How long do bernese live

First, dogs that are bred to reach a larger size typically have a shorter lifespan. As shared by the American Kennel Club, a large dog is considered a dog that reaches 50 lbs or more at full grown.

With pedigree dogs such as the Bernese, the large, quickly-grown breeds can have more issues related to their bones and mobility.

Yes, a lot of factors are related to years lived by Bernese Mountain dogs. Some of these factors include nutrition, environment and hereditary factors, which are often related to breeding and genetics. Cancer is often due to hereditary causes, as are other medical issues like:.

It is important to know that issues like this can start younger in a Bernese Mountain Dog, such as the onset of arthritis at even 4 years of age. Many breeders are evaluating ways to increase the life of the average purebred Bernese Mountain Dog. A key way that they do this is through reducing the number of dogs bred with a predisposition toward cancer. It is often been said and thought that one human year is seven dog years.

According to the American Kennel Club, the first year of life equals about 15 years. This may translate a bit different for Bernese Mountain Dogs, which have a particularly short lifespan, but hopefully, this gives you a better idea for the aging process of your dog. But when you discover how short the Bernese Mountain Dog lifespan is, you may hesitate. Before you bring a Berner home, make sure you understand the potential health risks they bring along. Believe it or not, Bernese Mountain Dogs are one of four dog breeds that call the canton a small division of a country of Bern, Switzerland home.

They started as cattle herders, watchdogs on farms, and family pups. Carting then appeared on the Berner job list. A working dog, the family dog, guard dog — they did it all. Unfortunately, even with so many credits to their name, the Berners started dwindling in the late s. The Industrial Revolution made mechanical advancements, replacing the work of the dogs.

And that is where some of the problems with the Bernese Mountain Dog lifespan started. You need a broad, diverse gene pool to prevent nasty inheritable traits from creeping in. Still, the Berner fans encouraged a love for the breed to return throughout the area. In , the first pair of Berners found themselves imported to Kansas. When farmers noted the practical use of the hard-working dogs, they caught on.

Considered a giant breed, Bernese Mountain dogs require lots of room — in the house and outside. Females top out around pounds, and males reach a staggering pounds. That mountain heritage DOES mean a thick double coat. Have a towel handy with you at all times if you want to preserve your furniture — or prevent flung strands from hitting the ceiling. At least 30 minutes a day of outdoor movement keeps a slim, trim figure on that massive frame.

Stay mindful of the weather, though. All of that hair and high temperatures? Not a good combination. Heatstroke can creep up on these dogs FAST. In fact, the only breeds with shorter anticipated lives are the Great Dane 1 and the Dogue de Bordeaux 2. The average Bernese Mountain Dog lifespan is around years. In comparison, most giant breeds live years. The increased size puts them significantly behind small breeds , who get an average of years Chihuahuas are outliers.

They have sweet personalities that make them amenable to training and life with families. Well, remember when the genetic pool in Switzerland dwindled so dramatically? Yeah, those consequences continue today. It turns out genetic diversity really IS important.

When you look to purchase a Berner from a breeder, the pair of you need to sit down and have a long discussion. Because more genetic testing is needed. Currently, the only testing required for Berners checks for the following:.

And you WANT to see the results of those exams and tests. Because all of them result in genetic conditions that impact the Bernese Mountain Dog lifespan some worse than others. Or they may run a puppy mill. And the last thing you want is one of these genetic problems showing up out of the blue.

Dysplasia means a bone or joint that grows abnormally. Inflammation results and causes disabling pain. Berners can develop hip OR elbow dysplasia or both. Most large or giant breeds run the risk of dysplasia, so responsible breeders screen for the conditions. Radiographs x-rays identify the abnormality. It might even increase the short Bernese Mountain Dog lifespan. Currently, Bernese Mountain Dog breeders are only encouraged to screen their breeding stock for hip and elbow dysplasia. They do this before using them for breeding.

As things stand, different countries take different approaches. For example, Switzerland put government regulations in place forbidding breeding from dogs that carry inherited disorders. This has prompted the Swiss Bernese Mountain Dog Club to start assembling data about breed health in order to better understand causes of death.

With this aim, there are numerous ongoing research programs studying the range of conditions that shorten Bernese Mountain Dog life expectancy. An ideal world would see a combination of breeder vigilance and screening tests promoting a longer Bernese Mountain Dog lifespan.

Now are the odds slim for you to acquire a Penny? Research programs studying their lifespan is the best way to protect future generations of these gorgeous dogs from dying tragically young.

Through better knowledge and taking responsibility, we can invest in future generations of Bernese Mountain Dogs to stretch out their lifespan. Kealy, R. Klopfenstein, M. Michell, A. I have a 13 year old Bernese named Nikki. She was born in the UK. Nikki is still going strong and lives with us half the year in the US and half the year in Italy.

She has made 11 trans Atlantic flights to date!