Bernese Mountain Dog

Commonly known as Berners and hailing from the high swiss mountains, the Bernese Mountain dog was formerly a working dog. This dog breed was initially developed to pull carts, herd cattle and also act as watchdogs. They are widely known for their loyalty and the high amount of energy they have. Discover more about our Bernese Mountain Dog puppies for sale below!

History 

It is said that the berner was being put to work on swiss farms for more than a thousand years where it was hidden away far away in the alps, herding cattle and giving companionship. However, the need for a working dog began to dwindle in Switzerland around 1888 as more than half of the population gave up agricultural work. 

Some breeders took it upon themselves to preserve their native dog breeds and they achieved this by creating a dog club which they called “Berna”. After the first world war, Berners were exported to holland and the united states. 

In 1936, English breeders took it upon themselves to breed Bernese mountain dogs and succeeded as the first litter was born in England in the same year. The second world war put a halt on the importation of dog breeds, but these activities soon resumed in the united states after 1945. Today, the Bernese Mountain dog is a full member of the AKC.  

Temperament  

Berners are very intelligent, loving, and affectionate dogs. They love being part of a family and thrive when they are included in all fun family activities. Although berners are quite protective of their territories, they are not overly aggressive with strangers. 

Instead, they tend to be withdrawn and a little shy around many people. It is therefore important that owners expose their dogs to different people and animals in the early stages of their lives to make them comfortable with new faces. 

Socialization is very important to the overall health of every dog and with berners, the earlier they are trained in this aspect, the more well-rounded they become as adult dogs. 

Environment 

Since they were initially bred as working dogs, the Bernese mountain dog has to be kept active and learning for it to thrive. It doesn’t do well in small places so this is not the dog breed for you if you live in an apartment. 

They love having a wide expanse of land to run around in and use their playtime to get as much exercise as they need. Berners are family dogs and they need to be around kids and friendly adults as often as possible.  

Exercise 

Aside from the usual yard playtime they get, berners need to be exercised daily for about 30 minutes. These exercises should be both mental and physical and not too easy to ensure that they stay in great shape. 

Since Berners have the tendency to add a lot of weight if not well monitored, some experts advise they get at least 60-90 minutes of vigorous exercise daily to keep health conditions associated with weight gain at bay. Simple activities like swimming, hiking, running, etc, are great choices of exercise.  

Grooming 

As beautiful as berners are, it comes at a high price. They are huge shedders and will shed all year long, especially during the spring and fall seasons. To control this, they need to be thoroughly brushed several times every week to prevent tangling of their coat and also minimize the amount of hair around the house. 

Their teeth should be brushed at least twice monthly and their nails should be trimmed every other month. The back of their ears and gums should also be checked as often as possible to avoid any infectious occurrences. Every three months, berners should be bathed thoroughly to maintain a neat appearance. If berners are groomed often at a young age, they become more accustomed to it as they grow and will cooperate fully.  

Our Bernese Mountain Dog puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. USDA licensed commercial breeders account for less than 20% of all breeders in the country. 

The unregulated breeders who are selling outside of the USDA regulations and without a license are what we consider to be “Puppy Mills.” We are committed to offering Bernese Mountain Dog puppies who will grow up to become important members of your family. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell.

Contact us today to learn more about the availability of our Bernese Mountain Dog puppies for sale. We look forward to helping you find your next family member. Our pet counselors can answer any questions you have about our Bernese Mountain Dog puppies.

Top Ten Frequently Asked Questions about the Bernese Mountain Dog 

Do Bernese Mountain Dogs need a lot of exercise? 

Yes, they do. For great health, Berners need at least 30 minutes of exercise on a daily basis.  

Why do Bernese Mountain Dogs constantly want to cuddle? 

The Bernese mountain dogs were bred as watchdogs. They have the natural instinct to protect and care for their owners. This is why they will constantly place their paws on you and want to get into bed with you.  

Do Bernese Mountain Dogs shed often? 

Berners shed all year long with an emphasis on the fall and spring seasons. They are huge shedders and hence, they require a lot of brushing and coat grooming.  

Can Bernese Mountain Dogs survive in apartments? 

Berners crave companionship and don’t like being left alone. They will not thrive in apartments and elongated solitude will take a toll on their health and character.  

Are Bernese Mountain Dogs aggressive? 

The Bernese Mountain dog is one of the calmest and quiet dog breeds in existence. They are nurturing, caring and although they can be protective, they do not mark their territory in an aggressive way.  

How long do Bernese Mountain Dogs live? 

Berners have an average lifespan of 6-8 years.  

How smart are Bernese Mountain Dogs? 

Berners are more obedient than smart. They are eager to learn and please their masters and will do whatever is asked of them. This means they are quite easy to train and with consistent mental exercises, can become quite intelligent.  

Are Bernese Mountain Dogs playful? 

Berners have a lot of energy and can be very playful especially in the early ages.  

How much do Bernese Mountain Dogs weigh? 

Male Berners weigh about 80-115pound while their female counterpart weighs about 70-95pounds 

Should Bernese Mountain Dogs be spayed? 

Although not mandatory, vets do advise that your berner should be neutered or spayed between 4-9 months of age.