Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, loyal dogs with a calm and docile character. They were originally developed in Switzerland as an all-round farm dog to look after livestock, guard, and also as a cart puller. Today they are best known as excellent companions and are a popular choice for family pets due to their good nature and trustworthy temperament with children.

They have a thick coat, which sheds, but is easy to care for and should only come in tricolor coloring. Although docile, the Bernese Mountain Dogs’ loyalty and size, along with their protective nature to their family can mean they make good guard dogs. They are generally easy to train with a willing character and have medium exercise requirements.

Although he has several redeeming qualities, the Bernese Mountain Dog’s short lifespan and susceptibility to health problems may deter some potential owners. This dog breed takes its name from the Bern region in Switzerland, which is likely where it originated. If you’re still interested in owning one of these dogs, be prepared to do your research to find a reputable breeder and put forth the time needed to properly socialize and train him once he enters your home.

Most Bernese will need moderate exercise, so aim to walk him for at least half an hour each day. They are also individuals though, so some may require more or less activity than others. Keep in mind that this is a large breed- they can grow to be 70 to 120 pounds (and sometimes even larger)!

Bernese Mountain Dogs are incredibly versatile when it comes to activities and sports. Their build and temperament lend themselves well to agility, drafting (cart or wagon pulling), herding, obedience, rally, tracking, among other things. If you’re not into organized sports with your dog, that’s perfectly understandable! You can always take him hiking instead – he could even carry his own supplies in a canine backpack. Additionally, Bernese make excellent therapy dogs given their gentle nature combined with being the perfect height for standing at a bedside.

Contrary to popular belief, Bernese Mountain Dogs are not meant to live only outside. They adore their family members, children especially, and will become anxious without human interaction. These dogs need a backyard with a secure fence, but when the family is home, the Bernese should be inside too with them.

The Bernese Mountain dog is believed to come from the mastiff family of canines. These dogs arrived in Switzerland with Roman soldiers around 2,000 years ago. They bred with local dogs and were often used for farm labor. However, as industrialization changed the world, these animals became nearly extinct. The breed was revived early in the 20th century and has since become a popular companion dog. Though some are still employed on farms today, most serve as loyal friends and reliable protectors inside the home.