10 Things to Know About Bernese Mountain Dogs: Size, Care & Lifespan

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The Bernese mountain dog which is also fondly called the “Berner” and the “gentle giant” is well-loved for its intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature. Over the years, it has become the most lovable pet of dog lovers. If you are also considering bringing a Bernese mountain dog to your home, you should know in detail about them. Undoubtedly, this breed does make a great companion but for some, it can also become an issue after a few days. So, here are the top pros and cons of owning a Bernese mountain dog that every dog lover should know. 

10 Things to Know about Bernese Mountain Dogs

Bringing a Bernese Mountain Dog into your home is rewarding, but this majestic breed has unique needs. Understanding these key factors ensures a happy, healthy life for your pup—and a manageable experience for you. Here’s what every potential owner should consider:

1. Space Needs

Bernese Mountain Dogs are big—they can weigh up to 115 pounds and stand nearly 28 inches tall. They need room to move around both inside your home and outside. Small apartments or houses without yards aren’t ideal for them. A fenced yard lets them play safely without feeling cramped.

2. Daily Exercise

Even though they seem calm, these dogs need 30-60 minutes of activity every day. Walks, light hikes, or playtime in the yard work well. Avoid exercising them in hot weather—their thick fur makes them overheat quickly. Keep their minds busy too with puzzle toys or training games.

3. Grooming Basics

Their beautiful black, white, and brown fur sheds a lot, especially in spring and fall. Brush them weekly to remove loose hair and prevent mats. Bathing once a month helps keep their coat clean. You’ll also need a good vacuum to manage fur around your home.

4. Health Risks

Bernese Mountain Dogs live 6-10 years, shorter than many breeds. They often face:

• Joint problems (hip/elbow pain from their size)
• Cancer (higher risk than other dogs)
• Bloat (a deadly stomach condition)
  Regular vet visits, joint supplements, and feeding smaller meals can help them stay healthier longer.

5. Training Tips

Start training early—they’re smart but grow up slowly. Use treats and praise to teach commands. Therefore, you must take the initiative and learn to make them socialize from a tender age. Introduce them to new people, pets, and places as puppies to prevent fear or aggression. Without training, their herding instincts might make them chase kids or smaller pets.

6. Weather Preferences

These dogs love cold weather (they’re from snowy Switzerland!). In hot areas, keep them cool with shade, air conditioning, and short outdoor time. Never leave them in a parked car, even for a few minutes.

7. Costs to Expect

• Puppy price: $1,500-$3,000 from a good breeder
• Monthly costs: High-quality food ($80-$120), grooming tools, vet checkups
• Emergency fund: Save for unexpected health issues like joint surgery or cancer treatment

8. Family Life

Berners are gentle with kids and often act like protective “nannies.” But their size can accidentally knock over toddlers. Always watch playtime and teach children to pet them gently.

9. Time Together

These dogs bond deeply with their families. They get anxious if left alone for hours. If you work long days, consider a dog sitter or daycare. They’re happiest in homes where someone is around often.

10. Short Lifespan

Be prepared for a shorter time together—7-10 years on average. Their health issues mean you’ll need to work closely with a vet. Regular checkups and quick action when problems arise can help them live their best life.

Final Tips

• Visit breeders who test parent dogs for joint and cancer risks.
• Pet-proof your home (they can reach countertops!).
• Start a savings fund for vet bills.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are loyal, loving companions, but they need dedicated owners. By understanding these 10 points, you’ll be ready to give your Berner a happy, healthy home! 

The Pros of Bernese Mountain Dogs

Bernese mountain dogs are renowned for their intelligence. They are smart learners and can grasp training in a blink of an eye. However, they can become stubborn, if for some reason they realize, you are not being good to them. That is the reason, experts emphasize training them early which would help them to socialize with others. 

The breed has a good reputation for being friendly in nature. This is the reason, it makes one of the most lovable pets for families. Since they tend to grow bigger as they age, their size can become a cause of concern for others. 

Bernese mountain dogs will never betray their families and forever remain loyal. They are prepared to go the extra mile to protect family members if they doubt any threats over them. Pretty sure, with a Bern around, burglars and petty thieves will never want to break into the house. 

