Bernese Mountain Dogs: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Origin

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a distinguished working breed with a rich and fascinating history that can be traced back to the Swiss Alps. These dogs were initially bred for working purposes, such as herding cattle and pulling carts.

As time passed, the Bernese Mountain Dog's friendly and loyal nature made them increasingly popular as family pets and companions.

Appearance

Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their distinctive physical characteristics, like their tri-colored coats with black, white, and rust-colored markings. They also have a large, sturdy build, strong legs, and a thick, silky coat.

Similar breeds

If you like Bernese Mountain Dogs, you might also be interested in similar breeds like Newfoundlands, Great Pyrenees, or Saint Bernards.

Temperament

Despite their large size, Bernese Mountain Dogs are quite gentle and affectionate.

These dogs are calm and easy-going. They love spending time with their families, whether going for a walk, playing fetch, or just lounging around the house. They’re also known for their intelligence and trainability — they love learning new tricks.

Are Bernese Mountain Dogs hypoallergenic?

Bernese Mountain Dogs have a thick, silky, double coat that sheds moderately year-round with heavier periods around seasonal changes. They are not hypoallergenic.

Bernese Mountain Dogs may benefit from regular grooming to manage shedding and maintain their coat's health. While they generally do not require extensive grooming, weekly brushing, and occasional baths can help keep their coat clean and healthy.

Looking for an allergy-friendly dog? We've got you covered with our guide to hypoallergenic breeds.

Health concerns

Like all purebred dogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs may be prone to certain health issues, including obesity, allergies, eye problems, heart disease, and cancer. Regular veterinary care and preventative measures can help manage these risks.

How big do Bernese Mountain Dogs get?

Bernese Mountain Dogs can reach up to 27 inches in height and weigh between 79 and 110 pounds.

Adult dog size can be influenced by age, sex, and activity level, and it can be more challenging to predict for mixed breeds.

Life expectancy

You can expect your Bernese Mountain Dog to live about 6 to 10 years, in line with many other large dogs. That’s plenty of time for outdoor adventures and hanging out at home.

Expected lifetime cost

The lifetime cost of a Bernese Mountain Dog can vary, but you can anticipate spending around $20,000 throughout your dog's life. On average, that’s about $2,500 per year.

Plan for other expenses like routine vet visits, preventative medications, grooming, and other standard pet care.

Estimated cost to insure

Insuring your pet is a fantastic way to manage unexpected medical expenses. The cost of pet insurance for a Bernese Mountain Dog can vary based on age, health, and location. You can expect to pay around $45-$110 per month for their coverage.

The good, the bad, the ugly

On the fence about getting a Bernese Mountain Dog? These are some traits and health factors to consider when making your decision:

1. Size: When we say these dogs are big, we mean big — adult Bernese Mountain Dogs often weigh over 100 pounds and reach heights as tall as 27 inches. If you’ve fallen in love with these pups but live in a small apartment, they may not be the right fit (no pun intended).

2. Gentle nature: Despite their stature, Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for having calm and gentle personalities, making them great family pets.

3. Health concerns: Bernese Mountain Dogs may be prone to common health issues, including allergies, eye problems, and heart disease. As with many large breeds, they’re prone to certain cancers as they age.

4. Obesity: Bernese Mountain Dogs require adequate exercise and properly-portioned meals to maintain a healthy weight. They love to play but are happy to take it easy… perhaps too easy. Like most things, their diet and exercise are all about balance.

5. Trainability: Bernese Mountain Dogs are intelligent and trainable, making them great partners to humans willing to challenge them with new tricks to learn.

These are just a few things to remember when considering whether a Bernese Mountain Dog is right for you and your lifestyle.

So you want a Bernese Mountain Dog...

Ready for a loyal and social companion that loves to hang out? Bernese Mountain Dogs thrive with a calm, laid-back lifestyle and do well with pet parents who can provide lots of love and attention.

If you’re ready to bring home a sweet pup, the Bernese Mountain Dog might be the right breed for you.