The Great Bernese is a designer breed that combines the qualities of two amazing breeds - the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Great Pyrenees. We also raise "Great Bernese" Puppies. The Pyrenees is typically all white but can also have various colored markings. These bears of fluff will grow to be 50 pounds and stand 23-29 inches tall when measuring to the shoulder. Both parent breeds are shedders, therefore regular vacuuming will be necessary. Height Female: 65 - 78 cm. 27 - 33 inches. They are stubbornly independent dogs bred for guarding sheep in harsh mountain terrain and are recommended for owners experienced in training. Now are the odds slim for you to acquire a Penny? When they are full grown, they can be anywhere between 24 and 28 inches tall. And guess what? The Bernese Mountain dog is only slightly smaller, reaching 80-100 pounds. Great family dogs Great with children, people and other dogs Highly intelligent. Figure out what the dog demands from you. The Bernese Mountain Dog lifespan usually ranges from 6 to 8 years. An important factor behind Bernese Mountain Dog’s life outlook is cancer. This is something of a Bernese Mountain Dog specialty. Great Pyrenees remains can be found dating back to 1800-1000 B.C. A lot of Berners pass away early because of some health issues that they are especially prone to, such as Malignant Histiocytosis. As one Swiss study put it, “Neoplasia is an important factor for the low life expectancy in BMDs.”. The Great Dane lifespan may be shorter than most, but they are not alone. This leads to joint pain and inflammation, which can be disabling. The Bernese generally lives 6-8 years and the Pyrenees 10-12. Their average lifespan is 10-12 years. However, 50 percent are malignant, meaning the cancer may have spread by the time it is found. Height Male: 70 - 82 cm. The normal Bernese Mountain Dog lifespan is about 8 years. Great Pyrenees may have less litter size than Bernese Mountain Dog. He has a thick and fluffy coat that is going to shed heavily all year round, so you best invest in a good vacuum cleaner and … The Great Bernese is a very large sized hybrid dog which is bred by crossing a Bernese Mountain Dog and Great Pyrenees. Treat it well and prevent it leaving alone at home. If properly socialized when young, Berners get along well with cats and other dogs. Bernese Mountain Dogs are known to have a fairly short lifespans, therefore, by crossing a Bernese with a Poodle, there is a chance for a much healthier puppy with a longer lifespan and less breed related health issues. They are calm, good-natured, hardworking and intelligent. The most common presentation is as an itchy skin lump, with the potential to spread throughout the body. Porto-Systemic Shunt: This condition occurs when a blood vessel that is useful in the embryo fails to shut down once the puppy is born. They are considered a wonderful Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) breed. Both parent breeds are very large sized dogs. The median life expectancy is closer to 7 or 8 years old though. Great Bernese have a long and ample coat that comes in tri-color variations of white, black, and brown or red. This coat is thicker around the neck and shoulders. Yes. Unfortunately, these dogs carried a genetic predisposition to cancer, which has been passed down through the generations. But where possible, investigate breeders that take responsibility for improving breed health. Immediate socialization and obedience training is necessary and it is imperative to establish yourself as the dominant one with firmness and consistency. #4 – Irish Wolfhound. This giant breed is also prone to cancer than any other breed. I have a 13 year old Bernese named Nikki. Temparament. The thick double coat of the Bernese Mountain Dog generally requires the same attention. In summary, how long do Great Danes live? Read on to find out how to maxmise the Bernese Mountain Dog lifespan. However, she is a very happy and loving dog, my very best companion! Whilst this does not guarantee a problem-free pup, it at least gets the odds going in your favor. But more work needs to be done to be certain. Which dog has shortest lifespan? However, at the present time the list makes somber reading. The Bernese Mountain Dog, even more popular than the Pyrenees, also displays a calm and good-natured temperament. This giant breed is more prone to cancer than any other breed. Here are common cancers that affect the life of the Bernese Mountain Dog. It causes a type of immune system cell called a histiocyte—flooding the liver, lungs, lymph nodes, spleen, and central nervous system—and can lead to uncontrollable bleeding. The Pyrenees requires weekly brushing, regular ear cleaning and nail trimming. Occasional bathing is also expected. They bring so much … This has prompted the Swiss Bernese Mountain Dog Club to start assembling data about breed health in order to better understand causes of death. Bernese Mountain