Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog must be taken outside regularly because it is very fond of exercise and the outdoors. Bernese Mountain Dogs enjoy cold weather and love to run and play off the leash whenever possible. Avoid strenuously exercising the Bernese Mountain Dog when young as it needs all of its energy to put on weight and build strong bones and joints. Moderate Maintenance: Bernese Mountain Dogs have a thick, moderately long double coat that can be straight or slightly wavy. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that this coat sheds heavily, but frequent brushing will help to keep loose hair under control. The best tools for grooming a Berner’s coat are a stainless steel pin brush, a slicker brush, and a stainless steel comb with fine and coarse teeth. The Bernese Mountain Dog is slightly longer than tall, though it appears square. It is a sturdy, large, hardy dog capable of both draft and droving work. This requires a combination of strength, speed and agility. Its natural working gait is a slow trot, but with good reach and drive. Its thick coat is moderately long, and slightly wavy or straight, providing insulation from the cold. Its expression is gentle, and its coloring is striking. The Bernese mountain dog is an easygoing, calm family companion (that is, after it leaves its adolescent stage). It is sensitive, loyal and extremely devoted. It is gentle with children and often reserved with strangers. It generally gets along well with other dogs and pets. The Bernese Mountain Dog, or Berner Sennenhund in his native Switzerland, was used as an all-around farm dog by Alpine herdsmen in the canton of Bern. The dogs drove cattle to pasture, pulled milk carts to the dairy, and acted as watchdogs on the farm. Generally, Berners hauled milk in pairs, so it was common to see two of them hooked to a cart. Berners are thought to have descended from mastiff-type dogs who came to Switzerland along with Roman armies some 2,000 years ago. There they interbred with local dogs and were developed to help with farm work. With industrialization, however, the dogs almost disappeared. The breed was revived in the early 20th century to become a companion dog, although many still carried out their traditional farm duties as well. The American Kennel Club recognized the Bernese Mountain Dog in 1937.
| Weight: | Male: 85-110 pounds (38–50 kg) Female: 80-105 pounds (36–48 kg) |
| 06: | Rocky |
| Exercise Needs: | 3 stars More + Less - The Bernese Mountain Dog must be taken outside regularly because it is very fond of exercise and the outdoors. Bernese Mountain Dogs enjoy cold weather and love to run and play off the leash whenever possible. Avoid strenuously exercising the Bernese Mountain Dog when young as it needs all of its energy to put on weight and build strong bones and joints. |
| Grooming: | 3 stars More + Less - Moderate Maintenance: Bernese Mountain Dogs have a thick, moderately long double coat that can be straight or slightly wavy. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that this coat sheds heavily, but frequent brushing will help to keep loose hair under control. The best tools for grooming a Berner’s coat are a stainless steel pin brush, a slicker brush, and a stainless steel comb with fine and coarse teeth. |
| Life span: | 7-10 years |
| Type: | Purebred |
| Puppy Prices: | Average $1500 - $3000 USD A Bernese Mountain Dog puppy is expensive, but remember that he will cost you a lot more than the purchase price. Usually, the average cost of purchasing a pet quality puppy from a reputable breeder is about $1,500 to $3,000. However, for a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy with top breed lines and a superior pedigree, you may need to pay between $3,500 and $6,000. |
| 02: | Buddy |
| 10: | Dexter |
| Adaptability: | 3 stars |
| Apartment Friendly: | 3 stars Bernese Mountain Dogs are not recommended for apartment life. They are relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least a large, fenced-in yard. Because of their thick coats they are sensitive to the heat and would much rather be in cold temperatures. |
| Colors: | Black White |
| Height: | Male: 24-28 inches (61–71 cm) Female: 23-27 inches (58–69 cm) |
| Origin: | Switzerland |
| Trainability: | 5 stars Easy Training: The Bernese Mountain Dog must be handled with a loving, consistent approach and on an even keel. The Bernese Mountain Dog is an eager learner and is very responsive to its trainer's voice. |
| 04: | Ollie |
| 05: | Teddy |
| Cat Friendly: | 3 stars |
| Child Friendly: | 4 stars Good with Kids: This is a suitable dog breed for kids. It is also very friendly toward other pets and friendly toward strangers. |
| Health Issues: | 5 stars Hypoallergenic: No |
| 01: | Charlie |
| Breed Group: | Working (AKC:1937) Guardian Dogs (UKC) |
| Watchdog Ability: | 5 stars |
| Barking Tendencies: | 3 stars Occassional |
| Intelligence: | 5 stars Ranking: #22 Full Ranking List |
| Name: | Bernese Mountain Dog |
| Other names: | Berner Sennenhund, Bernese Cattle Dog, Berner |
| Stranger Friendly: | 3 stars |
| 03: | Toby |
| 07: | Sammy |
| 08: | Beau |
| Dog Friendly: | 3 stars |
| Playfulness: | 3 stars |
| Popularity: | 2022: #22 2021: #20 2020: #22 2019: #23 2018: #22 2017: #25 2016: #27 2015: #29 |
| Rank: | Boy Names |
| 09: | Moose |
| Litter Size: | 1-14 puppies, average 8 |
| Shedding Level: | 4 stars Constant and Seasonal Shedding: Expect this dog to shed frequently. Be prepared to vacuum often. Brushing will reduce shedding as well as make the coat softer and cleaner. |
| Size: | Large to Giant |
| Temperament: | Affectionate Faithful Intelligent Loyal |