Dog breed · Working
Bernese Mountain Dog
A striking Swiss farm dog: placid, family-focused and happiest in cool climates.
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Breed characteristics
- Group
- Working
- Origin
- Switzerland
- Size
- Giant
- Weight
- 36–52 kg (80–115 lb)
- Height
- 58–70 cm
- Lifespan
- 7–10 years
- Coat
- Long, thick tricolour double coat
- Temperament
- Good-naturedCalmAffectionateSteady
History
One of four Sennenhund breeds from the canton of Bern, used to pull carts and guard farms.
Appearance
Large and solid, black with rust and white markings and a bright white chest blaze.
Exercise and activity
An hour of moderate activity daily; carting and gentle hiking suit the build.
Care and grooming
Brush several times weekly, provide cool resting places and avoid exertion in heat.
Health considerations
- Histiocytic sarcoma and other cancers
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Bloat
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Von Willebrand disease
Honest challenges
Before choosing a Bernese Mountain Dog
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: An hour of moderate activity daily; carting and gentle hiking suit the build. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Histiocytic sarcoma and other cancers, Hip and elbow dysplasia, Bloat, Degenerative myelopathy, Von Willebrand disease), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime. Bloat has no screening test: learn its emergency signs and ask about prevention.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- Dogs Trust — dog care, behaviour and welfare advice