The Bernese Mountain Dog (
German: Berner Sennenhund) is a large
dog breed from
Bern,
Switzerland and the
Swiss Alps, being one of the four breeds of
Sennenhund-
type dogs, with roots in the
Romanmastiffs. The name Berner (or Bernese in
English) refers to the breed's area of origin in the
canton of Bern, and Sennenhund is derived from the German Senne ("alpine pasture") and Hund ("hound/dog"), as they accompanied the alpine herders and dairymen called Senn. This breed was originally kept as a general
farm dog and large Sennenhunde in the past were also used as
draft animals pulling carts. The breed was officially established in 1912.[3]
Four breeds of Sennenhund
The four breeds of Sennenhund, with the original breed name, followed by the most popular English version of the breed name are:
Like the other Sennenhund, the Bernese mountain dog is a large, heavy dog with a distinctive tri-coloured
coat, black with white chest and rust-coloured markings above eyes, sides of the mouth, front of legs, and out around the white chest. However, it is the only breed of
Sennenhund dogs with a long coat.[4] The ideal of a perfectly marked individual gives the impression of a white horseshoe shape around the nose, which is always black.[5] There is a white "Swiss cross" on the chest when viewed from the front. A "Swiss kiss" is a white mark located typically behind the neck, but may be a part of the neck. A full ring would not meet the type standard. The AKC breed standard lists, as disqualifications, blue eye colour and any ground colour other than black.[6][7]
Height and weight ranges
Males are 25–27.5 in (64–70 cm), while females are 23–26 in (58–66 cm). Weight is 80–120 lb (35–55 kg) for males, while it is 75–100 lb (35–45 kg) for females.[8]
Physical traits
Considered a
dry-mouthed breed,[5] the Bernese mountain dog is slightly longer than it is tall, highly muscular, with a strong, wide back.[4] The head of a Bernese mountain dog is flat on the top with a moderate stop, and the ears are medium-sized, triangular, set high, and rounded at the top. The teeth have a scissors bite. The legs of the Bernese are straight and strong, with round, arched toes. The
dewclaws of the Bernese are often removed. Its bushy tail is carried low.
Temperament
The
breed standard for the Bernese mountain dog states that dogs should not be "aggressive, anxious or distinctly shy", but rather should be "good-natured", "self-assured", "placid towards strangers", and "docile". It only attacks if really needed (its owner is getting attacked).[7] The temperament of individual dogs may vary, and not all examples of the breed have been bred carefully to follow the standard. All large breed dogs should be well socialized when they are puppies, and given regular training and activities throughout their lives.
Bernese are outdoor dogs at heart, though well-behaved in the house; they need activity and exercise, but do not have a great deal of endurance. They can move with amazing bursts of speed for their size when motivated. If they are sound (no problems with their hips, elbows, or other joints), they enjoy hiking and generally stick close to their people.[9] Not being given the adequate amount of exercise may lead to barking and harassing in the Bernese.[10]
Bernese mountain dogs are a breed that generally does well with children, as they are very affectionate. They are patient dogs that take well to children climbing over them. Though they have great energy, a Bernese will also be happy with a calm evening.[9]
Bernese work well with other pets and around strangers.[9] They are excellent guardians. They tend to bond with one owner or family, and are somewhat aloof and standoffish towards strangers.[11][12][13][4]
Typical Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dog puppy
Bernese Mountain Dog standing
Bernese Mountain Dog puppies are playful, inquisitive, and appreciate gardens
Bernese Mountain Dogs generally play well with breeds of all sizes
History
Historically, in some locales at least, the breed was called a Dürrbachhund[14] or Dürrbächler, for a small town (Dürrbach) where the large dogs were especially frequent.[15]
The breed was used as an all-purpose
farm dog for guarding property and to drive dairy cattle long distances from the farm to the alpine pastures. The farmers used the dogs to transport their carts of milk and cheese and were known by the locals as "Cheese Dogs."[18] In the early 1900s,
fanciers exhibited the few examples of the large dogs at
shows in Berne, and in 1907 a few breeders from the Burgdorf region founded the first
breed club, the Schweizerische Dürrbach-Klub, and wrote the first
Standard which defined the dogs as a separate breed. By 1910, there were already 107 registered members of the breed. There is a photo of a working Bernese Mountain Dog, dated 1905 at the Fumee Fall rest area in
Quinnesec, Michigan.
