Bernese Mountain Dog

Patellar Luxation

Legg-Perthes Disease

Hip Dysplasia

Heart murmurs

Bernese Mountain will need enough food to keep them energetic and happy. They should do well on a high-quality kibble. They will need a daily amount of 4 to 6 cups, divided into two meals. Fresh and clean water should always be made available at all times. Monitor their weight to prevent them from being overweight, so it is best not to leave them food throughout the day. Check with your vet for your concerns about their diet.

The Berner sheds all year-round.Their shedding tends to increase during summer and winter. When their undercoat begins to shed, it is being replenished by either thicker or thinner undercoats depending on the temperature outdoors.

Brushing them once a week with a rubber grooming mitt or tool or a de-shedding glove will help to remove dead hair and maintain its appearance. Bathe them occasionally as required.

This breed requires brushing several times a week to help maintain their fur clean and tangle-free, especially considering they have a thick double coat with a longer outer coat and a woolly undercoat. Bathing them will help to maintain their appearance. Providing the dog with raw bones can help to prevent plaque and tartar build-up.

Trim their nails at least once a month if your dog doesn't wear them down naturally to prevent painful tears and other problems. Make grooming a positive experience filled with praise and rewards.

Berners generally live indoors but love doing lots of outdoor activities. The Bernese's calm temperament makes them a natural for pulling small carts or wagons, a task they originally performed in Switzerland. They make great exercise companions on a long stroll.

An average of 60 to 90 minutes of exercise a day will help to keep them in top condition.

Scheduling health check visits every six months with your vet is important to ensure your Berners are healthy and happy throughout their life stages. In these bi-annual visits, your vet will complete a physical examination, take your dog's temperature and check his heartbeat, amongst other things.

Routine checkups for your dog gives you a chance to track your dog's growth and development, discuss any concerns with your vet, and forms a key part of preventative care.

Berners are known for their good-natured, mellow temperaments. They are wonderful family dogs, especially that they love being around children. They are tolerant of children who want to play and mess around their home and do well with other pets.

Like with any breed, they will need early and proper socialization to ensure they're well acquainted with other members of the house.

Berners are intelligent and cheerful dogs considered relatively easy to train. They will listen and follow your instructions as long as you keep the training routine short and engaging.

Teaching them good leash etiquette and basic obedience commands is recommended. Berners respond best to positive reinforcement and praise for good behaviour.

Berners are affectionate dogs who are likely to get along well with domestic pets. They have a tendency to chase smaller animals and play roughly, even though they are pretty gentle when fully mature and trained properly.

Socialize and introduce them at an early age to encourage good behaviour.