Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Is a Bernese Mountain Dog Good for a First Time Dog Owner? Pros, Cons & Facts

man petting a bernese mountain dog puppy
It can be very intimidating to try to pick a dog breed if you haven’t owned a dog before. Dogs come in all shapes, sizes, temperaments, and care levels, so it’s important to select a dog that is well-suited to your household. Because there are so many dog breeds, many people rely on the types of dogs their friends and acquaintances have or even the dog breeds they had as children.

One dog breed that has rapidly grown in popularity, leading many first-time dog owners to get one, is the Bernese Mountain Dog. Don’t let their size fool you! The Bernese Mountain Dog is a gentle giant that is considered to be a good dog breed for families. They can make great dogs for first-time dog owners as well.

divider single dog paw oct 2024

Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Good for First-Time Dog Owners?

They have a loving, sweet temperament which is likely the primary reason this breed has skyrocketed in popularity. Although they are fantastic and loving dogs, they aren’t for every household. There are multiple things to consider before bringing home one of these dogs.

Bernese Mountain Dog
Image Credit: Othmar Sigrist, Pixabay

Cost

When bringing home a Bernese Mountain Dog, you can expect to spend upwards of $1,000, with some dogs selling for up to $3,000. As they have grown in popularity, they have become more available in rescues and shelters, but you still may have trouble finding one of these dogs with good health for a low price.

The other set of costs to consider with a Bernese Mountain Dog is the cost of ownership of a dog of this size. These dogs eat a lot and require large dog doses of flea and tick medications and heartworm medications. Even costs like boarding and grooming are likely to cost more than they would for a smaller dog.

Health

The Bernese Mountain Dog isn’t the healthiest dog breed, although responsible breeding practices can help to reduce health risks. Hip and elbow dysplasia is common in this breed, as well as heart problems, Von Willebrand’s Disease, and eye conditions. These conditions can be expensive and difficult to manage, which may make them an unsuitable breed for someone on a budget.

Bernese mountain dog
Image Credit: david muscroft, Shutterstock

Lifespan

As with most large to giant dog breeds, the Bernese Mountain Dog may have an unfairly short lifespan. Some Bernese Mountain Dogs pass away as young as 6 years of age from medical conditions and old age. Healthy Bernese Mountain Dogs can live to around 10 years, but the average lifespan is closer to 6–8 years.

Size

This is a very large dog breed, so they aren’t suitable for all home environments. Apartments and urban living can be tough on this big breed. There are also size allowances for rentals to consider, so make sure to check on the restrictions at your rental before bringing a Bernese Mountain Dog home. Female Bernese Mountain Dogs weigh 70–95 pounds, while males weigh 80–115 pounds.

Bernese Mountain Dog in the snow
Image Credit: Andrea Wilkinson, Pixabay

Activity Level

The Bernese Mountain Dog was bred to be a working dog, and while some of them are happy to be couch potatoes, it’s important to ensure your dog gets at least 30–60 minutes of activity daily to maintain the health of their bones and muscles, as well as preventing obesity and boredom.

These dogs can excel at dog sports, including agility, tracking, herding, and obedience. If you like to participate in hiking, camping, or going for long walks, you’ll find a great companion in the Bernese Mountain Dog.

Training

This is an intelligent dog breed that is intuitive and eager to please, which can make training relatively easy. Proper socialization is important to ensure you don’t end up with a nervous dog that weighs 100 pounds. They tend to be sensitive dogs, so stick to positive reinforcement methods and avoid harsh training methods that may create anxiety or leave your dog with hurt feelings.

Training your first dog can be daunting, for more guidance we suggest booking a call with an online vet for additional support and advice without the added stress of a in-person vet visit.

If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1

Grooming

Bernese Mountain Dogs have a double coat that sheds frequently. It’s recommended to brush your dog at least once weekly, especially during the shedding seasons. Even with regular brushing, be prepared for some extra sweeping and vacuuming with one of these furballs running around.

Bernese Mountain Dog standing on water
Image By: Hebi B., Pixabay

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Conclusion

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a great option for first-time dog owners, but make sure to consider all factors before deciding on this breed. This is a commitment of multiple years and is likely to be quite costly between food and medical care. With proper care and planning, a Bernese Mountain Dog will be a committed companion for you.

