Many health conditions are more manageable if caught early on. The Bernese Mountain Dog has one of the shortest lifespans of all dog breeds. Research programs studying their lifespan is the best way to protect future generations of these gorgeous dogs from dying tragically young. What are these cancers, and what other health problems are Bernese Mountain Dogs prone to? Originated in Swiss mountains and then moved to America and England, the Bernese mountain dogs are loved across the globe at present. 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. Purpose. This timing dramatically reduces the risk of mammary cancer. Track down litters from lines where the ancestors survived longer than the average Bernese Mountain Dog lifespan of eight years. Around half of all Berners die from cancer, which is a significantly higher rate than most other dog breeds. How much a mature dog eats depends on it’s size, age, build, metabolism and activity level. Only 85% make it to their 5th birthday and only 30% live to be ten years old. Sadly, there are too few compulsory screening programs in place. By doing that, there’s a better chance that those pups will also have a longer life expectancy. All we can do as pet parents are to enjoy the years we do get with our beloved pups. Ancestry. Bernese Mountain Dogs may also die from kidney problems, heart disease, bloat, or other health problems. I would do some research on the breed, maybe consult a local breeder or rescue as they may know a vet who is very familiar with the breed. Indeed, the BMD was the most short-lived breed in 1 study, with a mean life expectancy of 6.8 years [ 5 ]. There are reports of Bernese Mountain Dogs living long, healthy lives, with one Bernese reported to have lived to be at least 25 years old. Currently, Bernese Mountain Dog breeders are only encouraged to screen their breeding stock for hip and elbow dysplasia. However it is seen that may other giant dogs have more lifespan than this. How to find a puppy and raise a happy, healthy dog, May 5, 2019 By Pippa Elliot DVM 1 Comment. However, due to poor health, often the breed only lives until it is around 7 years old. May 12, 2020 - Bernese Mountain Dog lifespan is sadly shorter than the average dog. Dogs are prone to many of the same obesity-related health problems as humans, so make sure you keep your Berner at a healthy weight by avoiding overfeeding them and giving them plenty of exercise. The one disadvantage is that the breed have a relatively short lifespan. While Bernese Mountain Dogs, in general, have short lifespans, all hope is not lost. Usually their general lifespan is around 10 years. This giant breed is more prone to cancer than any other breed. A Short Life Span. The name Sennenhund refers to people called Senn or Senner, dairymen and herders in the Swiss Alps. This cancer affects the body’s white cells, causing massive lymph node enlargement or infiltration of the organs with white cells. This is low, when compared to the average dog’s lifespan of 11 to 12 years. The Bernese Mountain Dog does not have a very long life expectancy – they can live up to 10 years, but their lifespan averages around 7 - 8 years. Bernese Mountain Dogs are unfortunately predisposed to a much higher rate of cancer than even most large dogs though. This said, large or giant breeds do have a shorter average lifespan (around eight to 12 years) than smaller breeds (10 to 15 years). As things stand, different countries take different approaches. Average lifespan of the Bernese Mountain dog is between 7 and 8 years. Unfortunately, melanomas can arise spontaneously in the Bernese Mountain Dogs and are just as deadly. These darkly pigmented tumors may be more familiar to you as one of the most serious skin cancers caused by sun damage in people. Whether we get 5, 15, or 25 years with our fur children, it never seems like enough. Life span: approximately 11 years: Kennel club standards ; FCI: standard: Dog (domestic dog) The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (German: Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund or French: Grand Bouvier Suisse) is a dog breed which was developed in the Swiss Alps. The result was that the lean group lived an average of two years longer than their more chubby fellows. In fact, Bernese Mountain dogs are one of the top 10 shortest living dog breeds; they are #3 on the list, only after the Great Dane and Dogue de Bordeaux (also known as the French Mastiff). Here are common cancers that affect the life of the Bernese Mountain Dog. A significant factor behind Bernese Mountain Dog life expectancy is cancer. You need to consult your vet or expert nutritionist