Life expectancy

8 years

Age adult

34 months

Height (Shoulder height)

64 cm

Weight

45 kg

Coat texture

long-haired / undercoat / wavy / short straight hair on the face

Coat color

black with red-brown and white markings

Common illnesses

dysplasia of the hip joint / cancer/ predisposition to tumor / sensitive to heat / degenerative myelopathy / kidney disease / adiposity / Animal welfare relevant breeding for extreme breeding / osteochondritis dissecans (OCD or OD)

Food expenses per month in €

about € 84

Suitable for children

Rather yes

Needs a garden

Rather yes

Hunting motivated / needs alternative employment

Rather not

First dog suitable

Rather yes

Allergy friendly

Rather not

Athletic

Attention

Care and grooming

Eager to learn

Exercise

Nature

balanced / alert / clingy / good-natured / stubborn / cuddly

Bred for

watchdog / cattle dog / Zughund (meist im zweier Gespann)

Common illnesses

dysplasia of the hip joint / cancer/ predisposition to tumor / sensitive to heat / degenerative myelopathy / kidney disease / adiposity / Animal welfare relevant breeding for extreme breeding / osteochondritis dissecans (OCD or OD)

Dog type according to FCI

pinscher and schnauzer - molossoid - swiss mountain and cattledogs

FCI description

Section 1 Pinscher and Schnauzer. These were once farm dogs that kept house and stables free of mice and rats. They also protected against intruders and accompanied the carts. They are often independent, suspicious of strangers and vigilant.

Section 2 Molossoids. These great dane-like dogs were used in the war as fighting dogs and in the Middle Ages for big game hunting. Later for guarding large estates. They are big, defensive dogs who protect and defend their family. They need a loving education early on and must not be armed in any way, otherwise the strong animals get out of control. Also the mountain dogs were typical house and yard dogs which are ready to defend but little aggressive. With same-sex conspecific, they get along however usually less well because of its distinctive precinct-behavior.

Section 3 Swiss Mountain Dog. These worked as herd prodection dogs or guard dogs in alpine valleys or pulled milk carts. They are independent, territorial and guarded house, yard and livestock.

Many dogs from this group grow very big, have a strong personality and need patient training. They can become great partners for life if you have enough space and time. Others are small, but still stubborn and want to be challenged so that their activity and vigilance can be lived out and not used against others.

Short description

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a strong, friendly and confident family-dog. He needs physical exercise, but is not suitable for dog sports. Other than that he is a good tracking dog. Although he is known to be alert, he is never aggressive. He can be very attached and cuddly, but tends to be stubbron sometimes.