All breeds › Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dog
A tri-coloured Swiss farm dog used for drafting carts and driving cattle.
♥ Swipe on the Bernese Mountain DogQuick facts
- Origin
- Switzerland
- Size
- Large
- Energy
- Medium
- Bred for
- Farm work
- Lifespan
- 7–10 years
- Temperament
- Good-natured, calm, strong
- Exercise
- 60 min/day
- Grooming
- High
- Shedding
- High
- Training
- Easy
- With children
- Great
- Apartment
- No
Where the Bernese Mountain Dog comes from
Berners come from the farms around Bern, Switzerland, where they pulled carts, drove cattle and guarded farms. The breed nearly died out in the early 1900s and was revived by enthusiasts.
Personality and daily life
Good-natured, calm and affectionate. Berners are devoted to family and sensitive, and hate being left out.
Berners are devoted family dogs that love cool weather. Their coat sheds heavily and they unfortunately have a shorter lifespan.
Exercise, grooming and health
An hour of moderate exercise. The thick coat sheds heavily and needs brushing a few times a week. They overheat in warm weather. Cancer and joint problems are common, and lifespans are short.
Is a Bernese Mountain Dog right for you?
Families in cool climates who want a gentle giant.
- Needs space, so not ideal for small apartments
- Great with children
- Easy to train, good for beginners
- Sheds a lot
- Needs regular grooming
Similar breeds
Profiles are general guides. Individual dogs vary, so always meet the dog and talk to a breeder, shelter or vet.