These dogs are very popular as family dogs in German-speaking countries, where they are among the most popular dog breeds (for example, the German Association of Dog Breeders listed the Bernese at the 11th rank per live births in 2014[21]).
Health
Medical problems
Cancer is the leading cause of death for dogs in general, but Bernese Mountain Dogs have a much higher rate of fatal cancer than other breeds; in both U.S./Canada and UK surveys, nearly half of Bernese Mountain Dogs die of cancer,[22] compared to about 27% of all dogs.[23] Bernese Mountain Dogs are killed by many types of cancer, including
malignant histiocytosis,
mast cell tumor,
lymphosarcoma,
fibrosarcoma, and
osteosarcoma.[22] Inherited medical problems that a Bernese Mountain Dog may face include
malignant histiocytosis, hypomyelinogenesis,
progressive retinal atrophy, and possibly
cataracts and
hypoadrenocorticism.[24] The breed is also prone to
histiocytic sarcoma, a cancer of the muscle tissue that is very aggressive,[25] and hereditary eye diseases that are common among larger dogs.[26] A four-year-old Bernese with lymphoma named Dylan was one of the first dogs to receive chemotherapy at the
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, and it was successful.[27] A suspected cause is lack of genetic diversity {there is a lot of inbreeding, which has increased over the years).[28][29]
Bernese Mountain Dogs have an unusually high mortality due to musculoskeletal causes.
Arthritis,
hip dysplasia, and
cruciate ligament rupture were reported as the cause of death in 6% of Bernese Mountain Dogs in the UK study;[23] for comparison, mortality due to musculoskeletal ailments was reported to be less than 2% for pure-bred dogs in general. Owners of Bernese Mountain Dogs are nearly three times as likely as owners of other breeds to report
musculoskeletal problems in their dogs;[23] the most commonly reported being
cruciate ligament rupture,
arthritis (especially in shoulders and elbows),
hip dysplasia, and
osteochondritis.[23][22] The age at onset for musculoskeletal problems is also unusually low. In the U.S./Canada study, 11% of living dogs had arthritis at an average age of 4.3 years.[22] Most other common, non-musculoskeletal morbidity issues strike Berners at rates similar to other breeds.[23] Prospective Bernese Mountain Dog owners should be prepared to cope with a large dog that may have mobility problems at a young age. Options to help mobility-impaired dogs may include ramps for car or house access, lifting harnesses and slings, and dog wheelchairs (ex:
Walkin' Wheels). Comfortable bedding may help alleviate joint pain. Due to these common medical issues, owners of Bernese Mountain Dogs should make sure that their dogs receive
OFA and CERF certificates.[30]
Histiocytosis is a rare group of disorders that involve a build up of
histiocytes in tissue and organs, causing damage to the tissue or organ. It may be benign or malignant.[31] Malignant histiocytosis is a rapidly progressive multisystem cancerous disease that affects the Bernese Mountain Dog. It's a familial disease with a heritability value of 0.298 and accounts for a quarter of all tumours in the breed.[32] Other histiocytosis conditions such as systemic histiocytosis and cutaneous histiocytosis are also more prevalent in the breed.[32]
The Bernese is one of the shortest-lived dog breeds, compared both to other breeds of a similar size and to purebred dogs in general.[33][34][35] An 8 year life expectancy is typical, according to one writer.[36] Another says generally 8 to ten years, with exceptions in both directions, with a few reaching 13.[37] They are shorter-lived than smaller dogs.[A]
Studies have differed in their results.
The average life expectancy of a Bernese Mountain Dog is approximately 8 to 9 years.[2][33] Another source says typical lifespans are 7 to 10 years, with females outlasting males by about two years.[39] Common maladies include bloat, cancer and joint disorders.[39] Most other breeds of a similar size have median longevities of 10–11 years.[40] The AKC says 7–10 years, a Swiss study says 8.4 years, and a Danish study says 7.1.[41][42][43]
A 2020 United States study offered a general conclusion with emphasis on "mountain dogs":
As previously reported, body size was negatively correlated with lifespan.
