Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dog dog

Gentle Swiss farm dog known for its strength, calm nature, and tricolor coat.

Size Weight Height Lifespan
Giant 70 - 115 lbs 23 - 27 inches 7 - 10 years
(These are estimates and may vary.)

Origin: Switzerland



Own a Bernese Mountain Dog? Share what activities they enjoy to help other dog owners.

Running Digging Swimming Exploring Playing with Toys Obedience Training Tracking Herding Fetch Hiking Socializing Tug Of War Frisbee Chewing Agility Training Cuddling Guarding Hunting

Know a Bernese Mountain Dog? Share their personality traits to help other dog owners.

Clever Protective Affectionate Stubborn Confident Fearless Friendly Docile Energetic Calm Patient Aggressive Gentle Sociable Adaptable Playful Independent Clever Agile Loyal

May be a good fit if you:

  • Want a dog that is generally responsive to consistent, positive training.
  • Are looking for a breed that generally does well with children.
  • Are a first-time dog owner looking for a relatively approachable breed.

Things to consider:

  • Regular shedding means you may need to be comfortable with loose hair around the home.
  • This breed may be less suited to smaller living spaces.

The Bernese Mountain Dog comes from the farmland around Bern and other parts of Switzerland, where large, sturdy farm dogs worked for generations. Known in Switzerland as the Berner Sennenhund, the breed was an all-purpose helper rather than a specialist. These dogs guarded farms, moved livestock, accompanied farmers, and were strong enough to pull small carts loaded with goods. Their carting ability became particularly associated with transporting milk and dairy products in Swiss farming communities. By the late 19th century, industrialization and changing agricultural practices reduced the need for traditional farm dogs, and the old Swiss types were at risk of disappearing. Swiss dog enthusiasts began identifying and preserving them around the turn of the 20th century. One early name for the breed was Dürrbächler, after an area and inn where the dogs were found. In 1907, enthusiasts established a breed club, and the name Berner Sennenhund soon became established. The Bernese was one of four related Swiss mountain dog breeds, distinguished by its long coat. Its modern reputation as a gentle family companion developed from a background of demanding, practical farm work.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is not generally considered hypoallergenic. Individual allergy reactions can vary.

The Bernese Mountain Dog tends to shed regularly, so loose hair and routine coat care should be expected.

The Bernese Mountain Dog generally needs a moderate amount of routine grooming.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is generally a high-energy breed that tends to enjoy an active routine.

The Bernese Mountain Dog generally benefits from a moderate amount of daily exercise.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is generally highly trainable and tends to respond well to consistent, positive training.

The Bernese Mountain Dog generally tends to do well with children when properly socialized and supervised.

The Bernese Mountain Dog may get along with other dogs with appropriate socialization and introductions.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is generally considered relatively approachable for first-time dog owners.

The Bernese Mountain Dog may be less suited to apartment living and may benefit from more space.