Dog Breeds

Introduction

The Bernese Mountain Dog, also known as the Berner Sennenhund, is a breed in the Working Group. This dog is one of the four Swiss Mountain Dog breeds, and they are the only Swiss Mountain Dog that has a long, silky, flowing coat. They were approved by the AKC in 1990.

The average Bernese Mountain Dog stands 23 -28 inches at the withers and weighs between 65 – 120 pounds (the females are lighter and smaller than the males).

Temperament

The personality of the Bernese Mountain Dog is watchful, confident, sensitive, and companionable. They make excellent family dogs, and they form close bonds with their owner. Their standard personality traits are to be aloof to strangers and never shy, but some Bernese dogs bred outside of the standard may be shy, timid, or even welcoming to strangers instead.

They do require early socialization and training, and they need regular but not intensive exercise. Due to their high intelligence, these dogs crave mental stimulation, and they enjoy competitions and training. Their sensitive nature requires a gentle hand and positive reinforcement techniques for training.

Health

The Bernese Mountain Dog's average life span is between 6 – 8 years, and they do have an increased risk for health conditions which owners should be aware of. Their long coat requires daily brushing and grooming to reduce shedding, matting, and to keep the coat clean.

History

The Bernese Mountain Dog is originally from Switzerland, and it is closely related to the Appenzeller Mountain Dog, Entlebucher Mountain Dog, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog. The long coat of the Bernese Mountain Dog was created so the dog could work in cold climates, and it was bred to be a draft dog (also known as a cart dog), watchdog, and all around farm dog.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Quick Facts

• Weight: 65-120 lbs
• Height: 23-28 in
• Coat: Long, silky, flowing
• Temperament: Watchful, confident, sensitive, and companionable
• Lifespan: 6-8 years