Bernese Mountain Dog
Berner
Bernese Mountain Dog: does it suit you?
11 quick questions, the same ones this page answers. After each answer you see what the breed needs, and at the end whether it fits your life.
Bernese Mountain Dog: a good fit for you
Bernese Mountain Dog: could work, with compromises
Bernese Mountain Dog: probably not the right dog for you
Your answers match what the breed needs.
Most of your answers fit. Check the points below before you decide.
Some of your answers don't fit what the breed needs. The points below show where.
What to think about
What fits
A better match for your answers:
None of the 42 breeds on this site fits your answers better.
The Bernese Mountain Dog comes from the Swiss canton of Bern, where it was kept on farms as a guard dog, draught dog and cattle dog; today it is also a family dog and a versatile working dog.[1] Its standard calls it good-natured and devoted to its own people, and self-assured and placid towards strangers.[1]
- Size
- Large–giant
- Weight
- 38–50 kg
- Life expectancy
- 7–10 years
Bernese Mountain Dog: origin and history
A farm dog of ancestral origin from the pre-Alpine and midland areas around Bern, the breed was originally called ‘Dürrbächler’, after the hamlet and inn of Dürrbach near Riggisberg, where these long-haired tricoloured farm dogs were especially numerous.[1] The Royal Kennel Club adds that it pulled carts for the area’s weavers as well as milk and cheese carts.[2]
In 1907 breeders around Burgdorf founded the ‘Schweizerischer Dürrbach-Klub’ to promote pure breeding, and 107 dogs were shown at a Burgdorf show in 1910.[1] Renamed ‘Bernese Mountain Dog’ in line with the other Swiss mountain dog breeds, it spread rapidly across Switzerland and into neighbouring parts of Germany.[1] In America, a Kansas farmer imported a pair in 1926; the AKC registered its first Bernese in 1937.[3] It is classified in FCI Group 2 (Pinscher and Schnauzer – Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs), Section 3 (Swiss Mountain- and Cattledogs).[1]
Fact sheet
- Origin
- Switzerland
- Size
- Large–giant
- Height at withers
- 58–70 cm [1]
- Weight
- 38–50 kg
- Life expectancy
- 7–10 years
- Coat
- Long
- Colours
- Tricolour
- Low-shedding coat
- No
Character and needs
Rated on a scale from very low to very high.
- Exercise needsmoderate
- Trainabilityhigh
- Grooming needsmoderate
- Sheddingvery high
- Barkinglow
- Good with kidsvery high
- Good with other dogshigh
- Good with catshigh
- Apartment-friendlyvery low
- Copes with being alonelow
- Watchdog instinctmoderate
- Good for first-time ownershigh
- Affectionvery high
Bernese Mountain Dog: questions and answers
Is it a good dog for first-time owners?
Yes. It rates 4 out of 5 for first-time owners. These dogs learn quickly and like working with you (4 out of 5 for trainability).
How long can it be left alone?
2 to 3 hours, once the dog is an adult and has learned to be alone step by step. These dogs are very attached to their people and often struggle on their own (2 out of 5 for coping alone). More than 6 hours at a stretch isn't fair on any dog; plan for a dog sitter or daycare. Puppies need company: start with a few minutes and build up.
How much exercise does it need?
1 to 2 hours a day, spread over several walks. A mix of walks and play keeps the dog balanced. Until the dog is fully grown, keep walks short and avoid jumping to protect the growing joints.
How long does it live?
7–10 years is the typical life expectancy. That is shorter than the average of the 42 breeds on this site (12.6 years). As with most large breeds, life is shorter than for small dogs. Breed-typical health risks: cancer, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat (gastric torsion).
How big does it get?
58–70 cm at the withers and 38–50 kg. Size class: large–giant.
Is it a good family dog?
Yes. It rates 5 out of 5 with children. With other dogs it rates 4 out of 5, with cats 4 out of 5. Never leave young children alone with any dog.
Does it shed a lot?
Yes, a lot: 5 out of 5 for shedding. Expect hair on clothes, sofa and car all year round. Brush two or three times a week.
Male or female?
64–70 cm at the withers for males and 58–66 cm for females, according to the breed standard. Character differences between the sexes are smaller than between individual dogs; upbringing matters more. Unspayed females come into heat about twice a year, and unneutered males can be restless around them.
Bernese Mountain Dog or Golden Retriever?
Biggest difference: watchdog instinct (moderate vs. very low).
| Bernese Mountain Dog | Golden Retriever | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large–giant | Large |
| Weight | 38–50 kg | 25–34 kg |
| Life expectancy | 7–10 years | 10–12 years |
| Coat | Long | Long |
| Watchdog instinct | Moderate | Very low |
| Exercise needs | Moderate | High |
| Trainability | High | Very high |
| Shedding | Very high | High |
Who it suits
A good fit if you…
- are getting your first dog
- have children
- have a cat
- want a quiet dog
- want a cuddly companion
Bernese Mountain Dog: the downsides
Every breed has a flip side. Before you decide, check that you can live with these:
- Struggles when left alone
- 2 to 3 hours at most. If you work away from home, plan for a dog sitter or daycare from the start.
- Sheds heavily
- 5 out of 5 for shedding. Expect hair on clothes, sofa and car all year round.
- Needs space
- 1 out of 5 for apartment living. The dog does best in a house with a garden or with fields on the doorstep.
- A short life
- 7–10 years, well below the 12.6-year average of the 42 breeds on this site.
- Big dog, big bills
- Up to 50 kg means more food, a bigger car and higher vet and medicine costs, since doses go by weight.
- Breed-typical health risks
- Cancer, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat (gastric torsion). Choose a breeder who screens the parents, and consider health insurance.
Bernese Mountain Dog: puppy price and monthly costs
£1,800 – £3,000 for a puppy from a breeder in the UK (Waggel). From £116 a month in running costs in the UK (PDSA, 2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, other costs.
| Country | Puppy from a breeder | Running costs per month |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | £1,800 – £3,000 [4] | from £116 [5] |
| United States | $1,000 – $5,000 [6] | $116 [7] |
| Canada | CA$2,500–2,800 [8] | CA$367 [9] |
| Australia | no data | A$210 [10] |
| New Zealand | no data | NZ$100 [11] |
- Set-up costs at the start: £415 – £560 for basic equipment, first vaccinations, wormers and neutering (PDSA, 2024).
- Dog licence in Northern Ireland: £12.50 a year; England, Scotland and Wales have none (nidirect, 2026).
- Dog licence in the US: $5 – $20 a year, set by the city or county (American Kennel Club, 2021).
- Dog licence in Canada: CA$25–60 a year in Toronto, less for a neutered dog (City of Toronto, 2026).
- Dog registration with the council in Australia: A$20–200 a year, depending on the council and whether the dog is desexed (Mozo, 2026).
- Dog registration with the council in New Zealand: NZ$78–182 a year in Auckland, depending on the dog (PetMall NZ, citing Auckland Council, 2026).
- Puppies far below these prices often come without health checks or papers.
Health
Breed-typical health risks
- Cancer [17]
- A higher tumour risk, especially with age.
- Hip dysplasia [18]
- A malformed hip joint. Both parents should be X-ray screened.
- Elbow dysplasia [18]
- A malformed elbow joint that can cause lameness.
- Bloat (gastric torsion) [17]
- A life-threatening emergency in large, deep-chested dogs. Rest after meals.
Health tests for the parent dogs
9 health tests appear in the breeding rules for the breed.
- No health test is required for breeding in the UK (The Royal Kennel Club); the table shows what is recommended.
- Needed for a CHIC number in the US (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) / Canine Health Information Center): hip X-ray (HD), elbow X-ray (ED), eye exam, heart exam, and DNA tests (DM).
- Required of club members who breed in Canada (Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Canada): hip X-ray (HD), elbow X-ray (ED), eye exam, heart exam, and DNA tests (DM).
- Required for breeding in New Zealand (Dogs New Zealand): hip X-ray (HD) and elbow X-ray (ED).
| Test | United Kingdom [19] | United States [18] | Canada [20] | New Zealand [21] |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hip X-ray (HD)Hip dysplasia | Recommended | Required | Required | Required |
| Elbow X-ray (ED)Elbow dysplasia | Recommended | Required | Required | Required |
| Eye examInherited eye disease, by a certified vet ophthalmologist | not in the rules | Required | Required | not in the rules |
| Heart examInherited heart disease, by a cardiologist | not in the rules | Required | Required | not in the rules |
| Thyroid testAutoimmune thyroiditis | not in the rules | Recommended | not in the rules | not in the rules |
| DNA test: DMDegenerative myelopathy | not in the rules | Required | Required | not in the rules |
| DNA test: HSRisk of histiocytic sarcoma (cancer) | not in the rules | Recommended | not in the rules | not in the rules |
| DNA test: vWDVon Willebrand disease (bleeding disorder) | not in the rules | Recommended | not in the rules | not in the rules |
| DNA test: vWD1Von Willebrand disease type 1 (bleeding disorder) | not in the rules | not in the rules | not in the rules | Recommended [22] |
● Required. ○ Recommended: advised, not required. – Not in the rules. The clubs and their rules are in the source list.
United Kingdom: the Royal Kennel Club’s Health Standard requires no test, so every test is ○ recommended.
United States: ● means the test is needed for a CHIC number from the OFA; taking part in CHIC is voluntary.
Canada: ● means the breed club’s code of ethics requires the test of member breeders; the kennel club registers litters without it.
New Zealand: ● means a litter is only registered if the parents have the test.
What to ask the breeder
- Certificates for both parents: hip X-ray (HD), elbow X-ray (ED), eye exam, and heart exam. A claim that the parents are “health tested” is not enough.
- DNA results of both parents for DM, or proof that both are clear by descent.
- To see the puppies with their mother, at the breeder’s home.
- The pedigree papers (United Kingdom: Royal Kennel Club registration certificate; Canada: CKC certificate of registration; Australia: Dogs Australia pedigree, issued by the state body; New Zealand: Dogs NZ certificate of registration). [23] [24] [25] [21]
- 8 weeks: the youngest age at which a puppy may leave its mother in the UK, in Canada (Quebec), and in Australia (New South Wales). [26] [27] [28]
- Advice on buying a puppy: The Royal Kennel Club, The Canadian Kennel Club, Dogs Australia, and Dogs New Zealand. [29] [30] [31] [32]
Similar breeds
Sources
- FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale): Breed standard No. 45: Bernese Mountain Dog (2003)
- The Royal Kennel Club: Bernese Mountain Dog
- American Kennel Club: Bernese Mountain Dog Dog Breed Information
- Waggel (UK pet insurer): Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Guide: Temperament, Training and Health
- PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, UK veterinary charity): The cost of owning a dog (2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, other costs.
- Spot Pet Insurance: What's the Price of a Bernese Mountain Dog in 2025? (2026)
- ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals): Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021). Covers food, vet visits, preventive medicine, insurance, toys and treats, boarding, dog licence, grooming supplies.
- Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Canada (CKC national breed club): BMD Puppies (2023)
- Pets Plus Us (Canadian pet insurer; figures from OVMA 2024 Cost of Care research): HOW MUCH IS THAT DOGGY? (EN-DOG_PPU_Cost-of-Care_Aug2024_v3.pdf) (2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, dog tax, accessories.
- Animal Medicines Australia (survey by Sweeney Research/SNR): Pets in Australia: A national survey of pets and people (Pet Ownership Study 2025) (2025). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, parasite treatment, vet medicines, supplements, grooming, training, accessories, dog walking, boarding, transport, memberships, alternative healthcare.
- Companion Animals New Zealand (NZ Companion Animal Council): Companion Animals in New Zealand 2016 (section 6.3 Dogs, Fig 50) (2016). Covers food, vet visits, dog tax, boarding, equipment, grooming, healthcare products, insurance, training, other costs.
- nidirect (official government website for Northern Ireland): Dog licensing and microchipping (2026)
- American Kennel Club: Are You Financially Prepared for a Puppy? Explore Costs of Owning a Dog (2021)
- City of Toronto: Pet Licensing Fees (2026)
- Mozo: How much does it cost to own a dog or cat in Australia? 2026 (2026)
- PetMall NZ, citing Auckland Council: Auckland Dog Registration 2026–27: Late Fees Now Apply — Full Fee Table (2026)
- Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America: Diseases & Conditions
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) / Canine Health Information Center (CHIC): CHIC Program Requirements and testing statistics: Bernese Mountain Dog
- The Royal Kennel Club: Royal Kennel Club Health Standard: A complete guide to health testing for responsible breeding (2026)
- Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Canada: Code of Ethics (2024)
- Dogs New Zealand (New Zealand Kennel Club Inc.): Registration Regulations (Section 4, Reg. 24: Litter Registration Limitations (2026)
- Dogs New Zealand: Accredited Breeder Health Tests for the BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG (former Accredited Breeders Scheme test list)
- The Royal Kennel Club: What should the breeder give me?
- The Canadian Kennel Club: By-Laws (incl. Code of Ethics (2025)
- Dogs Australia: Getting a Dog: Importance of Pedigree Papers
- UK Government (legislation.gov.uk): The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/486), Schedule 6 (breeding dogs) and Schedule 3 (selling animals as pets) (2018)
- Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ): Guide d'application du Règlement sur le bien-être et la sécurité des animaux domestiques de compagnie et des équidés (reproduces CQLR c. B-3.1, r. 0.1, art. 36) (2023)
- NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), State of New South Wales (fact sheet hosted by Dogs NSW): New laws for dog breeders in NSW (fact sheet on the 2024-25 amendments to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 and Companion Animals Act 1998) (2025)
- The Royal Kennel Club: Questions for the breeder
- The Canadian Kennel Club: Finding an Accountable Breeder
- Dogs Australia: Getting a Dog: Choosing a Breeder
- Dogs New Zealand: How do you go about purchasing a pedigree pure bred dog?
Breeding rules, health sources and breed standards checked October 8, 2026.
Prices as published by the sources; collected October 8, 2026.
Breed traits describe typical tendencies. Every dog is an individual, shaped by genes, upbringing and training.