Bernese Mountain Dog

 Popularity

2022: #22

2021: #20

2020: #22

2015: #29

Name Bernese Mountain Dog

Other names Berner Sennenhund, Bernese Cattle Dog, Berner

Origin Switzerland

Breed Group

Working (AKC:1937)

Guardian Dogs (UKC)

Size Large to Giant

Type Purebred

Life span 7-10 years

Temperament

Affectionate

Faithful

Intelligent

Loyal

Height

Male: 24-28 inches (61–71 cm)

Female: 23-27 inches (58–69 cm)

Weight

Male: 85-110 pounds (38–50 kg)

Female: 80-105 pounds (36–48 kg)

Colors

Black

White

Litter Size 1-14 puppies, average 8

Puppy Prices

Average $1500 - $3000 USD

A Bernese Mountain Dog puppy is expensive, but remember that he will cost you a lot more than the purchase price. Usually, the average cost of purchasing a pet quality puppy from a reputable breeder is about $1,500 to $3,000. However, for a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy with top breed lines and a superior pedigree, you may need to pay between $3,500 and $6,000.

Breed Characteristics

Adaptability

3 stars

Apartment Friendly

3 stars

Bernese Mountain Dogs are not recommended for apartment life. They are relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least a large, fenced-in yard. Because of their thick coats they are sensitive to the heat and would much rather be in cold temperatures.

Barking Tendencies

3 stars

Occassional

Cat Friendly

3 stars

Child Friendly

4 stars

Good with Kids: This is a suitable dog breed for kids. It is also very friendly toward other pets and friendly toward strangers.

Dog Friendly

3 stars

Exercise Needs

3 stars

The Bernese Mountain Dog must be taken outside regularly because it is very fond of exercise and the outdoors. Bernese Mountain Dogs enjoy cold weather and love to run and play off the leash whenever possible. Avoid strenuously exercising the Bernese Mountain Dog when young as it needs all of its energy to put on weight and build strong bones and joints.

Grooming

3 stars

Moderate Maintenance: Bernese Mountain Dogs have a thick, moderately long double coat that can be straight or slightly wavy. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that this coat sheds heavily, but frequent brushing will help to keep loose hair under control. The best tools for grooming a Berner’s coat are a stainless steel pin brush, a slicker brush, and a stainless steel comb with fine and coarse teeth.

Health Issues

5 stars

Hypoallergenic: No

Intelligence

5 stars

Ranking: #22 Full Ranking List

Playfulness

3 stars

Shedding Level

4 stars

Constant and Seasonal Shedding: Expect this dog to shed frequently. Be prepared to vacuum often. Brushing will reduce shedding as well as make the coat softer and cleaner.

Stranger Friendly

3 stars

Trainability

5 stars

Easy Training: The Bernese Mountain Dog must be handled with a loving, consistent approach and on an even keel. The Bernese Mountain Dog is an eager learner and is very responsive to its trainer's voice.

Watchdog Ability

5 stars

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Bernese Mountain Dog Puppy (Lie, Face)

Lie, Face

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Bernese Mountain Dog Names

Rank Boy Names Girl Names

01 Charlie Belle

02 Buddy Dixie

03 Toby Molly

04 Ollie Lola

05 Teddy Kona

06 Rocky Maggie

07 Sammy Lilly

08 Beau Penny

09 Moose Luna

10 Dexter Zoey

100 Cute Puppy Names ›

Overview

The Bernese Mountain Dog is slightly longer than tall, though it appears square. It is a sturdy, large, hardy dog capable of both draft and droving work. This requires a combination of strength, speed and agility. Its natural working gait is a slow trot, but with good reach and drive. Its thick coat is moderately long, and slightly wavy or straight, providing insulation from the cold. Its expression is gentle, and its coloring is striking.

The Bernese mountain dog is an easygoing, calm family companion (that is, after it leaves its adolescent stage). It is sensitive, loyal and extremely devoted. It is gentle with children and often reserved with strangers. It generally gets along well with other dogs and pets.

History

The Bernese Mountain Dog, or Berner Sennenhund in his native Switzerland, was used as an all-around farm dog by Alpine herdsmen in the canton of Bern. The dogs drove cattle to pasture, pulled milk carts to the dairy, and acted as watchdogs on the farm. Generally, Berners hauled milk in pairs, so it was common to see two of them hooked to a cart. Berners are thought to have descended from mastiff-type dogs who came to Switzerland along with Roman armies some 2,000 years ago. There they interbred with local dogs and were developed to help with farm work. With industrialization, however, the dogs almost disappeared. The breed was revived in the early 20th century to become a companion dog, although many still carried out their traditional farm duties as well. The American Kennel Club recognized the Bernese Mountain Dog in 1937.