See also:


Featured Image Credit: Oleg Mitkevych, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Male vs Female Bernese Mountain Dogs: The Differences (With Pictures)

Bernese Mountain Dogs are prized for being gentle giants that get along with everyone. Male and female alike, they love their owners and...

Male vs Female Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernedoodle vs Bernese Mountain Dog: Main Differences (With Pictures)

Bernedoodles are a cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle, but identifying traits in mixed breeds can be challenging. What are some...

Bernedoodle vs Bernese Mountain Dog

Mountain Bulldog (Bernese Mountain Dog & Bulldog Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More

The Mountain Bulldog is a rare hybrid dog breed from Bernese Mountain Dog and Bulldog parents that has only been on the scene...

Mountain Bulldog - Bernese Mountain Dog Bulldog Mix

Bernese Mountain Dog Carting: History & How to Train Them

The Bernese Mountain Dog originated in Bern, Switzerland. It was bred as a farm dog and assisted the farmers in various activities. Chief...

Bernese Mountain dog doing carting

More related

Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog

Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog: Key Differences (With Pictures)

If you adore giant dog breeds that are as gorgeous as they are sweet and affectionate, it is only natural that the Leonberger...

human hand holding bernese mountain dogs paw

Does a Bernese Mountain Dog Have Webbed Feet? Breed Characteristics

Bernese Mountain Dogs don’t have true webbed feet. Webbed feet are a characteristic commonly found in dog breeds developed for water-based activities, such...

child hugs bernese mountain dog breed

Does a Bernese Mountain Dog Like to Cuddle? Getting to Know Your Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is basically a living, breathing plush bear, so the question is not, “Do these dogs like to cuddle?” but...

Bernese mountain dog with toy on carpet in living room

Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Be Left Alone? Facts & Vet-Approved Tips to Help

Bernese Mountain dogs are large dogs that make great pets, but if you don’t have someone at home to keep them company when...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Chicken Broth? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info

Among all the possible culinary additions we might use to enhance the flavor, texture, and nutrition of our dog’s diet, we rarely need to question chicken broth. Chicken broth is healthy and tasty for dogs, presenting numerous perks if it’s...

Can Dogs Eat Chicken Broth

10 Frozen Dog Treat Recipes: Great Summer Options for Your Pup

Dogs love treats in all shapes and forms, and there are so many commercial options to choose from. But when it’s a hot summer day, a frozen treat tends to hit the spot much better than a commercial or homemade...

Frozen Dog Treat Recipes

Can Dogs Eat Spinach? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

If your dog already eats nutritionally balanced dog food, they should get all the necessary vitamins and minerals. However, if you want your dog to get an additional boost by eating vegetables, you might wonder if it’s okay to feed...

Can Dogs Eat Spinach

Inception Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Inception Pet foods is a brand that produces wet and dry food for cats and dogs with animal or fish protein as the first two ingredients in each recipe. Inception is owned by Pets Global, which is based...

Dogster_Inception Dog Food Review

Can Dogs Have Grape Jelly? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Dogs love to sample from the garbage can if it’s within reach. One food they might accidentally get into is grape jelly. But what’s wrong with that, you ask? Can’t dogs eat grape jelly? Grape jelly can be dangerous for...

Can Dogs Have Grape Jelly

Can Dogs Eat Crunchy Peanut Butter? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info

Check with your veterinarian before adding any new foods to your pet’s diet, particularly if your pet has any underlying health conditions or is on a special diet. While the advice in this article has been fact checked and approved...

Dogster-Can-Dogs-Eat-Crunchy Peanut Butter

Can Changing Dog Food Cause Vomiting? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Advice

I have a four-year-old Boxer who has a very strange thing happening. He is throwing up a foamy white discharge. He first threw up yellow......
Dog vomit in the living room on the floor

9 Best Dog Food for Small Dogs With Allergies in 2025: Reviews & Top Picks

Small dog breeds have special dietary and nutritional needs that must be fulfilled for healthy daily functioning.1 So, it can be pretty challenging to find healthy dog food for small dogs that also have allergies and food sensitivities. For the...

poodle dog eating