Bernese Hound
Calm, affectionate, and loyal, the Bernese Hound thrives as a devoted family companion. Its keen nose and balanced temperament make it both a skilled tracker and gentle pet.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
49–59 cm (male)
47–57 cm (female)
WEIGHT
18–27 kg (male)
16–23 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
10–12 years
Bernese Hound: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Bernese Hound isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Bernese Hound's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Bernese Hound is known for its calm, gentle, and friendly temperament, making it a suitable companion for families and individuals alike. It typically gets along well with children and other pets.
Key Personality Traits
Gentle and sociable with people and dogs
Learns tasks quickly with consistent guidance
Active and enjoys regular outdoor activities
Likes games but not overly exuberant
Adjusts to routine changes with some ease
Strengths
- Strong scent-tracking abilities
- Adaptable to various terrains
- Friendly and sociable with people
- Generally good with other dogs
- Low aggression toward humans
Challenges
- High daily exercise requirements
- Prone to separation anxiety
- Can be stubborn during training
- May chase small animals instinctively
- Needs mental stimulation to prevent boredom
Protect your Bernese Hound
Bernese Hound can develop ear infections and hip dysplasia. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Bernese Hounds are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
This breed is intelligent and responsive to training, especially when handled with patience and consistency. The Bernese Hound can learn commands quickly but may sometimes show an independent streak.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–75 minutes daily
recommended per day
The Bernese Hound has moderate to high energy levels and needs regular exercise such as daily walks, play, and mental stimulation. Engaging activities help prevent boredom and maintain its overall well-being.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Bernese Hounds are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Bernese Hound would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Needs confident owner for training and exercise demands
Apartment Living
Needs space and is prone to barking indoors
Active Lifestyle
Energetic nature matches well with active lifestyles and outdoor activities
Kids
Gentle temperament and patient with respectful children
Multiple Pets
Tends to get along with other pets if socialized early
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being left alone for long periods and may develop separation issues
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Bernese Hounds compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bernese Hound
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
Helpful pet owner tools
Use our interactive tools to help you make the best decisions for your pet journey
Pet name generator
- 1000+ unique pet names
- Filter by gender & personality
- Save your favorites
Random breed generator
- Explore unexpected matches
- Learn about rare breeds
- Find hidden gems
Breed comparison tool
- Side-by-side comparison
- Multiple criteria options
- Detailed breed information
Explore more dog breeds
Discover other popular dog breeds and find your perfect canine companion
