The Bernese Mountain Dog was bred to work in the mountains of Switzerland. They would herd cattle and carry carts filled with milk and cheese up and down the chilly Swiss Alps. But unfortunately, most people who are interested in owning a Bernese Mountain Dog are not dairy farmers in Switzerland. So can this strong, hard-working breed enjoy life with a family?
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs good family dogs?
Yes, the Bernese Mountain Dog can be a perfect family dog. They are intelligent, loyal, easy to train, and great with kids.
According to research, the Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the most intelligent dogs in the world. They rank high in measures of obedience and working intelligence. ‘Obedience intelligence’ in dogs indicates the dog’s capacity to learn from humans. For example, obedience intelligence will help your Bernese Mountain Dog quickly discover the ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts of family life. It may also help them learn a number of verbal commands or words. Dogs high in ‘obedience intelligence’ are skilled at remembering words and sometimes have hundreds of words in their listening vocabulary.
Working intelligence indicates a dog’s capacity to follow orders. In a family home, this may mean your Bernese Mountain Dog will listen when told to stop barking or to drop a child’s toy they are about to run away with. Following the orders of their humans is especially important in large dogs. Their weight and height can make the Bernese Mountain Dog intimidating. When children or visitors are in the home, they must follow instructions.
These qualities make the Bernese Mountain Dog easy to train. Their unique intelligence is apparent early, and training can begin in the months of life. It is recommended to start training early. The size of the Bernese Mountain dog makes it a liability around children and strangers if not trained to greet them properly.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is loyal to its humans. The breed easily attaches to the people that care for them and can demonstrate empathy and protective responses. As a result, they are good candidates for therapy work and work as service dogs. These tendencies can result in a gentle and emotionally supportive Bernese Mountain Dog as a family pet.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs get along well with children?
Yes, the Bernese Mountain Dog can get along very well with children of all ages. Families with children should always investigate this question no matter what breed of dog they are interested in. For animals, life with children is often a very different thing than life with adults. No matter how naturally sweet, gentle or obedient, the desire to pull a tail, squeeze, or shriek in delight will often overcome any child. Children are unpredictable, fast-moving, loud, and come with many supplies that look suspiciously like dog toys. A family dog will need to cope with or hopefully love the chaotic life with children.
The typical Bernese Mountain Dog has a laid-back and patient temperament, making it a great dog for kids. Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their lack of aggression towards humans, and this includes tiny humans. The American Kennel Club rates the Bernese Mountain Dog as high in adaptability, openness to strangers, and playfulness. These characteristics make them ideal candidates for families with children.
Regardless of these innate traits, your Bernese Mountain dog will still need to be trained. Their size alone can make them a danger to children. What starts as a toddler hanging onto the back of the family dog can quickly become a head injury when the dog stands up.
They also have shorter lifespans than other breeds, around 7-10 years. When adding a Bernese Mountain Dog to your life should take into account when they may leave it.
It is also pertinent to consider the economics of caring for a Bernese Mountain Dog combined with the financial responsibilities of having children. Excessive food and medical expenses are a real possibility for owners of Bernese Mountain Dog.
Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Be Aggressive?
The Bernese Mountain Dog is not naturally aggressive to humans or other pets. However, natural instincts aside, any dog has the capacity to be aggressive. All dog owners should be aware of that potential.
The Bernese Mountain Dog earns a 3 out of 5 for its ‘watchdog or protective nature’ tendencies from the KC. They are likely to be alert when new people or animals cross their path but not likely to be highly vigilant. They can be trained to improve their watchdog skills. Their loud bark and their size may make them good candidates to train as guard dogs, but the pros and cons of this training should be considered. If a dog is trained to attack physically, there is always the possibility they will become confused and attack the wrong person or animal.
The reasons a Bernese Mountain Dog may be aggressive are the same as why any laid-back dog may act out. Pain is a common reason a laid-back dog begins to growl or snap. The Bernese Mountain Dog is prone to joint issues like hip and elbow dysplasia and arthritis. If your Bernese Mountain Dog suddenly growls when pet or as a child comes near, a trip to the veterinarian should be scheduled.
Bernese Mountain Dogs become intensely attached to their families, and aggression may reveal itself as a protective mechanism. Luckily the breed is obedient and easily trainable so that these tendencies can be addressed.
Some Bernese Mountain Dogs develop sound sensitivity; they can become overwhelmed with a lot of chaotic noise in their environment. Typically owners can manage this with a quiet location to escape the noise. If this isn’t available, the frustration of the situation could result in an act of aggression. If you see your Bernese Mountain Dog distressed in noisy situations, it is essential that they are provided a quiet spot to decompress for their general well-being.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Good House Dogs?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally good house dogs. However, if that house is a studio apartment or a similar tiny space, their size might rule them out as an option. The Bernese Mountain Dog thrives in medium to large homes with a yard to traverse at their leisure. Better still, if the temperature in that yard does not exceed 75℉. The inside of the house should be maintained below that temperature as well. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a cold-weather dog with a heavy double coat. Homes in hot or humid climates without air conditioning are less than ideal.
Bernese Mountain dogs do have a tendency to chew. However, plenty of heavy-duty chew toys and some training can usually manage this trait successfully. That is unless your Bernese Mountain Dog is left alone frequently. They do not enjoy being left alone for long periods, and the resulting anxiety can express itself as destructive chewing. If the human absence from the home can’t be helped, an enjoyable and straightforward solution would be to get a pet companion. Bernese Mountain Dogs get along well with both cats and dogs.
What Dogs Get Along With Bernese Mountain Dogs?
Bernese Mountain dogs are gentle giants making them ideal roommates for most breeds of dogs. However, if you would like your household pets not to be just roommates but best friends, some breeds are better matches for the Bernese Mountain Dog than others.
The Border Collie is an ideal playmate for your Bernese Mountain Dog. The intelligence and high energy of the breed will make training them together with a breeze and playtime and an opportunity for exercise. If there is a yard for these two to run in, you won’t need to feel guilty on days when a walk isn’t possible. Border Collies are also known to be great with kids.
If big dogs are your preference, the Great Pyrenees is an attractive choice. This breed is also a mountain dog and is known to have a temperament very similar to the Bernese Mountain Dog. They are calm, patient, affectionate, and good with children. The Great Pyrenees have a double coat like the Bernese Mountain Dog, so the two can enjoy long romps on snowy days.
If you are looking for a smaller companion, the Australian Shephard is similar to the Border Collie in intelligence and energy. They are sweet dogs who can be very protective of their families. They are beautiful dogs who often have eyes of different colors.
Finding a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy to add to the family should include finding a reputable breeder and educating oneself on potential health issues and how to care for this large breed dog. The Bernese Mountain Dog is an excellent family pet if these steps are taken. The breed is loyal, loving, and intelligent, with plenty of patience for children. They thrive in cooler environments and do well as a house pet. They are not naturally aggressive and get along well with other household pets. They are sure to add joy and love to any family.
