When you think of a Bernese Mountain Dog, their massive size is typically the first thing that comes to mind.
However, Bernese Mountain Dogs are incredibly unique and loving dogs that have a lot more to them than just their massive size.
Down below, we’re going to discuss everything you’ll need to know about Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Going over aspects such as personality, physical characteristics, grooming needs, diet, and much more. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Information
Bernese Mountain Dog Personality
Generally speaking, whenever someone pictures a large dog, they might be worried about their personality.
However, any worrisome tendencies can be wholly ignored when discussing Bernese Mountain Dogs.
If you haven’t guessed it yet, they’re incredibly loving and devoted dogs. Let’s go over a few main points of their personality:
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Affectionate?
First and foremost, Bernese Mountain Dogs are incredibly affectionate. In fact, they’re one of the most loving dog breeds in the world.
Most people who adopt a Bernese Mountain Dog are immediately pulled into their friendly disposition.
It’s difficult to ignore their overly friendly composition. As a result, they love their owners and show it all the time.
A day won’t go by without a bit of affection and love from your Bernese Mountain Dog.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Loyal?
Outside of being affectionate, they’re exceptionally loyal. Considering affection and loyalty tend to be a cohesive unit, it’s not surprising to find out how faithful they are.
No matter the size of your living situation or where you live, they’ll be 100% dedicated to you.
Loyalty is an essential characteristic of a dog. As a result, security shouldn’t be an issue with a Bernese Mountain Dog.
If any issue were to arrive, the pure size of them would quickly rid any problems away. Thus another reason that makes them such a fantastic dog.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Smart?
With loyalty comes with a visible sign of intelligence.
Although intelligence varies from dog to dog, Bernese Mountain Dogs are among the smartest dog breeds in the world.
Their playfulness and affection might convince you otherwise, but realize they’re knowledgeable.
In fact, their intelligence is so high that they tend to get into stuff from time to time.
Although this might become burdensome, it’s nothing more than their own interest in the world around them showing.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Energetic?
Next to being intelligent comes their constant high-energy playfulness.
Although high-energy is a good thing with any dog, keep in mind that it can become burdensome at times.
Don’t get it wrong, most people love having a high-energy dog. However, make sure you’re mindful of their own requirements.
Not doing so can cause them significant issues for their own well-being.
As a way to keep their high-energy levels at bay, make sure you take them on frequent walks and various outdoor adventures.
Outside of the broad terms above to describe their personality, realize they’re incredible dogs all-around.
They certainly have some flaws like any other dog breed or person, but they’re fantastic for the most part.
Now that we’ve gone over their personality, let’s discuss a few other significant points regarding their dog breed information. Let’s get started!
Physical Characteristics Of A Bernese Mountain Dog
As noted, Bernese Mountain Dogs are primarily known for their size.
Whether you’re aware of it or not, they’re quite large dogs. And very strong dogs.
Outside of just their pure height, they can range up to be a massive dog.
Nonetheless, let’s go over their physical characteristics such as their size, fur, and overall appearance.
Bernese Mountain Dog Height And Weight
Height-wise males are approximately 25 to 28 inches, while females are a bit smaller, being 23 to 26 inches.
Keep in mind these are just estimates, and they can be a lot bigger or smaller. However, generally speaking, they tend to fall in these ranges.
Weight-wise, males weigh a bit more around 84 to 110 pounds, while females weigh 79 to 110 pounds.
Similar to their height, their weight can be significantly more or less than the average.
Bernese Mountain Dog Fur And Coat
Outside of their pure size, most people have a general knowledge about their fur.
Bernese Mountain Dogs have a double coat that is very thick compared to other dogs. They have a longer outer coat and a wooly undercoat.
Generally speaking, they come in a three-color variation or white, brown, and black.
All three colors vary from dog to dog, but the rough spots of where they are, tend to be the same.
Whether you’ve seen a Bernese Mountain Dog or not, you should have a good picture of what they look like now.
As noted, they’re a sizeable black tricolor dog that is extremely playful and loving.
Now that we’ve gone over everything you need to know about their physical attributes, let’s go over a variety of other information.
Bernese Mountain Dog Grooming Needs
As noted, Bernese Mountain Dogs have incredibly thick fur, which requires the right amount of grooming.
If you’re patient enough to give them frequent baths and weekly brushing, then their overall fur maintenance won’t be how it should.
You don’t have to go about this every single day, but get scheduling regular maintenance time every week or so for their fur isn’t a bad idea.
Outside of their fur, they luckily don’t need to be trimmed or clipped at all. Since they’re natural shedders, their shiny coats aren’t an issue in that regard.
Although this is a positive, remember to brush them frequently. Something like brushing shouldn’t be ignored, especially with Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Bernese Mountain Dog Diet Needs
The specific diet of your Bernese Mountain Dog depends on what you plan on offering them.
Generally speaking, they can be fed a wide range of food such as a raw diet, homemade diets, or commercial produced food.
Determining which diet is best suited for your dog, depends on what route you specifically want to go with.
Plus, every dog is different, and one might enjoy one diet over the other.
No matter the diet you go with, most owners of Bernese Mountain Dogs feed them a high-quality food diet.
