---
title: "Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Guide: Size, Lifespan, Health Problems and Costs"
url: https://pawmultiverse.com/bernese-mountain-dog-breed/
description: "Bernese Mountain Dog: PDSA figures for size, lifespan (up to 10 years), health problems to watch, exercise, grooming and cost, with the questions owners ask."
source: Paw Multiverse (https://pawmultiverse.com), free to cite with a link
---

# Bernese Mountain Dog: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care

Published by Paw Multiverse (A.I.T. Multiverse Consulting Ltd) · Last updated 7 November 2026

Quick answer

PDSA, the UK veterinary charity, puts the Bernese Mountain Dog at about 58-70 cm tall and 42-53 kg (females), 48-63 kg (males), living up to 10 years. It suggests at least 1 hour a day, and lists 8 health problems to watch, including hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Minimum running cost: at least £105 a month after buying and setting up, and up to £17,000 over a lifetime.

From PDSA, the UK veterinary charity. Not veterinary advice. Worried about your own pet? [See who to call](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/).

## Key facts

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Size | Large |
| Average height | 58-70 cm |
| Average weight | 42-53 kg (females), 48-63 kg (males) |
| Average lifespan | Up to 10 years |
| Exercise | At least 1 hour a day, split into several walks with off-lead time in secure areas, plus play and training |
| Grooming | Brushing several times a week, often daily in spring and autumn (heavy shedder) |
| Cost | At least £105 a month after buying and setting up, and up to £17,000 over a lifetime |

Source: [PDSA, Bernese Mountain Dog breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/large-dogs/bernese-mountain-dog).

## Health problems to watch

PDSA lists these for the breed. A higher risk does not mean every animal will be affected; where a screening scheme or test exists, ask the breeder for the parents' results.

- hip dysplasia
- elbow dysplasia
- gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV, "bloat")
- degenerative myelopathy
- hot spots
- progressive retinal atrophy
- cruciate disease
- certain cancers

Source: [PDSA, Bernese Mountain Dog breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/large-dogs/bernese-mountain-dog).

## Exercise and grooming

PDSA suggests at least 1 hour a day, split into several walks with off-lead time in secure areas, plus play and training. Grooming: brushing several times a week, often daily in spring and autumn (heavy shedder). Source: [PDSA, Bernese Mountain Dog breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/large-dogs/bernese-mountain-dog).

## Temperament

PDSA describes the breed as sweet, gentle, loyal "gentle giants", intelligent and eager to please; can be sensitive and very attached to their owners. PDSA says they are not generally recommended for families with small children as they can be boisterous, should not be left alone for more than four hours, and need protecting from overheating. Source: [PDSA, Bernese Mountain Dog breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/large-dogs/bernese-mountain-dog).

Advertisement

## Cost

PDSA's figure: at least £105 a month after buying and setting up, and up to £17,000 over a lifetime. These are minimums that leave out buying the animal and vet bills for illness or injury. More: [annual cost of owning a dog](https://pawmultiverse.com/annual-cost-of-owning-a-dog/) and [puppy first-year costs](https://pawmultiverse.com/cost-of-a-puppy-first-year/). Source: [PDSA, Bernese Mountain Dog breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/large-dogs/bernese-mountain-dog).

## Questions people ask

How long do Bernese Mountain Dogs live?

PDSA gives an average lifespan of up to 10 years.

How much exercise does a Bernese Mountain Dog need?

PDSA suggests at least 1 hour a day, split into several walks with off-lead time in secure areas, plus play and training.

What health problems do Bernese Mountain Dogs have?

PDSA lists hip dysplasia; elbow dysplasia; gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV, "bloat"); degenerative myelopathy; hot spots; progressive retinal atrophy; cruciate disease; certain cancers.

How much does a Bernese Mountain Dog cost?

PDSA's estimate: at least £105 a month after buying and setting up, and up to £17,000 over a lifetime.

## Sources

- [PDSA, Bernese Mountain Dog breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/large-dogs/bernese-mountain-dog), read 7 November 2026.

## Related pages

[All breed guides](https://pawmultiverse.com/dog-and-cat-breeds/), [everything for dog owners](https://pawmultiverse.com/dogs/), [human foods dogs can eat](https://pawmultiverse.com/human-foods-dogs-can-eat/) and [pet emergency: what to do now](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/).

## Keep reading

- [Great Dane: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care](https://pawmultiverse.com/great-dane-breed/)
- [How Much Does a Siberian Husky Cost? What Drives the Bills](https://pawmultiverse.com/siberian-husky-cost/)
- [Dachshund Breed Guide](https://pawmultiverse.com/dachshund-breed/)

**Big, deep-chested dog?** Know the signs of bloat (GDV), a surgical emergency: [bloat (GDV) in dogs](https://pawmultiverse.com/bloat-gdv-in-dogs/)

**Is your pet's food on a recall list?** Check the barcode on the bag against five official registers in the US, UK, Canada and France. [Check your bag](https://pawmultiverse.com/check-your-bag/) · [Recalls this week](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-food-recalls/this-week/)

Advertisement