The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, powerful, and handsome breed that originated in the Swiss Canton of Bern. These dogs are calm and affectionate but also playful and eager to be trained. With a Bernese Mountain Dog as a pet, you’ll never feel lonely since they’re highly social and sweet.
The best part about Bernese is that they’re loving toward their owners and families. They’re moderate droolers and heavy shedders, and they are not suited for apartment living because of their large size. You can easily identify a Bernese Mountain Dog from their tri-colored coat (white, black, and rust).
Below, we’ll examine fascinating facts about Bernese Mountain Dogs to understand this goofy, fun breed.
Top 13 Bernese Mountain Dog Facts
1. These Dogs Were First Shown in the Early 20th Century
Bernese Mountain Dogs are native to the town of Dürrbach near Bern, in Switzerland. Because of this, they were once known as “Dürrbach dog” or “Dürrbachler.” In the early 1900s, breeders began exhibiting these dogs at dog shows. In 1907, a group of fanciers founded the first breed club, officially named the Schweizerische Dürrbach-Klub (Swiss Dürrbach Club), with the goal of preserving and promoting the breed.
Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Swiss breeders, the Bernese Mountain Dog gained popularity internationally and was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1937.
2. Bernese Mountain Dogs Are From the Swiss Alps
Bernese Mountain Dogs originated in the Swiss Alps and are believed to be the result of a cross between large Mastiff-type dogs brought by Roman soldiers around 2,000 years ago and local black-and-tan farm dogs. These Roman dogs were used to assist in guarding and driving livestock during the Roman invasion of what is now Switzerland.
The canton of Bern in Switzerland inspired the name of this dog breed. In fact, there are four Swiss mountain dog breeds, including the Bernese Mountain Dog. The other breeds are the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Appenzeller, and Entlebucher Mountain Dog.
All four mountain dog breeds are known as Sennenhund breeds, a German word for dairy farmer’s dog. One feature that distinguishes a Bernese Mountain Dog from the rest is their long, silky coat.
3. They Are Quite Big and Heavy
Bernese are pretty large and heavy dogs. The males stand 25 to 27.5 inches tall, while the females are 23 to 26 inches tall. Regarding weight, male Bernese Mountain Dogs weigh 80 to 120 pounds, and females weigh 75 to 100 pounds.
Many dog owners say they can’t live with a Bernese in an apartment for two reasons. First, these dogs are huge; second, they do not know how to stay put since they’re highly energetic.
4. These Dogs Are Versatile
Bernese Mountain Dogs are talented and versatile when it comes to helping their owners. Due to their robust and sturdy bodies, this multi-talented breed originally belonged to farms in Switzerland. That makes them the ideal choice for mountainous terrains.
Because of their high alertness and powerful build, Bernese Mountain dogs were used for herding and protecting farmers’ lands. However, they also have a friendly nature, so they make the best companions.
5. They Were Once Delivery Dogs
Bernese Mountain Dogs were famous as “cheese dogs” in the 1850s. They used to deliver dairy products door to door by pulling carts filled with cheese and milk. Because of their strength, they can pull carts weighing up to 1,000 pounds, which is about 10 times more than their weight.
Besides being the best delivery dogs, the Bernese are also strong competitors in sports, especially in obedience and agility training. Today, carting has also become a sport. In fact, the American Bernese Mountain Dog Club organizes a carting event in which the dogs participate and flaunt their abilities.
6. Bernese Mountain Dogs Like Spending Time Outdoors
Bernese mountain dogs are adventurous and love spending time outdoors. They can be your partner in camping, backpacking, and hiking in snowy or mountainous regions. After all, Bernese are cold-weather farm dogs who want lots of activity in the snow to stay happy.
Of course, that doesn’t make them completely outdoor dogs; they love staying indoors and being cozy with their owner. If you are planning to keep your Bernese indoors, make sure you exercise them regularly. Otherwise, they may start showing unusual behaviors, such as digging up in the mud or barking excessively.
7. They Are Great With Kids
Bernese Mountain Dogs are one of the best human companions, and they are gentle and affectionate with children. Not only that, but these dogs are also protective of them since they were bred as guard dogs.
