Bernese Mountain Dog

These large-breed dogs do best in bigger homes, with plenty of outdoor space to roam. They bond strongly to their owners, and they don’t do well when left alone for long periods of time. While they don’t tend to be aggressive, they can be aloof with strangers, and proper training and socialization is very important.

Because of their heavy coat, Berners loves snow and the cold weather, but they are also susceptible to heat stroke for the same reasons and shouldn’t be kept in warm or hot climates. The Bernese Mountain Dog doesn’t tend to bark, but is known to dig, so any fencing should be extra secure.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a versatile, loving breed that enjoys dog activities like agility, tracking and herding. They are gentle and good-natured with their people, but they can be aloof with strangers and their large size means they should always be supervised with small children. They don’t tend to bark a lot, but they don’t do well when they’re left alone. They can be protective—though not usually aggressive—and are known to dig.

Bernese Mountain Dogs require a high-quality dog food that is age-appropriate—whether it’s commercially manufactured or homemade (with a veterinarian’s supervision and approval). It’s important to monitor the amount of food you give your Bernese Mountain Dog. Reduce the portions or restrict calories if your pup gains weight. Your veterinarian is always a good source to help provide you with appropriate nutrition and feeding guidelines.

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a double coat that sheds frequently and requires a fair bit of care. Weekly brushing should be fine on average, but during shedding season—which occurs twice a year—you’ll want to increase to a daily brushing schedule. Tangles should be worked on with a metal comb.

All dogs require regular dental care, including at-home teeth brushing and professional dental cleanings, and the Bernese Mountain Dog is no exception. Maintaining good dental hygiene is important for their overall long-term health.

The Berner is a moderately active breed that requires about thirty minutes of exercise every day, including walks or hikes. Because of its thick double coat, the Bernese Mountain Dog does well in cold-weather climates, but is prone to overheat when it’s hot. This breed does well in dog sporting activities like agility and tracking.

This smart and eager-to-please dog can be easy to train, but is sensitive and prefers positive reinforcement to harsh training techniques. Early training and socialization is important for Berners, but always remember that they prefer their specific people. When they are left alone for long periods of time they will likely get into trouble, no matter how much training they have.