Bernese Mountain Dogs can be impacted by several health conditions including cancer.

They have a shorter lifespan compared to many dog breeds - one of around 7-10 years.

Health conditions that could affect your Bernese Mountain Dog include:

• Hip dysplasia – an inherited condition where the thighbone does not fit in properly into the hip joint
• Blood disorders such as clotting etc.
• Eye conditions including deterioration of the retina or impaired vision
• Stomach conditions such as bloating which can be life threatening for any dog
• Cancer – Bernese Mountain Dogs can be affected by various forms of cancer. If you spot any abnormal swelling or a sore or bump that doesn’t heal, unusual bleeding and difficulty breathing or going to the bathroom, take them to see the vet immediately.

Treatments for cancer in Bernese Mountain Dogs include chemotherapy, surgery and/or medications. As Bernese Mountain Dogs are at a higher risk of being affected by these conditions, it would be best to talk to your vet
about the risks and how you can reduce them to ensure your Bernese Mountain Dog lives the happiest and healthiest life possible.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are quite high maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming.

They shed a lot – more heavily in spring and autumn. Their rich, thick coats will need brushing at least a few times a week to help reduce shedding around the house and keep their hair clean and free of tangles. They will also need bathing every few months or so to maintain their clean and neat appearance, but they can be bathed more regularly if they are dirty and need a quick wash.

Your Bernese Mountain Dog will need their teeth brushing at least 2-3 times a week to remove any bacteria or tartar buildup – daily brushing is even better as it can help to prevent gum disease and bad breath, but a few times a week is the minimum recommendation.

Trim your pups’ nails at least once a month if they don’t wear down naturally on pavement walks, as this will help to prevent any painful tears and other issues. If you can hear their nails clicking on the floor, that’s typically a good indicator that they need to be trimmed.

You should also check their ears weekly for any signs of infection and clean them out with a damp cotton ball, be sure to dry these afterwards to avoid damp ears.

Bernese Mountain Dogs need at least an hour of exercise per day, which can be split into walks and playtime. Bernese Mountain Dogs are quite energetic and thrive best in active households. They were bred to be active dogs and so need
to be kept active and stimulated both physically and mentally.

Keep on top of your pups training and playtimes, and make sure they have a large, open space to play and spend their free time in.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are known to have a wonderfully patient, loving, calm and affectionate personality, and so they make great pets for families. Plus, if they have been socialised and trained well whilst young, you’ll find that they get along well with other dogs and cats too.

Contrary to popular belief, Bernese Mountain Dogs are not a “rare breed” and you can find them in the UK. They may not be as common or widespread as other similar, strong breeds such as Labradors or German Shepherds, but there are around 700-800 registered annually with the UK Kennel Club.

Bernese Mountain Dogs can be considered high maintenance when it comes to grooming due to their thick coats that shed heavily, but generally they are quite calm and affectionate dogs that make for excellent family pets.

Bernese Mountain Dogs can be left alone for 5 - 8 hours, but only with enough exercise and mental stimulation as they are dogs that require activity. They also prefer to spend their time with people, so if left alone for long periods of time they may develop separation anxiety which could present itself in destructive behaviours.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are a more popular and expensive breed, so you can end up paying up to around £2,500.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are quite intelligent and gentle and so they are typically easier to train, however they don’t take well to harsh criticisms and corrections so it’s best to be gentle and easy-going with them.

Bernese Mountain Dogs need at the very least an hour of exercise per day, which can be split into walks of around 30 to 45 minutes daily and energetic playtime.

The average lifespan of a Bernese Mountain Dog is around 7 – 10 years. They have a shorter lifespan as they are more likely to suffer from health conditions and various forms of cancer.