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According to the American Kennel Club, “The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of four mountain-dog breeds who were long at home in the canton of Bern, a vast agricultural region vital to the dairy production required for two of Switzerland’s most profitable exports: chocolate and cheese.” Berners are classified as a working breed, with many of their daily responsibilities that include guard duty, cattle drives, and offering their company to their families.

The Bernese Mountain dog typically stands anywhere from 23-27.5 inches and can weigh anywhere from 70-115 pounds. Like with many large breeds however, their life span usually stands anywhere from 7-10 years. The Berner can be easily recognized by their appearance which is their tri-color coat and sturdy figure.

It’s important with any breed to familiarize yourself with their most common needs, health concerns, grooming and more. It can be very helpful to discuss with your veterinarian the best dog food that is suited for your Berner. When it comes to their coat, you should definitely be prepared for lots of hair! These mountain dogs have a double coat, meaning they have a longer outer coat with a second coat underneath. It is recommended to brush them daily if possible, if not then weekly. Moving on to their exercise needs, which is very important considering these dogs are classified as a working breed. It is recommended by the American Kennel Club to provide your Berner with at least a half-hour of moderate exercise daily, which can include long walks or hikes, tracking, herding, rally, or obedience.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally overall health dogs, however it is recommended by the Bernese Mountain Dog Club to have the following health tests performed: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Cardiac Exam and Von Willebrand’s Disease DNA Test.

If you’d like to learn more about these gentle kiddos, head on over to the AKC.