Bernese Mountain Dog
🧠 Temperament & character
The Bernese Mountain Dog is self-assured, good-natured and remarkably friendly, alert without unnecessary sharpness and strongly attached to his family. He is patient and loving with children and generally gets on well with other dogs and pets. As an affectionate dog he needs plenty of company and suffers if he is often left alone. Despite his calmness he is not a pure couch dog but appreciates shared activities and a task. His gentle, balanced nature makes him a wonderful companion.
📜 Origin & history
The Bernese Mountain Dog comes from the canton of Bern, in particular the area around Dürrbach, which is why he used to be called 'Dürrbächler'. As a powerful farm and draught dog he pulled carts of milk and cheese, guarded the farm and helped with the work. At the beginning of the 20th century the geologist and cynologist Albert Heim championed the breed and saved it from disappearing. Today the Bernese is above all a popular family and companion dog that also shines in carting sport and tracking work.
✂️ Grooming, care & training
The long, tricolour coat is beautiful but grooming-intensive: it should be brushed several times a week, and daily during the moult, to keep matting and loose undercoat under control. The Bernese Mountain Dog needs regular, moderate exercise and loves shared walks, hikes or carting sport without being overtaxed. As a young dog, exertion, stairs and jumping should be kept in moderation to protect the joints. He is teachable and gentle and can be handled well with calm, friendly training.
🩺 Health
The greatest concern with the Bernese Mountain Dog is his sadly short life expectancy of, on average, only around seven to nine years. The breed shows above-average cancer rates, in particular malignant histiocytosis, as well as hip and elbow dysplasia. Responsible breeders x-ray hips and elbows, pay attention to freedom from cancer in the ancestry and work actively towards a longer life expectancy. Anyone looking for a puppy should specifically ask about long-lived lines and complete health examinations.
🏡 Who is this breed right for?
The Bernese Mountain Dog is an excellent family dog and, thanks to his good-natured, calm nature, also suitable for attentive first-time owners, provided they bring time, space and calm. He most likes to live in a house with a garden and close family contact; a small apartment and a lot of time alone do not suit him. As a traditional Swiss breed he feels particularly at home in a rural or nature-oriented setting. Prospective owners should be aware of the short life expectancy and the grooming needs and choose a breeder accordingly conscientiously.