Bernese Mountain Dog
Calm, loyal family dog with a distinctive tricolor coat.
LargeActiveSwitzerlandGood with kids
Origin & history
Developed in the 19th century in the Bernese Oberland as a versatile farm and draft dog for Swiss farmers, named after the Simme valley region. Nearly went extinct before breed clubs revived it in the early 20th century.
Care
Needs regular brushing (2-3x/week) due to the long coat. Enjoys moderate exercise, does not tolerate heat well.
Ideal environment
Needs space, ideally a house with a garden; handles cool climates better than heat due to its dense coat.
Feeding
Large breed: controlled growth as a puppy matters; choose high-quality food matched to size.
Health
Prone to hip dysplasia and certain cancers. Regular vet checkups recommended.