Bernese Mountain Dog Life Expectancy: What Owners Need to Know

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a well-loved and beautiful breed, but how long will owners get to spend with their sweet pups? Unfortunately, the average Bernese Mountain Dog life expectancy is 6-8 years, making it one of the shortest lifespans among dog breeds due to a high risk of cancer and other musculoskeletal issues. However, with good care and regular vet visits, some Bernese Mountain Dogs can live to be 10 years old.

To give a complete picture of Bernese Mountain Dog life expectancy, we will cover a number of scientific studies and expert opinions. This will help to explain the breed's unique health risks, discuss what owners can do to help prevent these risks, and look into the latest studies that are being done to help extend the breed's life expectancy. By the end, you'll know exactly what you can do to help your dog live a long, happy, and healthy life.

Health Conditions That Affect Bernese Mountain Dog Lifespan

There are a number of health problems that are common in Bernese Mountain Dogs and that contribute to their shorter lifespan. These health issues include cancer, hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, bloat, and blood disorders such as Von Willebrand's disease. Many of these health issues, according to the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America, are hereditary and can cause a range of symptoms from pain and discomfort to paralysis and sudden death.

Cancer is a particular worry, with a study from Switzerland showing that neoplasia was the cause of death in more than 58% of Bernese Mountain Dogs. Hip and elbow dysplasia are orthopedic conditions that can cause arthritis. Degenerative myelopathy is a neurological condition that affects the spinal cord and leads to paralysis. Bloat is a condition in which the stomach twists and is life-threatening unless treated immediately.

Because of the prevalence of these health issues, it's important to catch them as early as possible and to manage them effectively to help Bernese Mountain Dogs live as long as possible. This means that dog owners need to be aware of the risks and work with their vets to make sure that their dogs are regularly checked for signs of these health issues and that they receive the proper care to manage them. By doing this, it's possible to help Bernese Mountain Dogs live longer, healthier lives.

Life Expectancy and Longevity Determinants

More recent research has shown that the average life expectancy of Bernese Mountain Dogs is between 8 and 9 years. One study published in BMC Veterinary Research also showed that females live longer than males, with a median survival time of 8.8 years for females and 7.7 years for males. Dogs with specific health issues, such as renal injury or cancer, have a much shorter life expectancy, often between 6 and 7 years.

While the size and weight of a dog don't directly determine their life expectancy, larger dogs tend to live shorter lives than smaller breeds. However, it is important to make sure that dogs are well taken care of, fed a healthy diet, and taken to the vet regularly to ensure that they live as long as they can. With the right care, owners can help ensure that Bernese Mountain Dogs live as long as possible.

Taking Care of Your Bernese: How to Help Your Dog Live Longer

Feeding a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight are all important factors in helping Bernese Mountain Dogs live longer. According to the Pawlicy Advisor Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Guide, Berners should be fed 3-6 cups of high-quality dog food a day, ideally split between two meals. They also require a special diet as a large breed puppy that encourages slow growth to prevent joint problems.

It’s important to catch and address potential health problems as early as possible through regular veterinary check-ups and screenings. As the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America points out, many of the health issues that affect Berners are hereditary, so it’s important to be proactive in monitoring their health. In addition to regular check-ups, preventive care like joint supplements, cancer screenings, and proper skin and coat care can help reduce the impact of the breed’s common health problems.

Mental stimulation, socialization, and a safe, stimulating living environment all contribute to a dog’s overall well-being and longevity. The Pawlicy Advisor guide notes that obedience training and early socialization are important for these intelligent, eager-to-please dogs. Finally, working with a reputable breeder who prioritizes health and longevity can help ensure that a Bernese Mountain Dog gets a healthy start in life.

By taking a comprehensive, proactive approach to caring for Bernese Mountain Dogs, pet parents can help ensure that their dogs live longer, healthier lives.

Origins and Historical Purpose of the Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog hails from the Swiss Alps and was originally used as a farm dog. According to the American Kennel Club, the breed is a descendant of the Roman Mastiff-type dogs that were brought to Switzerland more than 2,000 years ago. Throughout history, Bernese Mountain Dogs have been employed to herd cattle, pull carts, and guard farms.

In the early 1900s, Swiss dog fanciers worked to revive and conserve the breed. Today, the Bernese Mountain Dog is known for its role as a cherished companion and family pet, all while still being able to work. According to Britannica, the breed is known for its deep chest, hanging V-shaped ears, and long, silky, black coat with rust-colored markings.

Current Studies and Future Work to Increase Bernese Longevity

Breeders and breed organizations have been working to better understand and combat the health problems that Bernese Mountain Dogs face. The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America reports that they have completed two breed health surveys and established the Berner Garde genetic database, which now includes over 220,000 dogs and health information from around the world.

Research is currently being done to determine the genetic causes of the cancer and musculoskeletal issues that impact the Bernese Mountain Dog’s lifespan. One study published in BMC Veterinary Research found that neoplasia was the cause of death in over 58% of Bernese Mountain Dogs, demonstrating the need for more research on malignant tumors in the breed.

One way to increase the lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dogs is to increase their genetic diversity through outcrossing and selective breeding. As the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America explains, it will take ongoing research and collaboration between breeders, vets, and scientists to improve the overall health and longevity of the breed.

Conclusion: Meeting the Bernese Mountain Dog's Special Requirements

Despite the Bernese Mountain Dog's shorter life expectancy, their sweet temperament and devotion ensure they are beloved family members. Recognizing the breed's unique health issues and addressing them early on are important for helping them live as long as possible.

Regular vet check-ups, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and mental stimulation can all help ensure that a Bernese can live their best life. Continued research and ethical breeding can also help increase the breed's life expectancy and overall health. With the right care and attention, Bernese owners can look forward to many years with their dogs.