Bernese Mountain Dog characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | 32% of breeds |
| Energy level | Medium | — |
| Trainability | High | 30% of breeds |
| Friendliness | Very High | 22% of breeds |
| Good with children | Very High | — |
| Grooming needs | High | 20% of breeds |
| Shedding | Very High | 12% of breeds |
| Barking | Low | 32% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Medium | 38% of breeds |
| Adaptability | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 8 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Bernese Mountain Dog right for you?
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large dog that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. In terms of temperament, it has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids and will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian. Day to day, the Bernese Mountain Dog wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Bernese Mountain Dog wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. With medium energy and medium athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Bernese Mountain Dog to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Bernese Mountain Dog requires frequent brushing and regular professional trims and sheds heavily year-round and needs frequent vacuuming to keep up. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Bernese Mountain Dog takes to training fast and works willingly and speaks up only now and then. It would rather have company and manages only brief spells alone, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Bernese Mountain Dog
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Bernese Mountain Dog genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Drooling: Medium — the Bernese Mountain Dog drools more than the typical breed, though not dramatically. Only 10% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Shedding: Very high — the Bernese Mountain Dog sheds more heavily than nearly every other breed we score. Only 12% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Grooming needs: High — the Bernese Mountain Dog needs more grooming than most breeds. Only 20% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Bernese Mountain Dog actually costs you
| Exercise | About an hour a day of walking and play suits it. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Brushing several times a week, with professional grooming at intervals. |
| Time alone | Wants company. Long days alone are where the problems start. |
| Noise | Quieter than most breeds. |
Where the Bernese Mountain Dog fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Depends | Size alone rules out small flats, though the temperament can suit one. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | Very high child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Good fit | High trainability without an unusually strong will makes the learning curve forgiving. |
| Homes with cats | Good fit | Low prey drive makes cohabitation straightforward in most cases. |
| Long working days | Depends | Low independence — this breed wants company and shows it when it does not get any. |
| Allergy households | Poor fit | Very high shedding and no low-allergen coat recorded. |
Guides the Bernese Mountain Dog is ranked in
The Bernese Mountain Dog earns a place on 4 of our lifestyle shortlists:
Perfect for
- Families with children
- Those wanting gentle giants
- Cooler climate dwellers
- Patient, experienced owners
Things to consider
- Short lifespan typical of giant breeds
- Heavy shedding
- Not suited for hot climates
Not sure which breed is right for you?
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Bernese Mountain Dog good with children?
- Yes — the Bernese Mountain Dog is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Bernese Mountain Dog shed a lot?
- The Bernese Mountain Dog has very high shedding.
- How much exercise does the Bernese Mountain Dog need?
- With medium energy, the Bernese Mountain Dog needs moderate daily exercise such as a good walk or two.
- How long does the Bernese Mountain Dog live?
- The Bernese Mountain Dog typically lives around 8 years.
- Can the Bernese Mountain Dog live in an apartment?
- The Bernese Mountain Dog is a larger breed and does better in a home with more space, though it can adapt with enough daily exercise.
- Is the Bernese Mountain Dog easy to train?
- The Bernese Mountain Dog takes to training fast and works willingly. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Bernese Mountain Dog be left alone during the day?
- The Bernese Mountain Dog would rather have company and manages only brief spells alone. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.