Meet the Breeds: The Strong, Affectionate, and Devoted Bernese Mountain Dog | Pupford

If you’re looking for a dog that combines strength, loyalty, and an incredibly gentle nature, the Bernese Mountain Dog might just be the perfect fit. Known for their majestic, tri-colored coats and calm demeanor, Berners are a favorite among families and working dog enthusiasts alike. 

Originating from the snowy mountains of Switzerland, these dogs were bred for hard work but have since become beloved companions. Whether they’re pulling carts on the farm or curling up by the fireplace with their families, Bernese Mountain Dogs have a unique way of capturing hearts wherever they go. 

This blog post will explore the breed’s fascinating history, development, roles in society, health considerations, and more, giving you everything you need to know about these gentle giants.

Table of Contents

1. History of Bernese Mountain Dogs
2. Breed Development
3. Roles in Society
4. Life Expectancy and Health
5. Comprehensive Care
6. Fun Facts About Bernese Mountain Dogs

History of Bernese Mountain Dogs 

The Bernese Mountain Dog, often called the “Berner,” has deep roots in the Swiss Alps, where it was bred to be a hardworking and versatile farm dog. This breed’s history dates back over 2,000 years when Roman mastiff-type dogs were brought to Switzerland and bred with local working dogs. The result was a sturdy, resilient breed well-suited to the region’s harsh climate and demanding terrain.

For centuries, Berners played a vital role on Swiss farms. Their primary tasks included herding cattle, guarding livestock, and pulling carts loaded with milk, cheese, and other goods. Their strength and endurance made them invaluable to farmers, and their friendly, loyal temperament made them trusted companions as well. The breed’s name comes from the canton of Bern, where it was most commonly found.

However, as industrialization reduced the need for working farm dogs, the Bernese Mountain Dog population began to decline. By the early 1900s, efforts were made to preserve and refine the breed, leading to its official recognition by the Swiss Kennel Club in 1907. Since then, the Berner has transitioned from a farmhand to a beloved family companion, known for its gentle nature, intelligence, and striking appearance.

Breed Development 

Although originally bred for work, the Bernese Mountain Dog has evolved into a well-rounded companion that excels in both family life and various canine sports. After gaining recognition in the early 20th century, breeders focused on maintaining the breed’s strength and intelligence while emphasizing traits that made them well-suited for home life.

A key aspect of this development was balancing their working drive with a gentle, affectionate temperament. While Berners remain strong and capable, they are also known for their patience and deep loyalty to their families. Their protective instincts still exist, but they are naturally friendly and social, making them excellent companions rather than just watchdogs.

Today, the Bernese Mountain Dog is cherished for its even temperament, eagerness to please, and adaptability. While their working instincts remain, they thrive in environments where they can be part of the family—whether that means hiking alongside their owners, participating in obedience training, or simply lounging at home. Their intelligence and willingness to learn make training relatively easy, especially when positive reinforcement methods are used.

Although their role has shifted from a farm dog to a family pet, the Bernese Mountain Dog has retained the qualities that made them so valued for centuries—strength, loyalty, and a deep bond with their people.

🐶Check out our Guide to Large Breed Dogs! 🐶

Roles in Society 

Though they began as working dogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs have taken on a variety of roles in modern society. Today, they serve in multiple capacities, from therapy dogs to search-and-rescue helpers. Their ability to bond closely with their families and their willingness to work make them versatile and highly adaptable companions.

Therapy and Service Dogs

The Bernese Mountain Dog’s gentle temperament makes it an ideal candidate for therapy work. These dogs are often used in hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers, providing comfort and emotional support to patients. Their calm, affectionate nature and intuitive sense of when someone needs companionship make them exceptional therapy dogs.

In addition to their work as therapy dogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs are also trained as service dogs for individuals with disabilities. Their strength, intelligence, and trainability make them capable of performing tasks such as retrieving objects, providing stability for mobility assistance, and even helping with household chores.

🐶Learn what therapy dogs ACTUALLY do🐶

Search and Rescue

Though no longer required for farm work, Bernese Mountain Dogs still demonstrate their skills as working dogs. Their intelligence and stamina make them valuable assets in search-and-rescue operations, particularly in mountainous or rough terrain. Their natural ability to track and navigate challenging environments has led to their inclusion in rescue teams across the globe.