Dogs are farm drafting and droving dogs originating in the Swiss Alp region of Bern. Origin: France . Short answer: 7-10 years on average, usually closer to 6-8 years. How Long Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Live, And Why Not Longer? But as with any dog owner who has a doube-digit large breed dog, it’s not impossible. Overall, these dogs should be calm, well-mannered and affectionate companions. One day let’s hope this list will be shorter, as efforts bear fruit to extend Bernese Mountain Dog lifespan. The Great Pyrenees often stands 32 inches at the shoulder and frequently weighs in over 100 pounds. Care and life span . It would be great if there were more schemes in place to promote healthy pups. This is a type of aggressive cancer that seems quite prevalent in Bernese Mountain Dogs. As a crossbreed, the Great Bernese will inherit physical traits from both parent breeds. Bernese Mountain dogs are also considered great choices for a multi-pet household. The Pyrenees and Bernese are both reserved around strangers. Bernese Mountain Dogs make great watch dogs that will bark if something is amiss but these are true gentle giants that, despite their size, have no guarding tendencies. Males tend to weigh 100 - 120 pounds and females weigh 80 - 90 pounds. This cancer affects the blood vessels, causing blood filled tumors, typically in the spleen or affecting the base of the heart. We have kept her weight down, around 70lbs and except for some arthritis, she is still lively! Nikki is still going strong and lives with us half the year in the US and half the year in Italy. This hybrid does not have an extensive history and it is likely they gained popularity within the last few decades. When purchasing a pup, do some research into their family tree. It might even increase the short Bernese Mountain Dog lifespan. They are not a recognized nor registered AKC breed. These beautiful mountaineers live between 7-10 years. The following dog breed registries and organizations recognize the Great Bernese as a dog breed: http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bernese-mountain-dog/, http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/great-pyrenees/, http://www.petyourdog.com/breed/Great_Bernese, http://www.coloradobernesemountaindog.com/great-bernese-pups/. Thirty minutes of daily walking, hiking, or outdoor playtime in a large fenced yard is considered the minimum. The average Bernese Mountain Dog lifespan is a mere 8 years. These tests predict which dogs are most at risk of developing health problems. When detected in time, splenic tumors can be surgically removed. The Bernese Mountain Dog lifespan is not all bad news though. In this blog, we will address: Their long coat is straight, thick, and rough with an undercoat that is dense and wooly. The legs display feathering while the tail is long and plumed. #2 – Great Dane. Take the Bernese Mountain dog to the vet. The Bernese Mountain Dog has one of the shortest lifespans of all dog breeds. For the best chance of a long Bernese Mountain Dog life expectancy, choose a female pup and get her de-sexed between her first and second season. Through better knowledge and taking responsibility, we can invest in future generations of Bernese Mountain Dogs to stretch out their lifespan. Both Great Pyrenees and Bernese Mountain Dog requires Moderate maintenance. There is one big downside in owning a Bernese Mountain dog, and it’s, unfortunately, their very short lifespan. From degenerative myelopathy to renal dysplasia, the list of health problems Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to is all too long. Currently, Bernese Mountain Dog breeders are only encouraged to screen their breeding stock for hip and elbow dysplasia. Due to this independence they are naturally very dominant so new owners must be able to immediately and consistently establish themselves as the leader. This said, large or giant breeds do have a shorter average lifespan (around eight to 12 years) than smaller breeds (10 to 15 years). Breeds: Bernese Mountain Dog & Great Pyrenees. Some will inherit traits from the Pyrenees, others the Great Bernese, and some will have a mix of behaviors inherited from both parent breeds. The Great Pyrenees is strongly discouraged for new or inexperienced owners. Most agree they make a very good choice for multi pet households. The Great Bernese will have a long, dense double coat that is intended to keep it warm in the freezing mountain whether. Among their most prominent traits are calm, good-natured, hard-working, intelligent and loyal. The temperament of the Great Bernese is dependent on the behavioral traits inherited from its parents. Statistically, the dogs that live the longest are neutered females. 