Bernese Hound Rescue Dogs for Adoption

If you are thinking about adopting a Bernese Hound, you are making a special decision for an exceptional companion. This Swiss breed was originally bred to hunt hares and other game with great stamina in the Bernese Alps. Standing 49 to 59 cm at the shoulder and weighing 14 to 20 kg in the case of males, he has an athletic build that demands exercise.

When a Bernese Hound ends up in a shelter, it is rarely because of his character – quite the opposite: he is extremely people-oriented, affectionate and exceptionally good with children and families. Often the previous owners’ circumstances simply changed, or the breed’s typical needs were underestimated at first. Cramped city life will hardly do this hound justice. In everyday life, his high energy level and strong urge to explore the world with his nose go hand in hand with an independent personality. Because he had to work on his own when hunting, training him takes a great deal of patience and consistency. When a lack of time or surroundings that offer too little stimulation come into play, owners sometimes, with a heavy heart, look for a new and more suitable home for their four-legged friend.

If you choose a rescue dog, you get a surprise package with wonderful potential. Even with a history behind them, Bernese Hounds are usually friendly, open and good with other dogs. Because they are so attached to their people, they often suffer from the separation in a shelter and quickly blossom again in a stable environment. The short, dense, glossy coat makes grooming easy for you and does not shed much.

In terms of health, the breed, with a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, is generally considered robust, but it does have breed-typical issues affecting the joints, eyes and ears. Known risks include hip dysplasia (HD, screening for which is part of the recommended health standard for the breed) and elbow dysplasia (ED), both assessed by X-ray, as well as generalised progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) of the eyes. A health-focused breeder has the parents’ hips, elbows and eyes examined clinically and by X-ray, and selects for ears that are not prone to problems, in order to reduce the risks for the offspring. In a shelter, this complete documentation of ancestry is often missing. So pay particular attention to the dog’s gait, and check and clean his long, drooping ears regularly to prevent infections.

Cost comparison: adoption fee for a Bernese Hound vs. buying from a breeder

While a puppy from a breeder costs between 1,500 and 2,500 euros, for a Bernese Hound from a shelter you pay a much lower adoption fee. This usually already covers vaccinations, the microchip and a veterinary check-up on admission; ask to see the relevant documents beforehand and check them carefully. It is best to set the money you save aside straight away as a cushion for good-quality initial equipment – in particular a well-fitting harness and a long line – as well as for future vet costs or pet insurance.

Clear structure and a calm start will help your new companion settle in safely with you:

• Safety first: Use a long line consistently in the first weeks. As soon as the hound catches an exciting scent, he quickly tunes out his surroundings, as is typical of the breed.
• Nose work instead of overload: Offer him mental stimulation through targeted search games, tracking or mantrailing. This exercises him in a way that suits his nature and greatly strengthens your bond.
• Establish rest periods: However active the Bernese Hound is outdoors, regular breaks at home are just as important so that he can settle after the stress of the shelter.
• Build a grooming routine: From the start, gently get him used to you checking his long ears for dirt or redness after every walk.