Things to Think About Before Getting a Bernese Mountain Dog
Thinking about bringing home a Bernese Mountain Dog? I get it — those big, soulful eyes and that teddy-bear face are almost impossible to say no to.
But here's the honest truth: this breed isn't right for everyone. And knowing why before you commit will save you (and the dog) a lot of heartache.
So let's talk straight. Below, you'll find what Berners are really like to live with, the good, the messy, the expensive — and how to know if you're the right kind of person for one.
Stick with me, because there's one thing about this breed most people don't fully prepare for — more on that shortly.
What Berners Are Really Like
Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle giants in the truest sense.
They're deeply affectionate, wonderful with kids, and usually get along with other animals — yes, even cats.
Here's why: they were bred to work alongside people and livestock in the Swiss Alps. Cooperation is baked into their DNA.
They're also clever — not in a "solve-a-Rubik's-cube" way, but more like "quietly figures out how to open the fridge when you're not looking."
“Berners aren't hyper — they're the kind of dog that happily naps at your feet all afternoon, then lights up the second you grab a leash.”
The takeaway? Keep their minds busy with games, training, and puzzle toys, and you'll have a calm, contented companion.
Now let's look at what makes them so easy to fall for.
The Good Stuff
There's a reason Berner owners tend to be Berner owners for life. Here's what wins people over:
Loving & loyal
They bond deeply with their families and are happiest when you’re nearby — sometimes right on your feet.
Kid-friendly
Their naturally calm demeanor makes them great with children, though supervision is always smart.
Not overly hyper
Unlike many working breeds, Berners enjoy a good romp but are just as content to snooze the day away.
Great with other pets
Whether it’s another dog or even the family cat, most Berners stay wonderfully chill.
Quick poll
What draws you most to a Bernese Mountain Dog?
But Here's What You Need to Be Ready For
Now, here's where I have to be the honest friend. The Berner's downsides are real, and ignoring them is how good dogs end up in rescues.
Let's break them down.
1. They're big. Really big.
Males can hit up to 115 lbs, and even females average around 70.
That's a lot of dog — especially when they're excited or convinced they belong on your lap.
What this means in practice: your space, your furniture, and your car all need to accommodate a large, heavy animal.
2. A shorter lifespan
This is the part that catches people off guard — and it's the thing I hinted at earlier.
Most Berners live around 7–10 years. It's shorter than most dogs, and health issues like hip dysplasia, cancer, and bloat are sadly common in the breed.
3. Grooming is a real commitment
They have thick double coats. And they shed — a lot.
Daily brushing keeps things manageable. Skip it, and you'll be living with tumbleweeds of fur and a dog that smells noticeably "doggier."
And no, they're not hypoallergenic.
4. They don't like being alone
Berners are big softies at heart.
Leaving them alone for long stretches is genuinely hard on them. They're prone to separation anxiety and can turn destructive when bored or lonely.
So what does this mean for you? If you work long hours away from home, either arrange a sitter, walker, or companion — or seriously consider a different breed.
5. Moderate exercise needs
They're not marathon runners, but they aren't couch decorations either.
Plan on at least two decent walks a day — think 45 minutes or so — plus a little off-leash play when you can swing it.
A fenced yard is a nice bonus, but not a dealbreaker if you're committed to daily outings.
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Affection | |
| Good with kids | |
| Grooming needs | |
| Alone tolerance | |
| Exercise needs | |
| Lifespan |
Living With a Berner
Here's something that surprises people: Berners are mellow indoors, which makes them surprisingly OK in apartments.
The catch? You have to fully meet their outdoor and exercise needs. No shortcuts.
That said, they truly thrive in homes with more space and cooler climates.
They do drool a bit, especially if they have looser jowls. But we're talking some slobber, not the flood you'd get from a Mastiff or Saint Bernard.
What You'll Spend
Let's talk money, because a dog this size comes with real costs.
Can you guess?
How much does a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy cost?
Responsible Breeder
Pros
- Health-tested parents
- Known temperament and history
- Breeder support for life
Cons
- Higher upfront cost
- You may wait months
Rescue / Adoption
Pros
- Far lower cost
- Often gives an older dog a home
- Adoption fees fund good work
Cons
- Less known history
- May be an adult, not a puppy
And remember: the purchase price is just the beginning. Food for a 100-lb dog, grooming supplies, and vet care all add up fast.
Should You Get One?
Let's make this simple. A Berner is right for you only if you can honestly check these boxes.
- You’re home a lot — or have help lined up
- You’re OK with heavy shedding and regular grooming
- You can afford regular vet care and understand the health risks
- You’ve got room — physically and emotionally — for a large dog
- You work long hours with no one to cover the day
- You live somewhere hot with little way to keep a dog cool
Pros
A Berner is a great fit if…
- You want a deeply affectionate family dog
- You have space and a cooler climate
- You’re happy to brush daily
- You’re prepared for a shorter, precious time together
Cons
Maybe reconsider if…
- You’re out of the house all day
- You want a low-shedding, low-maintenance dog
- You live somewhere consistently hot
- A short lifespan would be too painful to sign up for
Frequently Asked Questions
They can be, thanks to their gentle, cooperative nature. The bigger challenges are the grooming, the size, and the fact that they don’t like being alone — so a first-timer with plenty of time at home and a willingness to commit to daily care will do just fine.
Not long. They’re prone to separation anxiety and can become destructive when bored or lonely. A few hours is usually the practical limit for an adult — and if you’re gone all day, you’ll need a sitter, walker, or companion.
Yes — a lot. They have thick double coats and shed year-round, with heavier seasonal blowouts. Daily brushing keeps it manageable, but you’ll never fully escape the fur.
Very. Their calm, patient temperament makes them excellent family dogs. As with any large breed, supervise interactions with small kids so no one gets knocked over accidentally.
Generally yes. They tend to be laid-back and social with other pets, including cats. Early socialization makes it even smoother.
Honestly, it’s the shorter lifespan and the breed’s health risks. Most live only 7–10 years, so buying from a health-testing breeder and budgeting for good vet care really matters.
Surprisingly, yes — they’re mellow indoors. But only if you fully meet their exercise needs with two solid walks a day and keep them cool, since they overheat easily.
Sviatoslav Oleksiv founded The Pets and Love in 2019. A lifelong pet owner and Rhodesian Ridgeback enthusiast, he writes and edits our guides to help fellow pet parents give their animals the best care.
Every guide follows our editorial standards. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice — always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet's health.