42" dog crate
Right-sized for a large dog, cozy not cramped.
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Bernese Mountain Dog
A gentle giant with a heart of gold.
Working group
Switzerland
Large
Lifespan7-10 yr
Weight32-52 kg
Height58-70 cm
OriginSwitzerland
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, tricolor working breed from the Swiss Alps with a famously gentle, affectionate nature. Calm and devoted, it is wonderful with families but sadly short-lived.
Great points
- Gentle and great with kids
- Calm and affectionate
- Beautiful tricolor coat
- Loyal family guardian
Things to consider
- Short lifespan and high cancer risk
- Sheds heavily
- Needs space and cool weather
- Large vet and food costs
The story
Bred as a farm dog in the Swiss canton of Bern, the Berner pulled carts, drove cattle and guarded the homestead. Its calm strength and sweet temperament made it a treasured family dog.
Training
Berners are sensitive and eager to please, so gentle, positive training works best, and early socialisation helps these large dogs grow into calm adults.
Grooming
Brush the thick double coat two or three times a week, and daily during heavy seasonal sheds, to manage the considerable hair.
Food & diet
Around 3 to 6 cups of large-breed food a day depending on size, with controlled puppy growth to protect joints.
Exercise
Moderate. Daily walks and play keep them fit, with care not to over-exercise growing puppies.
Health to watch
Sadly prone to cancer, plus hip and elbow dysplasia and bloat, with a short lifespan, so health testing matters.
Fun fact. Bernese Mountain Dogs were bred to pull carts and can be trained for the sports of carting and drafting.
Frequently asked questions
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs good family dogs?
Yes, exceptionally. They are gentle, patient and affectionate, which makes them wonderful with children, though their size means supervision with toddlers.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs shed a lot?
Yes, heavily. The thick double coat sheds year round and more in seasonal blow-outs, so frequent brushing is needed.
How long do Bernese Mountain Dogs live?
Sadly only about 7 to 10 years. The breed has a high cancer rate, so buy from health-focused breeders.
Essential gear for the Bernese Mountain Dog
A few breed-right basics for a new Bernese Mountain Dog.
Large orthopedic bed
Joint support, sized to a large frame.
View pickDe-shedding tool
Tames heavy shedding fast.
View pickLarge-breed formula
Joint and growth support for big dogs.
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