DogBreedMatch

BREED LIST   |   BREED SEARCH

© Anna63 (Anna Utekhina) | Dreamstime.com

Bernese Mountain Dog

Also known as: Berner Sennenhund

Nickname: Berner

Breed origin: Switzerland
Original purpose: Draft and droving work in mountainous regions.

AKC recognized: 1937
AKC group: Working

Size: Weight: males 80 to 115 lbs; females 70 to 95 lbs
Size: Height: males 25 to 27½ inches; females 23 to 26 inches
© Niserin (Michal Bednarek) | Dreamstime.com
Color: Tri-colored, with patches of jet black, rich rust, and clear white markings.

Life span: 6 to 10 years.

General characteristics/temperament: The Bernese Mountain Dog is self-confident, alert, intelligent, strong, agile, and good-natured. They may be aloof to strangers, but their gentle, easygoing manner and the need to be close to their people makes them a good family dog. They are protective but not typically aggressive unless provoked or threatened. A hardy dog that thrives in cold weather, Berners need a moderate amount of exercise as well as consistent obedience training. Behavior problems are likely to develop if isolated and deprived from considerable interaction with people. Given their heavy and black coats, they do not do well in hot weather and are susceptible to heat stroke. They are not usually jumpers or climbers but do still require a sturdy four or five foot fence because of their size and strength. Most reputable breeders will not place a puppy or dog in a home that does not have a suitably fenced yard.

© Roughcollie (Karen Arnold) | Dreamstime.com
Good with children? Yes

Good with other dogs? Yes

Good with cats? Yes

Good watchdog? Yes

Protective? Yes

© Pusti (Pavel Pustina) | Dreamstime.com
Intelligent? Yes

Energy/Activity Level: Moderate

Suitable canine sports/activities: conformation, obedience, carting, agility, tracking, herding, therapy work

Exercise requirement: Regular walks and/or play sessions.

Grooming requirement: Frequent brushing and a periodic bath required. The thick double coat does tend to shed considerably.

Known health problems: Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cancer, bloat, sub-aortic stenosis, autoimmune diseases, skin and coat problems, heat stroke, thyroid disorders, eye disorders.


Additional photos of Bernese Mountain Dog


Recommended books for further reading:


Bernese Mountain Dog (An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet)
By Julia M. Crawford
Published in 2000
160 pages

Bernese Mountain Dogs (A Complete Pet Owner's Manual)
By Nikki Riggsbee
Published in 2007
96 pages

The Bernese Mountain Dog: A Dog of Destiny
By Bernd Guenter
Published in 2004
208 pages

The New Bernese Mountain Dog
By Sharon Chesnutt Smith
Published in 1995
272 pages

A New Owner's Guide To Bernese Mountain Dogs
By Amy Christiansen
Published in 2004
160 pages

Bernese Mountain Dog (A Comprehensive Owner's Guide)
By Louise Harper
Published in 2004
160 pages

Bernese and Other Mountain Dogs
By Gerd Ludwig
Published in 1995
64 pages

The Beautiful Bernese Mountain Dogs (A Complete American Handbook)
By Diane Russ and Shirle Rogers
Published in 1994
248 pages

The Bernese Mountain Dog Today
By Malcolm B. Willis
Published in 1999
184 pages

The Complete Bernese Mountain Dog
By Jude Simonds
Published in 1990
160 pages

Bernese Mountain Dog
By Lilian Ostermiller
Published in 1994
192 pages

The Bernese Mountain Dog
By Paddy Petch
Published in 1991
160 pages


Show fewer books


Other websites for additional information:

American Kennel Club breed page
Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America
Wikipedia breed information page
Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America Rescue



Articles
About Us


Page Last Updated: February 1, 2018

Copyright © 2008-2018 WebData Technology Corporation. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Use of this website constitutes acceptance of the DogBreedMatch User Agreement and Privacy Policy.