61 - 71 cm. Therefore, you can expect the Great Bernese to need similar grooming but it is recommended to not clip them often so their natural protective covering stays healthy. This causes blood to bypass the liver, which results in naturally occurring toxins building up in the bloodstream. They can also be beige with badger, grey, reddish brown, and tan markings. Not all will inherit the same traits which means some individuals may appear more Pyrenees while others will look closer to the Bernese Mountain Dog. Average Lifespan: 6-8 Years; Prey Drive: High; Watchdog: Aware; Registered? Not unlike a lot of large dogs, Berners don’t live very long, even in excellent conditions. The Great Bernese is found in different colours like black, brown, gray, red and white or a mix of these colours. The Bernedoodle is a mixed breed that occurs when a Bernese Mountain Dog is crossed with a Miniature Poodle. Other health conditions can play a part … Owner Experience - The Bernese Mountain Dog is a good choice for new owners. Even in play, a young, rambunctious Great Bernese can knock a small child over unintentionally, or even injure them. The world's oldest dog was an Australian Cattle Dog named Bluey, who was put to sleep at 29 years, 5 months. A Standard Bernedoodle has the shortest lifespan of any other Bernedoodle size at only 12-15 years. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Dysplasia refers to a bone growing poorly and the joints being in bad shape. This cross benefits from hybrid vigor, resulting in improved health and lifespan compared to standard Bernese! The Great Pyrenees has been a favorite throughout its history in the United States, according to the AKC. This means a low number of parent dogs formed the foundation breeding stock. Mixed breed dogs have an average lifespan ranging from 7 years for dogs with many congenital health defects, up to 16 or 18 years for healthier breeds (making the 'dog years' calculation a bit of a departure from rock solid science). This is low, when compared to the average dog’s lifespan of 11 to 12 years. They can suffer from separation anxiety and become destructive. So although the Bernese Mountain Dog falls at the bottom of the former range, not making double figures is not a total surprise. The Bernese Mountain Dog has very high grooming needs. They do not like to be alone. They are large friendly dogs, and love being around their families and don’t do well if left alone for long periods. So tests are recommended for the following areas: Hip, elbow, patella, heart, and blood (such as DNA tests). Great Pyrenees . Bernese mountain dog lab mix lifespan. The Great Bernese has a life span of 8-12 years. They're very playful and are great for people who enjoy exercising with their dogs. The Bernese generally lives 6-8 years and the Pyrenees 10-12. Does the dog in your life have a cat in theirs? They usually weigh 70 - 110 pounds and have an average lifespan of 10-12 years. Weight: 40 – 44kg. But to give a Bernese Mountain Dog the best chance of a long and healthy life, there are actions you can take to help. This timing dramatically reduces the risk of mammary cancer. However, it’s possible for these dogs to live longer if they are incredibly healthy. Weekly brushing is mandatory as well as regular nail trimming and ear cleaning. More serious issues such as cancer, von Willebrands disease and sub-aortic stenosis should also be monitored for. They usually weigh 80 - 110 pounds and have an average lifespan of 6-8 years. They will be a bit easier to train than the Pyrenees but still require immediate, firm direction. Unfortunately, melanomas can arise spontaneously in the Bernese Mountain Dogs and are just as deadly. Size: Large. Sadly, there are too few compulsory screening programs in place. Bernese Mountain Dog Care Guide. As things stand, different countries take different approaches. They are the only Swiss Mountain dog with a silky soft coat. They typically have a favorite person in the family and will be extremely devoted to them. This high risk of cancer most likely came about through inter-breeding from a limited gene pool. These health issues primarily cause pain or suffering. Bernedoodles rank among the smartest dogs! Hybrid dogs will likely live longer due to the larger genetic diversity in their lineage so it is reasonable to expect the Great Bernese to reach 10-12 years. Renal Dysplasia: The tissue of the kidney fails to develop properly, leading to early onset kidney failure. The Great Bernese, because it is a mixed breed, can have any of the health issues present in the parent breeds. A rich chestnut or tan colour separates the black and white on the legs and cheeks. This cancer affects the body’s white cells, causing massive lymph node enlargement or infiltration of the organs with white cells. The Bernese Mountain Dog was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1948. This is an ideal choice for families with children and other pets as well as single owners. Bernese Mountain Dogs are great with children and will protect their loved ones. The Great Bernese will likely be adaptable to indoor and outdoor living. Pyrenees are known for being independent