Great Bernese – Size and Appearance
The Great Bernese is a striking breed of dog that is sure to turn heads when you’re out on walks. Males stand at 27-28 inches tall and females 24-26 inches tall, on average. They weigh between 70-115 pounds. Their size and personality make them great guard dogs – they’re both intimidating and protective of their family.
They have a thick coat that is black or brown with white markings and long, floppy ears. The hair on their face and legs is shorter than the rest of their coat. All of these dogs have brown eyes and a black nose. Their tail is long and hangs down when they are relaxed. When they are excited or alert, their tail will be held up high.
Great Bernese – Temperament and Behavior
The Great Bernese is a great family dog. They are gentle, loving and protective of their family members. They love to be around people and are fairly active, so they may get bored if left alone for long periods of time.
Not only that, but they’re known for being very well-mannered and calm dogs – great for people who don’t want a high-energy dog in their home. They’re also great with children and get along well with other animals.
Training and Exercise Needs
These dogs are intelligent and easy to train. They respond best to positive reinforcement methods, such as treats or praise. Like all dogs, they need basic obedience training, socialization and plenty of exercise. They need at least an hour of vigorous exercise per day, for example, a run in the park or a hike.
Great Bernese – Health Concerns
The Great Bernese is a generally healthy breed, but they are prone to some health problems. Issues they could inherit from their Great Pyrenees and Bernese Mountain Dog ancestors include:
- hip and elbow dysplasia,
- Addison’s disease,
- bloat,
- histiocytosis,
- eye issues,
- epilepsy,
- allergies.
It’s important to have your dog checked by a veterinarian regularly to catch any health problems early. Some owners get their pets insured to help pay for expensive medical bills. Prevention is better than treatment, so make sure to get your dog from a reputable breeder or a shelter that is transparent about their animals’ health background.
How to Care for a Great Bernese Dog?
This type of dog needs plenty of exercise, good nutrition and regular vet check-ups. Their coats shed heavily, especially with the change of seasons. To keep the shedding, matting and tangles at bay, it’s best to brush them daily or at least twice a week.
Bathing can be done as needed, but avoid overdoing it, as it will strip the natural oils from their skin and coat. Their teeth, on the other hand, need to be brushed daily – this breed is prone to plaque buildup, which can lead to periodontal disease. Nails should be trimmed monthly to avoid painful splitting and cracking.
How Are the Great Bernese Bred?
This mixed breed is a cross between the Great Pyrenees and the Bernese Mountain Dog. Both breeds are similar in size, so crossing them isn’t difficult. Just like other designer dogs, the mix can’t be registered with the AKC and isn’t a widely recognized breed yet. For these reasons, there is no standard for their appearance.
Finding a reputable breeder of a hybrid breed can be challenging, so do your research before committing to a purchase. Stay away from listings of cheap puppies without the sellers’ data displayed.
How Much Does a Puppy of This Breed Cost?
Be prepared to pay between $1000 to $3000 for a puppy from a good breeder. Adopting from a shelter will be cheaper, but there’s no guarantee of what you’ll get in terms of temperament and health.
History of the Great Pyrenees Bernese Mountain Dog Mix
This hybrid was first bred in the United States in the 1990s. The goal was to create a dog with the best traits of both breeds – a calm, loving personality combined with a thick coat that can withstand cold weather.
The Great Pyrenees was originally bred to guard livestock in the Pyrenees Mountains of southern France and Spain. The Bernese Mountain Dog (sometimes called the Berner) was used as a herding dog in Switzerland. Together, these two breeds make a great working dog that can live in any climate.
Who Should Adopt a Great Bernese?
These dogs are great companion animals. They are perfect for people who have a lot of space but don’t want a high-energy dog in their home. They are also great with children and get along well with other animals. However, they’re not suitable for people allergic to dogs because they shed a lot.
If you’re looking for a loyal, loving and protective dog, this may be the breed for you! Just make sure you can commit to their exercise and grooming needs before bringing one home.
More Facts About the Great Bernese Dog Breed
- While this breed is known for its gentle temperament, some owners say their pups are mouthy and like to play rough.
- They’re recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Dog Registry of America and the International Designer Canine Registry.
- One of their parent breeds, the Great Pyrenees, were used as guard dogs for the French royal family and elite members of the Court.
Bringing a Bernese Mountain Dog Great Pyrenees Mix Home?
If you have your heart set on a Great Bernese, be prepared to ask the breeder questions about their lineage. Before bringing a puppy home, make sure you have the space and resources to take care of them. And be prepared for the daily brushing!
Have you ever met one of these gentle giants? Let us know in the comments!
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