Bernese Mountain Dog

Switzerland (Berner Oberland), a farm dog for centuries, recognized in the early 20th century

Weight

32-52 kg

Height

58-70 cm shoulder height

Lifespan

7-9 years

The Bernese Mountain Dog is gentle, patient and deeply connected to his family — a dog that sits calmly beside you and never makes you feel he'd rather be elsewhere. He's friendly to everyone, good with children and other dogs, and does everything at his own calm pace. His short life is the greatest drawback of a breed that excels in almost everything else.

Character & traits

Energy

Affection

Playfulness

Watchfulness

With children

With other dogs

With strangers

Trainability

For beginners

Shedding

Drooling

Practical

Exercise per day: about 1.5 hours
Max alone: 4 hours
Garden needed: Yes
Apartment: Less suitable
Insurance: €85–130/mo
Food: €90–145/mo

Frequently asked questions

Is the Bernese Mountain Dog suitable for beginners?+

Manageable, but not the easiest for beginners. The Bernese Mountain Dog benefits from consistent training and clear boundaries — achievable with the right guidance.

How much exercise does a Bernese Mountain Dog need?+

The Bernese Mountain Dog needs 1 to 1.5 hours of exercise per day — more than most breeds. Think extended walks or active play.

Is the Bernese Mountain Dog good with children?+

Yes, the Bernese Mountain Dog is great with children — patient, playful, and forgiving. A solid family dog.

Want to know if the Bernese Mountain Dog really suits you?

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What Bernese Mountain Dog owners typically need

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Food

Large breed food

Kibble for large dogs — supports joints and contains less fat.

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Accessories

Adjustable leash

A leash you can shorten or lengthen: useful for training and walks.

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Grooming

Undercoat brush

Heavy shedders need regular brushing. An undercoat brush removes loose hair before it covers your couch.

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Recommended for Bernese Mountain Dog

Butternut Box

Freshly cooked, personalised meals delivered to your door — no kibble, no fuss

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Onlinehondenspeciaalzaak.nl

Affordable training supplies for dogs — leashes, collars and more

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Petsexclusive.nl

Premium food and supplies for dogs — nearly 10,000 products

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🛡️ Insurance

A basic policy for the Bernese Mountain Dog typically runs €85–€130/month in the Netherlands — US rates vary but are usually comparable. The exact amount depends on the dog's age and the insurer.

Is pet insurance worth it for this breed? →