A sensitive soul, Bernese Mountain Dogs are large dogs with a lap dog sprit. They love their human pack with a passion and make for calm, gentle housemates, who shed. Everywhere.
Personality and temperament
Unlike some other large dog breeds, Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle, calm and endlessly patient, which makes them a good fit for families with young kids. These large-hearted souls bond closely with their human pack, and are happy to laze around and receive pats, or embark on long walking adventures together. Bernese Mountain Dogs aren’t big barkers, but they will let you know if they think they hear something unusual.
Size and appearance
This is one large fluffy pooch with a thick, double coat that sheds. They come in a distinct tricolour of black, white and a rusty colour, with white fur covering their chests. Males can weigh upwards of 50kg, so this isn’t a lap dog – though no-one told them that. They have a happy chappy smile, a long snout and large ears, with a luscious tail that can get matted without regular grooming.
History
Bernese Mountain Dogs originated in the postcard-perfect mountains of the Bern regions in the Swiss Alps. They were bred to herd cattle, pull milk wagons and guard property – amazingly, they can pull many times their own weight and have immense strength in their hind quarters. These gentle giants were almost extinct by the time the Industrial Revolution mechanised a lot of farmwork, but luckily a small group of breeders were dedicated in bringing them back to healthy numbers. They were introduced on farms in the US in the 1920s, before arriving in New Zealand in the 1970s and Australia shorty after that. Today, they are a popular family pet on both sides of the Tasman.
Health conditions that can affect this breed
These mighty dogs are study and strong, however they can be prone to some common conditions, including:
- Hip dysplasia (where the hip joints don’t form properly)
- Cancer, in particular histiocytic sarcoma
- Progressive spinal cord disease
- Bloat (GDV) (life-threatening stomach twisting)
- Inherited eye diseases, including progressive vision loss
- Heart disease
- Arthritis
- Heat intolerance
Regular vet check-ups and care can help manage these conditions and keep your Bernese Mountain Dog healthy.
Food and exercise
Being a large breed, Bernese Mountain Dogs need nutrient-dense meals focusing on joint support and bone strength. They can gain weight easily, so portion control is essential, along with ample opportunities for exercise.
This breed needs around 45-60 minutes a day of gentle, steady exercise, rather than high-energy and high-impact workouts. These could be relaxed walks, light play or training sessions, but as these furballs overheat easily, aim to exercise them in the coolest parts of the day.
Grooming and maintenance
The fluffy hair of a Bernese Mountain Dog can mat easily around the ‘pants’, under the tail and behind the ears, so these areas need extra attention.
- Bathe: every 6-8 weeks
- Professional groom: Regular grooming, when needed, helps with shedding
How to groom your Bernese Mountain Dog
- Fur: Brush twice weekly and daily during spring and autumn shedding
- Nails: trim every 3-4 weeks
- Ears: check weekly for wax and debris build up
- Eyes: wipe gently with a damp cloth if needed
Training and space requirements
Being working dogs, this sturdy breed is intelligent and responsive. They love a bit of training, especially if it involves positive reinforcement and treats!
Being such a large breed, Bernese Mountain Dogs need space to move around and lounge. A secure yard with shade is recommended so they can roam and feel the breeze on their noses.
Best suited for…
Bernese Mountain Dogs make for calm and gentle housemates for families and households with enough space to accommodation their fluffiness. While they do require regular grooming and exercise, they will repay you with love. Lots of it.
