Bernese Mountain Dog Breed

If all their needs are provided for, Bernese Mountain Dogs can fit right into family life. They're naturally protective without being aggressive, and their calm nature can make them a safe choice for families with children of all ages. However, their size can lead them to accidentally knocking over smaller children during play, so it's important to supervise any interactions.

These dogs love being part of family activities and will want to be involved in almost everything you do! They'll happily settle at your feet during family film night or potter around the garden while you're weeding. It’s important to note that Berners don't like being left alone for long, and can become anxious or destructive if they feel lonely.

Absolutely! They just love to be with their people. They're famous for their loving, gentle nature and are often described as having hearts as big as their bodies! These dogs live for time with their people and would happily spend all day by your side.

However, they can be unsure of strangers, so they shouldn’t be pressured or expected to interact with people they don’t know.

Don't be surprised if your Bernese Mountain Dog tries to behave like a lap dog (despite weighing up to 50 kilograms)! They often don't realise quite how big they are, and will see no problem in leaning against you for cuddles or climbing up into your lap. This deep attachment is wonderful, but it does mean that they can struggle with separation-related problems (like anxiety) if left alone too often or for too long. They're best suited to homes where someone is around for most of the day.

Young and adolescent Berners are very playful for their size and bulk. They’re wonderfully silly up until at least three years old.  

But this means you may find yourself with a big dog who likes doing zoomies indoors… a recipe for chaos in a smaller home! 

What's lovely about Bernese Mountain Dogs is that they keep their puppy-like joy well into their senior years. You'll often see an adult getting excited about a walk or a new toy with the same enthusiasm as a youngster. 

They’re entertaining pups and would be great fun for kids old enough to play with them along with active adults. They enjoy games of fetch, puzzle toys and simply pottering about with their family. 

They're not suited to lengthy playtimes, though. They tire fairly quickly, despite their roots as working dogs. Short bursts of play followed by a good rest suit them perfectly. 

Generally, Bernese Mountain Dogs aren't excessive barkers. They have a deep, impressive bark which they'll use to let you know if someone's coming to the house or if something seems odd. This comes from their watchdog past on Swiss farms, where they'd need to alert farmers about visitors or possible threats. 

While they'll bark to warn you, they're not the type to bark at every little thing. Most Berners are fairly quiet in the home once they're settled and comfortable. That said, like any dog, they may bark more if bored or anxious. This is another reason why keeping them mentally active and well-exercised is so important. 

The most common challenge with Bernese Mountain Dogs are separation-related problem behaviours. Their strong attachment to their families means they can struggle when left alone and this can lead to chewing things they shouldn't or excessive barking. It's really important to teach them from puppyhood that being on their own for short periods of time isn’t something to be afraid of.

Some Berners can also show their herding instinct by trying to round up family members or other pets. While this might seem sweet at first, it needs to be managed so it doesn't become a nuisance. Early socialisation and training help Bernese Mountain Dogs grow into confident, well-adjusted adults. Without this, they can become overly shy or anxious around new people and situations.

Bernese Mountain Dogs need space. Although they're calm and contained indoors, they're still large dogs who need room to stretch out comfortably. A home with a decent-sized garden is ideal, though they can adapt to smaller spaces if they get regular outdoor time. Access to cooler areas is important too, as their thick coats can cause them to overheat in warm weather. 

Most importantly, Berners need a home where people are around for most of the day. They're not suited to full-time workers unless you can arrange for dog walkers or a dog sitter. They do best in homes where they can be part of daily life, whether that's following you around the house, joining you for gentle walks or simply lying nearby while you go about your day. 

Bernese Mountain Dogs need about an hour of exercise daily, which can be split into two walks if needed. They're not built for intense exercise or long-distance running, but they do enjoy calm walks, gentle hikes and exploring new places. Their working roots mean that they like having a purpose, so carrying a small backpack or pulling a cart can be very satisfying for them.

Be careful of exercising Berners in hot weather as their thick double coat makes them prone to overheating. During summer it’s important that they always have access to fresh water and shade, and it’s best to walk them in the early morning or evening to help them keep cool.

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle toys, scent work and basic training sessions keep their minds active and stop them getting bored.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally easy to train. They're intelligent and eager to please. They respond well to positive, reward-based methods using treats, toys and praise. Harsh corrections or raised voices can really upset these sensitive souls, so a gentle and patient approach is key.

Training should start early, while they're still young puppies. An untrained adult Berner can be hard to handle simply because of their size and strength. Focus on basics like lead walking, recall and settling calmly. Socialisation with other dogs and people is really important too. Although they're clever, they can sometimes be challenging to motivate, so staying consistent is important. Getting help from a professional trainer can be invaluable, especially if you're new to large breeds.

Bernese Mountain Dogs have a thick, medium-length double coat that needs regular grooming. Plan on brushing them at least two to three times a week. This keeps their coat healthy and stops it becoming matted. During spring and autumn, when they shed heavily, you'll need to brush them daily to manage the loose hair.

Bathing should be done every few months or when they get particularly muddy. Berners’ coats shed mud quite well on their own, so frequent bathing isn't needed. Don't forget to check their ears regularly, trim their nails as needed, and brush their teeth several times a week too. Professional grooming every few months can help keep them especially smart and presentable (and gives you a break from all that shedding)!

Sadly, Bernese Mountain Dogs often have shorter lives than many breeds, typically living 7 to 10 years. They’re prone to a range of health problems, with cancer being the most serious concern. Hip and elbow dysplasia are also common, affecting their joints and movement as they get older.

Common health issues they are prone to include:

• Histiocytic sarcoma: an aggressive form of cancer that sadly affects many Berners.
• Hip and elbow dysplasia: joint problems that can cause pain and limit movement. Good breeders should screen for these conditions.
• Bloat: a life-threatening stomach condition that needs immediate vet attention. Giant breeds and deep-chested breeds are most at risk of this condition.
• Degenerative myelopathy: a progressive spinal condition that can lead to paralysis.
• Progressive retinal atrophy: an inherited eye condition that can cause sight loss.

Regular vet check-ups, a healthy diet, appropriate exercise and good weight management can help support your Bernese Mountain Dog's health. Pet insurance is highly recommended given the breed's predisposition to some health conditions.