Adult Bernese mountain dog.
Photo: John Daniels/Bruce Coleman, Inc.
Height: 23-27.5 inches
Weight: 80-90 lbs.
Life Span: 10-12 yrs.
Breed Group:
Guardian Dogs Overview
The Bernese mountain dog is sweet, gentle, and family-oriented. It does well in obedience training. It is friendly to people it knows--including children--and other animals, but may be aloof with strangers. The Bernese is a good watchdog.
Appearance
The Bernese's coat is soft, silky, shiny, long, and slightly wavy. Its color is jet-black with rich rust and pure white markings. Rust appears over each eye, on the cheeks, on each side of the chest, on all four legs, and under the tail. There is a white blaze and muzzle band. A white marking on the chest typically forms an inverted cross. The tip of the tail is white.
Grooming & Exercise Needs
The Bernese needs weekly brushings and a few long walks daily.
Origins
The Bernese mountain dog is descended from the huge mastiff fighting dogs that accompanied the Romans into northern Europe 2,000 years ago. Until the early 20th century, it was used for cowherding.
Special Alerts
Breed-related health concerns: hip and elbow dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans, malignant histiocytosis (a malignant form of cancer characterized by infiltration of the spleen and liver with malignant cells).
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