Bernese Mountain Dog
7–10
lifespan (years)
32–52
weight (kg)
giant
size class
How old is your Bernese Mountain Dog?
Enter an age — the calculator is tuned to this breed's size class.
BASED ON AKC BREED DATA
About the Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a calm, affectionate, hard-working giant — gentle with family and strikingly handsome. As a giant breed, the Bernese ages fast and has a short lifespan.
Caring for a Bernese Mountain Dog
Joints. Keep a Bernese lean and avoid hard exercise while it is still growing. The breed is prone to joint issues.
Heat. The thick coat means the Bernese overheats easily. Keep it cool in summer.
Senior years. A Bernese Mountain Dog is a senior by about age 5 to 6. The breed has a higher cancer rate — watch closely.
Bernese Mountain Dog questions
How long do Bernese Mountain Dogs live?
Bernese Mountain Dogs typically live 7 to 10 years.
Why is the Bernese lifespan short?
As a giant breed the Bernese ages very fast, and the breed has an elevated cancer rate.
When is a Bernese Mountain Dog a senior?
A Bernese Mountain Dog is generally a senior around age 5 to 6.
Lifespan data: American Kennel Club breed profile — akc.org/dog-breeds/bernese-mountain-dog
Guides about aging in Bernese Mountain Dogs
- How long do Bernese Mountain Dogs live? Bernese Mountain Dogs typically live 7 to 10 years, cut short primarily by cancer, especially histiocytic sarcoma, which affects one in four.
- When is a dog a senior? There is no single senior age for dogs. It depends on size. Here is when your dog crosses into its senior years.
- Why do small dogs live longer than big dogs? Small dogs often outlive big dogs by years. Here is the simple reason why, and what it means for your dog.
Similar breeds
Curious about another dog?
Browse every breed, each with its own age chart and care notes.