Carting and Draft Work

To this day, Bernese Mountain Dogs excel in carting competitions. Their history as draft dogs is still celebrated, and many Berners enjoy pulling carts or participating in fun events that mimic their ancestral tasks. Carting provides both physical and mental stimulation for Bernese, keeping them engaged and active.

Life Expectancy and Health 

Bernese Mountain Dogs have a shorter lifespan compared to many other breeds, with an average life expectancy of 7 to 10 years. While they are known for their strength and resilience, they are also prone to certain health conditions that prospective guardians should be aware of.

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

Like many large breeds, Bernese Mountain Dogs are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, conditions where the joints develop improperly. This can lead to pain, arthritis, and mobility issues over time. Responsible breeding and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk.

Cancer

Unfortunately, Bernese Mountain Dogs have one of the highest rates of cancer among dog breeds. Lymphoma, mast cell tumors, and histiocytic sarcoma are some of the most common types seen in the breed. Early detection through regular veterinary check-ups is crucial for increasing treatment success.

🐶Learn what signs of cancer to look out for in dogs! 🐶

Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)

Like many deep-chested breeds, Berners are at risk for bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. This can cause severe pain and requires immediate medical attention. Feeding smaller meals, avoiding vigorous exercise after eating, and monitoring for signs of distress can help prevent bloat.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an inherited condition that leads to gradual vision loss and, eventually, blindness. While there is no cure, regular eye exams can help detect it early, and dogs with PRA can still lead full lives with proper adjustments.

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

Bernese Mountain Dogs are also prone to degenerative myelopathy (DM), a progressive disease affecting the spinal cord. Over time, DM leads to weakness in the hind legs and eventual paralysis. Though there is no cure, physical therapy and supportive care can help affected dogs stay comfortable for as long as possible.

Regular veterinary check-ups, a nutritious diet, and maintaining a healthy weight through proper exercise are essential to keeping Bernese Mountain Dogs as healthy as possible. While they may have a shorter lifespan, their affectionate nature and deep bond with their families make every moment with them incredibly special.

Comprehensive Care 

Caring for a Bernese Mountain Dog requires dedication and commitment, especially when it comes to their health and well-being. These dogs are happiest when they are part of the family and have a lot of attention and interaction from their guardians. 

Exercise

While Bernese Mountain Dogs are large and strong, they don’t require intense exercise like some other breeds. Daily walks, playtime, and moderate exercise are enough to keep them fit and healthy. It’s important to avoid overexerting them, especially in hot weather, as their thick coats can make them prone to overheating.

Learn 7 Hacks To Keep Your Pup Cool!

Grooming

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a thick, double-layer coat that requires regular grooming. Weekly brushing helps to keep their fur from matting and reduces shedding. 

During shedding seasons, typically spring and fall, you may need to brush them more often to keep up with the increased hair. 

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Training

Bernese Mountain Dogs are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Early socialization and basic obedience training are essential to ensure that your Berner grows up to be well-behaved and confident. Positive reinforcement methods work best for this breed, as they respond well to praise, treats, and gentle guidance.

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Fun Facts About Bernese Mountain Dogs

• The tri-colored coat is iconic! The Bernese Mountain Dog is known for its striking black, white, and rust-colored coat. This unique color combination adds to the breed’s overall majestic appearance.
• They love snow! As a breed that originated in the Swiss Alps, Bernese Mountain Dogs are well-equipped to handle cold weather. Their thick double coat helps them stay warm in even the harshest conditions.
• They’re natural-born protectors. Bernese Mountain Dogs have a strong protective instinct, which makes them excellent watchdogs. They will not hesitate to alert you to anything out of the ordinary.
• They’re great with kids. Despite their large size, Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for being incredibly patient and gentle with children, making them an excellent choice for families.
• They’re strong but gentle. Bernese Mountain Dogs are not just muscular; they are incredibly gentle and calm, which is why they are often described as "gentle giants."

Recap: The Strong, Affectionate, and Devoted Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a truly remarkable breed. With their striking appearance, gentle temperament, and hardworking nature, the Berner has earned its place as a beloved family companion around the world. 

While they require commitment in terms of exercise, grooming, and health care, the love and loyalty they provide in return make every bit of effort worthwhile. Whether serving as a therapy dog, enjoying a hike in the mountains, or simply curling up by your side, the Bernese Mountain Dog will undoubtedly be a devoted and loving member of your family for many years to come.

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