Bernese Mountain Dog

Like every breed, the Bernese Mountain Dog is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:

• Start positive, reward-based training from a young age, before your puppy gets too big.
• Teach the basics well, especially walking nicely on a lead and a reliable recall.
• Socialise your puppy widely with other dogs, people and experiences.
• If you are a first-time owner, ask an accredited trainer for help.

• Children

  Usually better with older, calmer children.

• Other dogs

  Usually sociable with other dogs.

• Cats and small pets

  Often lives with cats when introduced carefully.

• Flats and smaller homes

  Usually needs a roomy home.

• Garden

  A secure garden is strongly advised.

• Being left alone

  Usually copes only with short periods alone.

• First-time owners

  Some dog experience helps.

Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.

• Hip dysplasia

  The hip joint does not fit together perfectly, which eventually leads to arthritis. The Royal Kennel Club recommends hip testing through the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme before breeding.

• Elbow dysplasia

  The elbow joint does not fit together perfectly, which eventually leads to arthritis. The Royal Kennel Club recommends elbow testing through the BVA/KC Elbow Dysplasia Scheme before breeding.

• Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV)

  Often called bloat, this is when the stomach swells and twists around on itself. Leaving a gap between eating and exercise is thought to reduce the risk.

• Degenerative myelopathy

  A condition of the spine that causes gradual paralysis of the back legs.

• Progressive retinal atrophy

  A loss of sight that gets worse over several months or years.

• Cruciate disease

  Damage to the cruciate ligament, which holds the knee together, leaving the joint wobbly and painful.

• Hot spots

  Patches of sore, infected skin.

• Cancer

  Certain cancers are seen in the breed, including histiocytic sarcoma.

Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Bernese Mountain Dog home, it is reasonable to ask about:

• Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
• Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
• Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
• Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.

There are two costs: bringing a Bernese Mountain Dog home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.

Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically up to 10 years, not just the first year.

If you have decided the Bernese Mountain Dog suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.

• Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
• Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
• Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
• Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.

Bernese Mountain Dogs do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.

Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.