Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Guide
Also known as: Berner, Bernese, Berner Sennenhund, BMD
Gentle giants with hearts of gold, Bernese Mountain Dogs bring calm affection and striking tri-colour beauty to any home.
Quick facts about this breed
Size
Large
Weight
32-52 kg
Lifespan
6-10 years
Energy Level
Medium
Family Fit
Loves all ages
Shedding
High
Size
Large
Weight
32-52 kg
Lifespan
6-10 years
Energy Level
Medium
Family Fit
Loves all ages
Shedding
High
About Bernese Mountain Dogs
The Bernese Mountain Dog originated in Switzerland over 2,000 years ago as one of four Swiss Sennenhund breeds. Originally bred to drive cattle, pull carts, and guard farms in the Bernese region, these gentle giants were nearly extinct by the early 1900s before being revived by dedicated breeders.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, sturdy dogs with distinctive tricolour coats of black, rust, and white. They're known for their gentle, patient temperament and strong desire to please their families.
These dogs make excellent family pets, particularly good with children due to their calm, tolerant nature. They require moderate exercise and are generally content with daily walks and playtime. Their thick coat sheds year-round and requires regular brushing. While generally good-natured, potential concerns include a relatively short lifespan (6-8 years), hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and certain cancers. Early socialisation helps ensure they're well-adjusted, confident adults.
Complete Care Guide for Bernese Mountain Dogs
Expert advice on keeping your Bernese Mountain Dog healthy, happy, and thriving at every stage of life.
Providing optimal nutrition for a Bernese Mountain Dog requires careful attention to their unique dietary needs as a large breed. These gentle giants thrive on a well-balanced diet rich in high-quality protein sources that support their substantial muscle mass and overall frame. Maintaining proper nutritional proportions becomes especially crucial during their developmental stages.
Selecting an appropriate large-breed formula helps ensure steady, controlled growth—particularly important for supporting proper bone and joint development in Bernese Mountain Dog puppies. The right balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates provides sustained energy while helping to prevent unwanted weight gain that could stress their joints.
Establishing consistent feeding routines proves essential for these dogs, as sudden dietary changes can trigger digestive sensitivities. When introducing new foods or adjusting portions, implement changes gradually over 7-10 days. Monitor your Bernese Mountain Dog's weight and energy levels regularly, adjusting portions as needed to maintain optimal body condition.
Meal timing also warrants consideration, as these dogs benefit from scheduled feedings rather than free feeding. Dividing daily portions into two measured meals helps regulate digestion and reduces the risk of bloat—a serious condition that can affect large, deep-chested breeds.
How healthy is your Bernese Mountain Dog?
A two minute quiz for your personalised results and health plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about Bernese Mountain Dogs from our community of pet parents
Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They are great with children and families, often showing a calm, patient, and gentle disposition. They are intelligent dogs that respond well to training, but can be a bit reserved around strangers. Building a strong bond with their families, they tend to be quite loyal and protective.
Bernese Mountain Dog Blog Posts & Guides
Expert advice and tips specifically for Bernese Mountain Dog owners
Dog Breeds Similar to Bernese Mountain Dog
Explore breeds with comparable temperament, size, and care requirements to the Bernese Mountain Dog
Saint Bernard
Alpine rescue dogs, Saint Bernards are gentle, massive dogs whose calm temperaments and impressive size make them excellent companions for patient owners.
Newfoundland
Swimming bears with gentle souls, Newfoundlands are water rescue dogs whose calm nature and swimming ability make them excellent aquatic companions.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Gentle giants with tri-colour coats, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are calm, strong working dogs whose steady nature suits those wanting large companions.