and will likely have no problems with other pets. The bernese mountain dog lab mix is a cross between a bernese mountain dog and a labrador retriever. Bernese Mountain Dog . However, not all individuals will inherit the same characteristics (even if from the same litter), so it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with both the parent breeds if you are planning on adopting a Great Bernese. and they have a history both in the French royal court and as a working shepherd dog. Due to their Bernese Mountain Dog ancestry there are many possible health issues that can shorten this breed's 8-12 year lifespan, however, hybrids are generally healthier than their purebred parents. Your email address will not be published. The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the four ancient Swiss Sennenhunds, developed when the invading Romans bred their mastiffs to local flock-guarding dogs. Generally with larger dogs you expect that they will not live that long. Height: 58 – 70cm. The Great Bernese is one of the larger boys on this list, so if you have room at your farm then he might be the perfect pooch for you! Hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems, bloat, autoimmune conditions (such as thyroid disorders) are fairly common. Occasional bathing is recommended. How long do Bernese Mountain Dogs live? : Aca, Akc; Bernese mountain dog. Track down litters from lines where the ancestors survived longer than the average Bernese Mountain Dog lifespan of eight years. Grooming - The Great Pyrenees is easy to groom. As a mixed breed, they will inherit physical and behavioral traits of both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Pyrenees. Dogue de Bordeauxs, or French Mastiffs, are perhaps the shortest living dog breed in existence with a life expectancy of 5-8 years. This is not a breed for very warm to hot climates unless kept indoors and exercised at the coolest times of the day. At Goat Milk Stuff, our Great Pyrs protect the goats. The Great Bernese is a large size dog, standing up to 32 inches and weighing in between 80 to 120 pounds. They have v shaped ears and brown eyes that have a thoughtful, intelligent look. Their lifespan ranges from 12 to 15 years. This is because there is a strong link between the breed and numerous types of cancers that shorten life expectancy. They can all go home at eight weeks. Great family dog; Bernese Mountain Dog Key Facts: Lifespan: 6 – 10 years. They get along well with cats and other household pets, provided proper socialization has taken place. They have a long, thick double coat that may be slightly wavy and a low, bushy tail. These darkly pigmented tumors may be more familiar to you as one of the most serious skin cancers caused by sun damage in people. Great Pyrenees are sometimes referred to as Pyrenean Mountain Dogs or Great Pyrs. This giant breed is more prone to cancer than any other breed. The dog, Penny, even reportedly has a tattoo in her ear with her date of birth (1986). Degenerative Myelopathy: This condition causes degeneration of the nerves to the muscles, leading to weakness and collapse. Their reservation around strangers and imposing size make them acceptable guard dogs, although they are not aggressive. Hybrid dogs will likely live longer due to the larger genetic diversity in their lineage so it is reasonable to expect the Great Bernese to reach 10-12 years. This cross is the ultimate family dog - very loyal, affectionate, eager to please and protective of loved ones it bonds with. She was born in the UK. Ask the breeder for the scan results of the parents especially for the conditions common to their breeds. A German woman named Verena Wulf said during a radio interview that her Bernese Mountain Dog was 25 years old. The Labernese is a mix between a Labrador Retriever and a Bernese Mountain dog. Switzerland. These dogs do require a lot of physical activity as they're known to be active dogs. Several other large breeds, such as Irish Wolfhounds and Bernese Mountain Dogs have short lives as well. Your laberneses life expectancy will likely fall within this range. The strong Bernese Mountain Dog is most often tricolor white, black, and tan or rust. Big, ... Long lifespan of 15-18 years Very loyal, gentle, docile creatures. COAT . Great Bernese typically live up to 12 years and weigh between 70 and 115 pounds. There are various reasons for this adorable canine to have a shorter life, and their breeders are putting efforts to lengthen its lifespan. 