Bernese Mountain Dog: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care

Bernese Mountain Dog temperament and personality

The AKC describes the Berner as sweet, affectionate, intelligent and eager to please, people-oriented and sensitive, and sometimes aloof with strangers. VCA calls the breed devoted and easygoing, reserved with strangers, generally friendly toward unfamiliar dogs and sensitive.

Berners were farm dogs in the Swiss Alps, pulling carts and watching over the property, and they still like to stay close to their family. Most are calm and gentle in the house once out of adolescence. Their sensitivity means they do poorly with harsh handling or long hours alone. Many Berner owners begin with a harness for Bernese Mountain Dogs and a few Bernese-friendly toys to keep that sensitive, people-focused dog busy.

How big do Bernese Mountain Dogs get?

The AKC lists males at 25 to 27.5 inches at the shoulder and 80 to 115 pounds, and females at 23 to 26 inches and 70 to 95 pounds. The AKC's breed overview gives the combined range as 23 to 27.5 inches and 70 to 115 pounds, and VCA lists 23 to 28 inches and 70 to 120 pounds.

Berners grow quickly and mature slowly, often not filling out until two or three. VCA says feeding puppies a large-breed growth food may reduce the incidence or severity of hip dysplasia in adulthood. Ask your vet about the right diet and growth rate, and keep a young Berner lean.

Bernese Mountain Dog lifespan and common health issues

The AKC gives a life expectancy of 7 to 10 years and calls it short, and VCA gives 6 to 9. Large size and a heavy load of inherited disease both play a part. Hip dysplasia is the condition VCA names directly for the breed, and owners of large, deep-chested dogs should also know the signs of bloat.

Ask a breeder for hip and elbow evaluations on both parents, which health screenings the national breed club recommends and which they have done, and how long the dogs in their lines have lived. Ask your vet about lumps to watch as your dog ages. A swollen belly with retching, collapse or sudden lameness needs a vet immediately.

Exercise needs

The AKC says Berners are active and enjoy walking and hiking but are not as high-energy as many herding or sporting breeds. VCA recommends daily moderate walks or short jogs and notes the breed tolerates cold well but struggles in heat.

An hour or so of walking a day, with some off-leash play in a secure area, suits most adults. Exercise in the cool of the day in summer and give shade and water. Carting and drafting events are a natural fit. Keep puppy exercise gentle while the joints develop.

Bernese Mountain Dog grooming and shedding

The thick double coat sheds a lot. VCA rates shedding as above average, and the AKC says Berners shed heavily twice a year. The AKC recommends weekly brushing, moving to daily brushing during seasonal sheds.

A slicker brush, an undercoat rake and a long-toothed comb cover the coat, with attention behind the ears and on the trousers where mats form. Bathe every few months or when dirty, and dry thoroughly. Trim nails, clean ears and brush teeth regularly.

Training a Bernese Mountain Dog

The AKC says Berners are easier to train than many breeds, but early socialization and obedience training are essential, and positive reinforcement works best while harsh methods should be avoided. VCA says they learn quickly and respond best to food rewards.

Start leash training early, because a 100-pound dog that pulls is hard to walk. Teach calm greetings and a solid stay. Socialize the puppy with many people and places, since the breed's natural reserve can turn into shyness if it is not handled well.

Are Bernese Mountain Dogs good with kids and other pets?

The AKC says Berners are gentle with children and good family dogs, with supervision recommended because of their size. VCA agrees they are gentle with children but notes they may not have enough playfulness for some kids, and says they are generally good with other pets.

Teach children not to climb on or ride the dog, however patient it seems, because a Berner's joints are vulnerable. Most get on well with cats and other dogs they are raised with.

What a Bernese Mountain Dog needs at home

Plan for size and hair. An extra-large crate, a large orthopedic bed, a vehicle ramp and a fenced yard are the basics, along with a cool, shaded spot and a cooling mat for summer. Expect to vacuum often.

For care, keep a slicker brush, an undercoat rake, a comb, nail clippers or a grinder, ear cleaner and a dog toothbrush. A well-fitted harness and sturdy leash, durable chew toys and a slow-feeder bowl round out the kit. Ask your vet about joint health and bloat early.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.