Last Updated: 18/03/2026
Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Guide
Thinking of a Bernese Mountain Dog? Our breed guide covers facts, health, and care.
Author: Dr Brittany Ward BVSc
Reading Time: 7 minutes - short read
The Bernese Mountain Dog is the quintessential "gentle giant" of the Swiss Alps, known for its striking tri-coloured coat and calm, affectionate nature. Originally bred as versatile farm dogs to pull carts and herd cattle, they are incredibly strong yet remarkably gentle with their families. Because of their heavy double coats, they are sensitive to heat and require regular grooming to manage shedding. They are deeply social dogs that thrive on human companionship and can be prone to specific health issues like joint dysplasia and certain cancers, making proactive health care and proper nutrition essential.
All about Bernese Mountain Dog
Place of origin
Switzerland
Weight range
32-54kg
Breed size
Large/Giant
Height range
58-70cm
Breed group
Utility
Life expectancy
7-10 years
Coat colours
Tri-colour (Black, Rust, White)
Grooming needs
High
Coat type
Long Double
Health issues
Shedding factor
High
Exercise needs
Moderate
Play style
Gentle
Housing needs
Large yard/Cool focus
Trainability
High
Social needs
High
Family suitability
Excellent
Tendency to bark
Low
Nutrition
Providing the correct nutrition is vital for Bernese Mountain Dogs to support their massive skeletal structure and help manage their predisposition to joint issues. A balanced diet tailored for giant breeds ensures they receive the appropriate calcium-to-phosphorus ratio to prevent overly rapid growth during puppyhood.
Best food for adult Bernese Mountain Dogs
When choosing a diet for an adult Bernese Mountain Dog, the focus should be on weight management and joint support. Because they are prone to joint dysplasia and arthritis, maintaining a lean body condition is the single most important thing an owner can do to reduce the load on their limbs. Look for diets enriched with glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA to support cartilage health.
Additionally, due to the risk of bloat, high-quality, highly digestible ingredients are ideal, fed in smaller, more frequent meals rather than one large meal. Selecting a kibble size specifically designed for giant jaws encourages proper chewing and slows the rate of ingestion, further helping to minimise the risk of bloat.
What to look for
Large or giant breed specific formulas containing optimal levels of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support.
High levels of Omega-3 fatty acids to help manage inflammation and support skin and coat health.
Precise calorie control to maintain a lean body weight and prevent unnecessary strain on heavy-set joints.
Best food for Bernese Mountain Dog puppies
Bernese Mountain Dog puppies require carefully controlled nutrition to ensure their bones and joints develop at a healthy pace. A puppy food specifically formulated for giant breeds is essential, as these have controlled levels of fat and minerals to prevent the skeletal abnormalities often caused by rapid growth. These diets should also contain high-quality proteins to support muscle development and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) to aid in brain and vision development. Monitoring the puppy’s weight and rib-feel weekly is critical, as carrying even a small amount of excess weight during these formative months can have long-lasting effects on their adult mobility.
What to look for
Strictly controlled calcium and phosphorus ratios to ensure slow and steady skeletal development.
Enriched with DHA to support healthy cognitive function and retinal development during growth.
Highly digestible protein sources to fuel muscle growth without causing excessive weight gain.
Flea & worming
Regular flea and worming prevention is essential to protect Bernese Mountain Dogs from parasites that can cause skin irritation and serious systemic diseases. For such large dogs, ensure the product used is accurately dosed for their specific weight range to guarantee full protection.
Best flea and worming for Bernese Mountain Dogs
For a Bernese Mountain Dog, an all-in-one preventative that covers fleas, heartworm, and intestinal worms is often the most convenient and effective choice. Given their thick double coats, spot-on treatments can sometimes be difficult to apply directly to the skin, so many owners prefer oral chewable tablets. It is important to choose a product that provides protection against the paralysis tick, especially for dogs living in or visiting coastal areas of Australia. Given their large size and love for the outdoors, a product that is water-resistant or an oral tablet is ideal for dogs that enjoy a swim or regular baths.
What to look for
Oral chewable formulations for ease of administration.
Comprehensive protection covering fleas, heartworm, intestinal worms, and paralysis ticks in a single dose.
Weight-appropriate dosing specifically for giant breeds to ensure the dog receives the correct concentration of active ingredients.
Health
Using targeted health products is a proactive way to support the specific vulnerabilities of the Bernese Mountain Dog, especially their joints and skin. Early intervention with the right supplements can significantly improve their quality of life as they age.
Best health products Bernese Mountain Dogs
Joint supplements are arguably the most important health product for this breed. Look for high-potency formulations containing green-lipped mussel, glucosamine, and chondroitin, which can be started from a young age to support joint fluid and cartilage.
