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Bernese Mountain Dog

Overview

AKC Height:

23-27.5 inches

AKC Weight:

70-115 pounds

Colors:

Jet black with rust and clear white markings. Symmetry of markings is desired. Rust appears over each eye, on the cheeks reaching to at least the corner of the mouth, on each side of the chest, on all four legs, and under the tail. There is a white blaze and muzzle band.

Life Expectancy:

7-10 years

Group:

Working Group

Description

Bernese Mountain Dogs require an average-sized yard for exercise. They are not extremely active dogs, and they do well in the house with moderate exercise. Twice weekly brushing is needed to help control shedding. Gentle, consistent training is required.

Temperament

Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle, devoted family dogs. They are good with children. Although they usually bark when a stranger comes to the door, they aren’t aggressive guard dogs.

Bernese Mountain Dog Housebreaking

Housebreaking the Bernese Mountain Dog requires consistency on your part. Dogs are creatures of habit, and knowing the tips and tricks of training will make the process so much easier and less stressful.

Puppy Housebreaking     Adult Marking & Retraining

Find a Puppy: Bernese Mountain Dog

If you are looking for a puppy or adult dog, please read our important information on choosing a puppy from a breeder and adopting a dog from a rescue. There are good dog breeders and good dog rescues and there are bad dog breeders and bad dog rescues. Our information will help you to make an informed decision and will give you tips on what to look for and what to avoid.

Pet shops are not the best place to look for a puppy. Dogs from pet shops often come from puppy mills, and puppy mill dogs are often kept in unhealthy conditions. The best way to end puppy mills is to rescue or buy from reputable sources.

Nutrition

The Bernese Mountain Dog should only be fed high-quality dog food targeted toward the dog’s age, whether puppy, adult, or senior. Avoid cooked bones and food with high fat content. Talk to your veterinarian if you have concerns about your dog’s weight.

Training

The Bernese Mountain Dog is extremely eager to please their owners. At the very least, these dogs can benefit from learning basic commands, like sit, come, and stay. Because this breed is highly intelligent and easily bored, it is important to give them multiple challenging toys to keep this breed occupied.

Health

(Click here for Health Dictionary)
Watch for Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, Hereditary Eye Disorders, Seizures, Autoimmune Disorders, Hypothyroidism, and Cancer.