How Long Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Live?
Bernese Mountain Dogs live 7-10 years on average. Here is the AKC breed profile, the health areas to stay ahead of, and how to give a Bernese Mountain Dog more good years.
Breed profile
Breed profile and trait ratings: American Kennel Club. Trait scores are AKC ratings from 1 to 5.
At 80-115 pounds, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a giant breed. Giant breeds age the fastest and sit at the short end of the canine lifespan range, which its 7-10 years average reflects.
Does a Bernese Mountain Dog fit your life?
The Bernese Mountain Dog is about as devoted a family dog as they come, affection, compatibility with kids, and compatibility with other dogs all score at the maximum. It's also a giant breed, so plan for real space, food costs, and a life span on the shorter end of the scale, one clear tradeoff to weigh against all that warmth. The other cost is fur: shedding scores at the very top too.
A great match if you
- You have kids, this breed's score for getting along with children is the highest possible.
- You already have other dogs, sociability there is just as maxed out.
- You want a deeply affectionate dog that bonds hard with its family.
- You welcome visitors easily, openness to strangers scores high.
- You have room for a large, easygoing dog with real trainability, that score runs high too.
Think twice if
- You'll be vacuuming often, shedding scores at the very top of the scale.
- You need the space and budget a giant breed requires, this dog can top 100 pounds.
- You should factor in a shorter life span than smaller breeds when weighing this commitment.
- You'll want to manage some drool, that score lands on the higher side too.
Health areas for the Bernese Mountain Dog
Based on the breed profile, the health areas most worth staying ahead of for a Bernese Mountain Dog are Joint and mobility, Dental and oral health, Daily gut health, Eye and vision and Cancer / cellular health (owners often watch for elbow dysplasia, teeth, tooth).
GDV / Bloat
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Bernese Mountain Dog facts, quick answers
How long do Bernese Mountain Dogs live?
Bernese Mountain Dogs live 7-10 years on average, and plenty go beyond that. The two biggest levers on where a given dog lands are keeping it at a lean, healthy weight and staying ahead of the health issues the breed is prone to.
How big do Bernese Mountain Dogs get?
A full-grown Bernese Mountain Dog stands 25-27.5 inches (male), 23-26 inches (female) and weighs 80-115 pounds (male), 70-95 pounds (female), which puts it firmly in the giant-breed range.
What kind of dog is a Bernese Mountain Dog?
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a working breed, and one of the country's more popular breeds, ranked 19 of 208. It is a giant dog that typically lives around 7-10 years.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs high-energy dogs?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are an energetic breed that stays happiest with a solid daily walk plus some play or training.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs easy to train?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are very trainable and love having their brain worked, picking up commands quickly with positive, consistent training.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs shed a lot?
Yes, they do. Expect loose hair year-round with heavier seasonal blowouts, so regular brushing and a good vacuum come with the territory.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs bark a lot?
They bark a normal amount, mostly to let you know something is up.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs good with kids?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are great with children, gentle and patient, which is a big reason families love the breed; supervise young kids around any dog.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs get along with other dogs?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally sociable with other dogs and usually enjoy the company.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs friendly with strangers?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are friendly with strangers and tend to greet new people like old friends.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs drool?
Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs drool a little, mostly around food and water.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs good for first-time owners?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are rewarding but not the easiest first dog; they do best with an owner ready to commit to their exercise, training and grooming.
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