Bernese Mountain Dogs

Appearance:

Body: Strong and sturdy build with a broad chest, solid back and well-ribbed.

Coat: Long and wavy, very dense and weather-resistant. Texture is soft and silky.

Color: Tri-color - jet black with tan (rustic) and white markings on the chest, cheeks, head, legs and feet.

Ears: Medium-sized and triangular-shaped.

Eyes: Dark brown and almond-shaped.

Feet: Short, round, compact and well-arched.

Head: Flat and broad skull with slight furrow and well-defined stop. A straight and powerful muzzle with black lips.

Legs: Straight and powerful with well-muscled thighs and shoulders.

Neck: Strong and well-muscled

Size:
Weight: 70 - 110 pounds (32 - 50kg)
Height: 23 - 27.5 inches (58 - 70cm)

Tail: Thick, bushy, and abundantly furred with a slight upward curve.

Behavior

Recommended for experienced handlers.
Good with children.
Not recommended for hot and humid climates.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a wonderful breed of dog with a sweet disposition and generally stable temperament. He is loyal and loves the outdoors but will also behave well when kept indoors. He is good with children and with other pets and animals. This is an Alpine dog who prefers cooler weather and snow. He won't fair well in hot and humid climates.

Early socialization is recommended for this breed to help them overcome their tendency to shyness. He has a natural instinct for caution that, if not socialized as a puppy, could turn to timidity. They are superbly intelligent with an amazing memory and will learn and retain everything you teach them.

If you have children, hook your Bernese to a cart or sled and he will enjoy pulling them around. This will also provide some much needed exercise to help keep him fit and trim.

The Berner is a very large and powerful dog who should be handled by an experienced owner. He will respond best to positive and gentle obedience training. If you are considering owning this gentle giant of a dog, be kind to him and offer him much praise and encouragement and you will be rewarded with a great, loyal companion in return.

Breed Type

AKC Group: Working Group

Originally bred to haul milk carts and farm goods, and to protect livestock. They are a versatile breed for both cattle-herding and farmyard work.

The Berner is one of four Swiss sennenhunds or dogs of Alpine herdsmen and the only long-haired member and the second largest of the four. The other members are the Appenzeller Sennenhund, the Entlebucher Sennenhund, and the Greater Swill Mountain Dog.

Care and Grooming

Exercise: Moderate exercise will be enough for your Berner.

Grooming: Best if brushed vigorously two times a week and daily during shedding season. Undercoat, if not combed out regularly, can nest around the outer coat and cause matting. Because the Berner coat is long and thick, if it becomes matted, it can also become a nesting ground for bugs. Regular grooming is a must.

Health

Life Expectancy: 7 - 10 Years

A generally healthy dog.

Possible Problems:
Bloat
Cancer
Hip Dysplasia
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteoarthritis
Kidney problems
Thyroid problems

Country of Origin

Switzerland - named after the Swiss canton of Berne.