Gentle and Affectionate

Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their calm and gentle nature, making them great family pets. 

Excellent with Children

They are patient and tolerant with children, often forming strong bonds with young family members. 

Loyal and Protective

Bernese Mountain Dogs are loyal to their families and can be protective, making them good watchdogs without being overly aggressive. 

Good for Cold Climates

Their thick coat makes them well-suited for colder weather, where they are comfortable outdoors. 

Short Lifespan

Like many large breeds, Bernese Mountain Dogs have a relatively short lifespan of around 7-10 years. 

High Grooming Needs

Their thick, double coat sheds heavily, requiring regular grooming and maintenance, especially during shedding seasons. 

Prone to Health Issues

Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia and cancer, which can result in high veterinary costs. 

Not Ideal for Hot Climates

Due to their thick coat, Bernese Mountain Dogs can overheat in warm weather and need extra care to stay cool. 

Exercise Needs

Bernese Mountain Dogs are relatively active and require regular exercise to stay healthy. They enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, walking, and playing in large open spaces. However, they do not have the same energy levels as some other working breeds, and they enjoy relaxation time with their families as well. 

Walks

Bernese Mountain Dogs need at least one or two long walks per day, along with playtime in a secure yard. While they enjoy moderate exercise, care should be taken not to over-exercise them during their growth periods to avoid stress on their joints. 

Training

Bernese Mountain Dogs are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement training, and early obedience training is important to ensure good behaviour, especially given their large size. Consistency and patience are key to training a Bernese Mountain Dog, as they can be sensitive to harsh correction. 

Purchase Price

$4,000 - $8,000 AUD depending on breeder and lineage. 

Initial Setup

Around $500 - $1,000 AUD, with larger, durable items needed due to their size. (crate, bed, toys, etc.)

Food

Approximately $2,000 - $3,000 AUD per year, given their size and dietary needs. 

Grooming

Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks can cost around $800 - $1,200 AUD per year. Regular at-home brushing is essential to prevent matting and manage shedding. 

Vet Bills

Initial vaccinations, microchipping, and desexing can cost around $600 - $1,200 AUD. Ongoing annual check-ups and preventive care could cost $800 - $1,500 AUD per year, with additional expenses for managing joint issues or cancer. 

Total Lifetime Cost

Over a 7–10-year lifespan, the total cost of ownership can range from $30,000 - $50,000 AUD, depending on health and lifestyle factors. 

Size and Weight

Bernese Mountain Dogs typically stand 58-70 cm (23-28 inches) tall and weigh between 35-50 kg (77-110 lbs), with males generally being larger than females. 

Coat

Bernese Mountain Dogs have a long, thick, double coat designed to protect them in cold climates. The coat sheds year-round, with heavier shedding during seasonal changes. Regular brushing is essential to manage shedding and prevent matting. 

Colour Options

Bernese Mountain Dogs have a distinct tri-colour coat, featuring black, white, and rust-coloured markings. Their markings are symmetrical, and their beautiful coat is one of their most recognizable features. 

Temperament

Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their calm, friendly, and affectionate temperament. They are loyal and devoted to their families and tend to be gentle and patient, especially with children. Despite their size, they are not aggressive but will protect their family if necessary. Bernese are social dogs that enjoy being part of family life and are generally good with other pets. 

Good with Children

Bernese Mountain Dogs are excellent with children due to their gentle, patient nature. They are protective but not aggressive, making them great companions for families with young children. Supervision is recommended around very young children due to their size. 

Socialisation

Early socialisation is important to help Bernese Mountain Dogs develop confidence and comfort in different environments, with people, and with other animals. Their natural friendliness and calm demeanour make them relatively easy to socialise. 

Indoors vs. Outdoors

Bernese Mountain Dogs prefer to live indoors with their families but enjoy spending time outdoors for exercise and play. They are not suited for full-time outdoor living due to their social nature and strong bond with their family. They do best in homes with large yards or access to outdoor spaces. 

Apartment Living

Due to their large size, Bernese Mountain Dogs are not ideal for apartment living unless they have regular access to outdoor areas. They need space to move around and enjoy spending time in open spaces. 

Time Alone

Bernese Mountain Dogs do not do well when left alone for long periods, as they thrive on companionship and may become anxious or bored if isolated for extended periods. They are best suited to homes where someone is present for most of the day or where they have another pet for company. 

Common Health Issues

Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to several health conditions, including hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat (gastric torsion), and certain types of cancer, particularly mast cell tumours and histiocytosis. Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and appropriate exercise are essential for maintaining their health. Early screening for genetic conditions is important when selecting a Bernese puppy from a breeder. 

Guarding Ability

While not aggressive, Bernese Mountain Dogs are protective of their families and make good watchdogs. They are naturally alert and will bark to alert their owners of strangers or unusual activity, though they are typically friendly once introduced. 

Affectionate Nature

Bernese Mountain Dogs are affectionate and enjoy being close to their families. They are known for their calm and loving demeanour, making them excellent companions for both individuals and families. 

Suitability for Dog Parks

Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally social with other dogs, but supervision is recommended in dog parks due to their size. Early socialisation ensures they interact well with other pets, though they are usually friendly and gentle. 

Climate Adaptability

Bernese Mountain Dogs are well-suited for colder climates due to their thick, double coat, but they can struggle in warmer weather. In hotter regions, it’s important to provide plenty of water, shade, and avoid exercising them during the hottest parts of the day. They may benefit from air conditioning or cooling mats in hot weather. 

Ethical Breeding Considerations

Due to their predisposition to certain genetic conditions, such as hip dysplasia and cancer, it’s important to purchase from a reputable breeder who conducts health screenings. Ethical breeding practices help reduce the risk of hereditary health problems and ensure the well-being of the puppies.