The bernese mountain dog is often referred to as the gentle giant because the breed is very large, but has a very gentle disposition as well as being even-tempered. The breed is being seen more in home with families that have children, because these dogs can adapt well to any environment. However, because they are large dogs, they need room to move about and are not a good choice for those that live in tiny apartments, unless you take your Bernese out for rigorous exercise daily.
You will hear people that own bernese mountain dog refer to them as “berners” because they originated in the Swiss Alps and the breed in Swiss is called “Berner Sennenhund.” This is a working class breed, which means they are accustomed to and need a lot of exercise. The females when full grown weigh between 70 and 100 pounds, while the male Bernese weighs 90 to 120 pounds. In addition, the female stands 23 to 26 inches and the male between 25 and 27 inches. The male is a bit bigger and can weigh up to 20 pounds more than the female.
Since the bernese mountain dog is a working dog, it means they will require exercise every day because without it, they can turn to destructive ways, so it is vital to ensure your dog gets the right amount of exercise because this also makes them easier to train and helps them to focus. Moreover, the Bernese gets along well with other animals and species, especially when they are raised together.
Most people are drawn to the bernese mountain dog because of their good-nature and do well with children since they are so gentle. These are very social dogs and therefore, they need to be with the family as much as possible, these dogs do well cuddled up next to you while watching television. The more they are with the family, the more they become part of the group and the more they are a valuable family member.
The lifespan of the bernese mountain dog is approximately 6 to 8 years with their number one health problem being that of arthritis in the hips and elbows. This is also why exercise is vital because it will keep the dog active and also making sure they are on a good diet and not overweight is also essential to ensure a longer lifespan.
The bernese mountain dog has a long thick coat that will shed in the summer months, which means if your brush your Berner daily during this period, you will remove a lot of the shedding on the brush rather than it falling out around your home. Getting your dog used to daily brushing begins as a puppy, that way they expect it and often loved being brushed. During the shedding season, you should use a shedding tool to help you get the undercoat that sheds, which will make the dog more comfortable. The bernese mountain dog is a perfect breed choice for those looking for a large dog with a gentle disposition and works well in family situations.
