Bernese Mountain Dog
Sensible, friendly and smart
Berners 101
Working groupThe Bernese Mountain Dog is one the giant Swiss breeds developed as a Alpine farm and cart dogs. Today, these gentle dogs with distinctive markings are a popular breed with families who have some room. They are intelligent, eager to please and relatively easy to train.
What we love about Berners
Gentle giant makes a great kid companion.
While Berners may once have guarded their homes and people, today they are usually friendly towards all. They are good with other family pets and adore children. Early socialization and manners training is necessary to prevent pulling on leash as adults. They are perfect for active families, especially those who enjoy outdoor winter recreation.
Energy level
Energy level: 75% (High)
Bark level
- Very vocal
- Talkative
- As needed
Bark level: As needed. This breed only barks when necessary
Size
Size: 23 to 28 inches tall. This is a X large sized Dog.
- Energy level
- High (75%)
- Bark level
- As needed
- Height
- 23 to 28 inches
- Lifespan
- 7 to 10 years
- Weight
- 70 to 115 lbs
The Bernese Mountain Dog stands 23 to 28 inches tall and weighs 70 to 115 lbs. Bernese Mountain Dogs have a lifespan of 7 to 10 years. They are known for a high (75%) energy level and a as needed bark.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How big do Bernese Mountain Dogs get?
- Bernese Mountain Dogs stand 23 to 28 inches tall and typically weigh between 70 and 115 pounds.
- How long do Bernese Mountain Dogs live?
- The average lifespan of a Bernese Mountain Dog is 7 to 10 years.
- Are Bernese Mountain Dogs good for first-time dog owners?
- Bernese Mountain Dogs are intelligent but have high energy. They do best with experienced owners who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
- Do Bernese Mountain Dogs bark a lot?
- Bernese Mountain Dogs typically only bark when necessary — they are not known to be excessive barkers.
My pet’s health plannerSM
This Bernese Mountain Dog health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.
Mature adult Berner
Risk level for common Berner conditions
Mid-life Bernese Mountain Dogs should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) poses very high risk. Cruciate ligament tear (knee) is at high risk.
- Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)
- Very High Risk
- Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
- High Risk
- Foreign body ingestion
- Above Average Risk
80% on risk scaleSenior Berner
Risk level for common Berner conditions
Senior Bernese Mountain Dogs face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Bone cancer and Lymphatic cancer and Splenic cancer pose very high risk.
- Bone cancer
- Very High Risk
- Lymphatic cancer
- Very High Risk
- Splenic cancer
- Very High Risk
Berner puppy
Risk level for common Berner conditions
Bernese Mountain Dog puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Umbilical hernia and Foreign body ingestion pose very high risk. Gastritis is at high risk.
- Umbilical hernia
- Very High Risk
- Foreign body ingestion
- Very High Risk
- Gastritis
- High Risk
Young adult Berner
Risk level for common Berner conditions
As Bernese Mountain Dogs grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Hip dysplasia is at high risk.
- Hip dysplasia
- High Risk
- Foreign body ingestion
- Moderate Risk
- Ear infection
- Moderate Risk
Mature adult Berner
Risk level for common Berner conditions
Mid-life Bernese Mountain Dogs should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) poses very high risk. Cruciate ligament tear (knee) is at high risk.
- Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)
- Very High Risk
- Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
- High Risk
- Foreign body ingestion
- Above Average Risk
Senior Berner
Risk level for common Berner conditions
Senior Bernese Mountain Dogs face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Bone cancer and Lymphatic cancer and Splenic cancer pose very high risk.
- Bone cancer
- Very High Risk
- Lymphatic cancer
- Very High Risk
- Splenic cancer
- Very High Risk
Berner puppy
Risk level for common Berner conditions
Bernese Mountain Dog puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Umbilical hernia and Foreign body ingestion pose very high risk. Gastritis is at high risk.
- Umbilical hernia
- Very High Risk
- Foreign body ingestion
- Very High Risk
- Gastritis
- High Risk
Young adult Berner
Risk level for common Berner conditions
As Bernese Mountain Dogs grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Hip dysplasia is at high risk.
- Hip dysplasia
- High Risk
- Foreign body ingestion
- Moderate Risk
- Ear infection
- Moderate Risk
Nationwide can help you save on your Bernese Mountain Dog's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.
- Puppy (0 to 1 year)
- Umbilical hernia: Very High Risk, Foreign body ingestion: Very High Risk, Gastritis: High Risk
- Young Adult (1 year to 4 years)
- Hip dysplasia: High Risk, Foreign body ingestion: Moderate Risk, Ear infection: Moderate Risk
- Mature Adult (5 years to 7 years)
- Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV): Very High Risk, Cruciate ligament tear (knee): High Risk, Foreign body ingestion: Above Average Risk
- Senior (8+ years)
- Bone cancer: Very High Risk, Lymphatic cancer: Very High Risk, Splenic cancer: Very High Risk
The Bernese Mountain Dog was once called the Durrbachler, after the Durrbach region near the Swiss city of Bern. They’ve also been called the Berner Sennenhund, German for “Alpine herder’s dog from Bern.” The breed’s markings did not go unnoticed in naming: Gelbbackler or “yellow cheeks” was one name, as was Vierauger, which means “four eyes,” referring to tan spots over the eyes.
Bernese Mountain Dog coat care and colors
As befitting a breed originating from the Swiss Alps, the Bernese Mountain Dog has a lot of coat, both a downy undercoat and a weather-resistant overcoat. While the breed sheds all the time, the Berner sheds most heavily in spring and fall, and because of their size, that means a lot of fur. Regular brushing and combing down to the skin will reduce shedding to a decent degree. Do it outdoors for easier clean-up.
Because Bernese Mountain Dogs are such large adults, nail trims may become wrestling matches in which the Berner has the upper paw. Acclimating puppies to having their feet handled and nails clipped or ground down is key to making future nail trims easier on everyone.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs shed a lot?
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs shed a lot?
What helps control shedding in dogs?
What helps control shedding in dogs?
How do I cut my Bernese Mountain Dog’s nails?
How do I cut my Bernese Mountain Dog’s nails?
Berner exercise & training
Berner fun facts
Top girl names for Berners
of Berners are female
of Berners are male
Top boy names for Berners
Nationwide loves Bernese Mountain Dogs of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer
| Gender | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Male | 0% |
| Female | 100% |
Among Bernese Mountain Dogs insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.
Bernese Mountain Dog statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.
Other breeds like Berners
Best. Bernese Mountain Dog insurance. Ever.SM
- Pet insurance premiums starting at $25/mo.
- Visit any licensed veterinarian, anywhere
- Cancel at any time, risk-free