Breeds / Bernese Mountain Dog

Breed guide

Bernese Mountain Dog

Q: How big do Bernese Mountain Dogs get?

Adult Bernese Mountain Dogs typically weigh between 70 and 115 pounds and stand 23 to 27.5 inches tall at the shoulder.

Q: Do Bernese Mountain Dogs shed?

Yes. Berners have a thick double coat and shed year-round, with heavier shedding during seasonal coat changes.

Q: Are Bernese Mountain Dogs good with children?

Absolutely. Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally patient, gentle, and affectionate with children.

Q: How long do Bernese Mountain Dogs live?

The average Bernese Mountain Dog lifespan is between 7 and 10 years.

Q: Are Bernese Mountain Dogs easy to train?

Yes. Berners are intelligent and eager to please, and respond best to positive reinforcement and consistent training from an early age.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the most recognizable and beloved working breeds in the world. Known for their striking tri-colored coats, calm temperament, and deep devotion to their families, Bernese Mountain Dogs have become cherished companions in homes across the United States. At Playful Puppies LLC, we admire the Bernese Mountain Dog for its combination of strength, intelligence, and unwavering loyalty.

At a glance

Breed overview

A gentle giant bred for the Swiss Alps — calm, devoted, and surprisingly patient for a dog of its size.

Breed groupWorking Group

Size70–115 pounds

Height23–27.5 inches

Lifespan7–10 years

TemperamentGentle, loyal, calm

Energy levelModerate

Good with kidsExcellent

Good with other petsExcellent

Honest fit check

Is a Bernese Mountain Dog right for you?

A great fit if you want…

A large family companion

A loyal and affectionate dog

A gentle breed that loves children

A calm yet active companion

Personality

Temperament

The temperament is the biggest reason this breed is so loved.

Gentle & affectionate

Loving nature and a strong desire to spend time with their families.

Loyal & devoted

Forms close bonds with family members and is happiest near the people they love.

Calm & patient

Despite their large size, typically gentle and patient — excellent with children.

Intelligent & eager to please

Enjoys learning and generally responds well to positive reinforcement training.

Appearance

Distinctive by design

Large, powerful, sturdy frame

Thick, silky double coat built for Alpine weather

Striking tri-color markings: jet black, rust, and white

Impressive size with an approachable, gentle expression

Recognized coat colors

Tri-color

Jet black base with rich rust markings and a bright white blaze and chest

Grooming & care

Keeping a Bernese Mountain Dog healthy

Brushing

Several times per week, daily during shedding seasons in spring and fall.

Bathing

Regular baths help manage the thick double coat.

Ear care

Routine ear cleaning is part of care.

Nails & dental

Regular nail trimming and dental care round out the routine.

Training

Trainability

Eager to please

Intelligent and responds best to positive reinforcement and consistent training from an early age.

Family-oriented learning

Thrives on training that involves plenty of family interaction.

Mind the heat

Because of their thick coat, exercise and training sessions should avoid overheating in hot weather.

Health considerations

Why responsible breeding matters

Every breed carries its own strengths and its own things to watch, and no honest breeder will tell you otherwise. A family deserves the whole picture before they choose a puppy — not a sales pitch.

We would rather you ask us hard questions than wonder later. Here are the ones worth asking any breeder, including us. You can see each puppy’s parents, and their health testing, on the puppy’s own page.

What health testing do you do on the parents?

Every breeder should be able to answer this plainly and without hesitating. Ask what’s been done, and ask what hasn’t — some evaluations can only be done once a dog is fully grown, and a straight answer about that tells you more than a perfect one.

Can I see the results?

Testing means little if nobody can look at it. A breeder who publishes results, or hands them over when asked, is a breeder who expects you to check.

Can I meet the parents?

The parents show you the temperament and condition your puppy is growing into. Meeting them in the home where the litter is raised tells you things no document can.

What happens if something goes wrong?

Ask what’s guaranteed, for how long, and who picks up the phone in a year. The answer to this question is where good breeders and quick sales part ways.

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