Bernese Mountain Dogs are a large and beautiful breed of working dog. They are known for their sweet and loving temperament, but potential owners may also wonder if they are high energy. The answer to that question is not so simple. While Bernese Mountain Dogs do have a moderate to high energy level, their energy level varies depending on several factors. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the energy of Bernese Mountain Dogs, how to tell if a Bernese Mountain Dog is high energy, and what you can do to ensure your Bernese Mountain Dog is getting the exercise and stimulation that they need. With the right balance of activity and rest, Bernese Mountain Dogs can make great companions for an active home.
What Living with a Bernese Mountain Dog is Like
Living with a giant breed can be a challenge. Despite the fact that they are quite majestic, you cannot treat them like a magnificent lawn ornament because they have actual needs.
Bernese are not typically known to be aggressive; instead, they tend to be reserved or timid Therefore, socialization is crucial for them to develop into more composed, polite adults.
These dogs are quite playful for a giant dog. Most of all, they are very social. The Bernese needs plenty of time with his owner. A home that cannot tolerate some messiness is not the right environment for this breed.
You must be ready for that going in because these dogs also have their fair share of health issues.
Breed Characteristics:
Contrary to popular belief, small size doesnt necessarily an apartment dog make. Plenty of small dogs are too high-energy and yappy for life in a high-rise. Being quiet, low energy, fairly calm indoors, and polite with the other residents are all good qualities in an apartment dog. And you can find an awesome crate for your dog here to give them a little more personal space in your apartment.
Some dogs are just simpler than others; they learn faster and are more laid back. Additionally, they are strong enough to recover from your errors or inconsistent behavior.
Highly sensitive, independent-thinking, or assertive dogs may be more challenging for a novice dog parent to handle. If you consider your prior dog ownership when choosing your new dog, you’ll find the best match.
If youre new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!
While some dogs take even a dirty look to heart, others will let a firm reprimand roll off their backs. Low-sensitivity dogs, also referred to as “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can cope better with a noisy, chaotic home, a louder or more assertive owner, and an irregular or variable routine. Choose a low-sensitivity dog if you have young children, frequently host dinner parties, participate in a garage band, or lead a busy lifestyle.
Some breeds develop strong bonds with their families and are more likely to worry or even panic when their owner leaves them alone. Barking, whining, chewing, and other destructive behaviors are all signs of anxiety in dogs. When a family member is present during the day or if you can take the dog to work, these breeds thrive.
Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks. You can find a great jacket for your dog here!
Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. Short-nosed breeds, such as Bulldogs and Pugs, are also affected because they cannot sweat as effectively. If you choose a breed that is sensitive to the heat, you must keep your dog inside with you on warm or muggy days, and you must exercise it with extreme care.
Even if they have been raised by the same person since they were puppies, some breeds are independent and distant, while others form a strong bond with just one person and are uninterested in anyone else, and still others show love to the entire family. Breed is not the only aspect that affects how affectionate a dog is; dogs that were raised in a home with people present are more accustomed to interacting with people and bonding more readily.
A kid-friendly dog has a blasé attitude toward running, screaming kids and is patient with children as well as strong enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out. You might be surprised to learn that list includes American Staffordshire Terriers, which are classified as Pit Bulls but have a fierce appearance, and Boxers. Chihuahuas, which are small, delicate, and capable of snapping, aren’t always the most family-friendly dogs.
**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, not promises of how any particular breed or dog will act. Based on their prior interactions, socialization, and personality, dogs of any breed can get along well with kids. All dogs, regardless of breed or breed type, have powerful jaws and sharp, pointy teeth that they can use to bite when under stress. Young children and dogs of any breed should never be left alone together and should always be watched over by an adult.
Being friendly to humans and friendly to dogs are two entirely different things. Even if they are people lovers, some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs; other dogs would rather play than fight; and still other dogs would turn around and flee. Breed isnt the only factor. Dogs who spent a lot of time playing with other dogs while they were puppies and who lived with their littermates and mother until they were at least six to eight weeks old are more likely to have good canine social skills.
Some dogs are outgoing and will nuzzle and wag their tails when visitors arrive, while others are timid, uninterested, or even hostile. No matter the breed, a dog will behave better toward strangers as an adult if they were socialized and exposed to a wide variety of people when they were young. Keep in mind that even friendly dogs should be restrained in public by a sturdy leash like this one!
If youre going to share your home with a dog, youll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If youre a neatnik, youll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool here!
