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Large breed

Bernese Mountain Dog Puppies

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!

  • Great with kids
  • Sticks by your side
  • Active breed
  • Alert watchdog
  • Protective

We do not have Bernese Mountain Dog puppies on the floor today. Tell us what you are looking for and we will let you know the moment one arrives, or help you find a breed that suits your home just as well.

  • Exercise 60 min a day
Bernese-Mountain-Dog

About the Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a gentle giant that has captured the hearts of dog lovers for centuries. Originating from the Swiss Alps, this breed was traditionally used as a farm dog, herding cattle and pulling carts, thanks to their impressive strength and remarkable intelligence. Their loving demeanor and affectionate nature make them a wonderful addition to any family, thriving especially in homes with young children. With a temperament that is friendly and loyal, Bernese Mountain Dogs often form strong bonds with their human companions and can get along well with other pets, including dogs and even cats, provided they are properly socialized.

Read more about the Bernese Mountain Dog Show less

These canine companions are of medium size and possess a moderate energy level, making them well-suited for families that enjoy an active lifestyle without the need for excessive exercise. Regular walks and family playtime will do the trick. While they may not be the best choice for apartment living due to their size and need for space, their affection and playful nature shine through as they are eager to be a part of the family’s daily activities. Although they have a significant shedding level, which requires weekly grooming to keep their coats looking magnificent, the time and effort spent is rewarded with the unmatched loyalty and companionship they provide.

Trainability is a mixed bag with the Bernese Mountain Dog, as they are intelligent but can show a stubborn streak. However, consistent, positive reinforcement methods can help you tap into their potential. Their moderate barking tendency means they will alert you to visitors, but they’re not excessive barkers. If you are seeking a loving, devoted friend to share your home with, the Bernese Mountain Dog might just be the perfect match for you. For those near Petland Terre Haute, Indiana, stop by to meet these beautiful dogs and discover why they make such wonderful family pets.

Bernese Mountain Dog breed profile

Every score below is set by our team for this breed. Higher is simply more of that trait, not better or worse.

Temperament

  • Affection Devoted
  • Playfulness Very playful
  • With strangers Friendly
  • Territorial Somewhat
  • Prey drive Low

Family & other pets

  • Young children Excellent
  • Older children Excellent
  • Other dogs Sociable
  • Cats With introductions

Energy & exercise

  • Energy Moderate
  • Mental stimulation Moderate

Training

  • Trainability Willing learner
  • Intelligence Very bright
  • Stubbornness A stubborn streak

Care & upkeep

  • Shedding Heavy
  • Drooling A drooler
  • Barking Moderate

Home life

  • Apartment living Prefers a house
  • Time alone Short periods
  • Cold weather Thrives in it
  • Warm weather Needs shade

A good match for

  • First-time owners Manageable
  • Senior owners Good
  • Running partner Moderate
  • Hiking Good
  • Therapy work Good
  • Guarding Protective

Living with a Bernese Mountain Dog

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.

Caring for a Bernese Mountain Dog

Grooming
Weekly brushing
Grooming cost
Average
Monthly food
Average
Outdoor space
A yard is recommended
Allergy friendly
Not considered hypoallergenic

Bernese Mountain Dog Video

Frequently Asked Questions

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. 

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