Bernese Mountain Dog Owner's Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Congratulations on welcoming a Bernese Mountain Dog into your family! Bernese Mountain Dogs, or Berners, are known for their gentle nature, loyalty, and stunning appearance. This guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to care for your new furry friend and ensure they thrive in your home.
🐾 About the Breed
Origin: Switzerland
Size: Large (70-115 lbs)
Lifespan: 7-10 years
Temperament: Gentle, loyal, affectionate, intelligent
Coat: Thick, double coat with tri-color markings (black, white, and rust)
Bernese Mountain Dogs were originally bred as working dogs on Swiss farms, where they were used to pull carts and herd livestock. Their calm and patient demeanor makes them excellent family companions.
🐾 1. Temperament and Personality
Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their:
Gentle nature: They are great with children and other animals.
Loyalty: They form strong bonds with their families and are protective.
Intelligence: They are quick learners and eager to please.
Affection: They thrive on human interaction and love being part of the family.
They are best suited for families who can provide them with plenty of attention and love.
🐾 2. Exercise and Activity Needs
Bernese Mountain Dogs are a large and active breed that requires regular exercise to stay healthy and happy.
Daily Exercise Requirements:
Puppies: 10-20 minutes of playtime multiple times a day
Adults: 30-60 minutes of exercise per day, including walks and playtime
They enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, running, and playing in the yard. However, avoid excessive exercise when they are young to prevent joint issues.
🐾 3. Grooming and Coat Care
Bernese Mountain Dogs have a thick double coat that requires regular grooming to keep it healthy.
Grooming Tips:
Brushing: Brush their coat 2-3 times per week to reduce shedding and prevent matting.
Bathing: Bathe them every 6-8 weeks or as needed.
Nail Trimming: Trim their nails regularly to prevent discomfort.
Ear Cleaning: Check their ears for signs of infection and clean them with a vet-approved solution.
Teeth Cleaning: Brush their teeth regularly to maintain oral health.
🐾 4. Feeding and Nutrition
A well-balanced diet is essential for your Bernese Mountain Dog's overall health and longevity.
Diet Guidelines:
Puppies: Feed a high-quality large-breed puppy formula to support healthy growth.
Adults: Switch to a large-breed adult formula around 12-18 months of age.
Portion Control: Follow your vet's recommendations for portion sizes to prevent obesity.
Foods to Avoid:
Chocolate
Grapes and raisins
Onions and garlic
Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
Cooked bones
Always provide fresh water and avoid overfeeding.
🐾 5. Training and Socialization
Bernese Mountain Dogs are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. However, early training and socialization are crucial.
Training Tips:
Start Early: Begin training and socialization as early as 8 weeks old.
Positive Reinforcement: Use treats, praise, and play as rewards.
Basic Commands: Teach essential commands like sit, stay, come, and heel.
Crate Training: Crate training can help with housebreaking and provides a safe space for your dog.
Socialization Tips:
Introduce your puppy to various people, animals, and environments.
Expose them to different sounds and experiences to build confidence.
🐾 6. Health and Wellness
Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to certain health issues. Regular vet checkups and preventive care are essential to keep them healthy.
Common Health Concerns:
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Bloat (gastric torsion)
Cancer
Heart disease
Eye disorders
Preventive Care:
Vaccinations: Keep your dog up to date on all recommended vaccines.
Parasite Prevention: Use flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives.
Regular Checkups: Schedule annual vet visits for wellness exams.
🐾 7. Creating a Safe Home Environment
Make your home safe and welcoming for your new Bernese Mountain Dog.
Home Setup:
Bed: Provide a comfortable dog bed.
Toys: Offer a variety of toys to keep them mentally stimulated.
Gates: Use baby gates to limit access to certain areas if needed.
Outdoor Space:
Ensure your yard is securely fenced.
Provide shaded areas and fresh water when they are outside.
🐾 8. Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)
At Moosehead Mountain Dogs, we practice Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) with all our puppies. ENS involves exposing puppies to gentle handling exercises during their first few weeks of life. This practice has been shown to:
Improve cardiovascular performance
Strengthen immune systems
Enhance stress tolerance
Promote problem-solving abilities
This early start helps your puppy grow into a confident, well-rounded adult dog.
🐾 9. The Bernese Mountain Dog Temperament
Berners are known for their sweet and gentle disposition. They are excellent family dogs who thrive on human companionship.
Key Personality Traits:
Calm and patient
Protective but not aggressive
Good with children and other animals
Social and friendly
🐾 10. Life with a Bernese Mountain Dog
Living with a Bernese Mountain Dog is a rewarding experience. They love being part of the family and will quickly become your loyal companion.
What to Expect:
A constant companion who loves being by your side
A gentle giant who is great with kids
An intelligent dog who enjoys learning new things
A devoted family member who offers unconditional love
🐾 Final Thoughts
Owning a Bernese Mountain Dog is a joy and a privilege. By providing proper care, training, and love, you will have a loyal companion for many years to come. At Moosehead Mountain Dogs, we are here to support you on your journey as a Bernese Mountain Dog owner.
If you have any questions or need further guidance, don't hesitate to reach out. We're always happy to help our puppy families!
