fellfolioSwiss mountain dog
Bernese Mountain Dog
This large Swiss farm dog likes being close to its people. Start lead training early, groom its thick coat regularly and plan summer walks for the cooler parts of the day.
At a glance
- Size
- Large
- Height at shoulder
- 58 to 70 cm
- Weight
- 42 to 63 kg
- Lifespan
- up to 10 years
- Activity
- High
- Grooming
- Several times weekly
- Training
- Patience & clear guidance
- Owner experience
- First dog with support
From farm dog to family companion
On farms around Bern, these dogs guarded the property, moved cattle and pulled carts. That history helps explain their strength and alertness. At home, many enjoy staying close to their people and watching what goes on around them.
An adult Bernese may seem calm, but a young dog can be playful and boisterous. If it jumps up to greet a visitor, its size can easily knock someone off balance. Practise a calmer welcome early: let the dog wait while the guest comes in, and give it attention when it does not jump.
Everyday life
The UK veterinary charity PDSA recommends at least an hour of daily exercise, along with play and training. It need not be an athletic programme: a long walk with time to sniff, a simple scent game and a little loose-lead practice make a varied day. Even with a garden, the dog still needs daily walks with you.
The thick coat makes hot weather harder. Take longer walks in the cooler hours and provide a cool, shaded place to rest indoors. Think about the practicalities too: the dog needs to fit comfortably in the car, and you need to be able to hold the lead safely if it suddenly pulls.
Staying home alone
Dogs learn to stay home alone in small steps. The RSPCA advises no more than four hours at a time. Puppies and dogs that become unsettled when left alone need shorter absences and gradual practice. Arrange someone to care for your dog when you will be away longer.
Everyday dog training: recall, a loose lead and clear communication ↗
Day-to-day care
Loose hair collects easily behind the ears, across the chest and in the longer fur on the legs. Brush the double coat in small sections several times a week, working down to the undercoat. A comb should pass through afterwards without catching on hidden knots. Daily brushing may help during heavy seasonal shedding.
After a walk through long grass, check for ticks and burrs. Red, weeping or painful patches of skin beneath the dense fur deserve a veterinary check; PDSA lists these “hot spots” among the breed’s possible problems.
Size and build
The Bernese Mountain Dog is large and powerful without being cumbersome. Viewed from the side, its body is slightly longer than it is tall. The chest is broad and deep, the back level, and movement should be free and balanced. The standard of the international kennel federation FCI gives 64 to 70 cm at the shoulder for males and 58 to 66 cm for females. PDSA lists about 48 to 63 kg for males and 42 to 53 kg for females.
A black base coat, rich tan markings above the eyes and on the legs, and white on the muzzle and chest create the familiar tricolour pattern. The long fur is straight or gently wavy. The bushy tail hangs low at rest and moves naturally with the dog.
From puppy to senior: caring for your dog through every life stage ↗
Health
Hip and elbow dysplasia can cause pain and later arthritis in Bernese Mountain Dogs. If you are considering a puppy from a breeder, ask to see documented X-ray screening results for both parents. PDSA also lists degenerative myelopathy, which gradually weakens the hind legs, eye disease and certain cancers. Also ask about the ages of the parents and grandparents and any serious illnesses in the family.
A twisted stomach is an emergency. If a dog repeatedly retches without bringing anything up, becomes restless or develops a swollen abdomen, go to an emergency vet immediately. Do not wait for obvious swelling; it may not be visible at first.
Could this breed fit your life?
Could work well if …
- You want a large, people-oriented dog and have time for walks and calm training.
- You can plan realistically for grooming, space and possible veterinary costs.
May be less suitable if …
- You have small children and cannot supervise their time with a boisterous young dog.
- You often want to take your dog out in strong summer heat.
More breeds to compare
Explore their build, activity and care needs in these profiles.
Mountain dog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a powerful farm dog with a short, dense coat. It needs space, family contact and handling suited to its considerable strength.
Swiss cattle and watchdog
Appenzeller Mountain Dog
The Appenzeller Mountain Dog is easy to recognise by its tricolour coat and tightly curled tail. Behind that cheerful appearance is an attentive Swiss working dog. It enjoys activity, learns quickly and notices changes around it. This breed suits people who want to spend time outdoors with their dog every day and can help it cope calmly with visitors and events at home.
Swiss cattle and watchdog
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
The Entlebucher is the smallest of the four Swiss mountain dog breeds, with plenty of energy for walks and activities together. Its compact body, short tricolour coat and attentive expression reflect a background in driving cattle. It likes to stay close to its people and join in their activities. Choosing one means making regular time for exercise, training and health care.
Sources and photograph credit
- Teaching your dog to be left alone
Used in this profile for: Staying home alone
- FCI-Standard Nr. 45 · Berner Sennenhund
Used in this profile for: Temperament, Size and build
- GDV in dogs
Used in this profile for: Health
- Bernese Mountain Dog · breed guide
Used in this profile for: Size / Weight, Temperament, Everyday life, Day-to-day care, Size and build, Health, Lifespan, Could this breed fit your life?
Photo credits
Portrait · Bernese Mountain Dog 2011 · Antonio Kless · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Edited
Side view · 3-BerneseMountainDogInGrass · FriendlyToaster (Caleb Riston) · CC BY 4.0 · Edited
In action · Pixabay (original contributor not named on Pexels) · Pexels License
Puppy · Karen F · Pexels License