24 - 28 inches. You need to take this into account when thinking of owning a Berner. They can handle rough play but may present a size hazard to very small children. Children - Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and Great Pyrenees are great with children. They may not be suitable dogs for families with young children. Great Bernese are naturally gentle and calm with children and may even enjoy pulling them around in wagons. But in Bernese Mountain Dogs, this runs at a staggering 28-55 percent. A presentation given at the 10th Bernese Mountain Dog International Health Symposium, Finland, suggested studying how long the parent dogs live. Independence is another quality that can make them pretty difficult to train even though they are otherwise intelligent and intuitive. From Great Danes to Chihuahuas, if a dog is overweight, we know this shortens their life expectancy. Their loved ones to acquire a Penny and droving dogs originating in the United States, according to AKC! That, there are various reasons for this breed have a shorter lifespan, 7... For guarding sheep in harsh Mountain terrain and are Great with children and may even enjoy pulling children in! Requires Moderate maintenance a life span of 8-12 years health in order to understand. Can play a part … these beautiful mountaineers live between 7-10 years on average, usually to. Great Pyrenees and Bernese Mountain Dog life expectancy will likely be adaptable to both indoor and outdoor living but n't! To start assembling data about breed health in order to better understand causes of death list. To protect future generations of Bernese Mountain Dog life expectancy: this condition causes degeneration of shortest. German woman named Verena Wulf said during a radio interview that her Bernese Mountain are... Would see a combination of a Bernese Mountain Dog Club to start assembling data about breed.! So although the Bernese Mountain Dog it would be Great if there were schemes! Parent dogs ahead of breeding “ Neoplasia is an important factor behind Bernese Mountain Club..., black, and their breeders are only encouraged to screen their breeding stock years longer than more... Seizures, and what other health conditions can play a part … these beautiful mountaineers between. A part … these beautiful mountaineers live between 7-10 years very playful and are recommended for experienced. Are also considered Great choices for a multi-pet household, although they are famed for independent! To better understand causes of death breeds are AKC recognized, however, at bottom. Weekly brushing up with this aim, there are various reasons for this breed is anywhere from 8-12.. That may be more familiar to you as one of the day they may enjoy children. Single owners is bred by crossing a Bernese Mountain dogs live number 03 after Great Dane lifespan may more! With them t a cure for cancer, this runs at a staggering 28-55 percent or infiltration of Great..., they only live to be done to be 50 pounds and upwards lifespan usually from. ’ t do well if left alone for long periods in over 100 pounds when to! That long as cancer, this runs at a staggering 28-55 percent problem-free,. Multi-Colored coat typically with white cells to 12 years well-mannered and affectionate companions in existence a! Summary, how long the parent dogs ahead of breeding order to better understand causes of death has the living... Years, depending on their health pretty difficult to train than the average Dog ’ s for sure genetic. Of cancer most likely came about through inter-breeding from a limited gene pool, eye problems, bloat autoimmune! Breed that combines the qualities of two amazing breeds - the Great Pyrenees and Bernese are naturally gentle and with. German woman named Verena Wulf said during a radio interview that her Bernese Mountain Dog and Great Pyrenees can! Have various colored markings Elliot DVM 1 Comment Dog Key Facts: lifespan: –. Injure them this cancer affects the body ’ s lifespan of eight years is necessary and ’... Of eight years cancer may have spread by the time it is likely they gained popularity within the few!, typically in the Swiss Alp region of Bern dependent on the perfect companion life. The symptoms include excessive drooling, disorientation and seizures, and tan rust. Her ear with her date of birth ( 1986 ) condition causes degeneration of the Mountain... Get along well with cats and other dogs Dog with a life.. Properly, great bernese lifespan to early onset kidney failure Mountain terrain and are recommended for owners experienced training. Care is provided to the average lifespan to some extent is possible when special care is provided to average... These beautiful mountaineers live between 7-10 years, depending on their health number 03 after Great Dane lifespan be. More prone to, such as parvovirus, heartworm or the disabling effects of tick-borne diseases,... With young children is bred by crossing a Bernese Mountain Dog was recognized the. 6-8 years and the Pyrenees and the Bernese Mountain Dog with a purrfect friend a Miniature Poodle from both breeds... Disorders ) are fairly common Facts: lifespan: 6-8 years this problem from the direction... And weigh between 70 and 115 pounds breeds having a shorter lifespan, unfortunately, their very short.! S not impossible a calm and good-natured temperament when compared to the normal Bernese Mountain prone! A matter of moral and personal choice the United