You know that feeling when your dog leans into you like they’re hugging your soul?
That’s what it feels like to love a Bernese Mountain Dog. They’re not just pets. They’re poetry wrapped in fur. They look at you like you’re their whole world—and if you’re lucky enough to have one, you know exactly what I mean.
But here’s the thing… these sweet, gentle giants don’t come with a manual. They come with slobbery kisses, fur everywhere, and a heart that beats in sync with yours. And that’s where I come in.
Hi, I’m Anna. I’ve raised and loved dogs my whole life. And today, I want to share with you everything I know about Bernese Mountain Dog care—not just the practical stuff, but the emotional magic too.
So curl up, let your Berner plop their head on your lap, and let’s chat.
💖 First Things First: Who Is the Bernese Mountain Dog?
If dogs had spirit animals, the Bernese Mountain Dog would be yours if you:
Love deep connections more than small talk
Enjoy snow more than the sun
Don’t mind a little fur… okay, a lot of fur
Want a best friend who never lets you walk into a room alone
These Swiss-born snow bears were bred for hard work—pulling carts, herding cattle, and guarding farms. But deep down? They’re total softies. Loyal to the bone. Gentle with kids. Always watching you like they’re saying, “You okay, Mom?”
They’re large, yes. But also tender. They have hearts bigger than their paws.
🚶♂️ Movement Matters: Not a Couch Potato, But Not a Marathoner
Your Bernese Mountain Dog won’t bounce off the walls like a Border Collie. But they’re not built to be lazy either. They were made for movement, just… gentle, steady movement.
Here’s what my Berner, Moose, taught me:
❤️ Best exercise routines:
A couple of calm walks a day (bonus points for cool, shaded routes)
Lazy backyard games like “chase the leaf” or “sniff everything in sight”
Puzzle toys that make them think (they’re brainy boys and girls!)
Winter hikes—oh, how they thrive in snow!
And please, don’t overdo it when they’re puppies. I made that mistake once… and Moose limped for days. Big dogs need time for their bones to catch up with their hearts.
Let them be slow. Let them explore. Let them rest in between.
🧼 Let’s Talk About The Fur Storm (And Why It’s Worth It)
There’s no polite way to say this: your Bernese Mountain Dog will shed like it’s their job.
At first, I thought, How bad can it be?
Then came fur on my toast. Fur in my bra. Fur in places fur shouldn’t be.
But here’s the twist… grooming your Berner becomes one of your sweetest rituals. It’s quiet. It’s bonding. And it becomes part of your love language.
🛁 Berner grooming schedule:
Brush 3–4 times a week (or daily in spring/fall)
Use a slicker brush or undercoat rake—trust me, they’ll love it
Bathe once every 6–8 weeks, or whenever they find a mud puddle
Clean their ears gently (they’re prone to ear infections)
Keep nails trimmed (you’ll hear click-click on hardwood when it’s time)
Brush their teeth! I know it sounds silly, but it makes a difference
Pro tip: Talk to them while brushing. I say, “You’re the most handsome floof I’ve ever seen” and Moose just melts into my lap.
🍗 Feeding a Giant Heart: What They Eat, How They Feel
Feeding a Bernese Mountain Dog isn’t just about kibble. It’s about trust. Consistency. Wellness.
Their bodies grow fast—but we want them to grow right. Not too fast. Not too fat. Just healthy and strong.
🥣 Food tips from my kitchen to yours:
Start with large-breed puppy food (slow-growth formulas protect joints)
Feed 3–4 smaller meals a day as pups, then 2 meals daily as adults
Avoid table scraps (I know… those eyes are persuasive)
Choose food rich in omega-3s, glucosamine, and real meat
Use slow-feeder bowls—especially if they eat like they haven’t been fed in years
My rule? If I don’t eat it, I don’t feed it to Moose.
And don’t forget to hydrate. Always, always keep fresh water around. These floofs need it—especially in warmer months.
🧠 Train with Love, Not Loudness
I remember the first time Moose sat when I asked. I cried. He looked at me like, “Did I do good, Mom?”
Bernese Mountain Dogs are sensitive. You raise your voice, and they’ll look at you like you just broke their heart. They want to get it right—they just need kindness, time, and plenty of treats.
🐾 Gentle training ideas:
Start with simple cues: sit, stay, come, wait
Practice leash walking early—big dogs, big power!
Socialize slowly—dogs, people, doorbells, vacuums (the horror!)
Reward with soft praise, snacks, and belly rubs
Keep sessions short and sweet (5–10 minutes)
They’re not the fastest learners, but they’re one of the most willing. And when they finally get it? It’s magic.
Also Read: Best Bernese Mountain Dogs for Sale
🧡 Their Emotional World: More Than a Dog
This is where I get emotional. Because owning a Bernese Mountain Dog isn’t about commands and food bowls. It’s about connection.
They’ll sit with you when your heart is heavy. They’ll lean into you when you cry. They don’t just watch your movements—they read your soul.
But they feel things too:
They get lonely
They get anxious
They crave routine and touch
So talk to them. Look them in the eyes. Let them follow you around the house like a furry little stalker. Because for them, you are home.
🏥 Health Check: Be Their Guardian Angel
Okay, deep breath. This is the tough part.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is known for their sweet soul—but not for their long lifespan. Many only make it to 7–8 years. Some go longer, some shorter.
Common issues:
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Bloat (a sudden, life-threatening emergency)
Certain types of cancer
Arthritis and joint pain
What can you do? Everything in your power.
Keep vet appointments consistent
Ask for health screenings
Feed clean, joint-supporting food
Learn the signs of bloat
Buy pet insurance (seriously)
But most of all: don’t waste time. Every walk. Every nap. Every look. Savor it.
🌞 Heat Safety: Summer Isn’t Their Season
Your Bernese Mountain Dog is made for snowy forests, not sunbaked sidewalks. That thick coat holds heat. Fast.
Summer safety checklist:
Walk early mornings or late evenings
Keep water bowls full and shaded
Use cooling mats and fans indoors
NEVER leave them in a car (even for 2 minutes)
One time, Moose lay flat on our tile floor and didn’t move for two hours. I thought something was wrong. He was just trying to survive July.
Also Read: Best Bernese Mountain Dog Puppies for Sale
🧺 What Living with a Berner Really Feels Like
Let me be real with you.
You’ll clean up tumbleweeds of fur.
You’ll step over them lying across doorways.
You’ll find drool on your jeans and toys under your pillow.
But you’ll also feel a kind of love that changes you.
Your Bernese Mountain Dog will teach you how to slow down. To be present. To love without holding back.
And when they’re gone—years from now—you’ll still feel them beside you.
🐶 Final Words from My Heart to Yours
If you’re reading this, it means you’re the kind of person who gives a damn.
The kind of person a Bernese Mountain Dog deserves.
So hug your Berner tight tonight. Look into their eyes. Thank them for choosing you. And give them the life you’d want if you were born into a furry, four-legged body with a giant heart.
Because I promise you this…
They will never stop loving you.
And neither will I, for sharing this journey with me.
With love (and fur),
Anna Wayne