We had a lot to think about when we adopted Beau, our 110-pound Bernese Mountain Dog, a couple of years ago. In April 2017, when Beau was nine weeks old, JC and I adopted him. He weighed 16 pounds already and was tripping over his enormous paws. Berners have many benefits and drawbacks, so I wanted to share what we’ve learned to hopefully help you decide whether you want to bring one into your life. We knew he would grow to be over 100 pounds and almost as tall as us!
Beau is devoted to his family and has a lot of love to give. He always wants affection and cuddles.
Super great with kids. Beau spends a lot of time with my five nieces and nephews even though we don’t currently have any children of our own. He is incredibly patient and does not react when they pull on his tail or ears.
He is also great with other dogs and animals. He gets along well with the cat we have, Cali, and enjoys playing with other dogs. Although he has grown less interested in playing with other dogs as he has aged, he is still very tolerant of them and never exhibits any negative behavior toward them.
Berners are a breed of dog that is extremely intelligent and typically simple to train. The only difficulty you might encounter is that they are occasionally too smart for their own good. They quickly pick up on what you are trying to teach them.
Do I sound like a crazy dog lady yet? Beau has such a big personality; he is very playful and mischievous, and I almost feel like I can see what he is thinking in his eyes.
Berners are very protective and faithful to their families. Beau hasn’t been overtly aggressive towards JC or I, but I am pretty confident that if someone were actually threatening us, he would be very protective and will get in the middle if JC and I are playing fight and bark for us to stop.
Beau is just lazy enough to stay out of mischief and destroy nothing in the house when we are away, but he is full of energy when we are at home or want to take him for walks or runs.
Small dogs that jump when guests enter are really no big deal, but Berners are typically easy to train, so it’s really important to take the time to properly train them. It’s crucial to have excellent training and make sure they know how to behave both around you and other people because if a 100 pound dog tries to do the same thing, he could seriously hurt someone.
The majority of giant breeds are susceptible to developing joint, heart, or cancer problems in the future.
A Bernese Mountain Dog’s average lifespan is only 6-9 years. They can live longer, but that is unfortunately the average. I can only say that; it’s a sad subject, but the truth.
They do not enjoy the heat and are only cold weather dogs. The ideal weather for Beau is about 30 degrees with snow on the ground!
We are fortunate to have a sizable fenced-in backyard and a house that is big enough for Beau to run around in, but I would advise against getting a Berner unless you are ready for how much room they take up!
Be ready for clumps of fur to cover everything you own because their coats are designed to shed heavily in the cold.
Here is a complete list of advantages and disadvantages of owning a Bernese Mountain Dog. Given how much we adore Beau, we would unquestionably get another Bernese Mountain Dog in the future.
The majority of Bernese Mountain Dogs are calm and friendly toward other animals. But some Bernese males are aggressive toward other male dogs.
He can be friendly or distant toward strangers, but a good Bernese should maintain his composure and stand his ground. The most prevalent temperamental flaw is excessive shyness, which can be directed at various people or just one particular group, like bearded men. Bernese Mountain Dog puppies require a lot of socialization to prevent their inherent caution from developing into timidity.
The inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits like size or shedding, so keep that in mind. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training.
About the author: Michele Welton founded three dog training centers and has over 40 years of experience as a dog trainer and breed consultant. She is a skilled researcher and the author of 15 books about dogs. She enjoys assisting people in selecting, training, and caring for their canines.
Dog training videos. When you can observe the proper training methods in action, it can sometimes be simpler to train your puppy (or adult dog). The issue is that the majority of dog training videos available online are useless because they apply the incorrect training techniques. I suggest watching these leadership- and respect-based dog training videos.
The Bernese Mountain Dog: Family Dog and Affectionate Companion
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.
A Bernese Mountain Dog is a fairly safe bet when it comes to a good pet, though you should reserve final judgment until you have met your potential new furry housemate. The best family dog is a Bernese Mountain Dog for the following reasons:
#4 Don’t Ignore The Bernese Lifespan
Usually, good things don’t last forever, and in the case of the Bernese Mountain dog, this is somewhat true.
The owner of this breed can anticipate a lifespan of 6 to 10 years with this breed. This breed is stunning to look at and has a temperament to match.
Although a Berner won’t live as long as some other dog breeds, every year spent with one will be unforgettable.
FAQ
Are Bernese mountain dogs good for first time owners?
A Bernese Mountain Dog, although not aggressive, is protective. He will be very concerned about the safety of your children and the entire family. A Bernese Mountain Dog is devoted to his family and loyal. When you have children, the ease of training a Bernese Mountain Dog is always a plus.
What does owning a Bernese Mountain Dog say about you?
Berners are loyal dogs who become attached to their family. Although they prefer to be with their loved ones, they can stay at home alone for five to eight hours if given enough exercise and mental stimulation. When they feel lonely, they may exhibit destructive behaviors, so crate training may be necessary.
Can Bernese mountain dogs be left alone?
Male Bernese Mountain Dog has the edge over the female. They can be more friendly and laid back. Males are better at training than females because females can occasionally be stubborn Male Bernese dogs are excellent family pets because they are constantly trying to please their owners.