Bernese Mountain Dog

Where the breed comes from

The Berner is one of four Swiss mountain dog breeds. On farms around Bern, it pulled carts of milk and cheese to market, drove cattle and watched over the farm.

The breed's black, white and rust coat is its signature look.

Personality and family life

Berners are affectionate, calm and good-natured, and they are usually gentle with children. They are sensitive and want to be with their family. Because they are so big, early training on manners is important.

Daily care: exercise, grooming, training

Moderate daily exercise, such as long walks and hikes, suits them, and many enjoy carting as a sport. They love cold weather and can overheat in summer. Their thick coat sheds a lot and needs brushing a few times a week.

Is this breed right for you?

Great for families with space and cool weather who want a calm, loving giant and can handle shedding. Less suited to hot climates, small homes, owners who cannot manage a very large dog, or anyone who wants a long-lived breed.

Fun facts

Bernese puppies grow very fast, so many vets recommend controlled exercise until they finish growing. The breed nearly vanished in the late 1800s as farms modernised, and Swiss enthusiasts revived it. Draft tests let Berners show off their cart-pulling skills today.

A day in the life

A typical day with a Berner includes a long, steady walk or hike, some play in the garden and plenty of lounging near the family, often right on their feet. Wipe their drool and brush out loose fur regularly. In warm weather, plan walks for cool hours and give them a shady spot or cooling mat.

Health and good to know

Sadly, Berners have a short average life span and a high rate of cancer, plus hip and elbow dysplasia. Choose a breeder who health-tests and is open about longevity in their lines.

Every pet is an individual, so use this as a starting point and ask your vet about diet, vaccines and health checks for your own animal.

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