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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
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OriginSpain flagSpain Switzerland flagSwitzerland France flagFrance
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Cross Breed Bernese Mountain Dog and Great Pyrenees mix

Great Bernese Size and Weight

Size
Is a Great Bernese small, medium or large dog?

How big do Great Bernese get?

What is the average size of a Great Bernese?

LargeGiant
Weight
How much does the Great Bernese weigh? How much should a Great Bernese weight? What is the normal weight of a Great Bernese? How much does a full-grown Great Bernese weight?
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
How much does the Great Bernese puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Great Bernese in the United States? How much money is a Great Bernese?

Where to buy a Great Bernese with a good pedigree?

$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

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Great Bernese? Is the Great Bernese breed dumb or smart?
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.

Trainability
Are Great Bernese dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Great Bernese?
Great Bernese dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is Great Bernese good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
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.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Great Bernese dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
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

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Great Bernese have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
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

Playfulness
How playful is this 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.
Barking
Do Great Bernese dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Great Bernese bark?
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.

Apartment Friendly
Is Great Bernese good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Great Bernese in an apartment?
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

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Great Bernese be left alone? How long can you leave a Great Bernese alone?
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 Force PSI
Does the Great Bernese has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Great Bernese? How much bite force does a Great Bernese have? How strong is a Great Bernese bite?

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.

Biting Potential
Do Great Bernese bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Great Bernese? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Great Bernese? Why do dog bites happen?

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.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Great Bernese do?
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.

Great Bernese Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Great Bernese dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Very healthy dog breed. The Great Bernese rarely meets with the 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
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Great Bernese breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Great Bernese see the vet?
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.
Life Expectancy
How long do Great Bernese dogs live? How old can a Great Bernese be? What is the age limit of the Great Bernese? How many years can the oldest Great Bernese live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Great Bernese?

How long is the lifespan of a Great Bernese?

10-12 years
The average lifespan of Great Bernese: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
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.

Great Bernese Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Great Bernese have? What is the activity level of the Great Bernese?
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

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Great Bernese need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Great Bernese breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Great Bernese? How much food should I feed my Great Bernese?
8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Great Bernese risk for obesity:
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.

Great Bernese Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Great Bernese have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
DenseDouble
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Great Bernese coats?
Black White
Grooming
How to groom the Great Bernese and how often? How often should I take my Great Bernese to the groomer?
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.

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.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Great Bernese need a bath? How often should you give a Great Bernese a bath? Can I bathe my Great Bernese every day?
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.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Great Bernese breed hypoallergenic?
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.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

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.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Great Bernese drool?
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.

Great Bernese Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Great Bernese dogs get along with other pets? Are Great Bernese dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
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.
Child Friendly
Are Great Bernese dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Great Bernese temperament with children:
Great Bernese dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
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
Are they good as service dogs? Can Great Bernese be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

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 Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Great Bernese be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Great Bernese be an emotional support animal?

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.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Great Bernese be a sniffer dog?

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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Great Bernese be a search and rescue dog?

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.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Great Bernese be a boat dog?

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.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Great Bernese be a drafting dog?

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.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Great Bernese dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

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

Great Bernese Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Great Bernese pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Great Bernese breed is pregnant?

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.

Litter Frequency

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.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Great Bernese have in a litter? How many puppies can the Great Bernese breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Great Bernese have? How many puppies can a Great Bernese give birth to?
6-9 puppies

Great Bernese Recognition

AKC Group
Is Great Bernese recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Great Bernese recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

Great Bernese Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Smart: The Great Bernese dogs have great intelligence.
  • Trainability: Great Bernese dogs are easy to train.
  • Health Issues: Very healthy dog breed.
  • Watchdog Ability: Great Bernese dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Adaptability: Great Bernese dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Child Friendly: 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: This breed makes good as a service dog.
  • Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog: A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Great Bernese dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: It is not recommended to keep the Great Bernese breed in the home.
  • Shedding Level: Great Bernese dogs shed above average.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Great Bernese's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Mouthiness: 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.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: 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