Gonadectomy was associated with a longer lifespan, with the effect being stronger in females than in males. This lifespan advantage was conserved in gonadectomized female dogs that lived to at least ages 5 and 8 years. We did not find significant differences in lifespan between purebred and mixed breed dogs; however, breeds with larger effective population sizes and/or lower inbreeding coefficients had median survival times 3–6 months longer than breeds with smaller effective population sizes or higher inbreeding coefficients, indicating that these measures of genetic diversity may be affecting breed lifespans. We also found that dog breeds belonging to the “Mountain” ancestral group had median survival times that were 3.5–4.6 years shorter than other purebred dog groups, which remained significant even when correcting for body size.[44]
A 2003 Danish study found that the Bernese Mountain dog, the group of
Molossian types and the
Sighthounds had the shortest life span with a median age at death of 7.0 years.[35]
In a 2004 UK survey, the longest-lived of 394 deceased Bernese Mountain Dogs died at the age of 15.2 years.[23][41][42][43]
A 2013 Dutch study found:
Median age at death for all BMDs was 8.0 years (range 0.1–14.8 years), and a significant difference (P < 0.001) was found between males (7.3 years) and females (8.6 years). Of the BMD population 84.2% died before the age of 11.[B]
A 2015 French study found a life expectancy of 8.1 years for the breed.[2]
A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 10.1 years.[46]
Care
Activities
The Bernese's calm temperament makes them a natural for pulling small carts or wagons, a task they originally performed in Switzerland. With proper training they enjoy giving children rides in a cart or participating in a parade, such as the
Conway, New Hampshire holiday parade.[47] Regional Bernese clubs often offer
carting workshops.[48] Carting competitions are held for the breed.[C]
On July 1, 2010, the Bernese Mountain Dog became eligible to compete in AKC Herding Events. Herding instincts and trainability can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests. Berners exhibiting basic herding instincts can be trained to compete in herding trials.[49]
The breed is "energetic, attentive, impetuous," but indisposed to biting. They tend to attach to one person, and have an inherent suspicion of strangers.[11] And Switzerland they excel at herd guardianship, especially in the Holy Regions. They are untiring, often unruly, resistant to the coldest winter's, an excellent defenders of stable or home. They have been used by the police in Switzerland.[11]
Bernese Mountain Dogs shed year-round, and the heaviest shedding is during seasonal changes. Usually the Bernese will only require a brushing once a week, with more in spring and fall, to keep its coat neat and reduce the amount of fur on the floor and furniture. The Bernese will only require a bath about once every couple of months or so, depending on how high its activity level is and how often it spends its time in the dirt.[50]
Special attention should be paid to the ears of the Bernese Mountain Dog, as they can trap bacteria, dirt, and liquid. The risk of an ear infection drops with weekly ear cleanings using a veterinarian-recommended cleanser.[50]
Buttercup is a Bernese Mountain Dog on the television series 9-1-1: Lone Star.
Ohly was a Bernese Mountain Dog in Canada who became known after disappearing and then being found on
Mount Seymour in a dangerous area known as "Suicide Gulley." Members of
North Shore Rescue, a local mountain rescue team, tracked, located and rescued Ohly.[54][55][56][57]
Quincey von Wiesmadern, has appeared in various videos with
Hansi Hinterseer, an Austrian singer, entertainer and former member of the Austrian Ski Team.[58]
Hannah is the real-life inspiration for the protagonist of children's books such as A Beach Day for Hannah and A Snow Day for Hannah by Linda Petrie Bunch.[59]
Argus and Fiona were two Bernese mountain dogs that were shot and killed when they entered a neighbor's yard.[60] The neighbor who shot the dogs admits that he was overreacting.[60] A Pennsylvania state law states that humans are free to kill animals attacking domestic animals.[61] The man feared a possible attack on his sheep, who were in their fenced off grazing area. Attacks on a neighbor's farm had taken place and resulted in the death of several animals sometime the previous year, although the type of dog who attacked those animals was not a Bernese. However, since no attack was in progress at the time of the shooting, the shooter was charged with two counts of cruelty to animals and one count of recklessly endangering another person, the latter a result of there being a house within the possible line of fire. There were no residents at home at the time of the shooting.[61] The prosecuting attorney dithered about bringing charges.[62] On September 11, 2013, the shooter was convicted on two counts of animal cruelty. He faces up to five years in jail for each count.[63]
