Bernese Mountain Dog Puppies

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The Large but Gentle Bernese Mountain Dog

This beautiful breed is loved for its sweet and affectionate disposition. Don't let their size intimidate you, they are a gentle breed and great with children. They are imposing but not threatening, and respond well to obedience training.


Bernese Mountain Dog At a Glance

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Bernese Mountain Dog At a Glance

  • Size: 23"-28", 70-115 lbs.
  • Lifespan: 7-10 years
  • Energy Level: high
  • Coat: Long outer coat with a woolly undercoat
  • Shedding: heavy
  • Hypoallergenic: No
  • Dog Group: Working
  • Common Nicknames: Berner, Berner Sennenhund

Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Guide

Learn More About Bernese Mountain Dogs

  • Temperament

    A lovely dog with a temperament to match, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a working dog breed that has deservedly become a popular family pet. This breed is large and powerful, but is highly trainable and gentle with children. Intelligent, charming, and sociable, the Bernese Mountain Dog thrives on being with its family and is also very protective of its loved ones. However, while protective, Bernese Mountain Dogs are rarely aggressive. They tend to be on the shyer side when meeting people they do not know, but don't have trouble warming up to someone new. Still, it's important that this breed is exposed to a range of different people, environments, and situations during puppyhood. Overall, the Bernese makes a lovely family companion.

  • Health

    Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally healthy, but like most large breeds, they can be susceptible to bloat. Breeders should also screen them for conditions like hip and elbow dsyplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and some blood disorders.

  • Activity Level

    Bernese Mountain Dogs are perfectly comfortable lounging on the couch, but do require at least a half-hour of moderate exercise each day to remain happy and healthy. They enjoy outdoor activities and make the perfect hiking companion.

  • Grooming

    We recommend you brush your bernese mountain dog's coat daily to remove loose hair and to prevent matting. This will also help maintain the coat's bright and natural sheen.

  • Shedding

    Bernese Mountain Dogs shed year round, and more heavily twice a year.

  • Appearance

    Bernese Mountain Dogs are typically tri-color with a combination of black, white, and rust colorings. Their thick, long, and silky coat can be straight or slightly wavy. As a puppy they resemble a cute stuffed animal, and their kind, dark brown eyes are very expressive.

  • History

    The Bernese Mountain Dog has its origins in Switzerland, where it was used as a cart-pulling dog, herder, and general farm dog. How exactly this breed was developed, though, is unclear. Some believe that the Bernese developed as a result of the Roman invasion of Switzerland, when Roman mastiffs were bred with Swiss flock-guarding dogs. After the advent of modern machinery, the Bernese Mountain Dog nearly became extinct as a breed because to the lack of necessity for it. Fortunately, several breeders saw to it that Bernese Mountain Dogs did not disappear, and the first Bernese came to the United States in 1926. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1937.