When visiting you, drool-prone dogs may leave large, wet stains on your clothes and drape ropes of slobber on your arm. If you don’t mind your dog drooling, that’s fine, but if you’re a neat freak, you might want to pick a dog that doesn’t drool much.
Some dog breeds can be brushed and left alone, while others need to be regularly bathed, clipped, and otherwise groomed in order to stay clean and healthy. If your dog requires a lot of grooming, decide if you have the time and patience to do it yourself or if you can afford to hire someone to do it.
Some breeds are predisposed to specific genetic health issues, such as hip dysplasia, as a result of poor breeding practices. This only means that dogs of that breed are at a higher risk; it does not imply that all of them will develop those diseases.
It’s a good idea to research which genetic diseases are prevalent in the breed you’re interested in before adopting a puppy. You might also want to find out if your shelter or rescue has information on the physical condition of the parents and other relatives of your prospective pups.
Some breeds have robust appetites and have a propensity to gain weight quickly. Similar to humans, dogs who are overweight may experience health issues. Limiting treats, ensuring they get enough exercise, and measuring out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time are all necessary if you choose a breed that is prone to putting on weight.
Consult your veterinarian to learn more about your dog’s diet and what you should feed your canine companion to maintain a healthy weight. Gaining weight can worsen conditions like arthritis or cause other health problems.
From the Chihuahua, the smallest dog in the world, to the enormous Great Dane, size is not the only consideration when determining whether a dog is right for you and your home. Find the ideal sized dog for you by browsing these large dog breeds, some of which are surprisingly affectionate despite their size.
Dogs that are simple to train are better at quickly making the connection between a cue, like the word “sit,” an action (sitting), and a result (getting a treat). Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.
Many breeds are intelligent, but they approach training with a “What’s in it for me?” mentality, so you’ll need to use incentives and games to make them want to follow your instructions.
Just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies, dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision-making, intelligence, and concentration, like herding livestock, need to exercise their brains. If they don’t receive the necessary mental stimulation, they’ll create their own work, typically using activities you won’t enjoy, like digging and chewing. Dog sports and careers like agility and search and rescue are great ways to exercise a dog’s brain, as are obedience training and interactive dog toys.
Mouthiness refers to a propensity to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, generally painless bite that doesn’t puncture the skin), which is prevalent in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages. Mouthy dogs are more likely to grab or “herd” their human family members, so they need to be trained to understand that chewing on chew toys is fine but not on people. Mouthy breeds typically enjoy a good chew on a toy that has been filled with kibble and treats as well as a game of fetch.
(Picture Credit: Haydn West – PA s/PA s via Getty s)
Terriers and other hunting-bred dogs have an innate desire to pursue and occasionally kill other animals. That instinct can be triggered by anything speeding by, including cats, squirrels, and possibly even moving vehicles. When dogs are outdoors, they should be leashed or kept in a fenced area. Your yard also needs a high, secure fence. These breeds typically don’t do well in homes with smaller animals that could pass for prey, like cats, hamsters, or small dogs. When there are birds flying by, you may find it difficult to get the attention of breeds that were originally used for bird hunting because they generally won’t chase.
Some breeds sound off more often than others. Consider how frequently the dog vocalizes with barks or howls when selecting a breed. If you’re considering a hound, consider whether you find their distinctive howls amusing or irritating. If you’re considering a watchdog, consider whether a city full of suspicious “strangers” will put your pup on constant alert. If the local wildlife literally drives your dog crazy, consider whether you should choose a quieter dog.
Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Siberian Huskies and other Nordic breeds of dogs were developed for long-distance travel, and given the chance, they’ll pursue anything that piques their curiosity. Even if it means leaving you behind, many hounds simply have to follow their noses or that bunny that just ran across the path.
High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. They were originally bred to do a specific canine job, like herding livestock or retrieving game for hunters, and they have the stamina to work all day. They need a lot of physical activity and mental stimulation, and they are more likely to jump around, play, and explore any new sounds and smells.
Dogs with low energy levels are the canine equivalent of couch potatoes, happy to doze off all day. Consider your own level of activity and lifestyle when choosing a breed, as well as whether you’d find a boisterous, active dog energizing or annoying.
A dog that is energetic may or may not be vigorous, but whatever they do, they do with vigor: they pull on the leash until you teach them not to, try to push through barriers, and even take big gulps of food and liquid. These dynamos require extensive training to develop good manners, so they might not be the best choice for a household with young children or an elderly or frail person. On the other hand, a low-vigor dog takes a more passive approach to life.
