Group: Working
Origins: The Bernese Mountain Dog was originally bred over 2,000 years ago in Switzerland to protect livestock. They would also deliver heavy loads of dairy products and woven baskets down to villages. Their roots are connected to Roman Mastiffs.
Weight: 84–110 lbs (male), 79–110 lbs (female)
Height: 64–70 cm (male), 58–66 cm (female)
Lifespan: 7-10 years
Coat: Thick double-layered fur that sheds heavily.
Colors: Black, white, and brown mix
Tail: Typically long and fluffy with curvature. Some may have naturally short tails.
Ears: V-Shaped
Health: Typically healthy but prone to anxiety attacks, seizures, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye/vision problems, obesity, bloat, and heart issues. They are also known to drool because of their floppy lips. The most common cause of death in Bernese Mountain Dogs is cancer, which is found in 10% of them before the age of six.
Barking: These dogs are known to be vocal and loud because of their protective instincts.
Environment: This dog breed does best in a suburban house or rural area. They need a large space with outdoor access. They prefer cooler weather because of their thick coats.
Popularity: Bernese Mountain Dogs are common globally, especially in German speaking countries. In 2023 they were ranked number 21 out of 201 breeds on the American Kennel Club's most popular dog list.
Family Friendly? Yes, these dogs are known to make great family pets. They are typically very gentle with people of all ages, although young children may be intimidated by their large size. They are good with other dogs and smaller pets such as cats, birds, and rodents especially when socialized properly from a young age. Some of them have a high prey drive and should be monitored.
Temperament: Calm, affectionate, alert, smart, loyal, sweet, silly, sensitive, and patient.
Training: Easy - they respond well to clicker training and gentle teaching approaches. It should be noted that they are often slower to mature compared to other breeds.
Care: Bernese Mountain Dogs need regular grooming and 30-60 minutes of exercise per day. They should not be left alone for more than 3-5 hours at a time because they are prone to seperation anxiety.
Hypoallergenic: NO
Other Names: Berner, Berner Sennen, Bouvier Bernois, Bernese Cattle Dog
Famous Bernese Mountain Dogs:
- Stella is a Bernese Mountain Dog who has two restaurants in Michigan named after her. There is also a book about her.
- Nico saved two people who were caught into an ocean current in California.
More Facts:
- Many Bernese Mountain Dogs can pull up to 1,000 pounds. They may participate in cart pulling competitions.
- They also do well in other sporting events such as agility and obedience.
- Mother Bernese Mountain Dogs can have up to 15 puppies per litter.
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Big Book of Dog Breeds
Kurgu Olmayan🐕Purebred dogs listed from A to Z.🐩 Readers will learn all about over 100 different types of dogs ranging from large breeds like the Saint Bernard and small breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier. The breeds included in this book will be both popular...
