Pet Insurance for your Bernese Mountain Dog
As a friendly and calm breed, the Bernese Mountain Dog forms strong bonds with its owners, making it an ideal, loyal, and loving family pet. Prone to specific genetic conditions, pet insurance for your Bernese Mountain Dog will help keep your furry family member as happy and healthy as possible. Read on to discover more about this majestic breed of dog.
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Bernese Mountain Dog Background
Originating in the Swiss Alps (Berne, Switzerland), the Bernese Mountain Dog is believed to have worked on Swiss farms for over 2000 years. A loyal and hardworking dog who can withstand cold temperatures, the Berner was used to pull carts, herd and watch over livestock, and provide companionship to remote farmers.
When machinery was introduced to the farming industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the breed massively declined. Luckily, Professor Albert Heim stepped in to preserve the breed, and the Bernese Mountain Dog regained its popularity as a farm dog and companion for Swiss families.
They were eventually imported to other countries, and their breed became popular due to their majestic nature, loyalty, and calmness.
Today, Bernese Mountain Dogs are still used as protection and herding dogs, but they are also brilliant family pets due to their loving and social nature.
To protect the health of your beloved Berner, take out appropriate insurance for your Bernese Mountain Dog today.
Why Choose PIA for the Dog Insurance of Your Bernese Mountain Dog?
Pet Insurance Australia offers coverage for up to 80% or 90% of eligible vet bills#, a 21-day cooling-off period, friendly customer service, and two months free on any new pet insurance plan.*
*Depending on your level of cover. Cover is subject to stated benefit limits, the annual condition limit, waiting periods and policy terms and conditions. Sub-limits and excess may apply. For Pet Essentials Cover the benefit percentage will reduce from 90% to 65% for pets over the age of 8 years.
Bernese Mountain Dog Characteristics
Despite their large size, Bernese Mountain Dogs are known as gentle giants. They are calm and gentle and get along well with children and other household animals.
This affectionate breed best suits families with the time, space, and energy to give. You’ll have a loyal, protective, and loving companion in return. The Bernese Mountain Dog will thrive living indoors, as its social nature means it wants to be included in your everyday life. Daily exercise of at least 30 minutes, along with toys for playtime, is needed to keep them happy and healthy.
As highly intelligent and emotionally receptive dogs, they’re easy to train and will pick up on human emotions to give you extra affection when needed. For this reason, they make excellent companion or service dogs.
This breed is prone to genetic health conditions, so it’s worth considering pet insurance for your Bernese Mountain Dog to help it receive the best treatment when needed.
Fast Facts
Average Height
Female: 58-66cm
Male: 64-70cm
Average Weight
Female: 31 – 45kg
Male: 40 – 54kg
Temperament
Gentle, affectionate, loyal, calm, playful and energetic
Lifespan
7-10 years
Known Genetic Issues
Hip or elbow dysplasia, bloat & cancer
Country of Origin
Berne, Switzerland
Exercise Requirements
30 minutes of daily exercise like park walks or hikes, along with toys for mental stimulation, will keep your Bernese Mountain Dog happy and healthy
Coat
A thick, medium-length, straight or wavy coat requiring weekly brushing or daily brushing during their shedding seasons
Coat Colours
Tricolour of black, tan and white
Specific Care Requirements
As a highly social dog, Bernese Mountain Dogs love human interaction, preferring to be inside and part of the family
Bernese Mountain Dog Common Health Problems
A genetic condition where the hip bone doesn’t fit snuggly into the hip socket, causing pain, lameness and arthritis. Proper diet, exercise and responsible breeding can help. However, pain medication or surgery to correct the defect may be prescribed by your vet.
Like Hip Dysplasia, this condition affects the elbow joints of your Bernese Mountain Dog, causing pain, lameness and eventual arthritis. Your vet will prescribe pain relief medication, advise you on the best diet to manage weight, and perform surgery if the condition is severe.
Bloat is a common ailment in large, deep-chested breeds of dogs where excess gas or air fills their stomach and can’t be expelled. An emergency, life-saving vet visit is required. Bloat can be avoided by feeding smaller meals throughout the day, slowing eating, and avoiding exercise after meals.
Elbow Dysplasia is a genetic condition that can occur in an Australian Cattle Dog. With this condition, the elbow bone and cartilage grow abnormally, causing lameness, limping, decreased movement and pain. Your vet can diagnose this condition and will prescribe joint supplements and anti-inflammatory medication to help your dog feel more comfortable.
Sadly, cancer is the leading cause of early death for Bernese Mountain Dogs, with various forms affecting the breed. Any abnormal swelling, bumps or sores that don’t heal should be checked immediately by your vet. Treatment for cancer includes chemotherapy, surgery and medication.
Contact PIA for Pet Insurance for Your Bernese Mountain Today
To learn more about pet insurance for Bernese Mountain Dogs, contact Pet Insurance Australia today. With a range of coverage options, fast online claims and excellent customer service, we’re here to help you ensure your pet enjoys a happy and healthy life with your family.
Insurance disclaimer
Pet Insurance Australia policies entered into for the first time prior to 8 May 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436, arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted, distributed and arranged by PetSure’s Authorised Representative (AR) Pet Insurance Australia Pty Ltd ABN 85 113 507 850, AR 326233 (PIA). Pet Insurance Australia policies entered into for the first time on or after 8 May 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure and promoted, distributed and arranged by PetSure’s AR, PIA. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at petinsuranceaustralia.com.au.
