Working group

Bernese Mountain Dog

A gentle giant in a tricolour coat — calm, loyal and devoted to family.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are good-natured Swiss farm dogs with a calm, affectionate temperament. They are superb family companions, but their size, heavy shedding, heat sensitivity and short lifespan need to be understood before you commit.

Height
23–27.5 in58–70 cm
Weight
70–115 lb32–52 kg
Life expectancy
7–10 years
Size
Giant
Group
Working
Origin
Switzerland

Coat: Thick, moderately long double coat. Colours: Tricolour: black, rust and white.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement3.0 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"4.5 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability4.0 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation3.0 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level5.0 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness4.5 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety5.0 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness4.5 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive2.0 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking2.0 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level5.0 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden4.0 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency3.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability2.0 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness4.0 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level2.5 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Berners are gentle, patient and deeply attached to their people. They are usually friendly with visitors after a polite pause and very tolerant of children. Most are moderately active outdoors and calm indoors once past adolescence.

They can be sensitive and slow to mature, and some are shy without good early socialisation. As puppies they grow quickly into powerful dogs, so early lead manners are essential.

Living with a Bernese Mountain Dog

Exercise

About an hour of moderate exercise daily — walks, hikes, cart pulling. Avoid heat and humidity; Berners overheat easily.

Grooming

Brush several times a week and daily during seasonal sheds. Berners shed a lot. Check ears, trim feet and keep nails short.

Training

Willing and sensitive; reward-based training works best. Teach loose-lead walking and polite greetings while the puppy is still small.

Kids & other pets

Outstanding with children and generally friendly with other dogs and pets.

Time alone

Berners want to be with their people and can become anxious or destructive when isolated for long periods.

Home fit

Best suited to a house with secure outdoor space; apartment living is hard on this breed and its neighbours.

Is a Bernese Mountain Dog right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Bernese Mountain Dog matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Bernese Mountain Dog typically lives 7–10 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Cancer

    Berners have one of the highest cancer rates of any breed, especially histiocytic sarcoma. Ask breeders about the ages and causes of death in their lines.

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia

    Common; screened parents and controlled puppy growth help.

  • Degenerative myelopathy

    A progressive spinal disease; DNA testing identifies at-risk dogs.

  • Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)

    Deep-chested giants are at elevated risk.

  • Cranial cruciate ligament tears

    Heavy, fast-growing dogs are prone to knee injuries.

Ask a breeder for

  • Hip and elbow evaluation
  • Eye and cardiac examinations
  • DNA test for degenerative myelopathy

Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Bernese Mountain Dog; Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America; Berner-Garde Foundation. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $2,000–$4,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks adds roughly $500–$900 a year.
  • Food, medication and anaesthesia are dosed by weight, so every vet visit costs more for a big dog.
  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

The breed descends from mastiff-type dogs brought to Switzerland by the Romans. In the canton of Bern, farmers used them to drive cattle, guard farms and pull carts of milk and cheese to market — earning the name “Dürrbächler” after a local inn.

By the late 1800s the breed was in decline. Professor Albert Heim and others championed it, and a Swiss club formed in 1907. The AKC recognised the Bernese in 1937.

Did you know?

  • Berners still compete in drafting (cart-pulling) events.
  • The Bernese is one of four Swiss Sennenhund breeds, alongside the Greater Swiss, Appenzeller and Entlebucher.
  • The white “Swiss kiss” on the neck is a prized marking.

Library guides for Bernese Mountain Dog owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

How long do Bernese Mountain Dogs live?
Typically 7 to 10 years, largely due to cancer. Choosing a breeder who tracks longevity matters.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs shed a lot?
Yes, heavily and year-round, with bigger seasonal moults.
Are Berners good with kids?
Yes — they are famously gentle and patient with children.