Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog, or “Berner,” is one of four Swiss Mountain Dog breeds (Sennenhund) and hails from the canton of Bern in Switzerland. Their ancestors were likely brought to the region by Roman legions over 2,000 years ago and crossed with local flock-guarding dogs. For centuries, these sturdy, tri-colored dogs served as indispensable all-around farm dogs in the Alpine region.

Their roles were varied: they pulled carts filled with milk, cheese, or woven goods to market, drove dairy cattle from farm to pasture, guarded the farmstead from predators and strangers, and provided loyal companionship to farming families. With industrialization, their numbers dwindled, but dedicated Swiss breeders, notably Professor Albert Heim, worked to preserve and standardize the breed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Bernese Mountain Dog was officially recognized by the Swiss Kennel Club in 1907 and first imported to the United States in 1926, gaining AKC recognition in 1937.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their exceptionally good-natured and calm temperament. They are typically self-assured, placid, and friendly with people they know. While devoted and deeply loyal to their families, they can sometimes be aloof or reserved with strangers, though rarely aggressive without cause. Their history as farm guardians means they can be alert and watchful.

Berners are generally patient and gentle with children, often forming strong bonds. They usually get along well with other pets, especially if raised with them. They thrive on being part of family activities and do not do well if isolated for long periods. Despite their large size, they are sensitive dogs and respond best to kind, positive training methods. Their calm disposition makes them wonderful companions, but they do retain a playful side, especially when young.

The Bernese Mountain Dog possesses a thick, silky, moderately long double coat that is one of its most striking features. This beautiful coat, designed to protect them in cold Alpine weather, requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and manage shedding. Berners are significant shedders, especially seasonally (typically spring and fall).

Thorough brushing two to three times a week is recommended to remove loose hair, prevent tangles and mats, and distribute skin oils. A slicker brush, pin brush, and a steel comb (especially for mats behind the ears and in the “pants”) are useful tools. During heavy shedding periods, daily brushing may be necessary. Baths are needed only occasionally, as their coat is somewhat self-cleaning. Regular nail trims, ear cleaning (to prevent infections in their drop ears), and dental care are also important.

Despite their working heritage and large size, Bernese Mountain Dogs have moderate exercise needs compared to some other working breeds. They enjoy activities but are not built for extreme endurance or high-impact sports. About 30 minutes to an hour of moderate exercise per day, such as brisk walks or gentle hikes, is usually sufficient to keep them happy and healthy.

They particularly enjoy cooler weather and can be prone to overheating in hot, humid conditions, so exercise should be scheduled for cooler parts of the day during warm months. Berners often enjoy activities like carting (drafting), obedience, and tracking. While puppies are energetic, care should be taken not to over-exercise them during their growth phase to protect their developing joints. Providing mental stimulation through training and puzzle toys is also beneficial.

Bernese Mountain Dogs, unfortunately, have a relatively short lifespan for a large breed and are prone to several serious health conditions. Responsible breeding practices aim to reduce the incidence of these issues. Potential health concerns include:

• Cancer: Various forms of cancer, including histiocytic sarcoma, mast cell tumors, and lymphoma, are a significant concern in the breed.
• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Malformation of these joints can lead to arthritis and lameness.
• Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus – GDV): A life-threatening emergency where the stomach twists.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): An eye condition leading to blindness.
• Von Willebrand’s Disease: An inherited bleeding disorder.
• Heart Conditions: Such as subaortic stenosis.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Including hypothyroidism.

Prospective owners should seek out reputable breeders who conduct thorough health screenings on their breeding stock (hips, elbows, eyes, heart, vWD, and monitor for cancer history in lines). Regular veterinary care and a healthy lifestyle are crucial for maximizing their health and lifespan.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are intelligent and generally eager to please, which makes them trainable. However, they are also sensitive and can be somewhat soft in temperament, so they respond best to positive reinforcement training methods using praise, food rewards, and gentle guidance. Harsh corrections or overly dominant training techniques can cause them to shut down or become fearful.

Key aspects of training a Berner include:

• Early Socialization: Crucial for developing a confident and well-mannered adult. Expose them to a variety of people, places, sounds, and other animals from a young age.
• Basic Obedience: Start with basic commands like sit, stay, come, down, and leash training early on. Their large size makes good manners essential.
• Consistency and Patience: While smart, they can sometimes be a bit slow to mature mentally. Be patient and consistent with your training.
• Positive Reinforcement: Keep training sessions upbeat and rewarding.

Puppy kindergarten and obedience classes are highly recommended. Their history as draft dogs means many enjoy activities like carting if introduced properly.