Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dog Appearance

Bernese Mountain Dogs are large and powerful, but their playful brown eyes reveal their affectionate, sweet personality traits. They have a muscular, proud gait that lends them an almost noble appearance. Their thick, distinctly marked tri-color coat is mostly black in color, with white markings and rust-colored highlights. Their bushy tails wag eagerly when they see you, as they’re always ready to please.

1. Ears

   Their gently rounded, triangular ears hang close to the head when relaxed. When something catches the Berner's attention, they bring their ears forward attentively.

2. Eyes

   The Berner's intelligent, oval-shaped eyes are typically brown. In rare cases, their eyes might be blue, but this is not standard.

3. Nose

   The Bernese Mountain Dog's nose is always black and prominently displayed on a straight snout.

4. Coat Length

   The Bernese Mountain Dog's medium-length, thick, double coat can be wavy or straight, with a healthy shine.

5. Coat Color

   Berners have a distinctive tri-colored coat (including the colors black, white and rust). They have white on their chest, muzzle and the tips of their tails. They sometimes have white on their feet, too.

6. Tail

   Bernese Mountain Dogs have a bushy tail that they sometimes carry higher when alert. They carry their tails low when they're relaxed.

How to Care for a Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese dogs are known for their patient, calm demeanor, but they still need a lot of socialization as puppies. You will be brushing them a lot, especially when the seasons change (spring and fall). Berners thrive with mental and physical exercises, so get them involved in daily walks, dog sports and other fun activities. Just remember, the Bernese breed’s thick coats can make hotter weather tough on them. If you live in a warmer climate, take them out during the cooler parts of the day and provide them with a lot of shade.

Bernese Mountain Dog Health

Bernese Mountain Dogs have a life expectancy of 7 to 10 years, but unfortunately, they’re prone to a number of health concerns. It’s good to know what these health issues are, so you can help your Berner live a longer, healthier life. Some of these health issues are genetic and can be avoided if the parent dogs are tested early. To ensure you get a healthy puppy, find a reputable breeder who carefully screens for health issues. Be sure to get a copy of the test results of the parents for any litter you’re considering. If you’re adopting your pup, make sure you get a copy of the vet’s wellness exam.

• Cancer: As with many dogs, cancer can be an issue for Berners. For instance, Histiocytic sarcoma occurs with higher frequency in Bernese Mountain Dogs. This condition, which affects the cells of the immune system, is aggressive. Watch your Berner for signs of lethargy, loss of appetite or weight loss, and contact your veterinarian if you see anything unusual. At this time, this inherited cancer has no treatment options.
• Degenerative Myelopathy: This is a neurological disease that affects the spinal cord, which slowly weakens, then paralyzes the back legs. There is no effective treatment at this time, but keeping your pup at a healthy weight and as active as long as possible may help slow the progress of the disease. Physical therapy can also help but won’t prevent it. If you notice anything unusual with your Berner, like lameness, visit your veterinarian.
• Von Willebrand Disease: Bernese Mountain Dogs are susceptible to von Willebrand’s disease, a bleeding disorder where the blood doesn’t clot properly. Your veterinarian can test your dog for this. It is a lifelong disease with no cure, so your vet may recommend a stress-free lifestyle for your pup and avoid activities where your dog may get bruised or scratched (playing with other pets, hikes, etc.). Your vet may also advise you to avoid giving your dog any medications that interferes with clotting.
• Joint and Orthopedic Issues: As with many large breeds, Berners can develop hip and elbow dysplasia, along with other orthopedic issues. While dysplasia can’t be completely prevented, your veterinarian may recommend weight management, joint supplements, special diets, pain medications, physical therapy or even surgery to manage these conditions.
• Eye Issues: Berners can develop eye issues ranging from cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) to entropion and ectropion. Both cataracts and PRA cause blindness but aren’t painful. Depending on your dog’s age and the severity of the cataracts, they can be removed through surgery. At this time, there is no treatment for PRA. Entropion and ectropion affect the way the eyelids roll in or out, and may be treated with medications or surgery.
• Ear Infections: Bernese Mountain Dogs are predisposed to developing ear infections. Signs of an ear infection include head shaking, redness or swelling in the ear canal, itchiness or odor. You can help prevent ear infections by keeping the ears dry; be sure you thoroughly dry them after a bath or swim. If you suspect your pup has an ear infection, take them to the vet. Treatment often includes topical medications containing antibiotics, anti-fungal compounds and anti-inflammatory medications. With severe infections, oral medications are sometimes prescribed in addition.
• Bloat/Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV): Deep-chested dogs like Berners are more likely to develop bloat and/or Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus. Bloat occurs when the stomach expands with fluid, food or air. The stomach can then rotate and flip (GDV), constricting the blood vessels to the stomach and spleen, and leading to the sudden onset of life-threatening shock. GDV can quickly become fatal and requires immediate medical intervention.