Some breeds can manage a leisurely evening walk around the block. Others, particularly those who were bred to perform physically demanding jobs like herding or hunting, require daily, vigorous exercise.
These breeds could gain weight and release their pent-up energy in undesirable ways, like barking, chewing, and digging, if they don’t get enough exercise. Breeds that require a lot of exercise are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts or those who want to train their dog to participate in a high-intensity dog sport, like agility.
While some dogs are perpetual puppies who constantly beg to play, others are more somber and sedate. Even though a playful puppy sounds adorable, think about how many fetch or tag games you want to play each day and whether you have children or other dogs that the dog can play with instead.
How to Care for a Bernese Mountain Dog
Although Bernese dogs are renowned for their calm, patient temperament, they still require a lot of socialization when they are young. You’ll be brushing them frequently, especially in the spring and fall. Get your Berner involved in daily walks, dog sports, and other enjoyable activities because Berners benefit from both mental and physical exercise. Just keep in mind that the Bernese breed can struggle in hotter weather due to their thick coats. Take them outside during the cooler parts of the day and give them plenty of shade if you live in a warmer climate.
Although Bernese Mountain Dogs have a lifespan of seven to ten years, they are unfortunately prone to a number of health issues. Knowing about these health problems will enable you to assist your Berner in leading a longer, healthier life. If the parent dogs are tested early, some of these genetic health problems can be avoided. Find a trustworthy breeder who thoroughly checks for health issues to guarantee that you receive a healthy puppy. Get a copy of the parents’ test results for any litter you’re thinking about having. Make sure to obtain a copy of the wellness examination from the vet if you are adopting your dog.
The Bernese Mountain Dogs were first domesticated in the canton of Bern in Switzerland, where they drove cattle and guarded farms. Their early ancestors may have been transported to Switzerland by Roman soldiers thousands of years ago, according to legend. The Berner Sennenhund, as they are also known, was bred to have a thick, insulating coat to keep them warm even in the bitterly cold Swiss Alps. Their black coat traps heat, allowing them to survive in chilly conditions even better.
They retired from farm life thanks to the industrial revolution. Professor Albert Heim assisted Swiss breeders in their efforts to increase their numbers after a decline in the 1800s. The official Swiss breed club was founded by eminent Swiss geologist Heim. Due to their heritage of being bred as farm dogs, they are excellent drafting dogs (cart pullers) and property guardians.
The first two Berners arrived in the United States in 1926 thanks to a Kansas farmer, which boosted their popularity. In 1937, the AKC received its first registration of a Bernese Mountain Dog. It is related to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, which the AKC did not officially recognize until 1995. Despite there being four distinct breeds of Swiss mountain dogs, only Berners have a silky, longer coat.
So, where is the best place to find Bernese Mountain Dog puppies today? You can find a list of reputable Berner breeders on the American Kennel Club’s website. Depending on the breeder, the average price for a Berner puppy could range from $800 to almost $2,000. Expect to pay more for a dog who has pedigree papers along with health and temperament screenings. You can also talk to Bernese Mountain Dog rescue organizations or your local animal shelter about adoption opportunities.
Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs shed. They typically require brushing three to four times per week. However, you will increase that to several times per day in the spring and fall to keep up with the shedding.
FAQ
Are Bernese mountain dogs calm?
Many people consider Bernese Mountain Dogs to be one of the least aggressive dogs toward humans because of their extreme affection and good nature. They are excellent playmates for kids due to their sweet demeanors, placid temperaments, and willingness to engage in activities.
How often should a Bernese Mountain Dog be walked?
Bernese Mountain Dogs love being outside because they’re outdoor dogs at heart, but they don’t have a lot of endurance, so how much exercise does a Bernese Mountain Dog need? Up to an hour of exercise per day is recommended by the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Great Britain.
Are Bernese high maintenance?
Bernese Mountain dogs have large, well-defined bones and deep chests, giving them an impressive appearance. They require a lot of upkeep in terms of grooming and social interaction. They do shed, and because of their thick coats, they are not suitable for hot climates.
Are Bernese mountain dogs easy to train?
Berners, as they’re also called, live to please their owners. Their intelligence and gentle temperament make them easy to train. Berners don’t like being left alone and can be sensitive to harsh correction.