🐶 Up to $74 OFF Dog DNA Tests | Shop

🐱 Up to $84 OFF Cat DNA Tests | Shop

Free US shipping & returns

Back to all breeds
Bernese Mountain Dog
Characteristics, History, and Health

Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog, also known as the Berner Sennenhund in its native Switzerland, is one of four types of Swiss Mountain Dogs and the only one with long hair. The breed's origins can be traced back over 2,000 years to when the Romans brought mastiff-type dogs to Switzerland, where they were used as working dogs on farms, for guarding property, and driving dairy cattle long distances from the farm to the alpine pastures. They got their name from the Canton of Bern in Switzerland where they were widely used.

Main Info
Origin
Switzerland
Alternate Names
Berner, Berner Sennenhund
Life Expectancy
7-10 years
Average Male Height
25-27.5 inches
Average Female Height
23-26 inches
Average Male Weight
80-115 pounds
Average Female Weight
70-95 pounds
Coat Length
Medium
Coat Type
Double
Coat Colors
Black & Rust, Black & White, Black Rust & White, Black Tan & White, Rust & White
Coat Pattern
None

Genetic Predispositions and Health

Bernese Mountain Dogs, often called Berners, can be affected by a range of health conditions. These include Alexander disease, aseptic meningitis, atopic dermatitis, borrelia susceptibility, cataracts, cerebellar abiotrophy, cervical vertebral instability, cleft palate, color dilution alopecia, Cruciate ligament disease, degenerative myelopathy, dysmyelinogenesis, elbow dysplasia, elbow dysplasia (ununited anconeal process), elbow dysplasia (fragmented coronoid process), entropion, epilepsy, Factor I (fibrinogen) deficiency, Factor VII deficiency, gastric dilation/volvulus, glomerulonephritis (membranoproliferative), hepatocerebellar degeneration, hernia (umbilical), hip dysplasia, histiocytosis, hypertrophic steodystrophy, hypoadrenocorticism, hypomyelination, hypothyroidism, immune-mediated polyarthritis, leptospirosis susceptibility, leukodystrophy(fibrinoid), lymphoma, mast cell tumor, meningitis (aseptic), osteochondritis dissecans (shoulder), panosteitis, patellar luxation, persistent pupillary membranes, portosystemic shunts, progressive retinal atrophy, protein-losing nephropathy, renal dysplasia, sebaceous adenitis, vasculitis, and von Willebrand disease (Type I).

Personality and Behavior

Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their gentle and friendly nature. They are excellent with children and they get along well with other pets. They are intelligent, easy to train, and they thrive on attention and being part of the family activities.

Despite their large size, they are generally calm and patient, traits that endear them to families. However, they do require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Because they were bred for work, they enjoy tasks and challenges, making them great candidates for obedience, tracking, and herding trials.

Socialization from an early age is essential for Bernese Mountain Dogs, as they can be aloof with strangers and have a tendency to be overprotective if not properly socialized.

Fun Facts

In the canton of Berne, Switzerland, Bernese Mountain Dogs primarily worked as drivers of cattle and sheep, and as watchdogs in farmyards.

The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1937, but it was not until the 1960s that they started to become more popular in the United States.

References

https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/breed/bernese-mountain-dog?page=1 https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bernese-mountain-dog/ https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/dog-breeds/bernese-mountain-dog

Screen for health risks and diseases

Recommended by top vets with decades of experience

  • 21 breeds

  • 64 genetic health markers 

  • 50 genetic trait markers 

Learn More
Cat with detailed cat DNA report