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Great Bernese Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Great Bernese so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank1476
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OriginSpain flagSpain Switzerland flagSwitzerland France flagFrance
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Great Bernese? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Cross Breed Bernese Mountain Dog and Great Pyrenees mix

Great Bernese Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Great Bernese? Learn how big the Great Bernese breed typically grows.
LargeGiant
Weight Statistics
How much does a Great Bernese weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Great Bernese breed.
Male: 85-110 pounds (38–50 kg), Female: 80-105 pounds (36–48 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Great Bernese?
Male: 97.5 pounds (38–50 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (36–48 kg)
Height
How tall is the Great Bernese? Great Bernese height:
Male: 24-28 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 23-27 inches (58–69 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Great Bernese?
Male: 26 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 25 inches (58–69 cm)

Great Bernese Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does a Great Bernese puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Great Bernese costs.
$500-$600
If you choose to purchase the Great Bernese, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Great Bernese for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Great Bernese gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Great Bernese? How many Great Bernese are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Great Bernese is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Great Bernese Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Great Bernese? Discover the Great Bernese's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Smart: The Great Bernese dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Great Bernese is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Great Bernese? Learn about the Great Bernese's trainability and response to training methods.
Great Bernese dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Great Bernese as a watchdog? Learn about the Great Bernese's alertness and guarding instincts.
Great Bernese dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Great Bernese dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Territorial Protection
Is a Great Bernese protective of its territory? Learn about the Great Bernese's guarding instincts and behavior.
Great Bernese dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Great Bernese can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Great Bernese will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Great Bernese Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does a Great Bernese have? Learn about characteristic Great Bernese temperament and behavior traits.
IntelligentConfidentAffectionatePatientLoyalGentleStrongWilledFearlessFaithful
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Great Bernese sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Great Bernese dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Great Bernese a good family dog?
Average: Great Bernese dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. Some breeds are forthcoming and friendly, while others are independent and don't bond too closely with their owners.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Great Bernese need? Great Bernese social needs:
Great Bernese dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Great Bernese to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Great Bernese roam?
The wanderlust potential of the Great Bernese is strong enough to escape from home. They have a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Great Bernese have high prey drive?
Great Bernese dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. Cats or any other small animals are in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Great Bernese dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Great Bernese Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does a Great Bernese bark a lot? Learn about typical Great Bernese vocalization patterns and triggers.
Average to High: The Great Bernese is a vocal breed. Not the best choice if you prefer a quiet breed. They often bark loudly and howl sometimes. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Great Bernese? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Great Bernese breed.
Average: Great Berneses, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Great Bernese live in an apartment? Learn about the Great Bernese's suitability for apartment living.
It is not recommended to keep the Great Bernese breed in the home. It does best in the garden, but if you do want to keep it indoors, it should be exercised thoroughly with long daily walks, so you can keep the Great Bernese indoors by introducing daily routines.

Great Bernese Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Great Bernese to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Great Bernese's flexibility to new situations.
Great Bernese dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Great Bernese be left alone? Learn about the Great Bernese's tolerance to solitude.
Great Bernese dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Great Bernese Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Great Bernese biting potential? Learn about the Great Bernese's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The Great Bernese has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Great Bernese mouthy? Learn about the Great Bernese's tendency to use mouth during play.
Great Bernese dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Great Bernese dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Great Bernese bite? Learn about the Great Bernese's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Great Bernese bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Great Bernese measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Great Bernese is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Great Bernese bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Great Bernese bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Great Bernese puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Great Bernese, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Great Bernese bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Great Bernese can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Great Bernese Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Great Bernese live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Great Bernese breed.
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Great Bernese: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Great Bernese handle different weather? Learn about the Great Bernese's climate adaptability.
Prefers cold weather
The Great Bernese can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. Dogs can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia in extremely cold weather, so it is important to take precautions to keep your dog safe and comfortable during the winter months.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Great Bernese? Discover typical conditions affecting the Great Bernese breed.
Very healthy dog breed. The Great Bernese rarely meets with the veterinarian.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Great Bernese need vet visits? Learn about the Great Bernese's veterinary care requirements.
Rare
The Great Bernese should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Great Bernese breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Great Bernese breed? Most common health risks of Great Bernese:
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Patellar LuxationCancerProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Von Willebrand's DiseaseBloatEntropionDrug SensitivityElbow DysplasiaPanosteitisAddison's DiseasePortosystemic Liver Shunt

Great Bernese Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Great Bernese? Understand daily activity needs of the Great Bernese breed.
Great Bernese dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Great Bernese need? How much exercise do Great Bernese dogs require per day?

