Breed History

Popular and most commonly used for pulling carts to the local markets in the early 1900’s, the Bernese Mountain Dog were also used as cattle and companion dogs for farm owners. Originating in the Swiss Mountains, this breed was named for the Canton of Bern in Switzerland. Today, this breed is known for tracking, herding, search and rescue and companionship.

Breed Appearance

Both males and females measure an average of 23-27 inches in height and weigh 85-110 pounds.  Males and females may be smaller or larger than show standard and still be purebred. With a body almost the same length of its tail, the Bernese Mountain Dog has a thick and long, weather resistant coat only available in a tricolor pattern of black, white and tan. This breed is built broad and thick, with shorter legs than on would expect the breed to have. Their legs are very round in appearance and taper down evenly to round, thick paws. Large pendant shaped ears frame their broad face with a muzzle that forms into a scissor bite. The Bernese Mountain Dog has a thick tail that is carried long and low. Due to their thick coat, this breed is very heat sensitive.

Breed Temperament

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a wonderful addition to any family. Excellent with children of all ages, elderly and other pets as long as it is raised with them as it is growing. This breed is generally always friendly with friends, family and strangers, which makes this breed an excellent companion to any person or family who enjoys having company over or outings with their dog. This breed is easy to train and requires a daily walk for exercise. Though this breed is not as active as most dogs, they are only recommended for country living situations with properly safe fenced in yards.

Breed Grooming

Shedding heaviest during each seasonal change, the Bernese Mountain Dog requires daily brushing and an occasional trip to the groomers. Bathe when needed.

Special Notes

Living on average of only 6-8 years, this breed is prone to bloat, eye issues and tumors. Please fully educate yourself about the Bernese Mountain Dog prior to adding one to your family to ensure you are able to make a life long commitment to your new pup. Do not add one to your family unless you are able to provide life long financial and physical care. A properly installed fence is highly recommended. All dogs originate from wolves (Canis Lupus). Each breed of dog was originally created by mixing different breeds together in an effort to bring forth certain characteristics. Once a breeder has created acceptable “breed characteristics” within their bloodline and these “breed characteristics” have shown to be reliably reproduced in the offspring for three (3) generations, the bloodline may be upgraded from the category of “foundation stock” to “pure-bred”. The same “pure-bred” breed standards vary from different continents, countries, territories, regions, breed clubs, and canine pure-breed registries depending on the goals of their breeders.

Dog DNA testing companies can have accurate results for a specific bloodline of a small colony of dogs. However, there are tens of thousands of different bloodlines in the world which have not yet been tested for marker baseline results by Dog DNA testing companies as of 2024. For this reason Dog DNA testing companies do not guarantee the 100% accuracy of their breed lineage results and will also show different marker results for the same pure-bred breed in different continents, countries, territories, regions, breed clubs, and canine pure-breed registries depending on the goals of their breeders.