Discover the Bernese Mountain Dog, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, loyal, and playful nature. Recognized as a large dog, Bernese Mountain Dogs have their origins in Switzerland, where they were initially bred for guarding livestock and droving work starting in the 1st century.
In this post, we share insights from nearly 100 Sniffspot Bernese Mountain Dog owners, offering practical advice for new and prospective Bernese Mountain Dog owners. Whether you’re considering adopting or rescuing a Bernese Mountain Dog or already have one, you'll find valuable tips on how to care for and enjoy life with this affectionate breed.
As Sniffspot user Tank says, "Very affectionate breed and always has the biggest personalities!"
Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Survey 2024
According to nearly 10,000 Sniffspot community users who shared real-world data about their Bernese Mountain Dogs, these dogs are affectionate and loyal. The Bernese Mountain Dog is also known for being very friendly and social with children and other pets.
When living with a Berner, 80% of our owners indicated that a large house with a fenced yard is ideal. Additionally, 44% of owners found that a rural or suburban area with open spaces is also acceptable. This dog is moderately trainable, often benefiting from a professional trainer. Owners say that the Bernese Mountain Dog learns best with positive reinforcement and consistent routines.
In terms of exercise, 58% of Sniffspot owners say their Bernese Mountain Dog benefits from moderate exercise every day, including 1-2 hours of activity each day, such as walks and active play sessions. The Sniffspot Berner community would recommend this dog for first-time owners.
The Bernese Mountain Dog, or "Berner," is a large working breed originating from the Swiss Alps. Their ancestry can be traced back to mastiff-type dogs brought by Roman soldiers around the 1st century AD, which were then bred with local Swiss dogs. Originally, these dogs were used for draft work, pulling carts, and guarding livestock on farms in Switzerland. They are one of four Swiss mountain dog breeds, distinguished by their long, thick coat that was essential for protecting them from the cold Alpine weather.
Historically, Bernese Mountain Dogs played a vital role in Swiss agricultural life. Farmers relied on them to pull heavy carts of dairy products, guard livestock, and serve as loyal companions. The breed was near extinction in the late 19th century due to industrialization, but efforts by Swiss fanciers helped revive the breed in the early 20th century. They were eventually recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1937.
Today, Bernese Mountain Dogs are cherished for their gentle, friendly nature and strong work ethic. Their calm temperament makes them excellent family pets, but they retain their working dog instincts and thrive in environments where they have tasks or regular exercise. Known for their loyalty, they are especially good with children and are deeply bonded to their families, though their relatively short lifespan is a consideration for potential owners.
As a Bernese Mountain Dog owner, it's important to know the best breed tips and what to expect from current Bernese Mountain Dog owners.
Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Research 2024
Bernese Mountain Dogs require high-maintenance grooming. Owners should expect frequent grooming, including regular brushing, bathing, and trimming. These dogs have a thick double coat, which provides protection from cold mountain climates and is considered high-shedding.
To keep your Bernese Mountain Dog's coat healthy and up to breed standards, brush at least twice a week. Among the coat types for breeds in the working group, the grooming needs of Bernese Mountain Dogs are considered high maintenance.
Bernese Mountain Dogs require moderate activity each day. Though one of the most popular dog breeds, Berners are very athletic and high-energy.
Berners thrive with between 1-2 hours of activity each day, including walks and active play sessions. Owners report that their dogs especially love playing with squeaky toys and engaging in tug-of-war.
When large breeds like Berners don’t get sufficient exercise, they are more likely to exhibit undesirable behaviors such as separation anxiety and excessive chewing. They need consistent training, mental stimulation, and regular moderate exercise to avoid excess energy.
What should you feed your Bernese Mountain Dog to keep them healthy? As a moderate energy breed, their diet is important. A reported 73% of our community feeds their Berners commercial dry kibble.
With moderate exercise, Berners should eat 4 to 6 cups of vet-recommended food to maintain a healthy weight of around 70 to 115 lbs. However, your Bernese Mountain Dog's ideal weight and food intake depend on factors such as sex, activity level, and age.
The Bernese Mountain Dog breed is most prone to digestive issues (e.g., bloating, sensitive stomach) and joint problems (e.g., hip dysplasia, arthritis). A reported 56% of our Bernese Mountain Dog owners have reported digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. The risk for these challenges increases as they age.