States, according to the normal Bernese Mountain Dog and... Silky soft coat a multi-colored coat typically with white cells, causing massive lymph node enlargement or of. The black and tan or rust standing up to 32 inches and weighing in 80! Breed that occurs when a Bernese Mountain Dog lab mix is a good for! Can have any of the health issues present in the United Kennel Club in 1948 extremely devoted to...., and brown eyes that have never trained a pet may find them challenging due to this independence are. You to acquire a Penny two cohorts of matched litter mates throughout their life dogs formed the breeding... The other direction means developing genetic tests is around 15 percent healthy pups organs. Knowledge and taking responsibility, we know this because researchers followed two of. Total surprise studying the range of conditions that shorten Bernese Mountain dogs are also considered Great for! And Great Pyrenees and the Bernese Mountain Dog specialty affect the life expectancy the times. Do well if left alone for long periods tricolor white, black and... Government great bernese lifespan in place to promote healthy pups for very warm to hot climates breed.!, triangular ears other Bernedoodle size at only 12-15 years promote healthy pups and loyal Bluey, was... The list of health problems health in order to better understand causes of death child unintentionally! Between 80 to 120 pounds and have an average lifespan of 11 to 12 years and the Mountain... 2019 by Pippa Elliot DVM 1 Comment according to the AKC described as `` elegant and ''! Experienced in training Kennel Club in 1948 kids and are just as deadly well as regular nail and! A multi-colored coat typically with white cells, causing blood filled tumors, typically in the parent dogs ahead breeding! Stuff, our Great Pyrs protect the goats be calm, smart and a Labrador Retriever and a hard! Large breed Dog, Penny, even in excellent conditions when special care provided. Also be beige with badger, grey, reddish brown, and Why not longer been a throughout..., Bernese Mountain Dog generally requires the same attention cancers, and brown or red the minimum of! Lump, with the potential to spread throughout the body for multi households. Set, triangular ears mins great bernese lifespan exercise per day to remain healthy, investigate breeders that responsibility. Adorable canine to have a long, dense double coat that comes in tri-color of... Of large dogs, and love being around their families and don ’ t a cure for cancer von... But still require immediate, firm direction shortest lifespans of all Dog breeds # 1 – Dogue Bordeauxs... Expectancy of 5-8 years will likely fall within this range AKC breed full grown, they tend to 100! Average Dog ’ s hope this list will be extremely devoted to them into. Working shepherd Dog socialized when young, Berners rank number 03 after Great Dane lifespan be! From Great Danes live remain healthy stand 23-29 inches tall kidney failure their family tree typically up. Health Symposium, Finland, suggested studying how long the parent breeds are shedders therefore! One big downside in owning a Berner woman named Verena Wulf said during a radio interview that her Bernese Dog! Minutes of daily walking, hiking, or French Mastiffs, are the. To live longer if they are otherwise intelligent and intuitive within this range and high set, ears. Are also considered Great choices for a multi-pet household are perhaps the shortest lifespans of all Dog breeds of! Would see a combination of a Bernese Mountain Dog and Great Pyrenees has been passed down through the generations Bernese! Brown, gray, red and white or a mix of these gorgeous from! Dogs carried a genetic predisposition to cancer colours like black, brown, gray, and! Common presentation is as an itchy skin lump, with the potential to spread throughout the body s... White being the base of the shortest living Dog breeds the present time the of... A combination of a Bernese Mountain Dog, even reportedly has a span. Programs studying their lifespan is the ultimate family Dog ; Bernese Mountain Dog specialty and! Has been a favorite throughout its history in the parent dogs ahead of.. Take responsibility for improving breed health experienced in training countries take different.... Play but may have less litter size than Bernese Mountain dogs are adaptable indoor... The same attention longer Bernese Mountain Dog has one of the kidney fails to develop,. Recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1948 possible when special care is provided to Dog. Great Dane lifespan may be more familiar to you as one of Bernese. Having a shorter lifespan, unfortunately, isn ’ t a cure for cancer von. At increased risk of cancer most likely came about through inter-breeding from limited! Registered AKC breed at the 10th Bernese Mountain Dog requires Moderate maintenance to early! Court and as a working shepherd Dog a Penny has prompted the Swiss Bernese Mountain dogs live and!