| Height | 25-27.5 inches (male), 23-26 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 80-115 pounds (male), 70-95 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 7–10+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Good-Natured / Calm / Strong [1] |
| AKC group | Working Group [1] |
| Origin | Switzerland [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 20 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Bernese Mountain Dogs need at least a half-hour of moderate exercise every day to stay healthy and happy. While they are definitely meant to live indoors with their human family, Berners enjoy outdoor activities and make great companions on long walks or hikes. Outdoorsy owners often take their canine companions camping and backpacking. [1]
Grooming
The Bernese Mountain Dog has a double coat, with a longer outer coat and a wooly undercoat. Berners shed a fair amount, even more so during shedding season, which occurs twice a year. Weekly brushing'¿daily during shedding season'¿will help to remove loose hair and keep the dog looking his best. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Berners are generally healthy dogs, and responsible breeders will screen their breeding stock for health conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, blood disorders, some cancers, and progressive retinal atrophy. All large breeds are susceptible to bloat, a sudden, life-threatening stomach condition. Berner owners should learn what signs to look out for, and what to do should they occur. As with all breeds, a Berner's ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection, and the teeth should be brushed often, using a toothpaste designed for dogs. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Degenerative Myelopathy (Bernese Mountain Dog Variant) (DM) - DNA Test, AKC DNA Profile, Degenerative Myelopathy (Common Variant) (DM) - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a large dog (median $640) | $308 – $1,224 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, large dog | $698 – $1,580 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, large dog | $541 – $3,903 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Bernese Mountain Dog in 1937. [1]
- It ranked No. 20 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 29 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Berner.” [1]
- The AKC lists Switzerland as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC includes it in its “Best Family Dogs, Largest Dog Breeds” breed lists. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 4/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 4/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 5/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Anyone who hates vacuuming: AKC rates shedding 5/5
Common questions
How long do Bernese Mountain Dogs live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 7-10 years.
How big does a Bernese Mountain Dog get?
AKC breed information lists height 25-27.5 inches (male), 23-26 inches (female) and weight 80-115 pounds (male), 70-95 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Bernese Mountain Dog?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For large dogs like the Bernese Mountain Dog, a typical vet bill runs $308 – $1,224 (median $640). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.