Bernese Mountain Dog
Gentle, affectionate, and loyal, this large Swiss breed thrives as a family companion. Distinctive tricolor coat and calm temperament make it a beloved household member.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
64–70 cm (male)
58–66 cm (female)
WEIGHT
39–50 kg (male)
36–48 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
7–10 years
Bernese Mountain Dog: 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 Mountain Dog 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 Mountain Dog's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their gentle, affectionate temperament and strong loyalty to their families. They typically get along well with children and other pets.
Key Personality Traits
Gentle and welcoming with people and pets
Learns commands quickly, eager to please
Moderate activity needs, enjoys daily walks
Enjoys games and interactive family time
Prefers routine, may struggle with big changes
Strengths
- Gentle and affectionate with families
- Excellent with children and other pets
- Calm and patient temperament
- Eager to please and easy to train
- Adaptable to cold weather climates
Challenges
- Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia
- High shedding and grooming requirements
- Shorter average lifespan for large breeds
- Can be reserved with strangers
- Needs ample space and daily exercise
Protect your Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dog can develop hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Bernese Mountain Dogs 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 eager to please, making them generally responsive to training. Consistency and positive reinforcement work best, though some individuals may show occasional stubbornness.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
Bernese Mountain Dogs require moderate daily exercise, including walks and playtime. They benefit from activities that engage them both mentally and physically but are not as high-energy as some working breeds.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Bernese Mountain Dogs 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 Mountain Dog would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Patient and gentle but needs consistent training and socialization
Apartment Living
Large size and exercise needs make small spaces challenging
Active Lifestyle
Enjoys outdoor activities and can keep up with active families
Kids
Calm, affectionate nature suits homes with children
Multiple Pets
Typically gets along with other pets if properly introduced
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being left alone for extended periods
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Bernese Mountain Dogs compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bernese Mountain Dog
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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