Dog breed · Working
Bernese Mountain Dog
Gentle, good-natured, calm
- Size
- Giant
- Weight
- 35–55 kg (77–121 lb)
- Height
- 58–70 cm (23–28 in)
- Life span
- 7–10 years
- Origin
- Switzerland
By Maya HartThe coat
Long · White muzzle and chest
Stroke it to see how it lies.
At a glance
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs right for you?
You will love
- Gentle and patient with children
- Usually gets on with other pets
- Quick to learn
Be ready for
- Happier with space and a garden
- Sheds a lot
- Several inherited health problems — choose a breeder who screens
How big, really
Adult Bernese Mountain Dogs weigh 35–55 kg (77–121 lb). Shoulder height shown at the top of the range.
About the Bernese Mountain Dog
Berners are big, soft-hearted farm dogs from the Swiss Alps, bred to pull carts and guard the farmyard. They are famously gentle with children and devoted to their families, and their tricolour coat makes them one of the most striking breeds.
Their main sadness is a short life: many Berners live only seven to eight years, and cancer is a leading cause of death. Choosing a breeder who tracks the longevity of their lines makes a difference. They dislike heat, shed heavily and need space, so they suit cooler climates and homes with a garden.
Health to know about
- Histiocytic sarcoma and other cancers
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Bloat (gastric dilatation–volvulus)
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Cruciate ligament rupture
Care in short
- Limit stairs and jumping while growing
- Brush two or three times a week
- Keep lean to protect the joints
- Learn the signs of bloat; feed two meals a day
Kit for a Bernese Mountain Dog
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Best for heavy shedders
Deshedding tool with ejector
4.7Reaches the undercoat that causes most of the hair on the sofa.
- Several blade widths
- Use weekly, gently
Best everyday brush
Self-cleaning slicker brush
4.6Fine bent wires lift loose undercoat; a button pushes the hair off.
- Quick to clean
- Suits most medium and long coats
Best for long coats
Pin brush and comb set
4.5Pins get through a thick coat; the comb finds the knots it missed.
- Gentle rounded pins
- Comb has two tooth widths
Similar breeds
| Trait | Bernese Mountain Dog |  Golden RetrieverCompare |
 Labrador RetrieverCompare |
 German ShepherdCompare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 35–55 kg (77–121 lb) | 25–34 kg (55–75 lb) | 25–36 kg (55–79 lb) | 22–40 kg (49–88 lb) |
| Energy | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Good with children | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Shedding | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Grooming needs | 3/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Trainability | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Questions owners ask
How big does a Bernese Mountain Dog get?
Adults usually weigh 35–55 kg (77–121 lb) and stand 58–70 cm (23–28 in) tall.
How long do Bernese Mountain Dogs live?
Typically 7–10 years.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs good with children?
Known for being excellent (5 out of 5 on our scale). Every dog or cat is an individual; always supervise young children.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs shed?
Heavily, all year round.
What health problems are Bernese Mountain Dogs prone to?
Histiocytic sarcoma and other cancers; Hip and elbow dysplasia; Bloat (gastric dilatation–volvulus); Degenerative myelopathy; Cruciate ligament rupture.
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts