Bernese Mountain Dog

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Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dog Characteristics

Size:
Grooming Needs:
Exercise Needs:
Good With Dogs:
Watchdog Ability:

Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Information

Breed Group: Working

Weight: Male: 90-120; Female: 70-100 lbs

Height: Male: 25-27.5; Female: 23-26 inches

Color(s): tricolored; black with tan markings and white flashings

Chief - Bernese Mtn Dog Male

Bernese Mountain Dog

$1,400.00

Champion sired,AKC, OFA, VWB

Bernese Mountain Dog

$1,500.00

AKC Bernese Mountain Dog Puppies

Bernese Mountain Dog

$900.00

Overview

The exact origin of this breed is unknown, but many believe they began their existence as a farm dog in the Swiss mountains. Their large hardy build and calm nature made them ideal for pulling carts, herding cattle, and being a farmer's companion. Bernese Mountain Dogs are a highly versatile breed.

Character

The Bernese Mountain Dog is commonly referred to as the "Berner". This wonderful breed has a long list of attributes. They are strong, agile, and highly intelligent. Their gentle demeanor and stunning appearance has contributed to this breed's growing popularity. There are few dog breeds that can match the Bernese Mountain Dogs striking appearance, work ethic, and companion skills.

Temperament

This breed is by nature, loving and alert. They are generally tolerant, sweet, and gentle. The Bernese Mountain Dog is typically excellent with children. However, since they are a large breed, they should never be left unsupervised with small children or children unknown to the dog. They thrive on human companionship and activity and may develop behavioral problems if they are deprived of social interaction. The Berner is protective but is not aggressive unless threatened or provoked. They may be aloof to strangers and have a tendency to be shy. This breed is a devoted indoor member of the family and a willing outdoor helper.

Care

The Bernese Mountain Dog requires daily brushing, with extra care needed during their heavy seasonal shedding. A periodic bath or dry shampooing is recommended. They are typically a hardy breed, but may have a tendency to suffer from elbow or hip dysplasia, cancer, bloat, or eyelid problems. Their size and thick coat make them highly susceptible to heat stroke.

Coat

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a stunning weather-resistant tri-color double coat. The coat is black with symmetrical markings of white and rust, moderate in length and either slightly way or straight. It is very thick and has a bright natural sheen. This breed is a seasonal heavy shedder.

Training

This breed benefits from early socialization and basic obedience. Bernese Mountain Dogs are extremely sensitive and will not respond to harsh or heavy-handed training methods. All training should be done with positive techniques such as respect, reward, love, fairness, and consistency.

Activity

The Bernese Mountain Dog needs an inordinate amount of exercise, interaction, and activity. They require a minimum half hour of vigorous exercise daily as well as several outside trips. They are not recommended for apartment dwelling, as they need a securely fenced large yard to run and play. They excel in conformation, obedience, tracking, herding, and agility.

Ask a Question Bernese Mountain Dog Questions & Answers

QUESTION: Do Bernese Mountain Dogs drool?

Anonymous - 1/15/2012 10:23:54 AM

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I have 5 bernese mountain dogs in my house and none of them drool....ever....

hfeighner - 1/24/2012 1:47:36 PM

VERY!!! Usualy large breeds of dogs drool excessively!!! Like the Newfie they do drool a lot!

Anonymous - 1/19/2012 9:26:12 PM

QUESTION: I have had a standard poodle and raised him, and he still lives with me. But I still want a dog that's good with novice dog owners. Are Berners good for novice dog owners and would one get along with my poodle? And could a 13-14 year old handle raising one?

VioletRoses - 1/10/2012 3:59:13 PM

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QUESTION: I really want a Berner♥ I read a 100+ paged manual on them and finished it in 2 hours, but I still have a few questions. On Animal Planets breed guide, for affection it says they're only 3 out of 5. Would you agree? Because I prefer dogs that when you come home whether 5 minutes, or 5 hours will welcome you with a wagging tail or maybe even get jumped on. I know they aren't playful, but do they like playing "tag"? Or run around outside? And what health problems are seen most often in this breed? How many times do you need to feed them in a day and would Blue Buffalo dog food be alright with them? Thank you for any answers!

VioletRoses - 1/10/2012 3:50:41 PM

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They are extremely affectionate and loyal. I have 5 berners all in my house and they are always happy to see me, always giving me kisses, I have 1 that always gives hugs, they just want to be by you. When I get up to leave a room, they follow. They are extremely affectionate. My dogs love getting out and running. With any large breed you need to take care of their joints, but if you get a good breeder and a good vet, usually you will be okay, but the key is that you take the steps to prevent all that you can prevent.I keep food and water available to my dogs all the time and I have sold several puppies to new families that use Blue Buffalo and have heard no negative comments about it. Hope this helps!

hfeighner - 1/24/2012 1:51:06 PM

QUESTION: Hi, i really want to have bernese dog, but i live in apartment and also the weather is hot. So,can anyone tell me will it get used to it or it will have problems with the health?

Anonymous - 1/4/2012 11:24:03 AM

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We currently live in Houston in an apartment our Berner does just fine. We take her for morning and later evening walks during the summer so she doesn't get to hot. We also make a fan available to her to lay next to. This is a working breed so as long as they are exercised they do fine in an apt just use common sense during summer months.

Anonymous - 1/9/2012 4:38:38 AM

QUESTION: I have a four month old bernese male dog, can he be outside in the cold and how cold? The dad of this dog has been out side the house for four years winter and summer.

Anonymous - 12/27/2011 12:07:56 AM

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QUESTION: I am considering a bernese pup Im wondering if I buy one that is 6 months to a year that has lived outside how hard are they to housebreak

Anonymous - 12/9/2011 10:01:27 PM

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Pretty actually..... If he lived outside all his life than it won't be very easy to housebreak. And if the bernese pup is six months old??? That would make it even harder. But if you can put in like two hours a day training your pup. Go for it!!!! I honestly think if your a patient person than yes you should adapt him or her. I would soooooo adopt him or her if I were you. Hope this helped!!!! :)

Anonymous - 1/11/2012 10:04:49 PM

QUESTION: For now I am a casual worker, and sometimes I work 9 hour days sometimes for a full week, where including sleep, leaves 4-5 hours with dog time however my mum can almost everyday engage with the dog for sometime, I have a big backyard, will my lack of time spent with the dog be a problem?

Anonymous - 12/5/2011 2:47:55 AM

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QUESTION: Will a Bermese Mountain Dog get along with 2 cats?

Anonymous - 11/18/2011 10:20:15 AM

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i have a bernese mountain dog and a miniature dachsund and the dachsund is a bouncy dog and i also have a bunny and the berner is great with all animals

Anonymous - 1/26/2012 7:53:14 AM

I have a bernese mountain dog and we have three cats at home. The dog is really friendly with them and they became good friends :)

Anonymous - 11/19/2011 7:42:33 AM

QUESTION: Would a bernese mountain dog chase off a bear?

Anonymous - 11/13/2011 10:23:14 PM

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We live in bear country, and yes... our bernese mountain chases away the bears. She will also 'hold' them in a tree until you take her away from it.

sgallisdorfer - 11/21/2011 6:34:38 PM

QUESTION: Would a Bernese Mountain dog get along with a 4 year old chihuahua?

Anonymous - 11/7/2011 9:34:34 AM

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Bernese Mountain Dogs are one of the sweetest dogs you can ever own.. The question is: Will a four year old Chihuahua get along with a Bernese Mountain Dog???? :))

Anonymous - 1/11/2012 10:07:16 PM

My bernese mountain would, and I think most would easily. Ours aclimated to an adult cat in less than 5 minutes, likes small dogs she meets, and is very gentle even with SMALL children.

sgallisdorfer - 11/21/2011 6:35:46 PM

QUESTION: I have a 5 month old Bernese Mountain Dog that seems to have a food allergy, per our vet. She is red around her mouth and nose, as she seems to scratch that area. Are there any known allergies that the breed is proned to?? We have been trying different specialty foods. Along with wiping her mouth with baby wipes and then applying neosporin to these areas. It seems to help a bit, but she is still slighlty red. Also, she seems to scratch and shake her ears a lot. The ears seem to be blotchy and they are very warm. Is this normal for this breed? Could this all just be connected to a food allergy? And is there any known foods that work well for this breed? Please Help!!

Anonymous - 8/26/2011 10:47:18 PM

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I had the nose/mouth irritation on my Bernese Mountain, the vet told me to change the plastic water/food bowls for ceramic ones... No more problems after that change!

Anonymous - 9/18/2011 8:14:58 PM

I have a Berner who is almost 3 and have not had food allergy problems though that is not uncommon in any breed. I am not smarter than a vet, but I would wonder about staph or yeast. Maybe they could do a scraping to test and see what the infection actually is. Do you groom? It might also be that the shampoo you are using is drying to the skin or causing an allergy (ears). Just some thoughts.

Anonymous - 9/18/2011 12:15:01 PM

QUESTION: Hi my breeder says that I cannot walk my new Bernese Mountain Dog for anything over 30 minutes until he is over a year old as he can damage his bones. Is this true?

Anonymous - 7/30/2011 5:43:46 PM

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Yes. Bernese Mountain Dog's can get puppy bone and joint problems. You have a good breeder for telling you that.

Anonymous - 10/21/2011 4:37:39 PM

QUESTION: We had two wonderful goldens that we lost to cancer and hip problems. Sundance (110 Lbs. ) was a big guy who was a gentle giant, so we are familiar with big dogs. We are wondering about Burnese Mountain Dogs, as we love their apperance and tempermenrt. We own a boat and we like the water, so the goldens were great for that. Do BMD's like the water and would they be receptive to swimming?

Anonymous - 6/17/2011 2:01:17 PM

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Berners are NOT made for swimming--they will sink! Wading--yes--swimming no.

Anonymous - 1/12/2012 10:53:37 PM

Although Bernese Mountain Dogs like to swim....... If you want a dog that loves to swim you should try a Newfoundland.... They sorta look like the Bernese but weigh more!!!!

Anonymous - 1/11/2012 10:10:02 PM

My female bernese mountain dog loves water. She can swim but really likes wading out chest deep and walking around. She also likes to chase water coming from the end of a garden hose and she will bite at the water and run through it in the summer.

Anonymous - 10/21/2011 1:30:00 AM

I wouldnt count on a Bernese Mountain Dog swimming, I had one 11 years, and she did NOT like water.

Anonymous - 9/23/2011 8:01:32 PM

QUESTION: WE HAVE A ONE YEAR OLD FEMALE SIBERIAN HUSKY AND A TWO YEAR OLD MALE CHOW DOG. DO YOU THINK THAT A FEMALE OR MALE BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG WOULD FIT RIGHT INTO OUR FAMILY?? WE HAVE ALWAYS LIKE THIS BREED AND HOPING TO REPLACE A 13 YEAR OLD FEMALE CHOW THAT IS ON HER WAY DOWN, THAT HAS BEEN A BELOVED MEMBER OF OUR FAMILY. PLEASE HELP!

Anonymous - 6/14/2011 12:06:09 AM

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I'd recommend a male Bernese Mountain Dog. I have a female at home but since you're replacing a female chow, try to get as many differences as possible so it doesn't remind you too much. You might get too upset.

Anonymous - 7/18/2011 3:28:23 PM

QUESTION: Is a Bernese Mountain Dog good for a 11 year old boy?

Anonymous - 6/10/2011 11:23:35 PM

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My son was 11 when he choose a 2 months old Bernese two years ago, my son always call him cutie.

Anonymous - 11/26/2011 1:52:34 PM

Bernese Mountain Dog's are the best dogs and great with children. They are smart dogs and can do many tricks. They crave attention and like to sit on your lap or on your feet. If your child is going to be responsible for caring for the dog I must warn you that they shed so much its impossible to keep the floor clean for more than a day or two tops. Swiss Mountain dogs are similar and have short hair-maybe easier to keep up with but I dont know for certain. Because of their size they get tired of playing fetch. They also do not live very long so something you should read up on before you decide. Hard to get attached and have a pet that only lives 8 yrs.

Anonymous - 10/21/2011 1:37:32 AM

Bernese Mountain Dogs are a really good breed for an 11 year old boy. I have 2, one male and one female, and they are perfect for my 10 year old girl.

Anonymous - 7/17/2011 5:08:18 AM

absolutely perfect :P

Anonymous - 6/18/2011 7:02:01 AM

QUESTION: My Bernese Mountain Dog is 10 weeks old and has a small heria (belly button area). The breeder said that we should massage it several times per day and eventually as it muscles strengthen, it will go away. Well it's 10 weeks now and I'm not sure how long they usually last? Any ideas? I do have a vet apt in 2 weeks but I don't want to have them perform surgery unless absolutely necessary.

Anonymous - 6/2/2011 2:01:20 PM

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Hopefully the vet will know what to do. Otherwise, just listen to the breeder and massage the belly of your Bernese Mountain Dog. He could be right.

Anonymous - 7/18/2011 3:29:22 PM

QUESTION: Can anyone give me a summary of what a Bernese Mountain Dog is like to have as a pet? THANKS :o)

Anonymous - 5/10/2011 4:34:04 AM

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We've had one Berner who recently passed away after11 years. They are full of personality and love to be around people. They have long beautiful coats and get along well with other dogs. Ours had such great personality, but that's mostly the breed. They don't need a lot of exercise, but you have to watch how much they will eat. It is not good to leave food out for them to free feed; they will overeat and have health issues. Ours loved to eat anything that we were eating; including raw fruits and vegetables as a treat. They are smart and agile as well as beautiful. Most people will ooh and ahh over their loyalty and friendliness. You will not find a more gorgeous dog that is both faithful and loving. I cannot wait until we get another one; our puppy was just born and will be coming home to us in about 6 weeks. Hope this helps you decide if a Berner is right for youl

Anonymous - 6/27/2011 10:40:19 PM

My Bernese is the best dog I have ever owned. Very smart and devoted. I keep him away from kids because even though he would like to play with them he does not know his own strength. They need a lot of room to run. I get mine a hair cut just short enough so he does not sunburn and he does much better in the summer. He requires a lot of attention but gives back more. Great dog.

Anonymous - 5/29/2011 10:58:42 PM

Bernese Mountain Dog's are an amazing dog to have as a pet. I have two of them at home here. They are a very companiable pet and very loyal to their owner.

Anonymous - 5/18/2011 3:35:10 PM

QUESTION: Ive read that Berners do not like to play fetch at all, and that they are not a very playful breed. Are there any other games they like to play like tug-of-war, run around in the yard or play tag? I personally dont like the game fetch, its very annoying to have a ball dropped in your lap, but I love tug-of-war and playing dog tag. Thank you :P

Anonymous - 5/10/2011 4:32:31 AM

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My Berner loved playing with toys; but he always did; ever since he was a pup until the last few months of his life (at 11). He did play a little bit rough if you allowed it, but he knew when to calm down. My Berner didn't fetch much; but loved squeaky toys (wouldn't pop the squeaky out of it) and loved big floppy toys. He also loved chasing a laser light pen (like a cat).

Anonymous - 6/27/2011 10:42:51 PM

The first time you throw a ball a Berner may bring it back. The second time they will figure that you didn't really want it.

Anonymous - 6/4/2011 8:34:15 PM

I have a horse ball my Berner loves to play with. He loves to chase it when I kick it. He loves to play keep away from me and tease with it. He likes tug of war. He is so strong that I don't encourage rough play.

