Bernese Mountain Dogs is Noble, loyal, and with a character as long as they are big, Bernese Mountain Dogs steal people’s hearts. However, there is a breed that is not ideal for every dog owner. Let’s see why this breed has such potential and could be problematic for some owners.
1. Not Suitable for First-Time Owners Bernese Mountain Dog
Their nature is affectionate enough, but Bernese Mountain Dogs do need a firm hand in their training. Their size alone will make it a challenge to manage them but add to that their independent streak, and you end up with a dog that requires experience and patience. For a novice dog owner, it would be tough to establish dominance and define limits over a dog as massive and self-willed as this one. In owning a Bernese, one requires the physical strength to restrain them but also the emotional intelligence to temper their schooling with sensitivity.
2. High Demands in Grooming Bernese Mountain Dog
They are heavy shedders, with their thick, double-layered coats requiring regular grooming. During shedding seasons, that chore can really become overwhelming. Several brushings a week is a must, but occasional professional grooming may be necessary to keep their coats in the best possible condition. If you’re not prepared to deal with copious amounts of fur, this may not be the breed for you.
3. Health Issues are Prevalent in Bernese Mountain Dog
Unfortunately, Bernese Mountain Dogs are predisposed to several different health problems. Hip and elbow dysplasias, cancer, and heart conditions can be commonly diagnosed in the breed.
All these health issues affect the quality of life for your dog and bring emotional and financial burdens on owners.
You should be prepared to face bills from medical treatments and the emotional ordeal of bringing a sick pet into your home when choosing this breed.
4. Space Requirements Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a big breed—not just big, but really big. They love space where they can stretch out and roam around comfortably.
Apartment living, or homes with limited space, can be frustrating for the dog, not allowing it to have its natural energy released. If you don’t have a spacious yard or live in a small space, then this breed isn’t a perfect choice for you.
5. Heat Intolerance Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs come from cooler climates and therefore are not innately adapted to warm conditions. They quickly overheat and cannot seem to escape the sun without appearing to be lethargic.
In hot climates, owners will need to exercise much more caution in ensuring that their dog has shade and access to plenty of water at all times. Exercise under warmer conditions will be limited, which heightens the danger of heat stroke.
6. Separation Anxiety Prone Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are keenly loyal and attached to their families, but not a good match for people who spend many hours away from home.
They detest being left alone and can resort to destroying things by chewing or digging if anxiety sets in. Owners with long working hours or people usually spending a lot of time outside will be challenged in keeping the Bernese calm and happy.
7. Cost End Bernese Mountain Dog
Taking care of a Bernese Mountain Dog is expensive. On top of a high-quality diet, vet costs, and regular grooming appointments, the expenses go through the roof. Given their tendency toward health problems, you may have some rather costly vet bills.
Pet insurance might help spread out the expenses, but you should still be prepared for the monthly costs of owning this rather large breed.
8. This breed does not make for small living spaces.
If you are a dreamer who wants to bring a Bernese Mountain Dog into a city apartment, forget it. The dogs need space—so much space. Even their size can make a small room seem even smaller, and they definitely need some more physical activity; hence, apartment life is not recommended for them. They will even if you take them out for daily walks still need somewhere to run around and play.
9. Short Lifespan Bernese Mountain Dog
Another sad thing that comes with owning a Bernese Mountain Dog is that they have a very short lifespan. They average living between 6 to 8 years. For lovers of dogs who may have always desired a long-term companion, this can become a major turn-off.
The emotional investment that you make in a Bernese is every bit the same as you would with another breed, but the time you have to share with them is shorter, which can be hard to accept.
10. Physical Strength and Size Bernese Mountain Dog
Owning a Bernese Mountain Dog can allow the management of its sheer physicality it. This is not a dog to be picked up and appropriately maneuvered in awkward situations.
To handle the exercise requirements, it would require a lot of strength because this dog can overpower a weak owner in size. Especially in how they relate to other dogs or to people, one misstep could mean accidental harm.
Conclusion
Bernese Mountain Dogs can be lovable and quite affectionate. However, all these demands placed on their massive size, health issues, and need for space suggest that this breed will be a challenge to most owners.
Even first-time dog owners or those who live in small houses might find the demands of this breed overwhelming. Therefore, weigh the challenges and demands of the breed against how you can individually meet them both emotionally and physically before deciding to bring a Bernese into your home.
FAQ
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs a good first breed for the family?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are not a good breed for a first-time dog owner. Their huge size and independent nature along with massive training needs can overwhelm new dog owners.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs shed much?
Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs do shed heavily.
Yes. They shed a lot because they come with a thick, double coat. They shed during seasonal changes and need to be groomed regularly, at times brushed several times a week.
What health concerns are commonly found in Bernese Mountain Dogs?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are susceptible to several health issues. This can include diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia, cancer, and heart problems. Check-ups at the vet and planning for the possible costs that could arise will be important during ownership when possessing a Bernese.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs suitable for living in apartments?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are not suitable to an apartment setting due to their extreme growth and high requirement for space. They tend to blossom in huge homes with massive backyards, allowing them to roam about so that they are always active.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs like hot weather?
Generally friendly, Bernese Mountain Dogs do really well in cooler climates and have the disadvantage of dealing poorly with warm weather. Owners of such animals in warmer regions are advised to provide them with ample shade, water, and to take some off time from outdoor activities when it is really hot to avoid overheating conditions.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs suffer from separation anxiety?
In fact, separation anxiety torments them once they are left alone for quite a period of time. Highly attached to their families, Bernese Mountain Dogs would become destructive if they tend to stay bored or anxious like chewing and digging.
