Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large stunning breed that is well known for its incredible versatility. Originally developed in Canton of Bern, Switzerland, hence their name, these pups served as invaluable working dogs that would serve many different purposes. It is believed that the Berner, as they are often referred to, was working on the farms of Switzerland over 2000 years ago!

The functions that the Berner would perform would be pulling heavy carts, herding cattle, and serving as a watchdog. This breed is incredibly strong and can weigh anywhere between 70-115 pounds, which assisted them in the work that they were required to do. Interestingly, in the early 1900s, when new modes of transportation were introduced and cart pulling was becoming a thing of the past, the Bernese Mountain Dog nearly went extinct. They did eventually make a comeback, however, their gene pool became extremely limited in the near extinction that the Berners of today often experiences many health issues. These doggos will only typically live between 6-8 years.

The Berner of today is best known for its playful and gentle nature. These beautiful pups are friendly towards everyone they meet and have a very calm disposition. Given their history as a working dog, the Berner is highly trainable and will enjoy being given a task to do. It is important to note that these are sensitive dogs, and they will not respond well to any type of harsh training methods. One job that they are particularly good at is being a protective watchdog. Their loud, deep bark will be enough to scare away any potential intruders.

The Berner is a wonderful family dog that loves being with its people. They have a happy-go-lucky attitude that is sure to put you in a better mood whenever they are around. They often act in a goofy manner when they are around their family, which is humorous and certainly adds to their charm. The Berner is a highly affectionate dog that makes an unbelievable companion. One thing to keep in mind before bringing one of these pups home is that they are heavy shedders, make sure to have a vacuum nearby with these big guys around!