Anonymous - 5/29/2011 11:03:28 PM

QUESTION: Im in love with the Berner and American Akita. I don't know which 1 to get. Do Berners like to carry things in their mouths? Like socks, bottles and other things? I love dogs that like to carry things in their mouth.

Anonymous - 5/10/2011 3:57:43 AM

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No comparison-- I had a great Akita that was beautiful--but VERY scary concerning other animals and people. THEY hate other dogs to challenge in any way. They will kill--without a second thought. Though we loved the Akita--he was a LiABILITY--literally ATE my wife's Persian cat--bones and all My Berner is the exact oppoosite. You can put him a yard full of rabbits and chickens--none would betouched. Kind, gentle, great with any other animal. Thinks he is human. I your looking for a protector--buy the Akita-but you will have an event that could change your life for negative. The Berner will give you years of faithful, calm friendship---no biting the postman or EATING your cat

Anonymous - 1/12/2012 11:01:24 PM

In my opinion I think you should get a Berner! They are so much cuter to me at least! :)

Anonymous - 1/11/2012 10:12:27 PM

my berner loves to steal my socks in front of me and i never see her do it. she then will show me that she took it!:) she also loves to grab water bottles or anything she can when i get home. they are funny, warm spirited animals.

Anonymous - 12/17/2011 9:01:22 AM

the berner dog would be energetic and playful to have and can be very stubborn when they want. I have noticed my berner likes to carry shoes and plastic bottles . :)

Anonymous - 5/18/2011 3:39:08 PM

QUESTION: Will Bernese Mountain dogs get along well with my 4 year old springer spaniel?

Anonymous - 5/8/2011 4:30:34 PM

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I have a BMD/English Springer Spaniel mix, so apparently they can get along quite well...;) Sorry if this isn't helpful, but I couldn't help myself.

Anonymous - 2/1/2012 4:54:54 PM

They will depending on the sort of play the Springer engages in. Most like gentle kind of run around playing as opposed to all out wrestling and grabbing. My guy HATES to be grabbed around the mouth or jumped on, and from the others that I know, they are the same way. I did see my guy roll one when he went to far and stand over him with his teeth barred to let the lab know he had gone too far with him. They then went back to running around the yard...

Anonymous - 5/10/2011 1:06:02 PM

Yes a Bernese Mountain dog would but the question is would your springer spaniel get along with a BMD. Springer spaniels have a tendancy to not always get along with other dog, most often the same sex breeds. If you plan to get a BMD, then socialize your dogs very well.

akpowrdgbs - 5/10/2011 2:50:11 AM

QUESTION: Do Bernese Mt. dogs do well in the heat? We are located in the south and wondering if she could deal with being outside all the time or if we would need to make her an indoor dog?

Anonymous - 5/5/2011 3:23:56 PM

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Not really..... It wouldn't work out because Bernese Mountain Dogs would get too over heated.... Sorry for the inconvenience. :((((

Anonymous - 1/19/2012 9:30:58 PM

It is not hard--have your Berner clipped or shaved during the hot months--my Berner loves it. Let his hair grow out in the fall. We keep our dog clipped (about an 1 -2'") no shedding and looks attractive. Shaving is fine--but will look lik a gray hound for month or two.

Anonymous - 1/12/2012 11:05:48 PM

It is much too stressful on the animal to be in a hot humid environment. Just my personal opinion but I know my Bernese Mountain Dog gets really hot and I live in the northeast where summers are not that hot.

Anonymous - 10/21/2011 1:42:25 AM

I live in Minnesota and in my opinion a Bernese is a cold weather dog. I heat with wood in winter and when I let him out he usually spreads out on the highest snow bank in the yard trying to catch a breeze. In the summer I have his hair cut just short enough so I do not have to worry about him getting a sunburn and he is much happier. I also have a wading pool in the shade for him to cool off in and he does fine. Great dog.

Anonymous - 5/29/2011 11:14:07 PM

QUESTION: Are there 2 types of OCD? Cause Ive been told OCD is a joint problem and makes Bernese Mountain Dog's chase their tail. How can a joint problem make a dog chase their tail?

