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If you’ve ever had a stuffed toy dog, chances are it was made in the image of the Bernese Mountain Dog. These gorgeous creatures have soft facial features and warm eyes that make them look as if they’re about to start talking to you any minute. They are usually friendly and get along great with almost anyone, but they know how to stand their ground if the need arises. Don’t be fooled by their bouncy nature and willingness to play whenever you want, they can be quite stubborn if they choose to. You should be aware that this characteristic often surfaces during their adolescent years. If you decide you want them for your pet, keep in mind that you will need a lot of money to acquire them, as they don’t come cheap.

The Bernese Mountain Dog comes from the Alps, and naturally, they do not belong in warm climates. They have a heavy coat that is mostly black on their back, which is bad news whenever they’re in the sun. Like their name suggests, the Bernese is happiest in mountain areas and colder climates. They carry the strength of all working breeds in their genes, so they will enjoy pulling sleds through the snow, and it will be the best kind of exercise for them.

The first thing you should bear in mind is that these are large dogs! Their stature depends on their genetics as well, but they are not by any chance a good fit for you unless you have a very big apartment or a house with a spacious yard. The truth is that their size might vary slightly, so you may encounter medium-sized Bernese. On the other hand, they can also be huge and not very aware of their own size, so they can easily knock down everything in their way.

The Bernese, as most dogs, craves constant companionship and they do not take well to being left alone for long. They will show their dissatisfaction through destructive chewing, and this is not limited to shoes and table cloths, they can successfully chew their way through a sofa. Bottom line, if you appreciate your furniture, don’t let the Bernese suffer on their own.

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When it comes to training, the Bernese best responds to slow and even-tempered training. They need a lot of time to learn something, but when they do, it stays with them forever. With love and encouragement, the Bernese will learn all the basic commands in no time. However, they can have quite a temperamental, hot-headed disposition and this is especially visible in young males, who often have a problem with authority and aren’t afraid to show it. Also, young Bernese males can be aggressive toward other males due to their authority problem, so pay attention to this when you are walking them or taking them to the dog park. As all adolescents, both canine and human, the Bernese shows the need for dominance in their youth, but if you respond to their behavior like a pack leader, they will always listen to you.

On the other side of specter are those Bernese that may have a problem with shyness. It’s not that suprising that this breed can be quite cautious with strangers, and if they are not socialized properly from a young age, your four-legged friend may become too timid, sometimes even with family members, which can be torture for both the dog and the owners. When it comes to their reactions to other animals, they are mostly relaxed and don’t pay too much attention to them, and they are also quite good and patient with children.

The Bernese has a very thick coat, which means you can expect lots of shedding all the time! You should prepare for regular grooming that will take both a lot of time and space, so make sure that you have enough patience for this.

This breed’s exercise routine must be vigorous, unless you want them to jump around the house all day.

In case you have a very large Bernese on your hands, prepare for lots of drooling and slobbering. They love to set their jaws loose after eating, and the drool will follow closely. Their saliva can actually stain your clothes, so they probably aren’t the best breed for super tidy people.

Lastly, the Bernese is prone to a multitude of health problems and disorders that are often hereditary. Their life span isn’t that long because a significant number of them suffer from hip dysplasia, cancer, and even epilepsy.