Bernese Mountain Dog
This giant, friendly breed is certainly a head-turner and an invite for a snuggly cuddle. A sturdy working breed that is a delight in many homes, the Bernese Mountain Dog makes a wonderfully loyal companion to those who share his home.
Bernese Mountain Dog At A Glance
| Lifespan | 6-8 years |
| Temperament | A patient and affectionate breed known to be good around children. |
| Suitable | Being a friendly breed who thrives on love and companionship, they are best suited to a busy home or one where they do not spend ample hours alone. |
| Health | A generally healthy dog breed; however, like all dog breeds, they can suffer from specific health complaints. |
| COMMON CLAIMS | MAXIMUM CLAIM |
|---|---|
| Tissue Damage or Fracture | $5,800.19 |
| Ear Conditions | $1,121.50 |
| Gastrointestinal Tract Conditions | $458.19 |
| Foreign Body or Toxin Ingestion | $8,296.10 |
| Liver/Gallbladder/Biliary Tract Condition | $3,709.95 |
| Cruciate Disease | $5,307.25 |
| Neoplasia | $6,900.00 |
| Mass Lesion | $3,640.20 |
| Skin Conditions Allergy | $999.44 |
| Skin Conditions Lumps | $750.00 |
*Pet Insurance Australia Data 2022/2023
Trainability
The Berner, as they are affectionately known in their homeland of Switzerland, is an expert in training. The breed loves to learn and thrives in early training. Being a working breed, they will excel in many dog sports and advanced training activities. However, it is imperative to start from puppyhood as your wee bundle of fluff will grow into a very big, very heavy dog! This is why good training is paramount. Being able to control and handle such a big dog is an essential part of responsible pet ownership. Socialisation with as many sights, sounds (think dropping pots and vacuum cleaners) and people is also a good idea. Puppy preschools are a fantastic way to socialise your dog with other dogs and people in a safe environment. The Bernese Mountain Dog is sensitive and will not adapt well to harsh punishment training. As with any dog, positive reinforcement and working as a ‘team’ is an essential aspect of training.
Grooming
This stunning tri-coloured breed has a thick and luscious double coat with a long outer coat and a fluffy undercoat. So, needless to say, this breed sheds! All year round and heavier during the seasonal changes. He will require daily grooming to prevent tangles and keep his coat in good condition. A daily groom will also help reduce the number of hair-tumbleweeds around your home. They will only require bathing every few months unless they’ve rolled in something extra smelly. It’s a good idea to get your pup used to having their feet, ears and teeth examined. This will make vet check-ups easy, and it is advisable to keep their nails nice and short. Nail clipping from a young age will also make this monthly task easier.
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Common Health Conditions - Bernese Mountain Dog
Known for their impressive size, gentle nature, and striking appearance, the Bernese Mountain Dog is also prone to certain health conditions listed below.
- Hip Dysplasia: A typically genetic condition caused by a malfunction of the hip joint that can lead to arthritis, lameness and pain. In many dog breeds, this painful condition is commonly addressed with surgery, weight loss and medication.
- Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia is a condition that affects the elbow joint, leading to lameness and pain. The condition can be treated with weight management, surgery and medication.
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat): Being a deep-chested breed, the Bernese Mountain Dog can also be more susceptible to bloat. A life-threatening condition is caused when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. The condition requires emergency veterinary attention and possible surgery.
- Cancer: Unfortunately, Bernese Mountain Dogs do have a relatively high rate of cancer in comparison to other breeds, including mast cell tumours, lymphoma, and histiocytic sarcoma. Early detection is crucial to diagnose and treat. Treatment usually includes surgery and medication.
- Heart Problems: Heart diseases such as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) can affect Bernese Mountain Dogs. Regular veterinary check-ups can help monitor their heart health and ensure the appropriate treatment and medication are utilised.
