Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Guide: Personality, Chewing Habits, Enrichment & Best Toys
Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle giants known for their affectionate personalities, striking tri-colored coats, and unwavering loyalty. Originally bred in the Swiss Alps to pull carts and work alongside farmers, Berners are intelligent, hardworking dogs that thrive when they have a purpose and plenty of time with their families.
While they're often calm indoors, Bernese Mountain Dogs are still active working dogs that require regular exercise, mental stimulation, and healthy outlets for their natural chewing instincts. Providing durable chew toys and engaging activities helps keep these gentle giants happy while preventing boredom-related behaviors.
In this Bernese Mountain Dog breed guide, we'll cover:
- Bernese Mountain Dog personality traits
- Why Berners love to chew
- Common behavior challenges
- Exercise and enrichment needs
- The best chew toys for Bernese Mountain Dogs
- Summer safety considerations
- Why durable chew toys are an excellent choice for this large breed
Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Overview
Breed Group
Working Group
Size
Large
Weight
- Males: 80–115 pounds
- Females: 70–95 pounds
Energy Level
Moderate
Temperament
- Gentle
- Loyal
- Intelligent
- Calm
- Affectionate
- Patient
Lifespan
Typically 7–10 years
Originally developed in the Swiss Alps, Bernese Mountain Dogs were bred to pull carts, herd livestock, and work on farms. Their calm temperament and eagerness to work alongside people continue to make them wonderful family companions today.
Why Bernese Mountain Dogs Love to Chew
Like all dogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs have a natural instinct to chew.
Chewing helps Berners:
- relieve boredom
- reduce stress
- satisfy natural instincts
- exercise their jaws
- stay mentally stimulated
- relax after activity
Although Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally gentle, they have large, powerful jaws that can quickly destroy low-quality toys. Providing durable chew toys gives them a safe outlet for their chewing instincts.
Bernese Mountain Dog Puppies Need Safe Chewing Outlets
Bernese Mountain Dog puppies grow rapidly and experience an intense teething stage.
During this time, they often chew:
- furniture
- shoes
- blankets
- table legs
- children's toys
- anything they can safely reach
Providing appropriate chew toys during puppyhood helps:
- soothe sore gums
- redirect chewing
- encourage healthy habits
- protect your home
Berners Need Both Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Bernese Mountain Dogs may seem laid-back, but they still need daily opportunities to exercise both their bodies and minds.
Without enough enrichment they may:
- chew household items
- become restless
- seek constant attention
- dig
- bark out of boredom
Daily mental stimulation is just as important as regular walks.
Great enrichment includes:
- puzzle toys
- obedience training
- scent games
- chew toys
- interactive play
Signs Your Bernese Mountain Dog May Be Bored
A bored Berner may:
- chew furniture
- destroy toys
- carry household objects around
- bark for attention
- become restless indoors
These behaviors usually indicate that your dog needs more mental engagement.
Exercise Needs for Bernese Mountain Dogs
Bernese Mountain Dogs enjoy daily exercise but don't typically require the nonstop activity of breeds like Border Collies or German Shorthaired Pointers.
Great activities include:
- neighborhood walks
- hiking
- swimming
- cart pulling
- obedience training
- gentle games of fetch
Because they're a giant breed, it's important to avoid excessive impact on growing puppies while their joints are still developing.
Bernese Mountain Dogs and Hot Weather
Berners have thick double coats designed for cold mountain climates.
As a result, they can overheat quickly during warm weather.
During the summer:
- walk early in the morning or evening
- avoid strenuous midday exercise
- provide fresh water at all times
- offer shade during outdoor activities
- monitor for signs of overheating
Watch for:
- excessive panting
- heavy drooling
- lethargy
- bright red gums
- weakness
Best Types of Toys for Bernese Mountain Dogs
Because of their size and strength, Berners need toys built to last.
1. Durable Chew Toys
Long-lasting chew toys help:
- satisfy chewing instincts
- reduce boredom
- encourage calm behavior
- provide independent enrichment
Choose heavy-duty chew toys designed for large breeds.
2. Puzzle Toys
Bernese Mountain Dogs are intelligent and enjoy solving problems.
Puzzle toys help:
- challenge the mind
- reduce boredom
- encourage independent play
- provide rewarding enrichment
3. Retrieving Toys
Although not retrievers by breed, many Berners enjoy games of fetch and carrying toys around.
Great options include:
- durable balls
- floating toys
- bumper toys
4. Textured Chew Toys
Many Bernese Mountain Dogs stay interested longer in toys that feature:
- varied textures
- flavor infusion
- multiple chewing surfaces
These features encourage longer chewing sessions and provide additional mental stimulation.
Learn more:
What Are Krunch'ems Dog Chew Toys?
And:
Crinkly Rubber Dog Toys: Why Dogs Love Them
Bernese Mountain Dogs Love Outdoor Adventures
Berners enjoy spending time outdoors with their families.
Favorite activities include:
- hiking
- camping
- leisurely walks
- swimming
- exploring new trails
- family road trips
Always adjust activity levels during warm weather and allow plenty of rest breaks.
Read:
The Ultimate Guide to Dog-Friendly Hiking Adventures
And:
Dog Road Trip Essentials: Everything You Need for a Safe, Happy Ride
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Good Family Dogs?
Absolutely.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for being:
- affectionate
- patient
- gentle with children
- loyal
- calm
- eager to please
They thrive in homes where they're included in family activities and receive plenty of love and attention.
Why Many Bernese Mountain Dog Owners Choose Durable Chew Toys
Berners enjoy chewing throughout their lives, and because of their size, they need toys that can handle powerful jaws.
Chew'ems products help provide:
- long-lasting engagement
- healthy chewing outlets
- mental stimulation
- boredom relief
- durable construction for large breeds
Many Bernese owners use Chew'ems during:
- quiet evenings
- rainy days
- post-walk relaxation
- work-from-home hours
- indoor downtime during hot weather
Learn more:
What Are Chew'ems Dog Chew Toys?
Bernese Mountain Dog Pros and Cons
Pros
✅ Gentle and affectionate
✅ Excellent family companions
✅ Intelligent and eager to please
✅ Great with children
✅ Loyal and calm
✅ Love outdoor adventures
Cons
❌ Sensitive to heat
❌ Heavy seasonal shedding
❌ Shorter lifespan than many breeds
❌ Need regular grooming
❌ Require daily mental stimulation and exercise
Final Thoughts: Bernese Mountain Dogs Thrive on Companionship, Enrichment & Healthy Chewing
Bernese Mountain Dogs are loving, loyal companions that combine a calm temperament with a strong working-dog heritage. While they enjoy relaxing with their families, they also need regular exercise, mental challenges, and healthy chewing outlets to stay physically and emotionally fulfilled.
Providing durable chew toys, interactive enrichment, and plenty of quality time together helps satisfy your Berner's natural instincts while reducing boredom and destructive behaviors.
With thoughtful care, consistent enrichment, and safe opportunities to chew, your Bernese Mountain Dog will reward you with years of loyalty, affection, and unforgettable adventures.
