General Description
(Berner, Berner Sennenhund) The Bernese Mountain Dog is a hardy breed with a sturdy, heavy build and a beautiful double coat. Their compact body is well muscled and features a broad, deep chest. The brisket reaches to at least the level of the elbows. They have a wide head with a slight furrow down the middle and a pair of average-sized, triangular-shaped ears. Their teeth meet in a scissors bite and their dark eyes possess a gentle expression. The noses of this breed are black in color and the tail is long, bushy, and carried low or in a slight upward curve. The Bernese Mountain Dog has a comparatively long double coat that is straight or slightly wavy in texture. The coat is weather-resistant and tri-color. A white blaze is present on the chest and white markings are apparent on the head and toes. Rust markings over the eyes, cheeks, sides of the chest, under the tail, and on each eye are also visible.Know something we don't? Add it here
Character
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a very gentle breed with a cheerful disposition. They love children and are highly intelligent and easy to train. They are not naturally aggressive but they make excellent watchdogs. A true companion, the Bernese Mountain Dog is very loyal and will likely have trouble adjusting to a new owner after he is 18 months old. They are alert, self-confident, and cheerful. They are never sharp or timid, and they maintain their puppy-like demeanor for a long time. This breed loves spending time with its people, and they shouldn’t be locked away or kept in a kennel. Bernese Mountain Dogs are a comparatively sensitive breed. They should be properly socialized and well socialized as puppies.Size
23 – 28 inchesWeight
85 – 110 poundsGeneral Health
The Bernese Mountain Dog is susceptible to cancer. They have an average life span of 6 to 8 years because of this disease. The BMD Club of America is heavily researching this issue to see if it can be resolved. Despite the breed’s proneness to cancer, there are few major health concerns. Like the majority of other large dog breeds, there is an increased likelihood for hip and elbow dysplasia. Bloat and eyelid problems may be prevalent in some lines of this breed. They Bernese Mountain Dog averages 8 puppies per litter.History
While the exact origination of the Bernese Mountain Dog is unclear, it is believed that the breed came about on Swiss mountain farms. From the end of the 18th century, paintings depicted a breed of dog that heavily resembles the Bernese Mountain Dog. By the end of the 19th century, many foreign dogs were being imported to Switzerland and there was danger that native breeds would become extinct. Professor Albert Heim, a man by the name of Franz Schertenleib, and several other dedicated people led efforts to preserve the native breeds of Switzerland by locating remaining specimens and stabilizing the Berner Sennenhund as a distinct breed. The Bernese Mountain Dog is named for the Berne canton of Switzerland. The breed has a number of natural talents including tracking, guarding, carting, competitive obedience, herding, and search & rescue.Maintenance
The Bernese Mountain Dog’s long, thick double coat needs daily to weekly brushing. Extra care should be given to the coat during shedding season. Bathing or dry shampooing should be administered as necessary. This breed sheds heavily during shedding season.when it comes to brushing these dogs remember its not just a quick brush and there done they have a double coat so alot of time is required to get that shiny and smooth coat every dog owner strives for.
Ideal Environment
The Bernese Mountain Dog isn’t accustomed to life in a small household or apartment. They are comparatively inactive indoors and are happiest with at least a large-sized, fenced-in yard. Because of the breed’s thick coat, they prefer cooler climates and are uncomfortable in warm weather. They are a large, active dog breed that needs regular daily exercise.
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Ask a QuestionBernese Mountain Dog Q&A
What is the average price to pay for a puppy.
It may range from 300$ to 900$. For a show dog, 900$ to 1,000$ is the regular price.
$600-1200 is the standard price for a pet-quality dog guaranteed against heart/hip problems. Expect to pay $1000-1800 for a show-quality dog. Additionally, if you wish to acquire a female for breeding purposes, some breeders will require a much higher price for that puppy.Be wary of cheap Bernese Mountain Dogs. This is a breed in demand, and unscrupulous puppy mills do exist that pump out hundreds of unhealthy, poor-quality dogs a year.
Unlike the puppy-mill dogs, a shelter dog usally has the adoption fee of around 80-100 bucks. They're pretty healthy
I live in Tampa, FL. How would a Berner do in Florida?
Not well. The Berner has such a heavy coat, that he/she would need to remain indoors for most months out of the year.
I disagree. they would be fine if you don't feed them too much ( so you won't have to exercise them too much) and keep them from being overheated.
Try shaving the abdomen to decrease heat conservation and keep the remaining coat well groomed and trimmed.
Learn what to do if they over heat. You'll also have to give them alot of water.
what if the weather gets really hot a couple days would a bermese mountain dog be okay???
Do what I do. RUN him in the morning before it gets hot. Walk and train in the evening. Walk them once more at night just before it gets totally dark. I have a Samoyed and live in a very hot place, but she does fine in the summer. In the winter, she can play all she wants outside.
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