Author: Todd Grasse
Todd Grasse is the owner and founder of BerneseMountainLover.com. He has lived with Bernese Mountain Dogs since 2011 — Scarlett, Indy, and Reba — and writes from real, hands-on ownership experience combined with research from reputable veterinary and breed-health sources (AKC, VCA, Merck Veterinary Manual). He writes as an experienced owner, not a veterinarian, and always points readers to their own vet for medical decisions.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are intelligent, eager to please, and sensitive — a combination that makes them rewarding to train as long as you’re consistent and positive. Because they grow so large, early manners aren’t optional: it’s far easier to teach good habits to a puppy than to undo them in a 100-pound adult. Here are the essentials, practical tips, and the mistakes that trip owners up most. From my own experience: the biggest shift for me was leaning on positivity instead of negativity — getting mad at a puppy never once helped. When one of mine grabbed something they shouldn’t,…
Bernese Mountain Dogs are easy to love but they are not a low-maintenance breed. They’re big, they shed heavily, they’re sensitive to heat, they have real health risks, and — hardest of all — their lifespan is short. This guide is an honest overview of what living with a Berner actually involves, with links to the detailed guides for each topic. From my own experience: after having Berners since 2011, the thing that still gets me is how completely they bond to their people — mine lose their minds with excitement every time I walk in the door, and it…
How much space a Bernese Mountain Dog needs, whether apartment life works, and what the heat and cold research means for a heavy double-coated breed.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle, people-focused dogs, but like any breed they can develop behavior problems — usually rooted in too little exercise, boredom, anxiety, or inconsistent training rather than a “bad” dog. Most issues respond well to routine, mental enrichment, and positive, consistent training. Here are the behaviors Berner owners ask about most, and practical ways to address them. From my own experience: almost every “behavior problem” I’ve run into traced back to one of two things — not enough exercise, or me not being consistent enough. When mine get wound up (the classic is jumping and general chaos),…
Health disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment or nutritional advice. If you are concerned about your Bernese Mountain Dog’s health or weight, contact your veterinarian. If your dog may be experiencing an emergency, contact an emergency veterinary clinic immediately. That number on the scale is more than just a statistic — it is a direct window into your Bernese Mountain Dog’s health and longevity. Getting their weight right is one of the most important things you can do as an owner. The right weight means protected joints, more energy, flexibility,…
Home-prepared diets for Bernese Mountain Dogs: why 95% of published recipes are nutritionally incomplete, and what feeding homemade properly actually requires.
This article is for general Bernese Mountain Dog owner education only and is not veterinary advice. Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to serious conditions including bloat/GDV, cancer, hip and elbow dysplasia, and heart issues. Always contact a licensed veterinarian for diagnosis, treatment, diet changes, supplements, or emergency symptoms. Disclosure: This post mentions some products and contains occasional affiliate links; if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure. We are not paid to recommend any brand. Last reviewed: 2026. Choosing food for a Bernese Mountain Dog is one…
ⓘ Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure. The Bernese Mountain Dog’s thick tricolor double coat is one of the breed’s most recognizable features, and keeping it healthy takes a steady routine rather than the occasional big effort. This guide covers how the coat works, how often to brush and bathe, the tools that actually matter, and the grooming mistakes that cause the most trouble for Berners specifically. From my own experience: the first coat blow that really caught me off…
ⓘ Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure. Bernese Mountain Dogs shed — a lot. If you share your home with a Berner, fur on your floors, clothes, and car is simply part of the deal. The good news is that shedding is predictable once you understand the breed’s coat, and a consistent routine keeps it manageable. Here’s what to expect and what actually helps. From my own experience: during a heavy spring blow I’ll find tufts of undercoat on the…
I’ve lived with Bernese Mountain Dogs since 2011, and the biggest exercise lesson my dogs taught me is simple: Berners do best with steady, moderate activity, not hard workouts. Here’s how much exercise a Bernese Mountain Dog really needs by age, which activities are safe, how to handle hot weather, and how to spot too much or too little.