cherished for their gentle, friendly nature and strong work ethic. Their calm temperament makes them excellent family pets, but they retain their working dog instincts and thrive in environments where they have tasks or regular exercise. Known for their loyalty, they are especially good with children and are deeply bonded to their families, though their relatively short lifespan is a consideration for potential owners.

Bernese Mountain Dog Traits and Characteristics

• Temperament: Affectionate, Loyal, Playful
• Energy Level: Moderate
• Trainability: Moderately trainable - Learns commands with consistent training and practice.
• Grooming needs: High maintenance - Requires frequent grooming, including regular brushing, bathing, and trimming.
• Good with Kids: Very friendly and social with children
• Good with Other Pets: Very friendly with other pets

What to Expect as a Bernese Mountain Dog Owner

As a Bernese Mountain Dog owner, it's important to know the best breed tips and what to expect from current Bernese Mountain Dog owners.

Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Research 2024

Grooming Needs

Bernese Mountain Dogs require high-maintenance grooming. Owners should expect frequent grooming, including regular brushing, bathing, and trimming. These dogs have a thick double coat, which provides protection from cold mountain climates and is considered high-shedding.

To keep your Bernese Mountain Dog's coat healthy and up to breed standards, brush at least twice a week. Among the coat types for breeds in the working group, the grooming needs of Bernese Mountain Dogs are considered high maintenance.

Exercise Needs

Bernese Mountain Dogs require moderate activity each day. Though one of the most popular dog breeds, Berners are very athletic and high-energy.

Berners thrive with between 1-2 hours of activity each day, including walks and active play sessions. Owners report that their dogs especially love playing with squeaky toys and engaging in tug-of-war.

When large breeds like Berners don’t get sufficient exercise, they are more likely to exhibit undesirable behaviors such as separation anxiety and excessive chewing. They need consistent training, mental stimulation, and regular moderate exercise to avoid excess energy.

Diet and Nutrition

What should you feed your Bernese Mountain Dog to keep them healthy? As a moderate energy breed, their diet is important. A reported 73% of our community feeds their Berners commercial dry kibble.

With moderate exercise, Berners should eat 4 to 6 cups of vet-recommended food to maintain a healthy weight of around 70 to 115 lbs. However, your Bernese Mountain Dog's ideal weight and food intake depend on factors such as sex, activity level, and age.

Bernese Mountain Dog Health Concerns

The Bernese Mountain Dog breed is most prone to digestive issues (e.g., bloating, sensitive stomach) and joint problems (e.g., hip dysplasia, arthritis). A reported 56% of our Bernese Mountain Dog owners have reported digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. The risk for these challenges increases as they age.

Similarly, 42% reported joint problems like arthritis, elbow dysplasia, degenerative issues, and osteosarcoma. Additionally, 24% of Bernese Mountain Dog owners have noted that their dogs struggle with ear infections caused by allergies, ear mites, or contact dermatitis — a common health concern for the breed. If you’re worried about any of these health issues, consult your Bernese Mountain Dog's vet.

How Friendly Are Bernese Mountain Dogs?

Another important consideration when adopting a Berner is whether this breed fits with your current family. How friendly are Bernese Mountain Dogs compared to other large-sized breeds?

Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Survey 2024

With moderate training, you can channel your Berner's working instincts into an affectionate and loyal family dog. Introducing your pet to positive reinforcement (treats, praise, rewards) and maintaining consistent daily training routines early on helps them avoid undesirable behaviors like separation anxiety and excessive chewing. Our community Bernese Mountain Dog owners comment on their pet's friendliness:

• They are totally devoted to their owners. I have had five Bernese Mountain Dogs. All are soul mates. (TE)
• Berners love their families!!! They are happiest when they are with their people! (Kathy)
• Their loyalty and affection towards their humans. 💗 (KZ)

How to Train Your Bernese Mountain Dog

Whether you're adopting a Berner puppy or an adult Bernese Mountain Dog, training is a significant part of owning this large breed. Without proper training, your Berner is more likely to display undesirable behaviors such as separation anxiety and excessive chewing. Providing stimulating activities is a great first step, but this needs to be paired with the right training for your Berner.

As a working breed, Bernese Mountain Dogs benefit from praise and positive reinforcement. Here’s what our Berner community recommended based on their experience with their own dogs:

• Positive Reinforcement (87%): This includes treats, praise, rewards, and so on for positive behavior.
• Consistent Routines (53%): A consistent training routine helps your pet get comfortable with expectations.

As dogs bred for guarding livestock and droving work, Berners are considered moderately trainable and often benefit from the guidance of a professional trainer.

Jorge Alcala on Unsplash

What Do Owners Love About Bernese Mountain Dogs?

We asked Sniffspot Berner owners what they love most about their Bernese Mountain Dog pups, and here’s what they had to say:

• Sweet, gentle, playful—these big babies are the sweetest, cutest nanny dogs. Once past puppyhood, they are calm and easy to handle. (MJ)
• The sweet personality that wins everyone over. They’re literally gentle giants. (Katrina)
• They are very protective of the farm animals and are fun dogs. (Jae)

What Are the Biggest Challenges for Bernese Mountain Dog Owners?

Similarly, Berner owners shared some of the biggest challenges of living with their Bernese Mountain Dog:

• Very big dog with a lot of hair. Sometimes can be stubborn. (Brianan)
• STUBBORN—Not husky levels, but when a 100+ pound dog doesn’t want to get in a car or go on a walk, it can be very challenging to train around or through this. You essentially have to gently out-stubborn the dog. (Tank)
• Size—Watch out if they accidentally step on your foot; ouch! (Audrey)

Is a Bernese Mountain Dog Right for a First-Time Dog Owner?

