Bernese Mountain Dog – The gentle giant with a big heart

The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the most popular large dog breeds worldwide. Its imposing appearance, beautiful tricolored coat, and calm, friendly nature make it an ideal family and companion dog. Originally from Switzerland, the Bernese Mountain Dog was used as a farm, guard, and draft dog. Its reliability, strength, and good nature quickly made it an indispensable helper to farmers.
Today, the Bernese Mountain Dog is not only a reliable working dog, but also a particularly loyal family companion, valued for its loving nature.

Out and about with the dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog loves spending time with its people – whether on a walk, an excursion into nature, or a leisurely stroll through town. Its calm, even-tempered nature makes it a stress-free companion in everyday life. However, due to its size and dense coat, walks in the early morning and evening hours are recommended during the summer. Regular breaks, water, and comfortable paths ensure that the Bernese can enjoy every outing.

Character traits and personality characteristics of the Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is characterized by its particularly friendly and even-tempered personality. Its typical traits include:
• gentle, loving and child-friendly
• very people-oriented and loyal
• patient and resilient
• alert, but not aggressive
• calm temperament
• willing to learn and reliable
Bernese Mountain Dogs love close contact with their family and only feel truly comfortable when they are part of family life. Loving, calm training and varied activities are ideal for this sensitive and good-natured breed.

Exercise requirement – moderate, but regular

Although the Bernese Mountain Dog was formerly used as a working and draft dog, it is now considered one of the more laid-back dog breeds. Nevertheless, it needs daily exercise and light mental stimulation.

Particularly suitable are:

• leisurely but long walks
• easy hikes
• Search games and nose work
• Slow-paced dog sledding sports (e.g., dog scootering for beginners)
• Calm fetch fun

Intensive sports such as agility or fast sprint games are less ideal, as they could overstress the joints.

Care – Family dog with a heart of gold

The Bernese Mountain Dog is an ideal companion for:

• Families with children
• People who have a lot of time for closeness and affection.
• Owners with house and garden
• quiet, relaxed households

He is less suitable for very athletic people or small city apartments. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a dog that needs space, affection, and plenty of rest.

Coat & Care – magnificent, but high-maintenance

The Bernese Mountain Dog's long, silky coat is one of its most distinctive features – however, it requires regular grooming. Typical characteristics include:
• long, glossy, tricolored fur (black, white, reddish-brown)
• dense undercoat
• heavy shedding, especially during molting season

Care instructions:

• Brush at least 2-3 times per week
• daily during shedding
• Check claws, ears and paws
• occasional bathing

Health & Life Expectancy

The Bernese Mountain Dog is prone to several breed-specific diseases:
• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Cancer (unfortunately common)
• Gastric torsion
• Joint diseases
• Heart and respiratory problems

Life expectancy is 6–9 years, which is not unusual for large breeds.
Special considerations when buying a muzzle for a Bernese Mountain Dog
Due to its large head, broad muzzle, and powerful snout, it is particularly important that a muzzle fits well and does not chafe. Standard models from retailers often do not fit optimally and can cause pressure sores.

A custom-made muzzle from BUMAS is ideal for the Bernese Mountain Dog:

The flexible, soft BioThane® material ensures high wearing comfort, does not press on the nose and allows unrestricted panting – especially important for a large breed with a dense coat structure.
BUMAS muzzles offer safety, a perfect fit and comfortable wear, which significantly increases acceptance among Bernese Mountain Dogs.

A custom-made muzzle from BUMAS It's comfortable and pleasant for your Bernese Mountain Dog to wear. The BioThane® material is soft and flexible, so it doesn't press on your dog's nose, but provides protection and security.

We have also developed a great muzzle for Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Profile of the Bernese Mountain Dog

Origin : Switzerland
Size : 58–70 cm
Weight : 30–55 kg
Character : gentle, friendly, loyal, calm
Coat/Color : long, tricolored, dense
Use : Family dog, companion dog, former draft dog
Life expectancy : 6–9 years

Conclusion – Who is a Bernese Mountain Dog suitable for?

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a loving, even-tempered companion, particularly well-suited to families and people with a quiet lifestyle. He loves companionship, walks, and cozy moments. Those who provide him with sufficient exercise, grooming, and affection will gain a gentle and loyal friend for life.