If you’re considering purchasing or adopting any dog breed, it’s vital to understand his personality and temperament. Some people will get overwhelmed by Bernese Mountain Dog’s enormous size, though this gentle giant’s personality will make you happy.
You’re on the right track if you want to learn the behavior and genuine character of the famous, fun-loving Bernese Mountain Dog.
Temperament & Personality
Clever and quick, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a family-friendly dog. Typically, these dogs are fun-loving, easy-going, and usually friendly to young kids. He also possesses keen guarding instincts and will protect his family, making him an excellent watchdog.
Some say that Berner isn’t an outstanding guard dog. If his incredible physique doesn’t frighten strangers, he can be a naughty dog, ferociously protective when it comes to his home and family. Still, he is a loving pet that is highly adoring and requires lots of cuddles.
Even if he doesn’t display any aggression tendencies, you need to train during their puppy phase before they become too rowdy to control. Training will help him develop an appropriate temperament. One of the best approaches is obedience training and socialization. Bear in mind that even though your Berner gets too big, their intellectual maturity will need some time to catch up.
This dog is also the mouthy type – as a way to converse with his owner, he likes barking and howling. But he can compose himself, after perhaps barking for several minutes.
With Kids
The Bernese Mountain Dog will make a great addition to the family. He is a friendly, loyal canine who is exceptionally soft and considerate around kids. Remarkably, he tends to display absolute submission even when children get a bit brusque.
His temperament can be influenced by several factors, like genetics, socialization, and training. This breed doesn’t attain full maturity until he’s 3 or 4 years old. Berner puppies with proper temperaments are attentive and humorous, always in the mood to meet other humans and be carried by them.
Sometimes, they are incredibly energetic, talkative, and boisterous. As such, choosing a mature Berner may be a more suitable choice for a family with little kids.
Berner pups like to nibble, chase, or bite during play, which can be alarming or unsafe to your little ones, although your dog doesn’t have any bad intentions. Educating your kids about petting and caring for the dog is essential regardless of the dog breed.
Additionally, make sure that you’re always near them when playing to avoid ear or tail pulling, and of course, biting. Tell your kids not to go near sleeping or eating dogs, nor take their food away. No matter how affectionate your Berner is, please do not leave them unattended.
With Other Dogs
With their outstanding personality, Bernese Mountain Dogs are easygoing with other canines. Even small dogs must be on friendly terms with your Berner; however, you must still take caution due to their size difference. Additionally, some male Berners might be hostile against other male breeds.
The dogs will need more time before they get along with each other. You will need to watch and monitor them closely in the beginning. It is important to have this introduction gradually, with less pressure.
With Other Animals
Bernese Mountain Dogs are friendly with other pets/animals. This breed is also good with cats. A typical scenario is when he lets the cat play with his tail or nibble his paws.
This dog can sense the aura of other animals. He will show great curiosity and eagerness to your other pets and will do anything to get their attention. Even though the Bernese dog has no hunting instinct, he may still sometimes chase your neighbor’s pets teasingly.
As a general rule, slowly and cautiously introduce your Berner to your old pets (and likewise). Keep him on a leash throughout the first few meetings.
With Strangers
Most canines are friendly if they have been appropriately trained early. Bernese Mountain Dogs will not approach unfamiliar faces with wagging tails, nor will they display aggression. This temperament towards strangers can be described as passive.
Do take note, though, regarding their watchdog instincts. Berner barks whenever an unfamiliar face approaches his family or his home. If he senses something wrong, the dog will become protective even without the consent of his owner.
This breed is also highly choosy concerning the people that he meets. They can become overprotective and manifest hostility against strangers when not trained well.
A Not-So-Good Side
A novice dog owner might be drawn to the Bernese Mountain Dog’s affectionate temperament, intellect, and highly trainable character. But, newbies must exercise caution. There are a few things to look out for regarding his personality.
High Energy Levels
This breed is a natural working dog, and you can’t simply remove this from his system. He has high energy levels, so you can’t confine him at your home the entire day and expect to meet his exercise requirements. He needs regular exercise, at least 30 minutes per day, or else he can become too agitated.
Chewing
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a chronic chewer and, due to his physique, can cause havoc. Consequently, this dog is at a higher risk of swallowing small things, leading to internal congestion.
Jumping
All dogs like to leap on their owner for snuggles. But, since Berner has an immense size, he may knock you over. Despite his size, he is still a puppy, and so he’ll act like one, moving towards your lap on the sofa. This is why you should train your Dog from an early stage.
Shyness
His behavior toward unfamiliar faces ranges from approachable to withdrawn, though a well-trained Berner is calm and resolute. It will be best if you’ll take socialization seriously. Without it, inherent wariness can cause shyness, which will hamper your pet’s life sooner or later.
Stubbornness
This dog is easy to train, though the Berner is sensitive instinctively. There are instances where this dog shows repression and stubbornness during training, especially male adolescent dogs. Extreme patience and the proper techniques will enable you to obtain the wanted result.
Severe Anxiety
Most individuals don’t understand that this breed requires much attention as they are eager to please. When he barks at you to get some attention, but you ignore him, he may develop unfavorable behaviors. He can quickly get anxious when left alone.
Final Thoughts
In general, the Bernese Mountain Dog makes an excellent family companion. He has a personality and temperament that will suit every household. If you’re considering having a Berner, see to it that you will provide them with lots of care and love.
