Bernese Mountain Dog

Character and behavior of a Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a good-natured, very friendly, and well-balanced dog. Originally bred as a versatile farm, draft, guard, and herding dog, it has now become a popular family and companion dog. It is attentive and alert, yet always friendly—an ideal addition to many families.

Training and raising a Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally easy to train without much difficulty. However, it should not be forgotten that even these gentle giants can sometimes have a stubborn streak. Intense physical activities such as agility or jogging are not really suitable due to their weight and sensitive joints. Nevertheless, Bernese Mountain Dogs need around 1.5 to 2 hours of targeted activity every day to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.

Is the Bernese Mountain Dog a family dog?

Bernese Mountain Dogs are very gentle and friendly dogs. They enjoy being around people and generally get along well with children. However, this requires consistent and loving guidance.

Do Bernese Mountain Dogs get along with other dogs?

The Bernese Mountain Dog is naturally very sociable. Nevertheless, consistent socialization should begin at an early age. If this is ensured, it will develop into an extremely sociable and affable dog.

How big and heavy does a Bernese Mountain Dog get?

Shoulder height:

• Females: 58–66 cm
• Males: 64–70 cm

Weight:

• Females: 30–50 kg
• Males: 45 - 65 kg

Affection for people

The Bernese Mountain Dog shows a strong affection for humans. It is very family-oriented and forms close bonds with its caregivers. Being close to its family is particularly important to it, which is why it likes to participate in daily life and does not like to be left alone for long periods of time.

Bernese Mountain Dog coat care and hygiene?

The long, thick, and water-repellent coat is one of the typical characteristics of the Bernese Mountain Dog. To prevent matting and knots, the coat should be thoroughly brushed several times a week. Occasional bathing is also useful to keep the coat clean and well-groomed, using mild dog shampoos. Daily brushing is recommended during the shedding season, as the Bernese Mountain Dog loses a lot of undercoat during this time.

What is the life expectancy of a Bernese Mountain Dog?

Unfortunately, Bernese Mountain Dogs do not live to a particularly old age compared to many other dog breeds. Their average life expectancy is around 7 to 10 years, although there are of course exceptions. Their shorter life expectancy is linked to factors such as their size, weight and breed-specific diseases.

What are common health problems in Bernese Mountain Dogs?

Unfortunately, Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to various breed-specific diseases. These include cancer, hip and elbow dysplasia, osteochondrosis, kidney disease, and degenerative myelopathy, with tumorous changes often being the most prominent. For this reason, regular veterinary check-ups are particularly important in order to detect possible diseases at an early stage.
Maintaining a healthy body weight plays a key role here, as being overweight puts additional strain on the joints and can exacerbate existing health problems. In addition, strenuous physical activity, such as frequent stair climbing or overexertion, should be avoided as much as possible. Choosing a reputable breeder is also very important: responsible breeders have their breeding dogs tested for certain hereditary diseases in order to reduce the risk of passing on genetic disorders.

How much does a Bernese Mountain Dog cost?

The price of a Bernese Mountain Dog can vary greatly in Switzerland. As a rule, the price for a dog with a pedigree ranges between CHF 1,500 and CHF 3,000. Depending on the pedigree of the parents, existing health checks, and any show successes, the price may be higher or lower. In addition to the purchase price, ongoing expenses should also be taken into account. These include the cost of food, insurance, veterinary care, grooming accessories, and regular health checks at the vet.

Bernese Mountain Dog Dog Insurance

Taking out insurance for a Bernese Mountain Dog makes perfect sense. Due to their size and weight, this breed is one of the dogs that are more susceptible to certain illnesses. To be well prepared for possible healthcare costs, pet insurance is therefore highly recommended. At Calingo, the average annual premium for dog insurance for a Bernese Mountain Dog is around CHF 960.

Here you can find out more about Bernese Mountain Dog insurance.

‍