So, while your Bernese Mountain Dog may seem too big for your kid, they make amazing babysitters. However, you must train and socialize your Bernese when they’re young. Besides kids, Bernese Mountain Dogs are a great addition to your home’s security. They warn off strangers and burglars with excessive, loud barking.
8. They Grow Slowly
The Bernese are adorable, fluffy dogs that grow slowly. No, we are not referring to their size but their maturity level. They take time to mature and remain puppies for a long time. So, you will have a goofy, fun pet that’s always up to mischief.
However, this invites a lot of care and attention from your side. You should remain consistent in training your Bernese from an early stage so they act like well-mannered dogs while being young at heart.
9. They Shed a Lot
Bernese Mountain Dogs shed heavily throughout the year, mainly in autumn and spring. You’ll have to vacuum your home regularly if you want to minimize fur floating around your home. They have a double, medium length coat that is quite thick.
While some dogs have straight coats, others have wavy ones. Brushing your dog’s coat once or twice a week is a good way to keep it shiny and luscious. The bathing frequency should depend on how dirty your pet gets, but typically not more often than once every couple of months.
10. The St. Bernard Put This Breed at Risk
The population of St Bernards grew significantly in the 1800s. While this was a positive development, it unfortunately put Bernese Mountain Dogs at risk. The main reason was the Industrial Revolution, in which farmers began using machinery instead of Bernese dogs for work.
Since the dogs were no longer needed, they became almost obsolete. Fortunately, Franz Schertenleib, a Swiss fancier, made the Bernese Mountain Dog popular across Europe and promoted it worldwide. Franz had been a fan of Swiss Mountain Dogs since his childhood.
11. Bernese Mountain Dogs Are Vulnerable to Cancer
Sadly, Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to certain severe health issues. While they are predisposed to hip and elbow dysplasia and progressive retina atrophy (PRA), cancer is their biggest enemy. In fact, a high proportion of the Bernese Mountain Dog population has died due to cancer. The most common type is histiocytic sarcoma, which is highly aggressive and carries a poor prognosis.
Unfortunately, the Bernese already has a short lifespan and only lives for 7 to 10 years.
12. They Are Heroes
In case you didn’t know, Bernese Mountain Dogs are heroes. Their heroic feats have been famous in the dog community for years. For example, one Canadian Bernese named Bella rescued their owner during a house fire in 2013.
Another story is from 2014 when a Californian, Bernese, named Nico, saved two people from drowning in the sea. Three years later, Bernese Izzy came out alive from roaring California wildfires. It’s no surprise since they are intelligent and affectionate toward their humans.
13. Bernese Love to Make You Laugh
Last but not least, Bernese Mountain Dogs have an incredible sense of humor! They love making their owners laugh with joy and when they see you laughing at their actions, they will keep repeating them to make you laugh even more. It is called the “Berner chuckle.”
This shows that Bernese are fun, loving, and joyous dogs that stay happy but also want to please their owners. What else could a dog lover ask for? Bernese Mountain Dogs are the complete package!
Summary
Bernese Mountain Dogs are fluffy, fun, and affectionate dogs of ancient origin. Initially, they were used as farm dogs to herd and deliver dairy items to people’s doors. Due to their large size, they were also used as guard dogs.
If you want to adopt a Bernese, be aware of their heavy drooling and shedding. Make sure to keep them busy outdoors to avoid boredom and excessive barking. You should also inquire about your dog’s health history when bringing one home from a responsible breeder.
Featured Image Credit: Kristesoro, Shutterstock
Contents
- Top 13 Bernese Mountain Dog Facts
- 1. These Dogs Were First Shown in the Early 20th Century
- 2. Bernese Mountain Dogs Are From the Swiss Alps
- 3. They Are Quite Big and Heavy
- 4. These Dogs Are Versatile
- 5. They Were Once Delivery Dogs
- 6. Bernese Mountain Dogs Like Spending Time Outdoors
- 7. They Are Great With Kids
- 8. They Grow Slowly
- 9. They Shed a Lot
- 10. The St. Bernard Put This Breed at Risk
- 11. Bernese Mountain Dogs Are Vulnerable to Cancer
- 12. They Are Heroes
- 13. Bernese Love to Make You Laugh
- Summary
