Bernese Mountain Dog
Sensible, friendly and smart
Berners 101
Working groupThe Bernese Mountain Dog is one the giant Swiss breeds developed as a Alpine farm and cart dogs. Today, these gentle dogs with distinctive markings are a popular breed with families who have some room. They are intelligent, eager to please and relatively easy to train.
What we love about Berners
Gentle giant makes a great kid companion.
While Berners may once have guarded their homes and people, today they are usually friendly towards all. They are good with other family pets and adore children. Early socialization and manners training is necessary to prevent pulling on leash as adults. They are perfect for active families, especially those who enjoy outdoor winter recreation.
Very vocal
Talkative
As needed
My pet’s health plannerSM
Mature adult Berner
Risk level for common Berner conditions
Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)
Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
Foreign body ingestion
Senior Berner
Risk level for common Berner conditions
Bone cancer
Lymphatic cancer
Splenic cancer
Berner puppy
Risk level for common Berner conditions
Umbilical hernia
Foreign body ingestion
Gastritis
Young adult Berner
Risk level for common Berner conditions
Hip dysplasia
Foreign body ingestion
Ear infection
Mature adult Berner
Risk level for common Berner conditions
Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)
Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
Foreign body ingestion
Senior Berner
Risk level for common Berner conditions
Bone cancer
Lymphatic cancer
Splenic cancer
Berner puppy
Risk level for common Berner conditions
Umbilical hernia
Foreign body ingestion
Gastritis
Young adult Berner
Risk level for common Berner conditions
Hip dysplasia
Foreign body ingestion
Ear infection
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Get your Bernese Mountain Dog’s health information in a free report
The Bernese Mountain Dog was once called the Durrbachler, after the Durrbach region near the Swiss city of Bern. They’ve also been called the Berner Sennenhund, German for “Alpine herder’s dog from Bern.” The breed’s markings did not go unnoticed in naming: Gelbbackler or “yellow cheeks” was one name, as was Vierauger, which means “four eyes,” referring to tan spots over the eyes.
Bernese Mountain Dog coat care and colors
As befitting a breed originating from the Swiss Alps, the Bernese Mountain Dog has a lot of coat, both a downy undercoat and a weather-resistant overcoat. While the breed sheds all the time, the Berner sheds most heavily in spring and fall, and because of their size, that means a lot of fur. Regular brushing and combing down to the skin will reduce shedding to a decent degree. Do it outdoors for easier clean-up.
Because Bernese Mountain Dogs are such large adults, nail trims may become wrestling matches in which the Berner has the upper paw. Acclimating puppies to having their feet handled and nails clipped or ground down is key to making future nail trims easier on everyone.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs shed a lot?
All dogs shed, some a little and some a lot. Bernese Mountain Dogs are among the most prolific of shedders due to their double coat. Double-coated dogs such as Berners lose fur from both the downy undercoat and the protective overcoat.
What helps control shedding in dogs?
The best way to manage your Bernese Mountain Dog's shedding is to be proactive about it: Brush and comb your Berner down to the skin a couple of times a week, and use a shedding rake to pull out any loose fur. In spring and fall, a warm bath can speed up the seasonal shed. Always remember to remove any mats before bathing. Many groomers use high-velocity pet dryers, but if you don't have one, you can towel-dry your pet (outside if it's warm) or use a hair dryer on the lowest heat setting to further get rid of loose fur. If the job is too daunting, make an appointment with a groomer.
How do I cut my Bernese Mountain Dog’s nails?
Start your Bernese Mountain Dog as young as possible, rewarding them with praise and small treats for accepting gentle handling of their feet. Slowly introduce clipping or grinding, and reward your Berner for tolerance. Some people swear by a "lick mat" with peanut butter -- no xylitol or other sweeteners, please! -- to keep their dogs occupied and distracted while nails are being trimmed. Weekly touch-ups prevent nails from becoming long daggers that are painful when cut. If you'd rather not mess with your Bernese Mountain Dog's nails, a groomer or your veterinary healthcare team will be happy to trim nails for you.
Berner exercise & training
Berner fun facts
Top girl names for Berners
of Berners are female
of Berners are male
Top boy names for Berners
Nationwide loves Bernese Mountain Dogs of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer
Other breeds like Berners
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