General Appearance
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a well-balanced, tri-colored dog with a sturdy build. It combines strength, agility, and elegance. Distinctive features include a thick, long double coat and a gentle, intelligent expression. Males appear masculine, females feminine, without coarseness or weakness.
Size
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Males:
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Height: 25–27.5 inches at the withers
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Weight: 85–115 pounds
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Females:
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Height: 23–26 inches
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Weight: 70–95 pounds
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Proportions are slightly longer than tall, giving a rectangular appearance.
Head
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Skull: Flat on top, broad, and slightly rounded.
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Stop: Clearly defined, but not abrupt.
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Muzzle: Strong, straight, and of moderate length.
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Nose: Black and well-developed.
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Eyes: Dark brown, almond-shaped, and set moderately apart. Expression is intelligent, gentle, and alert.
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Ears: Medium-sized, triangular with rounded tips, set high and lying flat when at rest. Lifted slightly forward when alert.
Body
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Neck: Strong, muscular, and of medium length.
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Chest: Deep and broad with well-sprung ribs.
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Back: Level and firm.
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Loin: Broad and muscular.
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Croup: Gently sloping.
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Tail: Bushy, carried low when relaxed; raised slightly in motion but never curled over the back.
Legs & Feet
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Forequarters: Straight and well-boned. Shoulders are long and well laid back.
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Hindquarters: Strong, muscular, with moderate angulation. Hocks well let down.
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Feet: Compact, round, with well-arched toes and strong pads.
Coat
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Type: Thick, moderately long, and slightly wavy or straight. Dense undercoat for insulation.
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Texture: Weather-resistant.
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Color & Markings:
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Base color is jet black
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Rust markings appear above the eyes, on cheeks, on each side of the chest, and on all four legs
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White markings include a symmetrical blaze and muzzle band, white chest, white paws, and tail tip
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A small white patch on the nape of the neck (Swiss cross) is acceptable
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Gait / Movement
The Bernese moves with purpose and strength. Gait is confident, fluid, and ground-covering, with strong rear drive and good front reach. Viewed from front or rear, legs track true.
Temperament
The Bernese Mountain Dog is affectionate, loyal, and eager to please. Known for its calm, gentle demeanor, especially around children, it is devoted to its family and generally aloof but not aggressive with strangers.
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Disposition: Confident, stable, and friendly
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Trainability: High, with gentle, positive methods
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Protectiveness: Moderate; will alert but not overly territorial
Faults
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Curly coat
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Missing or irregular markings
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Light eyes
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Shyness or aggression
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Weak pasterns or cow-hocked hindquarters
Disqualifications
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Blue eyes or any eye color other than dark brown
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Complete absence of rust markings
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Height significantly outside standard ranges
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Severely undershot or overshot jaw
Ideal Owner
The ideal Bernese owner is patient, loving, and committed to this breed's need for companionship, training, and moderate exercise. Due to their size and thick coat, Bernese Mountain Dogs thrive in cooler climates and require regular grooming.