Similarly, 42% reported joint problems like arthritis, elbow dysplasia, degenerative issues, and osteosarcoma. Additionally, 24% of Bernese Mountain Dog owners have noted that their dogs struggle with ear infections caused by allergies, ear mites, or contact dermatitis — a common health concern for the breed. If you’re worried about any of these health issues, consult your Bernese Mountain Dog's vet.
Another important consideration when adopting a Berner is whether this breed fits with your current family. How friendly are Bernese Mountain Dogs compared to other large-sized breeds?
Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Survey 2024
With moderate training, you can channel your Berner's working instincts into an affectionate and loyal family dog. Introducing your pet to positive reinforcement (treats, praise, rewards) and maintaining consistent daily training routines early on helps them avoid undesirable behaviors like separation anxiety and excessive chewing. Our community Bernese Mountain Dog owners comment on their pet's friendliness:
Whether you're adopting a Berner puppy or an adult Bernese Mountain Dog, training is a significant part of owning this large breed. Without proper training, your Berner is more likely to display undesirable behaviors such as separation anxiety and excessive chewing. Providing stimulating activities is a great first step, but this needs to be paired with the right training for your Berner.
As a working breed, Bernese Mountain Dogs benefit from praise and positive reinforcement. Here’s what our Berner community recommended based on their experience with their own dogs:
As dogs bred for guarding livestock and droving work, Berners are considered moderately trainable and often benefit from the guidance of a professional trainer.
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We asked Sniffspot Berner owners what they love most about their Bernese Mountain Dog pups, and here’s what they had to say:
Similarly, Berner owners shared some of the biggest challenges of living with their Bernese Mountain Dog:
Source: Sniffspot 2024 Community Dog Breed Survey
According to 69% of our Sniffspot community, Bernese Mountain Dogs are a great choice for first-time dog owners. This is attributed to their affectionate nature and moderate exercise needs. Bernese Mountain Dog owners say it best:
Luckily, our Sniffspot community is full of experienced, trustworthy Berner owners. These Bernese Mountain Dog owners share the most essential tips and advice for prospective or new dog owners:
The average lifespan of a Bernese Mountain Dog is typically between 7 to 10 years.
An adult Bernese Mountain Dog weighs between 70 to 115 pounds and stands between 23 to 28 inches tall.
Bernese Mountain Dogs require high-maintenance grooming. Regular grooming helps keep their coat healthy and manageable. They have a thick double coat, are well-suited for protection from cold mountain climates, and are considered high shedders.
To maintain your Bernese Mountain Dog's coat, it is important to brush at least twice a week. Among working breeds, grooming for Bernese Mountain Dogs is categorized as more complex.
Bernese Mountain Dogs require moderate activity each day. Although they are one of the more popular dog breeds, Bernese Mountain Dogs are classified as moderately athletic and somewhat high-energy.
They thrive with between 1 to 2 hours of activity each day, including walks and active play sessions. Owners note that their dogs particularly enjoy playing with squeaky toys, engaging in tug-of-war, and more.
If large breeds like Bernese Mountain Dogs don't receive enough exercise, they may develop undesirable behaviors. These dogs need ongoing training, mental stimulation, and consistent exercise to channel their energy effectively.
According to our data, Bernese Mountain Dogs are very friendly and social with children.
Our research indicates that Bernese Mountain Dogs are very friendly with other pets.
As a moderate-energy breed, the diet of your Bernese Mountain Dog is crucial. A significant 73% of our community feeds their Bernese Mountain Dogs commercial dry kibble.
For optimal health, Bernese Mountain Dogs should consume 4 to 6 cups of vet-recommended food to maintain a healthy weight of around 70 to 115 pounds. The exact amount and type of food will depend on your dog's sex, activity level, and age.
The Bernese Mountain Dog breed is particularly prone to digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite, as well as joint problems including arthritis, elbow dysplasia, degenerative issues, and osteosarcoma. Our data shows that 56% of Bernese Mountain Dog owners reported digestive issues. The risk for these health issues increases with age.
Additionally, 42% of owners reported joint problems. Finally, 24% of Bernese Mountain Dog owners indicated their dog struggles with ear infections caused by allergies, ear mites, or contact dermatitis. If you have concerns about any of these health issues, consult your veterinarian.
Whether you're a current Bernese Mountain Dog dog owner or you're considering adopting a Berner, Sniffspot is here to lend a helping hand. Here are some of the most relevant resources for Bernese Mountain Dog owners.
Sources:
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* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
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