Bernese Mountain Dog
A gentle giant with a heart of gold.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, tricolor working breed from the Swiss Alps with a famously gentle, affectionate nature. Calm and devoted, it is wonderful with families but sadly short-lived.
Great points
- Gentle and great with kids
- Calm and affectionate
- Beautiful tricolor coat
- Loyal family guardian
Things to consider
- Short lifespan and high cancer risk
- Sheds heavily
- Needs space and cool weather
- Large vet and food costs
The story
Bred as a farm dog in the Swiss canton of Bern, the Berner pulled carts, drove cattle and guarded the homestead. Its calm strength and sweet temperament made it a treasured family dog.
Training
Berners are sensitive and eager to please, so gentle, positive training works best, and early socialisation helps these large dogs grow into calm adults.
Grooming
Brush the thick double coat two or three times a week, and daily during heavy seasonal sheds, to manage the considerable hair.
Food & diet
Around 3 to 6 cups of large-breed food a day depending on size, with controlled puppy growth to protect joints.
Exercise
Moderate. Daily walks and play keep them fit, with care not to over-exercise growing puppies.
Health to watch
Sadly prone to cancer, plus hip and elbow dysplasia and bloat, with a short lifespan, so health testing matters.
Fun fact. Bernese Mountain Dogs were bred to pull carts and can be trained for the sports of carting and drafting.
