Bernese Mountain Dog
伯恩山犬
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, tricoloured Swiss farm dog with a thick, moderately long coat and a famously good-natured, calm temperament. Berners are devoted to their families, eager to please and easy to train, need moderate daily exercise, thrive in cold weather and struggle in heat, and sadly have one of the shortest lifespans of the popular breeds.
Facts
| Size | Large |
|---|---|
| Height | 56–70cm |
| Weight | 32–52kg |
| Life expectancy | 7–10years |
| Breed group | AKC: working FCI: 2 |
| Role | Working |
| Coat | Double coat |
| Shedding | 5/ 5 |
| Exercise | 30–120min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 4 hours |
| Companionship need | 4/ 5 |
| Trainability | 4/ 5 |
| Barking | 3/ 5 |
| Good with children | 5/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 5/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 2/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 5/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Hip dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen hips by X-ray. Ask your vet about hip screening and about keeping your dog lean and fit.
Elbow dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen elbows by X-ray. Ask your vet if you notice front-leg lameness, especially in a growing dog.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
An inherited eye condition reported in the breed; DNA tests and eye examinations are available. Ask your vet or breeder about eye screening.
Cataracts
Hereditary cataracts are reported in the breed. Ask your vet about eye examinations if you notice cloudiness in the eyes.
Subvalvular aortic stenosis
Subvalvular aortic stenosis is reported in the breed; a heart murmur in a puppy should be checked. Ask your vet about cardiac screening.
Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
Deep-chested dogs of this breed are at risk of bloat, a life-threatening emergency. Ask your vet about the warning signs and prevention options.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is reported in the breed. Ask your vet about thyroid testing if you notice weight gain, lethargy or coat changes.
Von Willebrand disease
An inherited bleeding disorder reported in the breed; a DNA test is available. Ask your breeder about testing and tell your vet before any surgery.
Cancer
Certain cancers are reported at higher rates in the breed. Ask your vet about regular check-ups and about any new lumps.
Cherry eye / eyelid problems
Eyelid and tear-film problems (cherry eye, entropion, dry eye) are reported in the breed. Ask your vet if the eyes look red, sore or weepy.
Immune-mediated conditions
Immune-mediated conditions are reported in the breed. Ask your vet if your dog has unexplained illness.
Behaviour
Temperament is the breed's greatest asset
The CKC says one of the breed's strongest assets is its wonderful temperament — consistent and dependable, very attached to its owner yet an excellent family companion and protector with a strong desire to please; the AKC notes Berners are intelligent and usually easy to train.
Moderate exercise, cool weather
The AKC says Berners need at least half an hour of moderate exercise daily, enjoy long walks and hikes, and are meant to live indoors with the family; it also describes the breed as a hardy dog that thrives in cold weather, which is the flip side of poor heat tolerance.
Energy and exercise
Energy level is rated 4/5 (high) on the AKC breed-trait chart. The Royal Kennel Club puts its exercise need at "up to 1 hour per day".
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 4/5, barking level 3/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — Bernese Mountain Dog
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Canadian Kennel Club — Bernese Mountain Dog (Working Dogs)
Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
The Royal Kennel Club — Bernese Mountain Dog
Breed characteristics (size large, exercise up to 1 hour per day, lifespan under 10 years), plus the recommended pre-breeding health schemes and DNA tests.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — Bernese Mountain Dog (standard no. 45, group 2)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Bernese Mountain Dog — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Bernese Mountain Dog — Choosing a Breed — Canadian Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]Bernese Mountain Dog — Breeds A to Z — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]Bernese Mountain Dog — FCI standard no. 45 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [6]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
Still have questions?
Ask owners on the PawMunity forum — every breed has its own board.
Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.