Bernese Mountain Dog

🐶 Basic Characteristics

Height:Male: 25–27.5 inches (64–70 cm)

Weight: 80–115 lbs (36–52 kg)

Coat: Long, thick double coat (silky outer coat + woolly undercoat).

Colors: Classic tri-color → black body, white chest/blaze/paws, rust markings on cheeks, eyebrows, and legs.

Life Span:Average: 7–10 years.

Temperament

  • Affectionate & Loyal: Loves family and thrives on companionship.
  • Good with Kids: Gentle, protective, and patient – excellent family dogs.
  • Friendly: Welcoming with strangers, not aggressive.
  • Calm Indoors: Relaxed at home, though playful outside.
  • Intelligent: Quick learner but sensitive; responds best to positive reinforcement.
  • Working Instincts: Bred as draft and farm dogs – they enjoy having tasks like cart-pulling or obedience work.

Health

  • Cancer (very common, leading cause of early death).
  • Hip & Elbow Dysplasia (joint problems).
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) → vision loss.
  • Degenerative Myelopathy → spinal cord disease affecting movement.
  • Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus) → emergency condition.
  • Heart Disease (like dilated cardiomyopathy).
  • Hypothyroidism → weight and skin issues.

Care Tips

  • Regular vet checkups (hips, eyes, heart, thyroid).
  • Balanced, large-breed diet with joint supplements.
  • Weight management to protect joints.
  • Cool living environment.