Summary
Club Contacts
Buyers Guide
Working & Training
Health & Fitness
Calendar of Events
Breed History
References
Breed Standard

The Bernese Mountain Dog at a Glance

Temperament and behavior

needs lots of human companionship; must be a full member of the family; a dog that must be allowed inside the house
gentle, calm, affectionate, and faithful to their owners
very good with children and other animals
intelligent, but needs patient, consistent training
seldom nuisance barkers
good watch dogs but not guard dogs
reserved around strangers but not shy or fearful if given proper socialization when young
moderate activity level, a fine walking companion but lacking the endurance of lighter boned breeds
a working breed that was originally used for draft work and light duty cattle herding

Expenses

purchase cost varies widely around the country, but $1,200 to $1,800 is typical

males and females should cost the same
$250 for first year routine vet care
$100 per year for routine adult vet care
$150 per year for miscellaneous vet care
$20 to $30 per month in food
$180 for 20 hours of basic puppy and obedience classes
home and yard improvements such as fencing or a run

Health and fitness

the typical life span is between 6 and 9 years
cancers are a serious problem and common cause of early death
joint problems are common
blindness from progressive retinal atrophy is a concern
serious autoimmune problems and kidney problems are known
the Berner-Garde data base tracks many health problems and can be accessed by breeders and potential owners.

Miscellaneous

65 to 95 pounds for females; 80 to 115 pounds for males

males 25-27-1/2 inches at the withers, bitches 23-26 inches

heavy shedding once or twice a year and for some dogs throughout the year
coat naturally repels dirt; regular brushing but only occasional bathing is required.
a few are prone to drooling
not a natural retriever
not naturally inclined to hunting, though some chase squirrels, etc.
not naturally a water dog but some take to swimming for fun

Copyright 1994 BMDCA, last update February 7, 2010
Philip Shaffer, pshaffer@bmd.org