Bernese Mountain Dog: The Loyal and Gentle Giant
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large and gentle working breed known for its striking tri-colored coat, calm temperament, and strong devotion to its family. Originally developed in the Swiss Alps to pull carts, drive cattle, and work alongside farmers, the Bernese Mountain Dog combines strength and endurance with an affectionate and easygoing personality that makes it a beloved family companion. These intelligent and loyal dogs thrive with owners who can provide regular companionship, moderate exercise, and positive training, as Berners are happiest when included in family life and given close human interaction. Their patient and gentle nature often makes them excellent companions for children, although their large size and thick coat require proper care, training, and attention to health needs. With their friendly disposition, impressive appearance, and dependable temperament, the Bernese Mountain Dog is well suited for families seeking a loving and loyal companion with a calm and affectionate personality.
⭐ 3 Things You May Not Know About the Bernese Mountain Dog
- The Bernese Mountain Dog originated in the Swiss Alps, where it worked as a farm dog, draft dog, and livestock guardian.
- The breed was traditionally used to pull carts loaded with milk, cheese, and farm supplies through Swiss villages.
- Bernese Mountain Dogs are famous for their gentle temperament and strong bond with their families despite their large size.
Overview
- AKC Height: 23–27.5 inches
- AKC Weight: 70–115 pounds
- Colors: Tricolor (Black, Rust, and White)
- Life Expectancy: 7–10 years
- Group: Working Group
🐾 Quick Facts About the Bernese Mountain Dog
- Energy Level: Moderate — Bernese Mountain Dogs enjoy regular exercise and outdoor activity but are generally calm indoors.
- Grooming Needs: High — Their thick double coat requires regular brushing and seasonal shedding maintenance.
- Good With Kids: Yes — Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally affectionate, patient, and gentle with families and children.
- Trainability: High — Intelligent and eager to please, they respond well to positive and consistent training.
- Barking Level: Moderate — Bernese Mountain Dogs may bark to alert their family or when protecting property.
Jump to Section
- History & Origin
- Breed Traits & Personality
- Exercise & Training Needs
- Grooming Requirements
- Health Overview & Testing
- Is This Breed Right for You?
- Finding a Responsible Breeder or Rescue
- Similar Breeds You Might Like
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History & Origin
The Bernese Mountain Dog originated in the Swiss Alps near the city of Bern, where it was developed as a versatile farm dog capable of working in harsh mountain conditions. For centuries, Swiss farmers relied on these strong and dependable dogs to herd cattle, guard farms, pull carts loaded with goods, and serve as loyal family companions. The breed became one of several Swiss mountain dog varieties developed for agricultural work throughout the alpine regions of Switzerland.
The Bernese Mountain Dog descends from large mastiff-type dogs believed to have been brought into the region by Roman armies over 2,000 years ago. Over generations, these dogs were crossed with local farm dogs and selectively bred for strength, endurance, intelligence, and calm temperament. Their thick tricolor coat provided protection from cold temperatures and harsh weather while working outdoors in mountainous terrain.
Unlike some working breeds developed primarily for guarding or herding alone, the Bernese Mountain Dog became valued for its versatility and close relationship with farming families. The breed’s steady temperament and willingness to work made it especially useful for pulling dairy carts and transporting goods through rural villages and farms. Its calm and affectionate nature also helped establish it as a trusted household companion.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the breed’s numbers declined as modernization reduced the need for traditional farm dogs. Swiss breeders and canine enthusiasts worked carefully to preserve the Bernese Mountain Dog and maintain its working heritage and distinctive appearance. Modern Bernese Mountain Dogs still display many traits shaped by centuries of alpine farm work, including strength, loyalty, patience, and a strong desire to stay close to their families. Beneath the breed’s gentle personality and beautiful coat remains a hardworking mountain dog deeply connected to Swiss agricultural history.
Breed Traits & Personality
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, powerful working breed known for its striking tricolor coat, gentle expression, heavy bone structure, and calm strength. Originally developed in the Swiss Alps as a versatile farm dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog was used for pulling carts, driving cattle, guarding property, and performing demanding agricultural work in harsh mountain conditions. The breed combines physical power, endurance, intelligence, and steady temperament in a beautifully balanced working-dog body.
This breed has a sturdy, muscular frame with a deep chest, broad shoulders, strong neck, and substantial bone structure that support both strength and endurance. Despite its size and power, the Bernese Mountain Dog should appear balanced and athletic rather than coarse or cumbersome. The body is slightly longer than tall, contributing to stable movement and working capability.
The head is broad and strong with a moderate stop, dark almond-shaped eyes, and a soft, intelligent expression that contributes greatly to the breed’s famously gentle appearance. Their medium-sized triangular ears hang close to the head and frame the face naturally.
One of the breed’s most recognizable features is its thick tricolor double coat. The base coat is jet black with rich rust markings over the eyes, cheeks, chest, and legs, along with distinct white markings on the chest, muzzle, and blaze. The long outer coat is slightly wavy or straight and weather-resistant, while the dense undercoat provides insulation against cold mountain climates.
The Bernese Mountain Dog’s bushy tail is carried low when relaxed and contributes to the breed’s balanced silhouette. Movement should appear smooth, powerful, and effortless, reflecting the breed’s ability to work steadily over long periods.
Overall, the Bernese Mountain Dog projects strength, stability, gentleness, endurance, and classic mountain-working functionality wrapped in one of the most beautiful coat patterns in the canine world.
For a broader comparison of how this breed’s size compares to others, see our Dog Size & Weight Guide.
Temperament & Personality
The Bernese Mountain Dog is known for being gentle, affectionate, loyal, and emotionally sensitive. This breed forms extremely strong bonds with its family and is widely admired for its calm and loving nature. Bernese Mountain Dogs are often happiest when closely involved in family life and included in daily routines and activities.
With family members, the breed is usually patient, affectionate, and deeply devoted. Many Bernese Mountain Dogs are especially gentle with children and thrive in family-oriented environments where they receive companionship and interaction throughout the day.
The breed is generally friendly and sociable with people when properly socialized, although some individuals may initially appear reserved around strangers until they feel comfortable. Proper socialization helps encourage confidence and emotional stability.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are emotionally sensitive and tend to respond strongly to the tone and atmosphere of their environment. Calm leadership, positive interaction, and consistent routines generally produce the best emotional balance. Harsh correction or chaotic environments may create anxiety or reduced confidence in some individuals.
Despite their large size, Bernese Mountain Dogs are often known for their sweet and somewhat soft-hearted personality. Many remain playful and emotionally expressive well into adulthood while still maintaining calm indoor behavior.
The breed is naturally alert and protective without typically being aggressive or overly reactive. Bernese Mountain Dogs often make excellent watchdogs because of their awareness and loyalty, but they are usually more welcoming than confrontational when properly socialized.
Because of their close attachment to people, Bernese Mountain Dogs generally do not do well with prolonged isolation or lack of interaction. Without enough companionship and engagement, some may develop anxiety, sadness, or destructive behavior.
The breed’s combination of gentleness, loyalty, emotional sensitivity, and calm strength makes the Bernese Mountain Dog one of the most beloved family working breeds in the world.
For a broader overview of personality differences between breed groups, visit our Dog Breed Temperament Guide.
Exercise & Training Needs
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a moderately active working breed that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to maintain healthy body condition and emotional well-being. Although calmer indoors than many herding or sporting breeds, Berners still possess good endurance and working ability developed through generations of farm work in mountainous terrain.
Daily walks, moderate hiking, active play sessions, and mentally engaging activities are important for maintaining both physical and emotional health. Many Bernese Mountain Dogs enjoy pulling carts, obedience work, scent games, hiking, drafting activities, and interactive family outings.
Because of the breed’s intelligence and people-oriented nature, training is usually rewarding when approached with patience and positive reinforcement. Bernese Mountain Dogs generally respond well to praise, treats, encouragement, and calm leadership.
The breed is emotionally sensitive and often learns best in supportive, low-stress training environments. Harsh correction or forceful handling can reduce confidence and create anxiety or stubbornness. Short, positive, and consistent training sessions tend to produce the best results.