Do Great Bernese dogs need a lot of exercises?

Great Bernese dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Great Bernese breed need?
Great Bernese dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Great Bernese Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is a Great Bernese prone to weight gain? Learn about the Great Bernese's obesity risks.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Great Bernese's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Great Bernese weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Great Bernese need daily? Learn about the Great Bernese's feeding requirements.
8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals

Great Bernese Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Great Bernese hypoallergenic? Learn about the Great Bernese's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Great Bernese dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Great Bernese come in? Discover all possible Great Bernese color variations.
Black White
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Great Bernese need? Learn about Great Bernese coat maintenance requirements.
Average: The Great Bernese requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Great Bernese, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Drooling Tendency
Does a Great Bernese drool a lot? Learn about the Great Bernese's drooling habits.
The Great Bernese is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Great Bernese smell bad? Learn about the Great Bernese's natural odor levels.

Medium

The Great Bernese has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Great Bernese have? Learn about the Great Bernese's fur characteristics.
DenseDouble
Bathing Needs
How often does a Great Bernese need baths? Learn about the Great Bernese's bathing requirements.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Shedding Level
How much do Great Bernese dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Great Bernese? Do Great Bernese dogs shed a lot?
Great Bernese dogs shed above average. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type. If you don't like vacuum cleaning, you might have to reconsider your choice of having a puppy from the Great Bernese breed.

Great Bernese Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Great Bernese good with children? Learn about the Great Bernese's behavior around kids of different ages.
Great Bernese dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Great Bernese get along with other pets? Discover the Great Bernese's compatibility with other animals.
Great Bernese dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Great Bernese temperament with other people:
Great Bernese dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
How well do Great Bernese dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Great Bernese breed live with a cat?
Great Bernese dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Great Bernese good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Great Bernese dogs get along with other dogs?
Great Bernese dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Great Bernese breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Great Bernese breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Great Bernese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Great Bernese dogs good office canines? Do Great Bernese dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Great Bernese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Great Bernese dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Great Bernese temperament with senior people? Are Great Bernese dogs good for elderly owners?
Great Berneses are usually recommended for elderly people.

Great Bernese As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can a Great Bernese be a service dog? Learn about the Great Bernese's service work potential.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Great Bernese breed is a good choice for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Great Bernese good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Great Bernese's therapy work aptitude.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Great Bernese is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Great Bernese good at detection work? Learn about the Great Bernese's scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Great Bernese is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Great Bernese do search and rescue? Learn about the Great Bernese's SAR capabilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Great Bernese is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Great Bernese good on boats? Learn about the Great Bernese's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Great Bernese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Great Bernese pull carts? Learn about the Great Bernese's drafting abilities.

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Great Bernese breed is a good choice for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was a Great Bernese used in military service? Learn about the Great Bernese's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Great Bernese Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Great Bernese usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
6-9 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Great Bernese pregnant? Learn about the Great Bernese's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Great Bernese: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Great Bernese have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Great Bernese Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Great Bernese in? Learn about the Great Bernese's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Great Bernese in? Learn about the Great Bernese's international classification.
Not recognized by FCI.

Great Bernese Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligence Rating: Smart: The Great Bernese dogs have great intelligence.
  • Training Difficulty: Great Bernese dogs are easy to train.
  • Health Concerns: Very healthy dog breed.
  • Watchdog Rating: Great Bernese dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Great Bernese dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: Great Bernese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Great Bernese dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Great Berneses are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Great Bernese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Service Dog Capability: This breed makes good as a service dog.
  • Draft Work Capability: A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
Cons
  • Allergy Friendliness: Great Bernese dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Adaptability: It is not recommended to keep the Great Bernese breed in the home.
  • Shedding Level: Great Bernese dogs shed above average.
  • Obesity Tendency: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Great Bernese's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Mouthing Tendency: Great Bernese dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: The wanderlust potential of the Great Bernese is strong enough to escape from home.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: Great Bernese dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Office Friendly: Great Bernese is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Rate The Great Bernese Breed

Great Bernese Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Luka videos

    Mar 8, 2023, 9:03:25 AM:

    Judge but bigger