Buyer question
Is a Bernese Mountain Dog good for beginners?
Yes: our Animal Library rates the Bernese Mountain Dog 4 out of 5 for beginners (gentle, but big).
Source: the Bernese Mountain Dog page in the Everybarn Animal Library. Bernese Mountain Dog in the Animal Library
The detail
A Swiss farm dog bred to pull carts, drive cattle and guard, the Bernese is big, calm, affectionate and beautiful. It is one of the gentlest giant breeds with family, but it has a short lifespan and a heavy load of inherited disease.
- Temperament
- Calm, gentle, affectionate
- Best fit
- Families in cooler climates
- Trainability
- 4 out of 5 (Willing, a bit slow)
- Energy
- 3 out of 5 (30–60 min daily)
- Grooming load
- 4 out of 5 (Brush often, heavy shed)
What to weigh
Berners shed heavily, struggle in heat and live shorter lives than most breeds, with cancer the leading cause of death. Choosing a breeder who tracks longevity and health in their lines matters more than usual.