Early socialization is especially important because of the breed’s large adult size. Puppies should be exposed carefully to different people, sounds, environments, surfaces, animals, and controlled experiences during development to encourage calm and adaptable adult behavior.
Because Bernese Mountain Dogs grow rapidly and carry substantial body weight, exercise during puppyhood should remain controlled and appropriate to avoid excessive stress on developing joints and bones.
The breed generally enjoys having purpose and interaction but does not usually require the extreme physical intensity seen in some high-drive working breeds. Bernese Mountain Dogs are often happiest with moderate activity combined with close family companionship.
Because of their size and thick coat, care should be taken during hot weather. Berners tolerate cold climates very well but may overheat more easily in warm or humid environments.
For families seeking a gentle, loyal, and trainable large-breed companion with calm working-dog character, the Bernese Mountain Dog can become an exceptionally loving and dependable member of the household.
Learn more on our Dog Training Page.
For training, few things motivate a Berner like a truly special treat, and Bonne et Filou dog macarons (dog-breeds.net approved affiliate link) are exactly the kind worth saving for the big wins. A gentle giant who loves to please will work happily for a treat this fancy.
One more honest tip for the puppy months: giant-breed puppies are slow to mature, and when accidents happen, they are BIG. While housebreaking clicks into place, our handmade, washable BellyBands bridge the gap, with bands for boy dogs and diaper-style bands for girl dogs. They can protect floors during housebreaking or provide ongoing help for marking and incontinence.
Grooming Requirements
The Bernese Mountain Dog’s thick double coat requires regular grooming to maintain healthy skin, prevent matting, and manage substantial seasonal shedding. The breed’s weather-resistant coat was developed for protection against cold mountain climates and outdoor working conditions.
The outer coat is moderately long and slightly wavy or straight, while the dense undercoat provides insulation and temperature regulation. Frequent brushing several times per week is recommended to remove loose hair, prevent tangles, and maintain healthy coat condition.
Particular attention should be given to feathered areas behind the ears, under the legs, around the tail, and along the chest where mats may develop more easily. Slicker brushes, undercoat rakes, and metal combs are commonly used to maintain the coat properly.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are heavy seasonal shedders, especially during spring and fall coat changes. During these periods, daily brushing may be necessary to manage large amounts of loose undercoat and reduce hair accumulation throughout the home.
Bathing is generally needed periodically to maintain coat cleanliness and skin health. Thorough drying is important because moisture trapped in the dense coat may contribute to skin irritation or hot spots if not managed properly.
Routine grooming should also include nail trimming, dental care, ear cleaning, and inspection of the skin beneath the dense coat for irritation, parasites, or debris after outdoor activity.
Because of the breed’s thick coat and heavy shedding, grooming commitment is an important consideration for prospective owners. However, consistent maintenance helps preserve the Bernese Mountain Dog’s beautiful tricolor coat, healthy skin condition, and weather-resistant functionality.
With proper coat care and routine grooming, the Bernese Mountain Dog maintains the majestic appearance, comfort, and healthy skin condition that make the breed so visually impressive and beloved worldwide.
Learn more on our Dog Grooming Page.
With a coat this thick, brushing is not optional, and the tool that actually gets through the dense undercoat is an undercoat rake (dog-breeds.net approved affiliate link). A few minutes with it each week keeps the shedding piles smaller and a Berner’s coat looking its best.
Health Overview & Testing
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a gentle, affectionate, and powerful working breed known for its striking tri-colored coat, calm temperament, and deep devotion to its family. Originally developed in Switzerland as a farm dog used for drafting, guarding, and livestock work, the Bernese Mountain Dog is generally considered a loyal and versatile companion, but like many giant and large-breed dogs, it can still be prone to several important inherited and structural health concerns. Understanding common Bernese Mountain Dog health problems and recommended breeder health testing can help puppy buyers make more informed decisions when selecting a healthy puppy. Because this breed combines substantial size, heavy bone structure, and a relatively rapid growth rate, maintaining healthy joints, mobility, cardiovascular health, and proper body condition is especially important throughout the dog’s life.
