They enjoy walks, yard play, and moderate hikes. Not high-octane, but definitely not a couch potato.
Very trainable and eager to please. Responds well to gentle, consistent guidance.
Excellent family dogs. Patient with kids, polite with guests, and loves being in the middle of the action.
Thick double coat sheds year-round and heavily seasonally. Regular brushing required.
Not yappy, but will bark to alert or express excitement.
Heavy shedders—not suitable for allergy-prone homes.
Start with our First 48 Hours Survival Guide to get your new pup set up for success from day one.
Then dive into the full Puppy 101 Series—your go-to hub for raising a happy, well-adjusted dog.
And if you’re ready to go even deeper, grab a copy of the book: Help! I Got a Puppy. It’s everything you didn’t know you needed to know.
Living with a Bernese Mountain Dog is like being lovingly shadowed by a giant, furry marshmallow with an old soul and a big heart. They’re calm, kind, and just a little goofy—always close by, always watching, always ready to lend a paw (or sit directly on your feet) in the name of support. Their need to be near you is constant, but it’s never pushy. It’s quiet loyalty. Gentle presence. Emotional gravity with a wagging tail.
They’re wonderful family dogs, known for their patience and sweet nature, especially with kids. But that soft heart comes wrapped in a lot of fur and a working-dog mindset—they need purpose, leadership, and time with their people to stay happy. Grooming isn’t optional, nor is companionship. They don’t thrive in isolation or chaos.
When a Bernese looks at you with those deep, soulful eyes, everything slows down. You remember what really matters: presence, peace, and love you can feel leaning against your leg. They’re not the easiest dogs, but they just might be the most rewarding.
• Gentle, loyal, and emotionally aware
• Needs space and cooler climates
• Grooming is a big commitment
• Short lifespan—cherish every moment
• Can be shy without early socialization
Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle souls—but their health can be fragile. These are the conditions most commonly seen in the breed:
• Cancer (particularly histiocytic sarcoma and lymphoma)
• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Bloat (gastric torsion)
• Degenerative myelopathy
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
• Shorter-than-average lifespan (typically 6–8 years)
Awareness and early intervention can help you make the most of every moment.
Bernese Mountain Dogs thrive in cool climates, spacious homes, and households that move at a gentler pace. They aren’t built for heat—or chaos. These calm, affectionate giants do best with a steady routine, outdoor access, and humans who don’t mind constant (but quiet) company. A home with a large yard is ideal, but even more important is the presence of their people. Berners don’t want to be alone—they want to be with you: on the porch, in the snow, or just following you from room to room like a silent, fluffy shadow.
Looking for someone who values deep connection, long walks in the snow, and leaning on each other—literally. I’m a gentle giant with a soft heart and a serious cuddling habit. I’m loyal to a fault, calm in a storm, and happiest when I’m close to the people I love. If you enjoy quiet mornings, snowy hikes, and being followed from room to room by a giant fluffball who thinks you’re the center of the universe—we just might be perfect for each other.
• Grooming is essential and constant
• Prone to joint issues—watch weight and stairs
• Not heat-tolerant—AC and shade a must
• Early training and socialization key
• Shorter lifespan—make it count
• Undercoat rake and slicker brush
• Orthopedic dog bed
• Sturdy leash and collar
• Elevated water bowl
• Cooling mat for warm days
The Berner’s coat is as iconic as their temperament—big, beautiful, and definitely high-maintenance:
• Thick, double-layered coat with long, slightly wavy hair
• Classic tricolor pattern: black with rust and white markings
• Heavy seasonal shedding, especially spring and fall
• Requires brushing 2–3 times a week (daily during heavy shed periods)
• Needs regular grooming to prevent matting and manage undercoat
Fluffy, photogenic, and built for snow—this coat is all in on cozy.
Feeding a Bernese Mountain Dog is about supporting strength without overloading joints or stomach:
• Choose large-breed formulas with joint, heart, and immune support
• Feed two smaller meals daily to lower bloat risk
• Avoid overfeeding—maintaining a lean frame helps reduce joint stress
• Monitor for food allergies or digestive sensitivities
• Consider omega-3s and glucosamine/chondroitin as they age
The right nutrition helps them carry all that love more comfortably.
Caring for a Berner means being both gentle and proactive. Here’s how to support their health for as long as possible:
• Prioritize joint care with supplements and weight management
• Avoid intense exercise in heat—Berners overheat easily
• Feed smaller, more frequent meals to reduce bloat risk
• Schedule regular cancer screenings and mobility checks
• Use ramps or supportive bedding to protect aging joints
Their bodies may need care—but their hearts give back tenfold.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are tender-hearted giants who live to love. They’re calm, loyal, and famously patient—especially with children. But this isn’t a low-maintenance breed. Berners come with a heavy coat, a short lifespan, and a heart that breaks when left alone. For families ready to handle the grooming, the size, and the emotional depth, a Berner will return the favor with mountain-deep devotion. They’re not for every home—but for the right one, they’re unforgettable.