- Histiocytosis: A rare form of cancer that primarily affects the Bernese Mountain Dog. It often presents as skin tumours or internal organ issues. There is currently no cure for this type of cancer; however, many owners choose chemotherapy to prolong life.
- Degenerative Myelopathy: This is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that tends to occur around the age of eight years. The disorder affects the spinal cord and can lead to hind leg paralysis. It's more common in certain breeds, including Bernese Mountain Dogs.
- Orthopaedic Problems: Due to their impressive size, Bernese Mountain Dogs can be prone to orthopaedic problems like cruciate ligament injuries and arthritis. Care needs to be taken during puppyhood regarding exercise, and ensuring your dog has a quality appropriate diet is essential. Treatment can include diet, weight management, surgery and medication, depending on the issue.
- Autoimmune Conditions: The Bernese Mountain Dog is also more susceptible to certain autoimmune conditions, such as autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia, Lupus and Degenerative Spinal Myelopathy. Caused when the immune system attacks parts of its body, treatment can include ongoing veterinary monitoring and specialised medications.
- Allergies: Like many breeds, the Bernese Mountain Dog can also suffer from skin and food allergies, leading to skin irritation and stomach upsets. Treatment typically involves reducing the allergen in your pet's environment, diet change, medicated shampoos and medication depending on the allergy.
Exercise Requirements
As a hardworking breed, the Bernese Mountain Dog does require a good dose of daily exercise. However, they do not handle the heat very well, so always exercise your dog in the cooler parts of the day. As a large breed, never exercise your dog after a meal, or this can lead to a condition known as bloat, which can be fatal for larger breeds. Your grown dog will require at least 30 minutes of vigorous activity daily to keep him happy and in good condition. A good brisk walk twice daily is also advised, alongside some play.
Intelligence
The striking Bernese Mountain Dog is a brilliant dog and thrives in the company of his pack. Because of this, they do not take well to endless hours locked in a kennel. Ensure you give your working dog lots of fun activities when you are not at home, such as treat balls and puzzles and rotate the games often. This is an energetic breed and will require a good dose of daily exercise to keep them out of trouble. This dog breed does not take well to tiny spaces, so if you are looking for an apartment-dwelling dog, this is not the breed for you. They also require good, sturdy fences and a decent outside area to romp in.
Family Friendly
Known as one of the best family dogs in town, the Berner is ideally suited to life alongside a busy, loving family. They are a laid-back and tolerant breed well known for being gentle and affectionate with those who adore them. Like all breeds, children should be supervised with all interactions as the Bernese Mountain Dog is a large breed that can accidentally knock over toddlers. Training and socialisation are essential to ensure your pup likes all the family members, including the existing pets. Due to their large size, all interactions should be supervised.
Indoor/outdoor?
This breed needs special consideration regarding the outside world, especially if you live somewhere hot. The Bernese Mountain Dog is ideally suited to life in cooler climates and will happily play in the snow. However, warmer weather can cause problems and lead to heatstroke. Always ensure your dog has ample shade and water alongside a nice cool place to lie down in the heat of the day. They need good, sturdy fences and a decent area to stretch their legs. The breed does not take well to long, endless hours left alone and will pine for their family and human pack.
Responsible Breeding
To ensure the health and well-being of your Bernese Mountain Dog, it’s essential to work with a responsible breeder who conducts regular health screenings and tests for genetic conditions in their bloodlines. Ask all the important questions about hereditary problems, and if you can, ask to view Mum and Dad. Also consider contacting your local breed club and research your chosen breeder. Your breeder should have proof that they regularly test their dogs for genetic diseases to ensure that the dogs they are breeding from have sound temperaments. It may take a little more time than a quick purchase, but it can save you and your family from the pain of a sick puppy or dog.
Contact PIA to Get Pet Insurance for Bernese Mountain Dogs
PIA is a family owned pet insurance company for Australia, and we have a long and successful history of helping owners care for their Bernese Mountain Dogs. Contact us today to learn more about our range of simple, flexible and affordable cover options.
