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.
Home » Dog Insurance » Bernese Mountain Dog
Nikki LevinTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely incredible service to the absolute highest standard. Pay back is immediate, gap cover is accepted, and in general the nicest most caring humans. I could not support my precious dog without their support. Could not recommend highly enough. Jen WebsterTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My normally very healthy, happy 16th month old chihuahua suddenly became very ill and had to be rushed to the animal hospital. After lots of tests and an overnight stay plus a week of strong antibiotics, she is now back to her normal lovely self. PIA accepted all the claims and processed the payments whilst I was still at the hospital. I could not be happier with the service I received from PIA. Simone RichardsonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Only need to pay the gap, prompt claims and high proportion of costs covered- wouldn’t be without - so grateful for PIA for our golden retriever- wouldn’t be without - highly recommend! Brad DeasTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have been insured with Pet Insurance Australia for our dog Ella for about 4 years now. The claiming process is extremely easy online and we usually receive our rebate within a day or so. Most recently we attended Sash Veterinary Hospital and they were able to process our claim for us so we only had to pay the gap payment. I would highly recommend Pet Insurance Australia. Personal GmailTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. PIA have become one of the best in their field. I highly recommend them, in fact many of my friends have signed up after my recommendation. Richard Taylor (artywah)Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our dog has had to undergo specialist cancer treatment and ongoing follow-up care. The PIA claims process has been easy to manage and has offered peace of mind for the cost of treatment Bianca BonnyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great Experience for my Beaglier Daisy! Easy, Stressfree and the whole team is great! Highly recommend Diane McKayTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent. Never a problem. Claims paid promptly. Jeffrey MarcTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very easy process to claim and fast reimbursement. It has been a massive help with helping our dog with his allergies. Very happy with them.Google rating score: 4.7 of 5, based on 471 reviewsVerified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
1 - Terms & Conditions Apply. 2 Month Offer Terms & Conditions can be viewed by clicking here
2 - Depending on your level of cover. Policy T&Cs, limits, exclusions, waiting periods and excess may apply.
3 - You may be eligible for a higher limit; if so, this will be specified in your certificate of insurance.
4 – Applies per Policy Period and is deducted from the benefit payable to you, depending on the cover option chosen. Please note the $600 excess option is not available with a 70% benefit percentage.
5 – T&Cs Apply. MyPetPass® is a rewards programme provided by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923 (PetSure). Available to holders of active policies. myPetPass® perks are provided by PetSure and third-party suppliers and also subject to these third-party suppliers’ terms and conditions. myPetPass® perks may be amended or withdrawn any time without notice. PetSure does not guarantee that any particular third-party providers will continue to participate in myPetPass® through the offer or provision of perks, or that the myPetPass® rewards programme or any myPetPass® perks or features of myPetPass® will continue to be available. Full Terms & Conditions available at mypetpass.com.au/terms.
6 – After all documentation received.
7 - A separate limit applies to the non-insurance Routine Care item. Routine Care limits apply to specific routine care items. Click here for more info.
8 - There is a 6-month waiting period for cruciate ligament claims. This waiting period may be waived at our discretion. For details on the waiver process, refer to the applicable Product Disclosure Statement.
9 - Terms & Conditions Apply. 3 Month Offer Terms & Conditions can be viewed by clicking here
10 - Live Vet Support is a service provided by PetSure that gives you 24/7 access to general veterinary telehealth advice for your insured pet(s) via online video or chat, via the Customer Portals owned and operated by PetSure. Access to Live Vet Support consultations subject to the Customer Portal terms of use.
11 - Available at participating vets, find your nearest GapOnly® Vet at gaponly.com.au. The gap is the difference between the vet’s invoice and the eligible claim benefit under your pet insurance policy. GapOnly® is a trademark owned by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183. GapOnly® is available on eligible claims at participating vets with a pet insurance policy from a GapOnly® pet insurance partner.
12 - A 5% discount off your second pet insured, 10% discount off your third pet insured, 15% discount off your fourth and subsequent pets insured. For full terms and conditions of this discount, click here
13 - Policy T&Cs, Booster Care limit, applicable benefit percentage, waiting periods and exclusions apply. Annual excess may apply.
14 - Policy T&Cs, limits, exclusions and waiting periods apply. Annual excess may apply.
15 - Depending on the level of cover chosen
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. the PDS and Target Market Determination available at petinsuranceaustralia.com.au.
We understand that there are times when our customers may be feeling vulnerable due to a range of factors. In these situations, we are committed to taking extra care and recognise these vulnerabilities can give rise to unique needs, which can change over time or in response to particular situations. If you are experiencing vulnerability and would like more information on the extra care we can provide please email us on [email protected]. You can also access our underwriter’s Family Violence Policy here, and their website also contains additional accessible ways you can contact us.