Their friendly nature makes them suitable for adults and children alike. As mentioned before, you must make your children believe these big breeds are far from the way they appear. Once they become familiar with everyone in the family including other pets, they will go along rather nicely. 

The Bernese mountain dogs are also very gentle and kind, a quality that not many pet dogs possess. Once they are trained appropriately, they can naturally socialize with everyone. In fact, they are also referred to as therapy dogs, as they can provide much-needed comfort when someone is undergoing a rough time. 

 Bernese mountain dogs have long lifespans. Of course, it requires proper care, and once you are able to provide it, expect these dogs to live for more than 12 years. Thus, family members can cherish the companionship of their favorite pet for many years. The appearance of the Bernese mountain dogs makes them instant favorites among dog lovers. Their soft furs which are often tri-colored can become the talk of the town in no time. You can spot how people would turn around and admire it when you take it out for a walk or visit a park to give it quality exercises. 

Cons of Bernese Mountain Dogs

The health issues are of primary concern in this case. Eye disorders, hip and elbow dysplasia, and bloat are some of the common concerns to which you must be prepared to deal. They are also prone to cancer, and the rate is much higher than any other breeds. Therefore, you must be on your toes and visit the vet regularly to detect any ongoing symptoms of diseases. Of course, timely treatment can prevent the complication from worsening further. 

For people having budgetary constraints, the Bernese mountain dogs will not be the best option. These breeds can be very expensive and can cost up to $3000 depending on specific cases. Then you must add the cost of regular visits to the vet and keep aside a sum for its grooming. All these expenses can be too much for people dealing with financial limitations. 

The reason that makes the Bernese mountain dog eye-catching can soon become a cause of irritation for the pet owner. Especially, if the family members are busy and cannot devote time for their pets. Precisely speaking, the double-layer coats require periodic grooming. During the shedding season, a Bern will shed heavily, and that too twice a year. In such circumstances, they need to be brushed on a daily basis to make them look as good as they always do. Check out this website and find some of the best Bernese mountain dogs.

To keep Bern healthy and agile, you must make it involved in playtime and exercises. They love taking long walks and are well-prepared to undertake hardcore training. Without these activities, they can soon become bored and uninterested, which may lead them to lose their natural calmness. Unless you can provide them with regular physical activity, Bernese mountain dogs are not your cup of tea.

For first-time dog owners, a Bernese mountain dog may not be the best choice. Considering their size and strength unless the owner has the necessary experience to handle them they will not be manageable by others. For the unversed, Bernese Mountain dogs can think independently and make decisions which can be a cause of distress for the first-timers. 

Hopefully, now you know whether you should or should not go for a Bern. Most importantly, you should be in touch with a responsible and ethical breeder to get the best breed delivered to your home.

Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Good Family Pets?

Bernese Mountain Dogs make great family pets! They’re gentle, loving, and super patient—even with rowdy kids. These big fluffy dogs love being part of the family and will stick close to you like a furry shadow. While they’re calm most of the time, their size (up to 115 pounds!) means they might accidentally bump into little kids, so always watch them around toddlers.

Training is easy because Berners love making their owners happy. Start teaching them basic commands early, and let them meet new people and pets often. This helps them stay friendly and well-behaved. Just remember: they hate being alone for long and do best in homes where someone’s usually around.

Yes, they shed a lot and need regular brushing, but their loyalty and sweet nature make it all worth it. If you have space, time, and love to give, a Bernese Mountain Dog could be your family’s new best friend!

Final Thoughts

Bernese Mountain Dogs are loyal, gentle giants that bring warmth and joy to any home—but they’re not a fit for everyone. Their massive size, grooming needs, and health risks require dedicated owners ready for a 10-year commitment filled with love and responsibility. If you have the space for their playful energy, time for daily walks and brushing, and patience for training, a Berner will reward you with unwavering loyalty.

These dogs thrive in active families who enjoy outdoor adventures and cozy nights alike. Just remember: their shorter lifespan means every moment together is precious. By choosing a responsible breeder, staying proactive about health care, and showering them with affection, you’ll give your Bernese Mountain Dog the best life possible.

If you’re prepared for fur-covered floors, vet visits, and a shadow that follows you everywhere, this breed might just be your perfect match. 

FAQS.