The distinctive markings on the coat and face are breed hallmarks and, combined with the intelligent gleam in their dark eyes, add to the breed’s aura of majestic nobility. The Bernese Mountain Dog has a weather-resistant coat that is moderate in length with hair that is thick and can be slightly wavy or straight. Their super-cool tricolor coat has symmetrical markings of black, rust, and white. The feet are round with arched toes. The weather-resistant coat is moderately long, thick and slightly wavy or straight. The dog is tricolor with symmetrical markings of black, rust and white. The base of the dog is black. The dog has a white blaze on the chest and white on the head, toes, and tip of the tail. Rust is on the cheeks reaching to the corners of the mouth, over each eye, on each side of the chest, on all four legs and underneath the tail.
Temperament
These cheerful dogs love children. They are easy to train because they’re very intelligent and natural watchdogs, but not overly dominant. A Bernese Mountain Dog will be your friend for life. Self-confident, alert and good-natured, be sure to socialize well as a puppy. These dogs are slow to mature, acting like puppies longer than other breeds. They are rather friendly with strangers and are generally good with other pets and dogs.
The Bernese needs to be with people and not confined to the backyard or a kennel. They are highly sensitive and should be trained firmly but gently. Owners will only run into issues with this dog if they are not displaying natural leadership towards the dog, if they treat the dog more like a child or a baby, or if they lack the knowledge as to what dogs instinctually need to be stable. The Bernese Mountain Dog was bred for draft work and can be trained to pull a cart or wagon.
Origin
The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of four varieties of Swiss mountain dogs. A hardy dog who thrives in cold weather, the Bernese’s brain and brawn helped him multitask on the farms and pastures of Switzerland. The Bernese Mountain dog originated in the Swiss mountains. Many 18th century paintings show dogs that look like a Bernese. The breed was named for the Canton of Bern in Switzerland. They were working dogs particularly good at draft work and pulling carts to market. They also were used to drive dairy cattle, to watch over the farm, and as companions to the farmers. By the end of the 19th century, many other working dogs were being imported to Switzerland, which brought the numbers of the Bernese down as workers began to use other types of dogs.
In the following years, a group of people made an effort to preserve the breed. They went around finding what remaining dogs they could in order to stabilize the Bernese population. Today the breed makes a wonderful companion and still enjoy whatever draft work you can give them. The breed’s talents include tracking, herding, watch guarding, search and rescue, carting and competitive obedience.
Grooming
Groom your Bernese daily to weekly by brushing their long, thick coat. This is especially important and need extra care when their coat is shedding. Bathe or dry shampoo as necessary. This breed is a seasonal, heavy shedder.
Care
The Bernese Mountain Dog puppies should be on high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to becoming overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats are an important aid in training but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be at your dog’s disposal at all times.
Clubs, Registries & Associations
(Based on breed recognition. See store for details on a particular puppy.)
- American Kennel Club
- American Canine Registry
- Australian National Kennel Club
- American Pet Registry, Inc.
- Continental Kennel Club
- Dog Registry of America, Inc.
- North American Purebred Registry, Inc
- National Kennel Club
- United Kennel Club
Additional Information
Group: Mastiff/Working
Average Weight: 80-110 lbs.
Personality Traits: Intelligent, alert, good-natured
Country of Origin: Switzerland
Coat: Long
Check out the Bernese Mountain Dog puppies for sale we currently have in our stores. If there are none here, please contact us and we’ll be in touch.
✓
This article has been reviewed by Animal Kingdom’s expert team to ensure accuracy and reliable pet care guidance.