Due to their thick coats, they can also be prone to "hot spots". Keeping an antibacterial shampoo on hand and drying them thoroughly after bathing can help to reduce the incidence. Skin support supplements containing omega-fatty acids help to keep their skin and coat in optimal health.
What to look for
High-potency joint supplements to support long-term mobility.
Atibacterial, soothing shampoos to manage "hot spots" and maintain hygiene within the dense double coat.
Skin support supplements containing omega fatty acids for skin and coat health.
Training and activity
Choosing the right toys and walking accessories is crucial for keeping a Bernese Mountain Dog mentally stimulated and physically safe. Their strength means products must be durable, while their gentle nature requires engagement that doesn't overstrain their joints.
Best toys for Bernese Mountain Dogs
While they are known as the "gentle" giant, the Bernese Mountain Dog still enjoys a good play session. Because of their history as working dogs, they often enjoy "jobs" like carrying a soft toy in their mouth. Plush, oversized toys are often a favourite for this breed as they tend to be "mouthy" and enjoy carrying their "prize" around the house. Interactive puzzle toys that dispense treats are also excellent for providing mental stimulation without requiring high-impact exercise. This is particularly useful for keeping them occupied indoors when it's too hot for a walk. Always ensure toys are large enough that they cannot be accidentally swallowed or become a choking hazard for such a large dog.
What to look for
Oversized, durable plush toys that satisfy their natural instinct to carry items gently in their mouth.
Treat-dispensing puzzles to provide mental enrichment and slow down food consumption.
Non-toxic, high-durability materials that can withstand the jaw pressure of a large breed dog.
Best walking accessories for Bernese Mountain Dogs
For a dog that can weigh over 50kg, a high-quality harness is much safer and more comfortable than a standard collar. A front-attaching harness is particularly useful for Bernese Mountain Dogs that tend to pull, as it gives the owner better leverage and control without putting pressure on the dog's neck. Look for harnesses with wide, padded straps to prevent rubbing against their skin. A sturdy, non-extendable lead is recommended for maximum control in public spaces. Given their thick coats and sensitivity to heat, walking should be restricted to the coolest parts of the day. A portable water bottle or collapsible bowl is a must-have accessory for every walk to ensure they stay hydrated and cool.
What to look for
Heavy-duty, fixed-length leads with reinforced stitching to ensure safety during walks.
Front-attaching, padded harnesses to provide control and comfort for a large, powerful dog.
Portable hydration solutions like collapsible bowls to prevent overheating during outdoor activities.
Grooming
Maintaining the Bernese Mountain Dog's magnificent double coat is about more than just looks; it's essential for temperature regulation and skin health. The right grooming tools prevent matting and help manage the significant amount of shedding this breed is known for.
Best grooming for Bernese Mountain Dogs
A long-toothed undercoat rake is the most important tool in a Bernese owner's kit. This tool reaches through the long guard hairs to remove the loose, dead fluff from the insulating undercoat, which is the source of most shedding. Regular use, at least two to three times a week, will significantly reduce the amount of hair found around the home and prevent the coat from becoming compacted. A slicker brush is also useful for removing surface tangles and keeping the coat looking shiny. Because they have "feathers" on their legs and a long tail, these areas are prone to matting and may require more frequent attention. Using a detangling spray can make the process much more comfortable for the dog. Finally, don't forget high-quality nail clippers, as keeping their large nails trimmed is vital for correct foot posture and joint health.
What to look for
Long-toothed undercoat rakes to effectively remove dead hair from the dense inner layer.
Large slicker brushes for daily maintenance and smoothing of the long outer guard hairs.
Heavy-duty nail clippers designed for the thick, strong nails of a giant breed dog.
Sleep and home
As a large, heavy-set breed, Bernese Mountain Dogs require supportive sleeping arrangements to protect their joints. Their home environment needs to cater to their size and their preference for cool surfaces.
Best beds for Bernese Mountain Dogs
Orthopaedic beds are a "must" for Bernese Mountain Dogs. These beds use memory foam or high-density support foam to distribute the dog's weight evenly, taking the pressure off their hips, elbows, and spine. This is especially important as they age and may develop arthritis. Ensure the bed is large enough for the dog to stretch out fully without hanging off the edges. Because they have such thick coats, Bernese Mountain Dogs often overheat easily and may prefer sleeping on a cool floor. Beds with breathable covers or even raised cot-style beds that allow for airflow underneath can be a great option for the warmer months. Placement of the bed is also key; they like to be near their family, so having a dedicated spot in a communal area of the home will keep them happy and settled.
What to look for
Genuine orthopaedic memory foam to provide pressure-point relief for heavy joints.
Extra-large dimensions that allow a giant breed dog to stretch out comfortably.
Removable, washable covers made from durable fabric to handle the wear and tear of a large dog.
Bernese Mountain Dogs FAQ