Source: Sniffspot 2024 Community Dog Breed Survey

According to 69% of our Sniffspot community, Bernese Mountain Dogs are a great choice for first-time dog owners. This is attributed to their affectionate nature and moderate exercise needs. Bernese Mountain Dog owners say it best:

• They are very protective of the farm animals and are fun dogs. (Jae)
• The protective instinct they have combined with the pure love they show to everyone. (Jordyn)
• They are totally devoted to their owners. I have had five Bernese Mountain Dogs. All have been soul mates. (TE)

Advice for Bernese Mountain Dog Owners

Luckily, our Sniffspot community is full of experienced, trustworthy Berner owners. These Bernese Mountain Dog owners share the most essential tips and advice for prospective or new dog owners:

Keep them mentally and physically stimulated.

• Berners worked on farms pulling carts. They need daily activity and are extremely strong. They will require early intervention in walking properly on a leash. Use a professional trainer if needed. Plan to take them on a short walk, hike, or other adventure every day. Also, be prepared to vacuum daily! (Kathy)
• This breed needs lots of room to run and thrives best on farms. (Jae)

Invest in grooming and maintenance.

• Make sure to keep up with exercise and maintenance, including grooming and baths. (Alex)
• Be prepared for dog hair, drool, and being smooshed, but enjoy their love! (River)

Start training early and be consistent.

• It is imperative that you find a breeder who breeds for health and performs all the necessary tests. Check local breed clubs for breeders using Bernergarde (important breed health tracking), conduct all clearances, and run genetic tests. Avoid breeding lines with issues like DM, histo, and lymphoma. Additionally, you absolutely MUST train your dog. What’s cute at 20 lbs is not cute at 120 lbs, and early training (starting at 8 weeks) sets you and your dog up for success. Lastly, consider getting pet insurance. Most importantly, you’ll never regret choosing a Berner. It’s all worth it. (MJ)
• Consistency is key. Use positive reinforcement as they are a very sensitive breed and do not respond well to harsh punishments. (Stacey)

Research breeders and health issues.

• Do your research and find a good breeder. Get pet health insurance and a good vacuum cleaner. (Donna)
• Research the breed thoroughly and understand their health issues. Only purchase from a reputable breeder who performs health testing. (Sharon)

Frequently Asked Questions about the Bernese Mountain Dog

What is the average lifespan of a Bernese Mountain Dog?

The average lifespan of a Bernese Mountain Dog is typically between 7 to 10 years.

What is the size of a Bernese Mountain Dog?

An adult Bernese Mountain Dog weighs between 70 to 115 pounds and stands between 23 to 28 inches tall.

How much grooming does a Bernese Mountain Dog need?

Bernese Mountain Dogs require high-maintenance grooming. Regular grooming helps keep their coat healthy and manageable. They have a thick double coat, are well-suited for protection from cold mountain climates, and are considered high shedders.

To maintain your Bernese Mountain Dog's coat, it is important to brush at least twice a week. Among working breeds, grooming for Bernese Mountain Dogs is categorized as more complex.

How much exercise do Bernese Mountain Dogs need?

Bernese Mountain Dogs require moderate activity each day. Although they are one of the more popular dog breeds, Bernese Mountain Dogs are classified as moderately athletic and somewhat high-energy.

They thrive with between 1 to 2 hours of activity each day, including walks and active play sessions. Owners note that their dogs particularly enjoy playing with squeaky toys, engaging in tug-of-war, and more.

If large breeds like Bernese Mountain Dogs don't receive enough exercise, they may develop undesirable behaviors. These dogs need ongoing training, mental stimulation, and consistent exercise to channel their energy effectively.

How friendly are Bernese Mountain Dogs with children?

According to our data, Bernese Mountain Dogs are very friendly and social with children.

How well do Bernese Mountain Dogs get along with other pets?

Our research indicates that Bernese Mountain Dogs are very friendly with other pets.

What should you feed your Bernese Mountain Dog to keep him healthy?

As a moderate-energy breed, the diet of your Bernese Mountain Dog is crucial. A significant 73% of our community feeds their Bernese Mountain Dogs commercial dry kibble.

For optimal health, Bernese Mountain Dogs should consume 4 to 6 cups of vet-recommended food to maintain a healthy weight of around 70 to 115 pounds. The exact amount and type of food will depend on your dog's sex, activity level, and age.

What health concerns are common for Bernese Mountain Dogs?

The Bernese Mountain Dog breed is particularly prone to digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite, as well as joint problems including arthritis, elbow dysplasia, degenerative issues, and osteosarcoma. Our data shows that 56% of Bernese Mountain Dog owners reported digestive issues. The risk for these health issues increases with age.

Additionally, 42% of owners reported joint problems. Finally, 24% of Bernese Mountain Dog owners indicated their dog struggles with ear infections caused by allergies, ear mites, or contact dermatitis. If you have concerns about any of these health issues, consult your veterinarian.

Resources for Bernese Mountain Dog Owners

Whether you're a current Bernese Mountain Dog dog owner or you're considering adopting a Berner, Sniffspot is here to lend a helping hand. Here are some of the most relevant resources for Bernese Mountain Dog owners.

• Most Popular Bernese Mountain Dog Names
• Best Dog Rescues and Shelters
• Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America

Sources:

• Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Information. (American Kennel Club)
• Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Health. (PetMD)