The Bernese Mountain Dog, or “Berner,” is the teddy bear of the dog world. With their striking tri-color coats and gentle eyes, they are impossible to ignore. Unlike many working breeds that are intense and high-strung, the Berner is famous for being calm, placid, and incredibly affectionate.

They were originally bred to be all-purpose farm dogs in the Swiss Alps, capable of herding cattle, pulling carts to market, and watching over the farm. Today, their main job is usually holding down the rug in the living room and leaning against their owners for pets.

History and Origin

The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of four varieties of Swiss Mountain Dogs (Sennenhund). They all share the same distinctive black, rust, and white coloring, but the Berner is the only one with a long, silky coat.

They originated in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. For centuries, they were the poor man’s horse. Farmers who couldn’t afford a horse used their strong Berners to pull carts filled with milk and cheese to the local dairy. They also drove cattle and acted as watchdogs.

By the late 1800s, the breed was nearly lost as machines replaced dog carts. However, Swiss fanciers rallied to save the breed, and today they are one of the most popular large breeds in the world.

Physical Characteristics

The Berner is a large, sturdy dog with a heavy bone structure.

• Height: Males 25-27.5 inches (64-70 cm); females 23-26 inches (58-66 cm).
• Weight: Males 80-115 pounds (36-52 kg); females 70-95 pounds (32-43 kg).

The Tri-Color Coat

The coat is the breed’s trademark.

• Base: Jet black.
• Markings: Rich rust (tan) on the cheeks, eyes, legs, and chest.
• White: A white blaze on the face, a white “Swiss cross” on the chest, and white feet and tail tip.
• Texture: Thick, moderately long, and slightly wavy. It is a double coat designed for freezing Alpine winters.

Temperament and Personality

Berners are famous for their sweet nature.

The Gentle Giant

They are remarkably gentle with children. They are tolerant and patient, often allowing toddlers to crawl all over them. However, due to their size, they should always be supervised.

Aloof but not Aggressive

They can be reserved with strangers, standing back to assess the situation. But once introduced, they are polite. They are watchdogs, not guard dogs; they will bark to announce a visitor, but they are unlikely to attack.

”Velcro” Dogs

Despite their size, they think they are lap dogs. They want to be with their people constantly. They do not do well living outside or apart from the family.

Training and Exercise Needs

Exercise

Berners are “moderately” active. They are not marathon runners.

• Daily: 30-60 minutes of walking.
• Hiking: They love hiking in cool weather. They can carry their own gear in a backpack.
• Drafting: Many owners participate in carting competitions, tapping into their ancestral skills.

Heat Sensitivity

Crucial Warning: Berners hate the heat. Their black coats and thick fur make them susceptible to heatstroke. In summer, they should be walked early in the morning or late at night and kept in air conditioning.

Training

They are eager to please but can be slow to mature. They have a sensitive soul; harsh corrections will hurt their feelings. Positive reinforcement works best.

Health and Lifespan

This is the heartbreaking part of owning a Berner. They have a very short lifespan, typically 7 to 10 years. The Swiss saying goes: “Three years a young dog, three years a good dog, three years an old dog.”

• Cancer: The breed has a very high rate of cancer, particularly Histiocytic Sarcoma.
• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Common in all large breeds.
• Bloat: A risk for deep-chested dogs.
• Von Willebrand’s Disease: A bleeding disorder.

Grooming and Care

• Shedding: They shed year-round and “blow coat” heavily twice a year. You need a good vacuum.
• Brushing: Brush 2-3 times a week to prevent mats behind the ears and legs.
• Drool: Some Berners can be wet-mouthed, though not as bad as a Saint Bernard.

Is a Bernese Mountain Dog Right for You?

Yes, if:

• You live in a cooler climate.
• You want a large, impressive dog that is gentle with kids.
• You don’t mind shedding.
• You are prepared for the potentially short time you will have with them.

No, if:

• You live in a hot, tropical region.
• You want a jogging partner.
• You have a tiny apartment (they need space to stretch out).
• You can’t handle the emotional toll of a shorter lifespan.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a dog of immense beauty and even bigger heart. They may not be with us as long as we would like, but they pack a lifetime of love into their years.