The majority of dog lovers who have a fascination for larger breeds to be adopted as a pet, the Bernese Mountain Dog seems to be the top choice. These big, fluffy, and gentle dogs also sport striking tri-color coats, making them stand out from the crowd. There isn’t any doubt whatsoever about the ultimate bonding we can build with the Bernese, but the question that most prospective owners are desperate to know is, “How long do Bernese Mountain dogs live?”?
Well, here comes the sad part, as these dogs are rarely known for their longevity. On average, they live 7 to 10 years. While it may sound short, if you get a clearer idea of the factors behind their lifespan, and things that you can do to help the Bernese thrive better, it can give you peace of mind and help the dog to celebrate its life with enthusiasm.
So, let us break down the million-dollar question most dog lovers ask. Simultaneously, you will also become familiar with the reasons that make their life shorter. Read on, as there are some handy tips too, which can give the Bernese the best chance of enjoying a longer life.
The lifespan average
Right at the start, the average lifespan of the Bernese has been mentioned. If health complications set in, some of them might live even less. In some cases, a few lucky Bernese mountain dogs have been known to live for 12 years or more, but keep in mind, it is very rare. If you compare the lifespans of small, medium, and large breeds, you will notice that even larger breeds like Golden Retrievers can live up to 10-12 years. The smaller breeds are, anyway, known to have a greater life expectancy. So, why does the Bernese, despite being only slightly larger than other breeds, have such a short lifespan? Well, the answer is due to genetics of and the unique traits along with its health vulnerabilities.
The size factor
These “gentle giants,” weighing between 70 and 115 pounds, are readily vulnerable to fast aging. If you do not know, dogs whose body mass is larger it is linked with shorter lifespans as the body’s cells divide faster, resulting in quick wear and tear.
Risk of cancer
The majority of Bernese mountain dogs are susceptible to developing cancer. Over the years, research has proven that Bernese dogs have an extremely high cancer rate. So much so that more than half of these breeds die from these dreaded diseases. If we compare them with the other breeds combined, the figure comes down to as low as 25%. The most common cancers include:
- Histiocytic sarcoma (an aggressive cancer).
- Lymphoma.
- Mast cell tumors.
- Osteosarcoma (bone cancer).
- Inherited health issues
Apart from cancer, the risk of which looms large, the Bernese dogs are also prone to hereditary health concerns such as:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia (joint problems that cause pain and mobility issues).
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) (an eye condition leading to blindness).
- Heart diseases (including dilated cardiomyopathy).
- Each of these issues reduces quality of life and shortens it drastically.
- Selective breeding can be another factor
Bernese mountain dogs were initially bred in Switzerland, and they were designated to work as farm dogs. They are also capable of pulling carts and guarding properties. As time went by, selective breeding for appearance over health has led to its genetic weaknesses.
A comparison of the male vs. female lifespan of the Bernese
If the findings of some research are to be believed, it suggests that female Bernese tend to live a bit longer than the males. The difference isn’t mind-boggling, though; it might be a year or even less. Spaying and neutering at the right age can also make a significant difference in reducing cancer risks, which, as you can understand, can affect the lifespan of the breed.
Watching out for aging signs in the Bernese
Now that you know, Bernese mountain dogs have a shorter life expectancy, it becomes significant to spot the period when they are entering their senior years. Usually, by the time they reach 6 years, you can consider them to be seniors. Some of the visible signs may be as follows:
- Slowing down during walks.
- Stiffness or difficulty getting up due to joint pain.
- Sudden increase in sleeping time and lack of interest in performing activities.
- Graying of the fur around the muzzle.
- Unexplained weight fluctuations.
- Hearing or vision loss.
The earlier a dog owner can observe these signs, the better, as it will allow them to adapt the appropriate measures for better care and comfort. It would help in increasing their longevity.
Helping the Bernese to live longer
Of course, you can hardly do anything to change their genetics, but you can introduce subtle changes in their lifestyle that can improve their health and potentially extend their lifespan. Here are some notable tips from the experienced owners and experts, and you can practice them even if you are accommodating it in an urban apartment.
- Go for a quality diet: Never compromise on the diet, and stick to feeding it a balanced diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and nutrients. It will help the dog to maintain its muscle mass and overall health. Keep a close eye on whether the Bernese is becoming obese. Remember, excess weight can worsen the joints and exert pressure on the heart.
- Regular workouts: Owing to their origins, Bernese are working dogs, and they crave regular exercise. Moderate walks, hikes, and play sessions can help them to remain physically and mentally active. Just keep a vigil on overexerting them, especially in hot weather, since they are prone to overheating.
- Visit to the vet: Periodic vet checkups, at least twice a year for adult Bernese dogs, are mandatory. It will let the vet diagnose health problems, if any, early. Furthermore, screenings for cancer, joint health, and heart issues will also be conducted at regular intervals.
- Joint support: Since the Bernese mountain dogs are most vulnerable to joint issues, providing them with supplements that have a good dose of glucosamine, chondroitin, and Omega-3 fatty acids can support their mobility issues and reduce discomfort.
- Preventive care: Never miss out on vaccinations, parasite prevention, and dental care. Often, dog owners overlook oral health, but it is one of the key issues that can play a significant role in their overall well-being.
- Mental stimulation: Never take the mental aspect of the Bernese for granted. Surround them with puzzle toys, training sessions, and social interactions. It will help prevent them from boredom and stress, and their joyful nature can extend their lifespan just a bit.
Comparing the lifespan of the Bernese Mountain Dogs with other larger breeds
If you are interested to know, how the lifespan of a Bernese compares with other bigger breeds, here it is for your convenience:
- Newfoundland: 9–10 years.
- Great Pyrenees: 10–12 years.
- Saint Bernard: 8–10 years.
- Great Dane: 7–10 years.
So, as you can see, other larger breeds also have similar lifespans to that of the Bernese. As mentioned earlier, it is their vulnerability to cancer that reduces their lifespan considerably.
The inspirational exceptions
We reiterate that while the average lifespan of the Bernese is not more than 7-10 years, if you search, you will find some inspirational stories where the Bernese has lived for 12 or even 14 years. Although exceptional, these cases can be attributed to factors like their hailing from super-healthy genetic lines, careful breeding, excellent vet care, and dedicated owners. So, let these stories motivate the modern Bernese owners, and let it be a statement that even though genetics has the last laugh, lifestyle changes can also make a significant difference.
Coping with the shorter lifespan
Right from the start, this is a tough pill to swallow: the most loving companion, the Bernese, will not live long. Still, these Bernese mountain dogs have a way of immersing themselves in the days they live with love, companionship, and loyalty. Even when they are gone, they leave an unforgettable mark on the families. So, let the Bernese be the tutor in your lives that inspires us to cherish every moment and live more in the present.
Last words
If you are considering owning a Bernese mountain dog, keep the lifespan factor secondary. Instead, focus on the good times you can cherish with it till it lasts. Surely, the happy moments will outweigh the fact that it has a lesser life. Let the tens of thousands of Bernese mountain dog owners who are more than proud of their companion be a motivation.