Dog class - Working
Average height - 23 to 28 inches
Average weight - 70 to 95 pounds
Size - Large
Coat - Long, thick, smooth coat which may be straight or slightly wavy
Average life span - 10 years

This big sweet dog can sometimes be shy. He forms a strong bond of love with his family, but often attaches himself to one person. He is eager to please and easy to train, and gets along well with other animals. He likes children, and especially enjoys pulling them in carts.

The ancestry of the Bernese Mountain Dog dates to the ancient Roman Legion introduction of the mastiff-type guard dogs that crossbred with local herding dogs found around Berne, Switzerland. They were one of the four Swiss Mountain Dog breeds to develop and the only one to have a long coat. In the alpine farm operations the Bernese Sennenhund as they are know there, instinctively worked as drovers in herding livestock to and from various mountain pastures, became draft-carting dogs that hauled produce to market, as well as being watch dogs on these hillside farms.

Training titles include tracking, agility, and therapy, as well as show ring exhibition and obedience trials. Local clubs sponsor many social and educational activities for the new to the breed owner and want-to-be Berner owner, and is a great way to learn about their dog from caring, experienced owners.

The Bernese is self-confident and very intelligent making them a quick and willing learner. Training sessions should be short, precise and not pushed. Their loyal bonding requires close companionship of their people. They adapt readily to children that they have been raised with from puppy-hood, but should be supervised with other children. They are inclined to be timid or suspicious of strangers and are very able watchdogs not prone to frivolous barking. As a herding dog, they are good with other pets. They're quiet indoors, and more active outdoors, being athletic and playful. Unlike other mastiff-type dogs, they are not inclined to drool.

As with all giant breeds, they should not be allowed to become overweight at any stage in their major growth period and throughout their adult 9 to 10 year life. Berners are unfortunately prone to various cancers, although responsible breeders are trying to get such tendencies out of the breed. Other common medical concerns and genetic predispositions include hip and elbow dysphasia, and bloat (trapped gas in the stomach which is then prone to twisting on itself). Most breeders would welcome your inquiries and would be willing to share knowledge of their breeding stock. Additional health problems may be accessed through the Berner-Garde database.

Whether residing in a town or country setting, a fenced yard should be a must, along with appropriate protection from the elements. Berners require daily walks and exercise to keep them properly conditioned. Grooming includes vigorous brushing to control shedding, and will require more frequent brushing during their semi-annual blowing of coat, along with periodic ear cleaning, and nail trimming. Puppy training, early socialization, and beginning obedience training for both the dog and owner are highly recommended.

Make sure you like the disposition of the parents of your Berner pup. Berners are usually reserved around strangers, but veterinarians are starting to see some aggression in a few dogs. Berners are a normally friendly breed and should not display aggressive tendencies. Proper socialization as a young pup is a must to help avoid such tendencies.

Further Bernese Mountain Dog Resources