The Bernese Mountain Dog is a herding breed that originated in Switzerland. They are one of the four Sennenhunds, or Swiss Mountain Dogs, the other three being the Grosser Schweizer, Appenzeller, and Entelbucher. All four of these breeds share the same coat colors, although they very in size. The Bernese Mountain Dog is the most popular and well-known of the Sennenhunds, and the only one with a long silky coat.


A large breed of the Molosser type, the Bernese Mountain Dog stands between 23-28 inches and weighs in at 87-90 pounds. They have a long, double coat with feathering that is tricolor, black with rust and white. There should be rust markings over each eye, on the cheeks, legs, and either side of the chest. White should be on the muzzle, feet, tip of the tail, chest, muzzle, and a blaze on the forehead. The tail of a Bernese Mountain Dog is long and bushy.

The Bernese Mountain Dog, like all Sennenhunds, are believed to have descended from large Molossers brought to Switerland either by the Romans or Phoenician traders. The word Senn is the term for Alpine herdsmen, so a Sennenhund is a “dog of the Senn”. They were general farm dogs, used for guarding and herding in the Canton of Berne. Originally these dogs were known as the Durrbachler, named for the small town of Durrbach, where they were particularly well known. The Bernese Mountain Dog was first recognized as its own distinct breed in 1910 by the Swiss Kennel Club.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are lovable and gentle; this is a dog that wants to be around their family. They get along very well with children, dogs, and most non-canine pets when socialized at a young age. A natural watchdog, they can be wary of strangers. Some Bernese Mountain Dogs can be difficult to train, but they are intelligent and do well if the training is consistent.


Unfortunately the lifespan of a Bernese Mountain Dog is only 8-10 years. These dogs are short-lived compared to breeds of their size, even in comparison to the larger Greater Swiss Mountian Dog that shares its ancestry. They are particularly prone to several types of cancer, hip dysplasia, and other musculoskeletal problems.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is not recommended for apartment life, they need a yard with room to roam. They do not do well in warm climates because of their thick coat. As with all dogs, they require a daily walk.

The thick coat of a Bernese Mountain Dog should have regular attention, daily when they are shedding. They are heavy shedders.