The Breed
The Bernese Mountain Dog
A tri-color dog from the Swiss mountains, bred for generations to work alongside people — and to love them.
What They Are Like
What a Berner Actually Is
The markings, the coat, the size, and what they were bred to do — the things that make a Bernese a Bernese.
Tri-color, always
Jet black coat, rust tan on the cheeks, brows and legs, and a white chest and blaze. Every Berner wears the same markings.
Coat you have to keep up with
A dense double coat needs brushing several times a week, and more when they blow coat. It is the one grooming job you cannot skip.
Big, and slow to grow
Berners are a large breed and take their time maturing. The lanky adolescent stage can last well past a year.
Built to work, happy to rest
Bred to pull carts and drive cattle in the mountains. Today they mostly supervise the sofa — with enthusiasm.
Good to Know
Before You Fall in Love
We would rather you go in with your eyes open. Berners are wonderful — and they are a real commitment.
Not a dog for long days alone
Berners want company. A household where someone is usually home suits them far better than one that empties for ten hours.
Heat is harder than cold
A heavy double coat means summer needs managing — shade, water, walks at dawn or dusk, never a hot car.
Friendly with everyone
Berners are famously sociable — with children, strangers, other dogs. They are not much use as a guard dog, and they would not want to be.
Right dog, right home
We will happily tell you a Berner is not the right fit for your situation. That honesty matters more than a sale.
Thinking a Berner might be your dog?
Tell us about your family and we will give you an honest answer — including if the timing is not right yet.