Bernese Mountain Dog
Puppies!
Thinking about adding an adorable Bernese Mountain Dog to your family? You probably have many questions about their temperament, care requirements, and training. Keep reading to find the answers to these questions and to discover how to recognize reputable breeders.
Things to know before adopting a Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog, or Berner for short, is a very loving, loyal, and protective dog. He is very intelligent and known for his eagerness to please. This breed requires a lot of exercise and attention. They love to play and be around people and will enjoy your company. It’s not unusual for a Bernese to greet you with a kiss. However, the dog should be trained from an early age to stay on a leash when in public places.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Bernese Mountain Dogs are “Big, powerful, and built for hard work…also strikingly beautiful and blessed with a sweet, affectionate nature.”
Average size
Your sweet Berner is a large, sturdy breed. The average size of the male is 25-27.5 inches tall at the shoulder and 80-115 pounds. The female is 23-26 inches tall and weighs 70-95 pounds.
Grooming
The Bernese Mountain dog requires weekly grooming because they have a thick tri-colored double coat. Their coat can get matted and tangled if it is not brushed and combed regularly. This can cause hairballs and other health problems. The best tools to groom your Bernese mountain dog are a double-sided pin and bristle brush, comb, and a grooming rake. This article will provide the information you need to brush your Bernese Mountain dog’s coat.
Exercise
The Bernese Mountain Dog needs at least 30-60 minutes of exercise daily. They will enjoy long walks or hikes. They also perform well in dog sports, such as agility, herding, cart pulling, and other AKC performance events. Since they are a working breed, it is important for them to be placed into a home that gives the Berner jobs or provides stimulation for them to thrive.
Temperament
The Bernese Mountain dog is very loyal, friendly, and gentle. It’s important that you don’t treat the dog harshly since their feelings are easily hurt. They respond well to laughter and are eager to please. This breed is known to take 1-2 years to mature. Since they grow large in a short amount of time while still retaining puppy behaviors, people are known to rehome Berners. However, they do respond well to good, firm positive reinforcement.
Intelligence
Bernese Mountain Dogs are incredibly intelligent. They can become excellent therapy or rescue dogs if they receive proper training. They are also quick to learn new tricks and tasks. This article explains how Berners display their intelligence.
Health
Berners are prone to several inherited health issues: hip and elbow dysplasia, blood disorders, some cancers, progressive retinal atrophy, and bloat, a sudden, life-threatening stomach condition. After they are grown, it is best to
have them vet-checked annually to maintain optimal health.
Nutrition
It is best to give your puppy high-quality dog food. They consume a lot of food, and it can be expensive to feed a full-grown Bernese Mountain Dog. It is also not recommended to give your puppy table scraps. Dogs can snack on select human foods such as apples, carrots, cucumbers, and eggs. Contact your vet if you have any questions about how to feed your puppy. To learn more about the best food for your Berner, check out this article at Love Your Dog.
Training
The Bernese Mountain dog requires training to prevent unwanted behaviors. It is critical to socialize puppies from 8-16 weeks to different sights, sounds, people, and animals. They are intelligent, eager to please, and can be trained to do many things if given the proper motivation. They can also become service dogs or assistance dogs if they are on the friendlier side.
About Playful Puppies LLC
The Best for Your Pet!
We’re a small family-based business located in New Haven, Indiana. We started raising puppies in 2016 and are passionate about doing what is best for our puppies and their parents. We’re USDA and BOAH licensed as well as a member of ICAW (Indiana Council of Animal Welfare). All of our puppies and parents are vet checked. Our vet and his staff are an essential part of our kennel. They are available to us 24/7 and provide us with the best health care possible.
Playful Puppies' Adoption Package
- 1-year health guarantee
- puppy protection packet by AKC ($268 value)
- a microchip
- 30-day trial insurance with Pet Insurance
- Family Dog magazine (1-year subscription)
- lifetime support AC helpline.
- 24/7 puppy loss protection services across the USA
- Health record of all shots and/or worming
How We Work
Pet Adoption Process
1
Find your pet
Once the deposit is made, your full name, phone number, address, and email are collected to create your receipt and sales contract stating our health guarantee.
2
Know your pet
We send weekly updates and pictures of your puppy so that you can watch them grow! We wait to register your puppy until he/she is ready to go home and we know the new name of your pup!
3
Take your pet home
Your puppy will be sent home with a vaccination record to show your veterinarian, a small bag of food, and a blanket to help your puppy’s transition. The remaining balance can be paid upon or before pick up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why AKC register your dog?
Your Bernese mountain dog will come with an AKC puppy protection packet. You will receive an AKC Registration Certificate, and your dog’s name will be recorded in the registry. This is why we don’t register our puppies until their family claims them and we know their name. You will be eligible to participate in exciting AKC events, including agility, obedience, tracking, field trials, dog shows, junior showmanship, and many others!
The AKC packet also includes:
- AKC Pet Insurance Trial Plan
- Lifetime enrollment in AKC Reunite Lost Pet Recovery
- AKC Family Dog Magazine
- AKC New Puppy Handbook
- Lifetime Behavioral support thru AKC GoodDogSM Helpline
- Complimentary first office visit at a veterinary practice listed with the AKC Veterinary Network
Question #2
What should a breeder give you?
According to the American Kennel Club, a reputable breeder should give you a contract to sign. They should also strive to produce healthy puppies. Remember to purchase from reputable breeders when searching for puppies to adopt. Otherwise, you could be funding an organization that mistreats the dogs that are bred.
OTHER FAQS
Do you have any other questions?
If you have any other questions about our adoption process or our available puppies, feel free to give us a call! We would be happy to help you find the perfect puppy for you or your family.
Can’t find your question?
AKC registered means that your dog’s bloodline and name will be permanently recorded by the American Kennel Club.
Bernese Mountain Dog puppies usually sell for between $700 to $2,000. Read this article to learn more about the lifetime costs of adopting a Berner puppy.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are very affectionate and are good with young children and other dogs.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are not known to be aggressive. They are excellent family dogs.
Bernese Mountain Dogs usually live between 7-10 years.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are known to haul up to 1,000 pounds.