The diet typically contains a low level of protein and moderate fat content.
Whatever the case might be, be sure to talk to their veterinarian to see which diet is best for them.
Like any other dog, make sure they have plenty of water to drink. Unlike smaller dogs, it’s easy for them to get dehydrated, considering they’re larger dogs with thick fur.
Assuring their water bowl is always full and clean is a great way to ensure they’re hydrated and healthy.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Easy To Train?
Outside of diet and grooming needs, a lot of you might be wondering about their overall trainability.
Luckily for you, Bernese Mountain Dogs are one of the most trainable dogs out there.
Due to their pure intelligence, they’re fast learners and can easily handle any training regime you want them on.
Like any dog, they’re easiest to train at a younger age. However, even if they’re a bit older, don’t let this sway you from not training them.
It’s never too late to start somewhere training-wise. Concerning trainability, be mindful of their high-energy.
Basically, this means some stuff might be easier to train than others. For the most part, they’re one of the best dogs to adopt for their pure trainability alone.
Bernese Mountain Dogs Weather Preference
Generally speaking, Bernese Mountain Dogs love the cold and winter months.
Although they can certainly thrive in warmer weather, they’re more well-fitted for colder weather.
Due to their thicker and heavier coats, they’re a lot better off for colder weather. They usually don’t need any extra attention during colder months and work well for them.
When it’s warm out, Bernese Mountain Dogs typically look for shade since their black coats generally absorb heat from the sun.
As a result, they tend to be less energetic in warmer months because of their distaste for the heat.
Because of this, be mindful of giving them extra water and watering them down when needed.
For the most part, they’ll be okay during the warmer months, but always take extra precautions to ensure they’re okay.
Relationships/Temperament
As noted, Bernese Mountain Dogs are some of the most laid back dogs out there. Because of their laid back tendencies, they get along great with other dogs and pets.
Generally speaking, they get along best with other animals if they’re met with them early on in their life. However, they’re usually okay with most interactions.
For humans, Bernese Mountain Dogs get along great with their human counterparts.
Unless they were met with an issue with humans at a younger age, they have nothing but love for us. As you can tell, there isn’t a more relaxed and loving dog than a Bernese Mountain Dog.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Get Separation Anxiety?
Although Bernese Mountain Dogs are nothing but loving dogs, they tend to get a bit of separation anxiety from time to time.
This usually is a commonality among dogs who are very close to their owners. However, separation anxiety can be a somewhat tricky thing to fix.
Generally speaking, the best way to solve separation anxiety is by getting them used to being alone. This might sound a bit mundane or difficult to do, but it’s certainly possible.
Outside of doing this, coming up with a goodbye ritual every time you leave can get them where they need to be.
With this particular subject, it’s best to practice a few different scenarios to properly help them.
Barking Tendency
Since Bernese Mountain Dogs are high-energy dogs, they tend to have a bit of a barking issue.
Although this isn’t always the case, it’s usually the result of their reaction to not getting enough attention.
Bringing them on more walks and outdoor adventures should help them deal with their barking if this is the case.
On the other hand, if their barking isn’t improving, consider bringing them to a veterinarian.
Since vets are experts in this field, they’ll know how to help your dog with their barking. There are plenty of online resources outside of the vet to determine a way to improve their barking.
Since dog owners are more than willing to share their useful tips, it’s a no-brainer to check out the solutions available online.
Bernese Mountain Dog History/Origin
The ancestors of Bernese Mountain Dogs were first introduced over 2000 years ago to Switzerland.
Initially, they operated as drovers, watchdogs, and draft dogs throughout Switzerland.
As time went on, they spread out around the world and became one of the most common dog breeds in North America.
Because of their size and pure resilience, it makes sense why Bernese Mountain Dogs were initially used as drovers, watchdogs, and draft dogs.
Although it happened years ago, they still have the same DNA as they once have and carry several of the same characteristics.
Bernese Mountain Dog Life Expectancy And Health
Like you’d expect with a large dog, Bernese Mountain Dogs don’t have the most abundant life expectancy. In fact, they typically only live 6 to 8 years.
Although this is only the average age, they usually don’t live over 10-years-old.
However, don’t let this sway from adopting one, considering they’re incredibly loving and great dogs.
Outside of their short lifespan, they typically have issues with mobility as they get older.
Because of their massive size, they tend to have problems with their bones and mobility.
Luckily, there are ways to help their overall movement as they age. Be sure to talk to their veterinarian on how to properly help them.
Other than their size and lifespan, they’re incredibly prone to getting cancer. This is a massive shame considering how exceptional of dogs they are.
Similar to their lifespan, don’t this sway your decision on adopting one. For the most part, they’ll be able to live incredible lives as long as you treat them right.
Outside of their later years, they can live very healthy and happy lives, which are crucial for every dog to have.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this article on everything you need to know about a Bernese Mountain Dog.
If you have any questions pertaining to the breed, don’t be afraid to reach out to others and do your own research.
Remember, they’re incredibly loyal, intelligent, and loving dogs who require a good amount of grooming and attention.
As always, if you’re interested in adopting a Bernese Mountain Dog, be sure to check out the local shelters and breeders near you!
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