Bernese Mountain Dog

Before giving a Bernese Mountain Dog a forever home, consider any possible health issues. Not every dog experiences them, but it’s important to be prepared.

For more advice on potential health issues for Bernese Mountain Dogs, speak to your local vet. Some practices offer ‘pre-purchase consultations.’ These tell you about potential health conditions, management options and an idea of financial costs.

If you’re considering buying a puppy, they can advise you on finding a responsible breeder and testing for genetic diseases.

Any breed of dog needs basic preventative healthcare like vaccinations and flea and worming treatments. Pet insurance is also important to help cover your vet bills.

There is no set amount for how much food your Bernese Mountain Dog need. This depends on their: 

• age
• size
• activity levels
• fitness
• weight. 

The information on dog food packets can be a helpful guide, but you still need to adapt the portion size to your dog’s individual needs. 

It’s helpful to know your Bernese Mountain Dog's body condition when deciding how much food to give them. You can find out about body condition scoring through the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WVASA).

Check with your vet to find out more. 

Bernese Mountain Dogs are usually moderately active dogs who need regular exercise and stimulation to keep them physically and mentally healthy.

They need daily walks, plus plenty of time and opportunity to explore, burn energy, and play. Like all dogs, they need training and benefit from daily enrichment.

If you enjoy regular time outdoors, this breed could be a great match for you.

Bernese Mountain Dogs, like all dogs, need training and daily enrichment. When exercising your Bernese Mountain Dog, consider their:

• age
• health
• personality.  

Young or growing pups, for example, might need a few short walks instead of one long one. Exercise plans for older, injured, or ill dogs may need to be adapted based on advice from your vet. Quiet, peaceful walks may suit some dogs, where others may require something more sociable.

Ask your vet for advice on exercising your dog. 

Bernese Mountain Dogs shed heavily. To put your dog at ease and help their confidence, introduce handling and grooming step by step. This will make grooming more enjoyable for everyone and ensure a positive experience for your pup. 

In their crate, your dog should be able to comfortably:

• sit and stand at their full height
• turn around without touching the edges
• lie down at full stretch
• comfortably wag their tail.  

One step at a time, build up the time your dog spends in their crate, so they feel confident with it. The aim is to help them see it as a fun and safe space. 

Like people, each dog is different with their own individual personality and experience. So, the temperaments of different Bernese Mountain Dogs vary.

Dogs learn all about the world as they grow from puppies to adult pooches. They find out what they do and don’t like, and develop responses to situations differently.

For instance, some might enjoy new experiences like meeting other dogs. Others might need to take it a bit slower. 

Any dog can be taught new tricks, whatever their breed. It’s all about positive learning. Find out what motivates your dog, whether that’s treats, toys or praise. You can use this as a reward throughout training to make it a positive experience for everyone.

They also need some useful life skills like recall, loose lead walking and settling. This ensures that you and your pup both feel relaxed spending time together out and about or at home. 

Each dog’s personality is shaped by their experiences of the world and they respond differently to certain situations.  

But there are some universal ways to treat any dog, including Bernese Mountain Dogs, respectfully and behave safely around them. This is an essential skill for the whole family; adults and children.  

Why not book one of our family workshops on living happily together? Our family workshops are suitable for children aged 7 to 11. Booking one of these sessions could help your situation.