Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dog is a giant working breed from Switzerland also known as Berner Sennenhund.

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Breed overview

Bernese Mountain Dog is a giant working breed from Switzerland also known as Berner Sennenhund.

One of the four Swiss Sennenhunde (alpine farm dogs), the Berner was used in canton Bern for driving cattle, pulling milk carts, and as a farm guardian.

People looking into Bernese Mountain Dog usually prepare for Moderate exercise needs, High grooming needs, 70–115 lbs • 23–27 in.

Berner Sennenhund

History and origin

Bernese Mountain Dog is tied to originating from Switzerland, specifically Bern region, with sources often placing its development around 1850 CE.

Bernese Mountain Dog is described here as placed in the Working group and marked as an established breed.

One of the four Swiss Sennenhunde (alpine farm dogs), the Berner was used in canton Bern for driving cattle, pulling milk carts, and as a farm guardian.

Browse dog breeds from Switzerland Browse more Working breeds

Quick facts

Breed group

Working

Size

Giant

Origin country

Switzerland

Region

Bern region

Origin year

1850 CE

Weight

70–115 lbs

Height

23–27 in

Lifespan

7–10 years

Breed status

Established

Traits and day-to-day fit

Energy level

2 / 5

Trainability

4 / 5

Good with children

5 / 5

Shedding level

4 / 5

Barking tendency

2 / 5

Moderate exercise needsHigh grooming needsChildren score: 5/5Trainability: 4/5

Coat and classification

Bernese Mountain Dog is grouped here with these coat and texture descriptors.

LongThickDouble

Bernese Mountain Dog is also listed as recognized by these kennel-club organizations.

Recognized by AKCRecognized by FCIRecognized by CKCRecognized by KCRecognized by KCA

Appearance and build

Large, sturdy body with heavy bone
Distinctive tricolor coat (black, white, rust)
Slightly longer than tall
Kind, intelligent expression

What this breed is known for

One of the four Swiss Sennenhunde (alpine farm dogs), the Berner was used in canton Bern for driving cattle, pulling milk carts, and as a farm guardian.
Bernese are large, tri-colored dogs (black with white chest/blaze and rust markings). They have a heavy double coat to protect against mountain weather.
They are affectionate, stable, and relatively easygoing. Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle with children and very devoted to their families.

Health and care notes

Bernese Mountain Dog is noted here for Moderate exercise needs and High grooming needs.

Hip Dysplasia
Elbow Dysplasia
Bloat
Cancer
Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Coat details: Long, Thick, Double

These are informational breed-guide notes, not veterinary advice.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the Bernese Mountain Dog come from?

Bernese Mountain Dog is closely associated with Switzerland, especially Bern region in the sources used for this page.

How big does a Bernese Mountain Dog get?

Typical size details for Bernese Mountain Dog on this page are 70–115 lbs, 23–27 in, 7–10 years.

What is the Bernese Mountain Dog known for?

One of the four Swiss Sennenhunde (alpine farm dogs), the Berner was used in canton Bern for driving cattle, pulling milk carts, and as a farm guardian.