Character & Temperament

The Bernese Mountain Dog is an exceptionally gentle and friendly dog, often referred to as a "gentle giant". His loving nature makes him a wonderful family dog. He is very people-oriented and builds a strong bond with his family. This also makes him a good companion for children, although of course it is always important to supervise interactions between dogs and children. The Bernese Mountain Dog has a rather calm temperament, but is still playful and enjoys family activities. His alertness and protective instinct are still present, which is why he is also a good watchdog without being aggressive. However, this should not be confused with an overprotective instinct, as they are usually well socialized and friendly towards strangers. Because the Bernese Mountain Dog was originally used as a working dog, it has a certain level of energy that should be expended through regular exercise and mental stimulation. At the same time, you should be careful not to overwhelm him, especially at a young age, as this can put strain on his joints. The Bernese Mountain Dog does not particularly exhibit hunting or prey-catching behavior, but as with all dogs, this can vary from person to person. It is important to socialize him well from an early age and give him a clear structure, otherwise he can tend to be a bit stubborn. As for being alone, the Bernese Mountain Dog can learn to stay alone for short periods of time, but due to his close bond with his family, this should not be overused. Long periods of alone time are not suitable for him. Overall, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a loving, loyal and gentle breed that fits wonderfully into family life and is a reliable companion. For people who are willing to dedicate themselves to grooming and exercise needs and want to build a close bond with their dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a wonderful choice.

What Awaits You

Bernese Mountain Dogs are considered sociable, calm dogs. They can also be territorial and wary, as well as unfriendly towards strangers. As with many large breeds, life expectancy is rather short. Common problems include musculoskeletal disorders and cancer.

Housing & Care

Due to their size and need for exercise, Bernese Mountain Dogs are not necessarily suited to city life in a small apartment. They thrive in environments with plenty of space to move and play. They are very family oriented and tend to get along well with children, although it is important to monitor the interaction. They can also get along with cats and other pets, especially if they are raised together from an early age.

Training & Education

Bernese Mountain Dogs are intelligent and trainable dogs, but training them requires patience and consistency. It's important to teach them frustration tolerance and impulse control early on so that they grow into well-behaved adults. Because of their work history, they enjoy activities that challenge both their bodies and their minds. Suitable activities can include pulling dogs or agility. Although they enjoy a good level of activity, it is important to be careful not to "over-occupy" the dog as this can lead to stress and joint problems. Ball games should be enjoyed with caution as Bernese Mountain Dogs tend to become ball junkies.

Nutrition & Care

Bernese Mountain Dogs benefit from a balanced diet tailored to their specific needs. Because of their size and activity, they require a diet rich in proteins and healthy fats. Make sure you choose food that is suitable for large breeds and does not contain unnecessary fillers. Regarding coat care: Bernese Mountain Dogs have long, silky fur with a dense undercoat. They tend to shed, especially during shedding periods. Regular brushing (several times a week) is necessary to prevent mats and keep the skin healthy. Their undercoat insulates them well, so they can cope with the German climate.