Anonymous - 4/17/2011 2:39:38 PM

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Osteochondritis is a debilatating disease affecting the cartilage between the dogs joints causing great pain, arthritis , or lameness. The cartilage tends to get inflamed or at times ear, Almost like tearing you maniscus.

Anonymous - 8/11/2011 10:16:52 PM

Osteoarthitis is different from osteochondritis dissecans, which is OCD. Osteoarthridis is a joint problem, while osteochondritis dissecans is a mental problem that makes a dog chase its tail.

akpowrdgbs - 5/10/2011 3:01:49 AM

It can't, unless the disease effects joints and brain, that is possible.

Anonymous - 4/24/2011 9:39:57 PM

QUESTION: I got a book on bernese mountain dogs (cause Im considering getting one) and it said that a lot of berner owners say it was the best dog they ever had and some who werent married said it was the best thing they ever did. Is that true?

Anonymous - 4/15/2011 5:51:53 PM

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The Bernese Mountain Dog is the smartest, most affectionate animal I have ever had. Great with kids and great with other pets. Will bark at anyone coming on your property but if you tell them to be quiet they will listen to you. Some people say the are stuborn but I haven't had that experience. Mine thinks she is a lap dog. She likes to sleep on the couch or will jump in bed and sleep on my feet. Beware though- they shed a lot.

Anonymous - 10/21/2011 1:46:03 AM

My bernese mountain dog is absolutely my best friend. He cuddles with me, I feel safe with him around and yet I trust him with my 1 year old daughter and he plays all the time with my Chihuahua. They are great dogs!

Anonymous - 4/22/2011 12:45:37 PM

QUESTION: You know how Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards, German Shepherds and Rottweilers have been known as "life savors"? Would a Bernese Mountain Dog put its life up for you if they needed to like if I was drowning or a criminal broke into my house or a if an animal was going to attack me, would a Berner do that?

Anonymous - 4/13/2011 8:12:49 AM

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Honestly if your dog REALLY loves you they would!! I have a little German Spits mix that I rescued and when I wrestle with my friends she is right there beside me! Same with my Newfie, my Berner, my Aussie, my Leonberger, and my Sheltie! P.S I rescue dogs and am a huge Dog Lover! :)

Anonymous - 1/11/2012 10:17:28 PM

My Berner hides behind me if anything "scary" happens.

Anonymous - 10/21/2011 8:10:39 PM

It all depends on how the Bernese Mountain Dog was raised - mine grew up on a farm protecting lifestock and my kids he has proven by protecting my son from snakes wild dogs and even a puma with help from my german shepherd if you raise it around that need to i want you to protect my family and make your family theirs' they would do whatever they have to

Anonymous - 6/17/2011 6:51:59 AM

I would have to say my Bernese Mountain Dog would be the huge black, shaking entity behind the nearest tree if there was any kind of trouble... He's more the cuddling, you protect ME kinda guy :)

Anonymous - 5/10/2011 1:11:31 PM

QUESTION: How can you make a Bernese Mountain Dog live longer like somewhere between 10 and 15 years old? Is it possible to do that because I know they usually live under 8 years. Ive heard about the Gentle Giants World Class Cuisine, does that really work?

Anonymous - 4/13/2011 8:07:52 AM

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Our current Bernese Mountain Dog sire is an eight year old and is still going strong with no medical problems. We are very careful not to let him get over weight. We only feed Diamond dog food. Danny is a drafting dog that works daily. He is also a guardian to our draft horses and a breeding sire. He works full time and loves it. I truly believe that how you feed and maintain your dog is the key to a long helathy life.

melanie1969 - 5/3/2011 4:11:45 PM

With diet, exercise and regular checkups with a good vet. I had a Bernese Mountain Dog for 15 years. Although the last 5 she was on remidil and thyroid. Remidil may not be spelled right, your vet will know about it.