for advice about the best way to feed your Bernese Mountain Dog and the right portion sizes. They relish learning new things and can be obedient. Depending on what parasites are common in your area, you should keep your Berner on regular heartworm, flea and tick, or other preventative treatments to help keep your Berner healthy and free from parasites. Also known as bone cancer, this is a painful condition. The BMDCA has been involved in management of breed health since its formation. Spayed female dogs of any breed have the longest lifespan compared to neutered males or intact male or female dogs. Whilst this does not guarantee a problem-free pup, it at least gets the odds going in your favor. How long do Bernese Mountain Dogs live? A significant factor behind Bernese Mountain Dog life expectancy is cancer. Cheap dog food contains a lot of fillers and artificial ingredients. If your Berner has enough “cushion” that you can’t easily feel their ribs, you should talk to your vet about how to safely reduce your Berner’s weight to something healthier. I have a 13 year old Bernese named Nikki. Average Size. Don’t overlook the important role that regular vaccination and parasite control plays. Also, if you know the types of things that shorten their lifespan, there may be some things you can do to help increase your Berner’s lifespan – or at least improve the quality of the years you have with them. In the UK, it is strongly recommended that female dogs should not have puppies under the age of two and Kennel Club Assured Breeders are required to participate in the following schemes: Average lifespan of male Bernese Mountain Dog: Average lifespan of male Bernese Mountain dog is from 6 years to a maximum of about 8 years. From Great Danes to Chihuahuas, if a dog is overweight, we know this shortens their life expectancy. Talk to your vet about the appropriate age to spay your female Bernese Mountain Dog, as spaying a dog too young may cause other problems. 3 ways to increase your Bernese mountain dog lifespan. Anybody researching this breed will probably want to know how many years they can expect to spend with their potential fur child. Bernedoodle lifespan is around 13-15 years. Your email address will not be published. No matter how you slice it, the lifespan of the Bernese Mountain Dog is significantly shorter than the average lifespan of all dog breeds combined, around 10-12 years. There is one big downside in owning a Bernese Mountain dog, and it’s, unfortunately, their very short lifespan. Common colors are black, yellow, chocolate and white and they can be solid or bi and tri-colored. They bring so much … They do this before using them for breeding. Although we have many Berners living into their teens, we have far too many that … The Bernese Mountain Dog lifespan usually ranges from 6 to 8 years. Bernese Mountain Dog. Research is ongoing as to whether early neutering may contribute to giant breeds of dogs being at increased risk of osteosarcoma. Factors affecting bernese mountain dog lifespan. The median life expectancy is closer to 7 or 8 years old though. You should be able to feel (but not see) your Berner’s ribs without too much effort. We have kept her weight down, around 70lbs and except for some arthritis, she is still lively! Bernese Mountain Dog s have an average lifespan of 6-8 years. 11 Best Big Dog Breeds for Families and Kids, 28 Ultimate Dog Training Commands: List – Common to Advanced, How to Stop Your Dog From Pulling on the Leash. Bernese Mountain Dog Lifespan. The dog, Penny, even reportedly has a tattoo in her ear with her date of birth (1986). But it doesn’t have to be this way. Combining good looks with a loving personality that easily wins hearts, the Bordernese could be the ideal choice for you, but before you bring one home, check out the information below to learn more about this unique breed’s needs. In general, they only live to be 6 to 8 years old. Their coats are dense, soft, long and wavy. Does the dog in your life have a cat in theirs? On average, fewer than one out of every four dogs die from cancer. The Bernese Mountain dog is a large, sturdy worker with more than 27 inches of shoulder. However, at the present time the list makes somber reading. Bernese Mountain Dogs: Pros and cons Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don’t all need the same amount of food. No matter how you slice it, the lifespan of the Bernese Mountain Dog is significantly shorter than the average lifespan of all dog breeds combined, around 10-12 years. Not making double figures is not all bad news though falls at present... 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