Bernese Mountain Dog
Working Group
Height at Shoulders
Females 23-26 in, Males 25-27.5 in
Weight
Females 70-90 lbs, Males 80-115 lbs
Life Expectancy
7-10 yrs
History
The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of 4 Sennenhund-type dogs from the Swiss Alps. The term "Sennenhund" comes from German "senne", meaning "alpine pasture" and "hund", meaning dog. "Bernese" refers to the canton of Bern where they originated. The breed originated as a multi-purpose farm dog, droving cattle, guarding livestock, and pulling carts to support Switzerland's huge dairy industry. They also served as gentle, affectionate, and warm companions to the farmers' families at night. Although the use of farming machines in the 19th century made the Bernese Mountain Dog more obsolete, enough fans of the breed existed to prevent its extinction.
Breed Characteristics
While not all Bernese Mountain Dogs share the exact same personality and temperament, there are certain generalizations that can be made about the breed. In addition to genetics, a dog’s environment, training, socialization, and many other factors all contribute to their personality and behavior.
Intelligence
Affection Towards Family
Friendliness Towards Strangers
Friendliness Towards Other Dogs
Exercise Needs
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Energy Level
Sensitivity
Noise Level
Prey Drive
Shedding
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Intelligence
★★★★☆
Affection Towards Family
★★★★★
Friendliness Towards Strangers
★★★★★
Friendliness Towards Other Dogs
★★★☆☆
Exercise Needs
★★★☆☆
Energy Level
★★★★☆
Sensitivity
★★★★☆
Noise Level
★★★★☆
Prey Drive
★★★★★
Shedding
★★★★★
Common Traits
Loyal, affectionate, and gentle with a happy-go-lucky attitude
Profuse shedders and droolers
Intelligent, love to learn, and generally easy to train
Very family-oriented and want to be involved in everything
Slow to mature mentally and physically- remain in "puppyhood" for a few years
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