Anonymous - 4/25/2011 5:13:41 AM

QUESTION: Hi, are Berners independent because my poodle is and I want an extra large dog that always wants to be by my side. Thanks :P

Anonymous - 4/10/2011 2:07:00 PM

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A bernese would be a really good dog for you 'cause they are very friendly and tend to stick by you.

Anonymous - 7/17/2011 5:14:02 AM

Berners are great! They are very friendly and aren't independent. They love to be with people and other dogs. A berner would be great for you.

Anonymous - 4/12/2011 12:32:29 AM

QUESTION: What is the "Berner Bump"?

Anonymous - 4/10/2011 11:07:05 AM

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Ah yes...the Berner Bump. It is very adorable...unless you're holding a hot beverage in that hand. They have very strong nose/neck muscles and can really get in under your arm. It is both endearing and annoying at times. My Berner has learned to only bump me on the left side...because I am right handed. She will bump my left arm while I'm on the computer and all she wants is for me to drape my arm over her shoulders while she leans into me.

Anonymous - 10/21/2011 8:14:21 PM

My Bernese Mountain Dog will come over and put her nose and head under your hand and flip your hand and arm up when she wants attention. Sometimes she might want food. Other times she wants you to go see a squirrel through the window. They are so smart! She will also tap dance but making her toe nails strike the floor when she wants to go out.

Anonymous - 10/21/2011 1:51:51 AM

It is something most Berners do when they want your attention. They will come up to you and bump you with their head or nose. Both my Berners have done this. It's adorable.

Anonymous - 6/28/2011 10:40:23 PM

It's also known as the "good dog" bump, it denotes an easy going personality.

Anonymous - 5/10/2011 1:12:55 PM

QUESTION: I got a book on Bernese Mountain Dogs and there was a section that said "Are you right for a berner and is a berner right for you?" and there was 7 things you had to match up with. I matched up with all but 1. Im concerned that I wont be at home enough for one. Id get the puppy in the summer so Id have 8+ hours to spend with the puppy and train it ( Id get a 5-7 month old puppy ). The only thing is Ill be at school for 6 hours and my dad will be at work for 8 hours and 5 days a week, but after that Ill spend the rest of the day with him and he will even sleep with me in bed and will have the company of 2 other dogs. Will that work?

Anonymous - 4/9/2011 10:22:53 AM

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I work 8.5 hours a day, 5 days a week and my Berner is okay with that. Mind you...the second that I get home we HAVE to go for an hour walk! I also am lucky that I can slip home every day at lunch to give her a treat and cuddles. I was worried about the separation too but it doesn't seem to be an issue. I only crated her for about a month. So from 2 months to 3 months. She's pretty good...and only chews on her own toys while I'm away.

Anonymous - 10/21/2011 8:18:24 PM

I have 2 bernese and they get on fine when I'm at school and my mum and dad are at work.

Anonymous - 7/17/2011 5:11:57 AM

I'm at work all day, Monday to Friday and my Bernese Mountain Dog is fine with our two other dogs. He's incredibly vocal once I get home and is just so happy to see me.

Anonymous - 5/10/2011 1:14:12 PM

I donot know about berenese mountain dogs but I've had numerous dogs that I've done this exact same thing with and they are all well tempered little socialites.

Anonymous - 4/24/2011 9:43:05 PM

QUESTION: Can Bernese Mountain Dog's be trusted off leash? Do they like people cuddling with them? How many health problems do they have? What is the aprox. life expectancy of a Berner? Are they REALLY affectionate like jump up and lick you when they see you? Can you teach them to play frisbee ( I know they're not a very playful breed )? How many tricks can you teach them? How much exercise do they need? THANKS

Anonymous - 4/8/2011 8:52:41 PM

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Bernese Mountain Dog's listen very well but a leash is the safest idea. THEY LOVE ATTENTION! The most loyal dog! NEVER let them eat/drink too much and never after they have been running around. They can get bloat, require $3k stomach surgery and die. I would not recommend frisbee. Theyre a heavy dog and tend to have hip and knee problems so a lot of jumping increases chances of injury.They play fetch, tug of war, etc. Mine is super playful. She likes it if you tell her you are going to get her feet/grab for them. She will fuss like she is going to attack you then she never bites. They are protective and do not like it when my husband wrestles with the kids. She will bark and get in between them and force them apart. My dog sits, lays down, rolls over and she will shake using both paws and give you high fives using both paws. She is also a tug of war champ and it never gets old.