Health issues sometimes seen in Bernese Mountain Dogs may include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cruciate ligament injuries, gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), degenerative myelopathy, heart disease, hypothyroidism, cancer, and arthritis. Certain cancers, including histiocytic sarcoma and lymphoma, are unfortunately seen more commonly in this breed than in many others and remain a major health concern among Bernese Mountain Dog owners and breeders. Because of the breed’s large size and deep chest, the Bernese Mountain Dog may also be vulnerable to gastric torsion, a potentially life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary care. While not every Bernese Mountain Dog will develop these conditions, understanding the breed’s health tendencies allows owners to make better long-term decisions regarding breeding, exercise, nutrition, growth management, and preventive veterinary care.
Because Berners face several inherited health risks, I also recommend reading our guide to dog DNA testing and genetic health before you commit to a puppy. DNA tests cover specific variants and complement clinical screening; they cannot predict every inherited risk or guarantee future health.
Health Testing & Responsible Breeding
Responsible Bernese Mountain Dog breeders should perform appropriate health screenings before breeding in order to reduce the likelihood of inherited conditions being passed to future generations. Many puppy buyers are encouraged to ask about health testing, but they are often unsure which evaluations are most important for this breed. In the Bernese Mountain Dog, careful attention to orthopedic, cardiac, neurological, and overall structural health is especially valuable.
Buyers should ask whether the sire and dam have completed OFA hip and elbow evaluations and whether cardiac evaluations have been performed when appropriate. Responsible breeders may also discuss cancer history, degenerative myelopathy testing, longevity within the pedigree, orthopedic soundness, and overall health trends within their bloodlines. Some breeders may additionally utilize DNA testing for inherited conditions when available and relevant to their breeding program.
At this time, Bernese Mountain Dog breeder health testing relies heavily on veterinary evaluations, orthopedic screening, cardiac monitoring, selective genetic testing, and long-term pedigree analysis rather than relying on appearance alone. Responsible breeders should be willing to openly discuss inherited health concerns within their breeding program and explain the purpose of any testing they perform. Ethical breeders understand that preserving the Bernese Mountain Dog involves much more than maintaining beauty or size — it also includes protecting healthy structure, stable temperament, mobility, and long-term quality of life.
Before Bernese Mountain Dog puppies are placed into new homes, they should receive a complete veterinary wellness examination that evaluates the heart, joints, eyes, bite alignment, parasite status, overall structure, and general physical development. Because giant-breed puppies grow rapidly and place significant stress on developing bones and joints, proper nutrition and carefully controlled growth during puppyhood are especially important. Puppies should also leave with age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming records, feeding guidance, and recommendations for safe exercise, socialization, and training during development.
A responsible Bernese Mountain Dog breeder should willingly provide documentation of completed health clearances and openly discuss inherited health concerns affecting the breed. Puppy buyers should be cautious of breeders who avoid health discussions, refuse to provide testing information, or claim their dogs are completely free of health problems. Ethical breeding focuses on reducing inherited risk through careful selection, health screening, pedigree knowledge, and lifelong breeder support rather than making unrealistic promises.
Preventive Care & Long-Term Wellness
Maintaining healthy body condition is especially important for the Bernese Mountain Dog because excess weight places significant additional strain on the hips, elbows, knees, cruciate ligaments, spine, and cardiovascular system. Although naturally large and powerful, Bernese Mountain Dogs should remain lean and well-conditioned rather than overweight. Balanced nutrition, controlled growth during puppyhood, and moderate regular exercise all help support long-term orthopedic health and mobility.
Because the breed is heavily coated and sensitive to heat, owners should also monitor for overheating during hot or humid weather. Access to shade, cool water, and carefully timed exercise during warmer temperatures can help reduce the risk of heat stress.
The Bernese Mountain Dog’s thick double coat requires regular grooming and brushing to help reduce matting, manage shedding, and maintain healthy skin and coat condition. Grooming sessions also provide an excellent opportunity to monitor for lumps, skin irritation, coat-quality changes, or early signs of developing health concerns.
