The Bernese Mountain Dog
A DEEP DIVE INTO THE BREED, THEIR HISTORY, AND CARE
Average sizes of the breed:
HEIGHT
25-27.5 inches (male)
23-26 inches (female)
WEIGHT
80-110 lbs. (male)
70-95 lbs. (female)
BREED CHARACTERISTICS
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a powerful and hard-working breed, known for its striking tricolor coat of black, white, and rust. Standing over 27 inches tall, they have a majestic appearance with distinctive facial markings and intelligent, dark eyes. Despite their size, Berners are sweet-natured and affectionate, thriving on pleasing their owners.
THEIR HISTORY
The Bernese Mountain Dog, affectionately known as the "Berner," originates from the Swiss Alps. This large, sturdy breed was originally developed to work on farms, primarily as a draft dog, pulling carts, herding cattle, and serving as a loyal companion to farmers. The breed’s history dates back over 2,000 years, when the Romans brought mastiff-type dogs to Switzerland. These dogs were bred with local farm dogs, leading to the development of the four Sennenhund breeds, including the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Their distinctive appearance, combined with the breed's gentle nature and work ethic, made them highly valued by Swiss farmers.
CARING FOR YOUR BERNER: WHAT TO EXPECT
Owning a dog is not just a privilege; it’s a responsibility. They depend on us for, at minimum, food and shelter, and deserve much more. When you take a dog into your life, you need to understand the commitment that dog ownership entails.
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The Bernese Mountain Dog has a double coat with a longer outer layer and a wooly undercoat. They shed regularly, with heavy shedding occurring twice a year. Brushing weekly—or daily during shedding season—helps remove loose hair and keeps their coat looking its best. Tangles can be smoothed out using a slicker brush or metal comb. Additionally, regular nail trimming is important to prevent discomfort and structural issues.
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Bernese Mountain Dogs need at least 30 minutes of moderate daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. While they thrive indoors with their family, they love outdoor activities like hiking and long walks. They’re great companions for camping and backpacking. Berners also enjoy pulling carts, especially with children, and often compete in carting, drafting, agility, herding, obedience, rally, and tracking events.
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Early socialization and obedience training are crucial for Bernese Mountain Dogs due to their large size. Intelligent and eager to please, they are generally easy to train. However, their sensitive nature means they don’t respond well to harsh methods. Berners thrive on family interaction, and being left alone for extended periods can lead to unwanted behaviors.
Want more information on the breed?
Visit the American Kennel Club website.
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