Anonymous - 10/21/2011 2:06:35 AM

Berners can be trusted off the lead, I know because I have two and they never run off. They are very friendly and love cuddles. Berners nomally get to about 9 or 10, my oldest one is 7. They don't normally jump up at you but if you sit with them they might lick you a bit. I have tought mine to catch the frisbee but they don't always bring it back. You can teach them a lot of tricks my berner as learnt at least 8 tricks and will do them well. They don't need too much exercise but they do need quite a bit.

Anonymous - 7/17/2011 5:24:05 AM

Bernese mountain dogs are a very playful breed mine is the most playful breed that i have seen. if i were you i would want to first meet a breeder and play around an experience their bernese mountain dogs and you will see they are a VERY playful breed.

Anonymous - 6/25/2011 8:17:02 PM

My Bernese Mountain Dog is never on a leash and always stays by my side. But I did see one on vacation that the ownere said could not be OFF leash or she ran. We compared our dogs training history and she had never been off a leash, even to go out into the year to do her business since the day they got her. Mine, I just assumed didn't need to be on a leash and we've walked all around the neighborhood without one for the last two years. I've also taken him everywhere with me from the day he came home and this makes a HUGE difference to some that aren't socialized well. They are very shy and will hide in strange situations, so socialzing is critical to a well balanced adult dog.

Anonymous - 5/10/2011 1:17:40 PM

QUESTION: MY DAUGHTER ADOPTED , OVER A YEAR AGO, A SIX MONTHS 0LD, RESCUED, BERNESE MT. DOG THAT HAD BEEN ABUSED. SHE, DARCY, WAS SO FRIGHTENED THAT SHE WOULD NOT EVEN STAND, BUT RESPONDED QUICKLY TO LOVE. A FEW MONTHS AGO WE REALIZED THAT DARCY BECAME FRIGHTENED WHEN MY DAUGHTER LEFT THE HOUSE. ONE TIME WHILE WE WERE GONE, SHE WENT THROUGH A LARGE WINDOW. FORTUNATELY WE CAME HOME IN TIME TO RUSH HER TO THE ER BEFORE SHE BLED TO DEATH. SHE HAS GONE THROUGH TWO WINDOWS AND ONE DOOR. SO FAR ONLY THE ONE INJURY, THANK GOD. WE HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING OUR VET HAS SUGGESTED, INCLUDING 100 MG. ELAVIL. NOTHING WORKS. APPRECIATE YOUR HELP. JACKIE

Anonymous - 4/7/2011 4:38:49 PM

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Get a large crate or designate one safe room in the house. Maybe get a cat or another small dog or do something to give her confidence. Maybe take her out around other dogs and reward her with treats and affection. Also look for things that trigger her to panic and see if you can fix those issues. The Bernese Mountain Dog breed craves attention.

Anonymous - 10/21/2011 2:12:36 AM

I have done the same thing with my Bernese Mountain Dog and becuse of love and some tlc he got better but the same thing happened if you have a big yard that they can run in that is great but what really brought him around was when i got a little jack russel for my wife when i left he just started going and playing with him right away like it wasnt a big deal

Anonymous - 6/17/2011 6:59:46 AM

What about using a crate when you can't be there with her?

newfie0458 - 5/27/2011 12:02:44 AM

I would say take your Bernese Mountain Dog to a reputable doggie daycare that you have checked out. Then par it down to four days a week and then three alternating days then down to two that are separated. It works wonders for dogs that have separation anxiety disorders, which is definitely what this one has. It is money well spent and the socialization they get there is invaluable.

Anonymous - 5/10/2011 1:20:31 PM

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