A Bernese Mountain Dog might be an excellent choice for your family pet as long as you understand their needs. They have loving and gentle personalities, so they are a good match for kids. They tend to be shy, so they aren't aggressive. Here are some other things to know about these dogs.

The Dogs Need Space And Activity

Bernese Mountain Dogs are large animals bred to work on farms herding cattle and doing other chores. They like a lot of space, so this dog might not be a good choice if you live in an apartment or home with a tiny yard.

The dogs also like to be active, and that makes them a good match for kids. However, if your family is always on the go and you don't have time to spend exercising your dog, a Bernese Mountain Dog might not be a good match.

If you live in the country or have a big yard in the city and you spend a lot of time at home playing with your dog, then a Bernie might be the perfect fit for your family.

The Dogs Shed And Need Frequent Grooming

Bernie dogs have a lot of hair. They also tend to shed a lot. You'll probably need to take your dog to the groomer occasionally and brush your dog daily at home. Daily brushing can be a good activity for kids that teaches them responsibility.

Brushing also thins the coat, which is particularly important when you live in a hot climate or during the summer. Bernese Mountain Dogs come from Switzerland, so they tolerate cold weather well and they may struggle in a hot climate. You may need to work at keeping your dog cool enough in the summer, and that includes proper grooming.

Bernese Mountain Dogs Can Have Health Issues

Bernies can develop certain types of cancer, as well as hip and spine problems. This is why it's important to seek out a breeder who has medical documentation for the puppy and the parents. If both parents are healthy and don't test positive for genetic diseases, then there's a good chance your puppy will have a healthy life too.

Be sure to check a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy before you bring it home to look for signs the puppy might have problems, such as difficulty walking, coughing, runny eyes, or lethargy. You want to start out with a happy and healthy puppy so it can grow into a healthy and loving part of your family and give your kids the experience of growing up with a faithful dog.

Reach out to a service such as Family Mountain Dogs to find out more.