Owners of deep-chested breeds should also learn the warning signs of bloat and gastric torsion, including abdominal swelling, pacing, drooling, unsuccessful vomiting attempts, and sudden distress. Immediate emergency veterinary treatment is critical if these symptoms occur. Some owners discuss preventive gastropexy surgery with their veterinarian, particularly if another abdominal procedure is already planned.
Routine veterinary examinations throughout adulthood and senior years remain important for monitoring joint stability, cardiac health, neurological wellness, mobility, weight management, and early signs of cancer or other age-related disease. Early detection of developing health concerns often allows for more successful long-term management and improved quality of life.
For non-emergency questions between vet visits, I recommend Dutch Vet (dog-breeds.net approved affiliate link), a pet telehealth service that connects you with licensed vets by video. Video consultations can provide convenient guidance about non-emergency concerns between regular appointments.
Lifespan & Senior Bernese Mountain Dog Care
The Bernese Mountain Dog often lives approximately 7 to 10 years when responsibly bred and properly cared for, which is shorter than many smaller breeds due in part to the health challenges associated with giant-breed size and cancer risk. Senior Bernese Mountain Dogs may gradually develop arthritis, reduced stamina, muscle loss, hearing decline, decreased mobility, or age-related disease as they grow older.
As Bernese Mountain Dogs enter their senior years, many owners focus on maintaining moderate low-impact exercise, healthy weight management, joint support, supportive bedding, regular wellness monitoring, and comfort-focused care. Because the breed is naturally affectionate and emotionally connected to its family, continued companionship and gentle interaction remain especially important throughout life.
With attentive care, preventive veterinary support, responsible breeding, and a healthy lifestyle, many Bernese Mountain Dogs continue to thrive as loving, loyal, and deeply devoted companions throughout their lives.
A supportive orthopedic bed can help a senior Berner rest comfortably. I recommend Bully Beds (dog-breeds.net approved affiliate link), whose orthopedic beds are built for giant dogs and give aging joints real support. Giving a senior Berner a bed that truly supports them is one of the kindest things you can do in their golden years.
Is This Breed Right for You?
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a gentle, loyal, and highly affectionate working breed known for its calm personality, striking appearance, and strong devotion to its family. Originally developed for farm and drafting work in Switzerland, the Bernese Mountain Dog thrives when given companionship, moderate exercise, and close family interaction.
While loving and adaptable, the Bernese Mountain Dog is not the ideal fit for every household. Here’s a quick overview to help you decide:
✔ Ideal for:
- Families seeking a calm and affectionate large-breed companion
- Owners able to provide regular grooming and coat maintenance
- People looking for a loyal, gentle, and family-oriented dog
- Homes with enough space for a giant-breed dog to move comfortably
- Owners willing to manage large-breed health and mobility needs
❌ Not Ideal for:
- People unprepared for giant-breed veterinary and feeding costs
- Homes unable to accommodate a large and powerful dog
- Owners unwilling to manage shedding and grooming requirements
- People wanting a highly intense or constantly active working dog
- Homes in extremely hot climates without proper cooling management
Finding a Responsible Breeder or Rescue
If you’re interested in bringing a dog of this breed into your home, consider adopting from a rescue organization or finding a reputable breeder.
Find a Reliable Rescue:
Read our page about how to adopt from a reliable dog rescue.
Find reliable rescues through our Dog Rescue Directory.
Find a Responsible Breeder:
Read our information page about buying a healthy puppy from a responsible breeder.
Find responsible breeders through our Dog Breeders Directory.
Puppy Considerations
Bernese Mountain Dog puppies are affectionate, intelligent, and often surprisingly gentle from an early age. Early socialization and consistent positive training are important to help puppies develop confidence, good manners, and stable behavior.
Because Bernese Mountain Dogs mature into very large and powerful adults, proper growth management during puppyhood is extremely important. Excessive exercise, rapid growth, or excess weight can place unnecessary stress on developing bones and joints.
Puppies benefit from:
- Early socialization with people, dogs, sounds, and new environments
- Positive reinforcement training and consistent routines
- Controlled exercise appropriate for giant-breed development
- High-quality nutrition formulated for large-breed puppies
- Early grooming handling and regular coat-care routines
Because Bernese Mountain Dog puppies grow rapidly, owners should work closely with their veterinarian regarding nutrition, weight management, and safe activity levels during development.
