Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog

120-130 lbs
28-29"
Unknown
Bernese Mountain Dog
Greater Swiss Mountain

The Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog is a hybrid mix between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. The Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog is a delightful mix of both of its parent breeds. They are extremely calm, loyal, and loving. It is believed that the hybrid Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog has far fewer health problems and a longer lifespan than its parent breeds. If you want a large dog, with a mellow, easy-going nature then you won’t be disappointed with the Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog. He focuses his whole life on his human family. His entire existence is about pleasing his beloved owners. Although his size might seem intimidating, he is a lover who enjoys making friends with strangers and other animals. He usually weighs between 120 to 140 pounds and stands 28 to 29 inches at the shoulders. 

purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog Health

Average Size
Male Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog size stats
Height: 28-29 inches Weight: 120-140 lbs
Female Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog size stats
Height: 28-29 inches Weight: 120-130 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Gastric Torsion
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Panosteitis
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Canine Hip Dysplasia
  • vonWillebrand’s Disease
Minor Concerns
  • Allergies
  • Eye Disease
  • Hypothyroidism
Occasional Diagnoses
  • None Known
Occasional Tests
  • Allergy Tests
  • Blood Analysis
  • Wellness Check
  • Full Physical Examination regarding joint movement around the hip and kneecap
  • Thyroid Panel

Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog Breed History

The Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog shares all of the positive characteristics of his parents. The Bernese Mountain Dogs and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are large, loyal, intelligent, and loving. It is believed that both breeds originated 2,000 years ago when Rome invaded what is now known as Switzerland. The Mastiff dogs of war that were bred by the Romans and used during their battles bred with the local flock-herding dogs of the Alps. The result of the intermingling created a tough dog that could easily withstand the adverse weather conditions found in the mountains of Switzerland. Unfortunately, the two breeds almost become extinct. However, in the 1900s, some dog enthusiasts started to work to restore the dogs of Switzerland. As the breeds were reestablished, their popularity spread across Europe and eventually even Americans started recognizing the dogs. They were used as draft dogs, drovers, and farm guard dogs. Both breeds excel at pulling small carts. They also make exceptional family dogs that have always been historically adored by their families. The two breeds look almost identical but the Bernese Mountain Dog has longer hair and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog tends to be a little bit more hyper. For many years, people thought the dogs were the same but recent scientific testing has revealed that they are two distinct breeds. The Bernese Mountain Dog was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1937 and categorized in the Working Group. In 1985, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was recognized by the American Kennel Club and placed in the Miscellaneous Group.

Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog Breed Appearance

The Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog can share physical characteristic of either of its parents. Some dogs have long hair like the Bernese Mountain Dog and others have short hair like the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Their coats are always silky soft. They have large, soulful eyes and soft floppy ears. They come bi or tri-colors. A hybrid, the Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog does not have the shedding problem that is often found in his parents. These dogs can get quite large and can weigh 120 to 140 pounds. They stand from 28 to 29 inches at the shoulders. Their entire body is robust, muscular, and stout.
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
brown Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog coat
Brown
white Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog coat
White
black Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog coat
Black
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog Breed Maintenance

No matter what coat length your Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog is, he will require daily brushing to keep his fur looking good and remove any dead hairs. Twice a year he will blow his undercoat and will usually require extensive brushing at that time. His long floppy ears should be wiped clean of debris once a week. Many owners choose to brush their dog's teeth to keep them looking white, prevent bad breath, and remove harmful plaque that can lead to gum disease.  His toenails will usually require clipping once a month but if he gets ample exercise then he will often wear his toenails down.
Brushes for Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Dematter
Dematter
Deshedder
Deshedder
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog Temperament

The Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog is a loyal companion who enjoys nothing better than spending time with his family. He is a gentle dog who usually gets along well with other pets. This clever dog excels at obedience because he wants to please his owner. He loves to go for walks, play a game of fetch, or just lay near his beloved owner. He is highly intelligent and fantastic at problem-solving. If you are seeking a large, gentle dog that makes a wonderful family member then the Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog is an ideal choice.

Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog Activity Requirements

The Swiss Bernese Mt Dog benefits from daily walks of about 30 minutes or longer. He not usually overly hyper and does not require extensive exercise. The dog’s sweet nature makes him an ideal choice to take to a dog park because he usually gets along easily with other dogs and pets. He loves to play a game of fetch, go for a swim, or share any other activity with his beloved family. Not meant for apartment living, he will thrive in a home that has a large securely fenced yard that he can roam and explore in, taking in the fresh air and sights around him. He'll want your company though, so be certain to head outside, too for some healthy interaction.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
9 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
30 minutes
activity minutes

Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.00 - $2.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$30.00 - $60.00
food bag monthly cost

Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog size stats at six months
Height: 21.0 inches Weight: 65.0 lbs
Female Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog size stats at six months
Height: 19.0 inches Weight: 57.5 lbs
12 Months
Male Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog size stats at 12 months
Height: 28.5 inches Weight: 130.0 lbs
Female Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog size stats at 12 months
Height: 28.5 inches Weight: 125.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog size stats at 18 months
Height: 28.5 inches Weight: 130.0 lbs
Female Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog size stats at 18 months
Height: 28.5 inches Weight: 125.0 lbs

Swiss Bernese Mt. Dog Owner Experiences

Dooley
4 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He is joyful, playful, soulful, affectionate, strong, always aware of me/the family, protective, loyal, and LOVES his Irish Wolfhound “brother”, the kitties, chickens and any friends who come visit the farm. I’ve owned many dogs and he is by far my favorite… would love to find a Swissy Berner female we could breed for puppies! I think he’d be a fantastic daddy.
3 years, 3 months ago
Tugg
2 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
The best ever he is a sweet gentle giant
6 years ago
MaxWell
2 Years
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
There a amazing breed and one of the best! There loyal and love to please but also calm and loving!
5 years, 3 months ago
Odesza
2 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
snuggling
Hiking
Best dog I have ever had
4 years, 5 months ago
Abby
5 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Hiking, backcountry skiing, general socializ
Excellent experience! very fast learner (very food motivated), very affectionate and loyal, good with kids, goes everywhere i go. Excellent health - has had no medical issues so far (age 5)
4 years, 3 months ago
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