Izzy survived the destruction of her family's Northern California home in the
October 2017 Northern California wildfires and emerged from the woods with her tail wagging as her family investigated the ruins. Family members captured the reunion on video.[64]
Bród and Síoda, two pet dogs of the
President of IrelandMichael D. Higgins.[65] Síoda died on September 19, 2020.[66] In March 2021, a new puppy named Misneach was first photographed with President Higgins.[67] Bród died on April 22, 2023.[68]
Stella is a Bernese mountain dog in
Plymouth, Michigan who has two restaurants named after her, "Stella's Black Dog Tavern," and "Stella's Trackside."[69][70] She also has a book written about her titled Introducing Stella.[71]
Rescues
Nico (2015), an adopted Bernese mountain dog, became a hero when he saved two people who were being swept out into the ocean by a California
rip current.[72][73]
Bella saved owner Chris Larocque from a burning house by pulling him out. The owner had reduced mobility from the injuries inflicted, and said that he would have died without Bella's help.[74]
Oakley (2014) saved her family, by sitting on her owner's head until he woke up, when their Vermont ski condo caught fire overnight.[75][76]
Ben, a Bernese Mountain Dog/Border Collie mix, saved his family from a fire that started after they were asleep. He alerted the babysitter who was able to get the two kids and Ben out to safety.[77]
^" We also collected specific types of cancer breeds were susceptible to and compared the dog cancer mortality patterns to the patterns observed in other mammals. We found a relationship between cancer mortality rate and heterozygosity, body size, lifespan as well as breed group. Higher levels of heterozygosity were also associated with longer lifespan. These results indicate larger breeds, such as Irish Water Spaniels, Flat-coated Retrievers and Bernese Mountain Dogs, are more susceptible to cancer, with lower heterozygosity and lifespan. These breeds are also more susceptible to sarcomas, as opposed to carcinomas in smaller breeds ..."[38]
^"The study demonstrates that the death of at least 55.1% of Bernese mountain dogs and 63.8% of Flat-coated retrievers is associated with malignant tumours. In addition, it appears that over 1/7 of all Bernese mountain dogs and Flat-coated retrievers die because of histiocytic sarcoma. This emphasises the need for further research on tumours, especially histiocytic sarcoma."[45]
^For example, the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America offers drafting trials open to all breeds; dogs can earn eight different titles—four as individual dogs (Novice Draft Dog, Advanced Novice Draft Dog, Draft Dog, and Master Draft Dog) and four brace titles, in which two dogs work one cart together. Regional Bernese clubs often offer
carting workshops.[48]
Citations
^Borge, K. S.; Tønnessen, R.; Nødtvedt, A.; Indrebø, A. (2011). "Litter size at birth in purebred dogs—A retrospective study of 224 breeds". Theriogenology. 75 (5): 911–919.
doi:
10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.10.034.
PMID21196028. "n=137 litter size=6.4 range 1-15"
^
abcPugnetti, Gino (1980). Schuler, Elizabeth Meriwether (ed.). Simon & Schuster's Guide to Dogs. Nature Guide Series. New York, Lodon, Toronto, Sydney, Tokyo, Singapore:
Simon & Schuster. pp. 45–46.
ISBN0-671-25527-4.
^Schuler, Elizabeth Meriwether (1980). Simon & Schuster's Guide to Dogs. Milano: Arnoldo Mondadori Editore S.p.A.,
Simon & Schuster. p. 45.
^
abWebber, Forrest (August 28, 2023).
"Bernese Mountain Dog Lifespan: Why The Short Life Expectancy?". Canine Weekly. Retrieved April 12, 2024. While the American Kennel Club says that the lifespan of the Bernese Mountain Dog is 7-10 years, most sources put their lifespan at more like 6-8 years. A Swiss study put the median life expectancy of Bernese Mountain Dogs in Switzerland at 8.4 years. A Danish study found the average life expectancy of Bernese Mountain Dogs to be only 7.1 years.
Mehus-Roe, Kristin (2005). The Original Dog Bible: the definitive source for all things dog. Irvine, California:
BowTie Press. p. 258.
ISBN1-931993-34-3