Living With a Bernese Mountain Dog
Living with a Bernese Mountain Dog is often rewarding for owners who appreciate calm, affectionate, and family-oriented dogs. These dogs generally form deep emotional bonds with their families and often prefer staying close to their people throughout the day.
The Bernese Mountain Dog typically requires moderate daily exercise and enjoys activities such as walking, hiking, cart pulling, obedience, and outdoor family activities. Although not usually as intense as some working breeds, the Bernese Mountain Dog still benefits from regular physical and mental engagement.
This breed generally does best in homes where it receives companionship, structure, and regular interaction. Without enough social connection, some individuals may become anxious or emotionally withdrawn.
Although gentle and affectionate with family members, Bernese Mountain Dogs benefit from early socialization to help them develop into confident and well-mannered adults.
Feeding a balanced, high-quality diet and maintaining a healthy weight are important for supporting joint health, muscle condition, mobility, and overall wellness. Routine veterinary care, grooming, exercise, and companionship all contribute to helping the breed thrive.
If your Berner shares your bed, consider protecting your mattress with waterproof mattress covers (dog-breeds.net approved affiliate link), to help protect against moisture and muddy paws. If your Berner sleeps with you, this is the cheapest peace of mind you will ever buy for your bedroom.
For a giant breed, check bed dimensions, weight capacity, and bowl stability carefully. You can browse Big Ass Dog Company (dog-breeds.net approved affiliate link) for beds, bowls and accessories that are genuinely sized for giant dogs. When gear finally fits your Berner, daily life gets noticeably easier for both of you.
And if you really want to celebrate your Berner, consider a custom portrait from Crown & Paw (dog-breeds.net approved affiliate link), as a keepsake for your wall. Few things capture a Berner’s noble, goofy soul quite like seeing them painted as a king or queen.
Final Thoughts…
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a gentle, loyal, and deeply affectionate working breed that thrives with owners who appreciate calm companionship and strong family bonds. Their loving temperament, striking appearance, and dependable nature make them remarkable companions in the right homes.
With proper exercise, socialization, grooming, nutrition, and preventive care, the Bernese Mountain Dog can become a deeply devoted and highly rewarding lifelong companion.
Are you considering adding a Bernese Mountain Dog to your family?
🐶 Bernese Mountain Dog FAQs
How long do Bernese Mountain Dogs live?
Bernese Mountain Dogs typically have a lifespan of 7 to 10 years. As a large breed, they are more prone to certain health issues, so regular veterinary care, proper nutrition, and maintaining a healthy weight are especially important for longevity.
What is the Bernese Mountain Dog temperament like?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for being gentle, affectionate, and loyal. They are calm-natured dogs that form strong bonds with their families and are often described as friendly and patient. This breed is generally good-natured and enjoys close companionship.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs good family dogs?
Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs can make excellent family dogs. They are typically very good with children and enjoy being part of family life. Because of their large size, supervision around young children is recommended, but their temperament is usually steady and tolerant.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs shed a lot?
Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs are heavy shedders. Their thick, long double coat sheds year-round, with heavier shedding during seasonal coat changes. Regular brushing several times a week helps manage shedding and keeps the coat healthy.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs easy to train?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are intelligent and generally eager to please, making them fairly easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement and gentle, consistent training. Early training and socialization help them develop into well-mannered adults.
Similar Breeds You Might Like
If you’re interested in the Bernese Mountain Dog, you may also enjoy learning about these similar large working and mountain breeds:
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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog – A close relative, known for strength, confidence, and a short coat.
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Saint Bernard – A gentle giant with a calm temperament and strong family orientation.
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Newfoundland – A large, sweet-natured working breed valued for loyalty and a love of people.
- This breed is often considered a good choice for family households due to its temperament and adaptability — see our guide to Best Family Dog Breeds for more family-friendly options.
- Because of its easygoing personality, this breed is often included among the best calm dog breeds for relaxed homes.
Learn more about responsible dog ownership, dog health and daily care: