How Long Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Live? Lifespan and Care Guide

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a beloved gentle giant known for their gorgeous tricolor coat, sweet temperament, and versatile working abilities. As a large breed, Berners have relatively short lifespans compared to their smaller counterparts. While no amount of time with these magnificent dogs is ever long enough, understanding the Bernese lifespan can help you be prepared and make the most of your years together.

In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll delve into the average Bernese Mountain Dog lifespan, key factors that influence longevity, breed-specific health concerns, and tips for giving your Berner the longest, healthiest, most joyful life possible. As a lifelong dog lover that has shared my heart with several Berners over the years, I‘ll also share my personal perspective on cherishing every moment with these special dogs.

Bernese Mountain Dog Lifespan: The Numbers

According to a 2004 health survey conducted by the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America, the average lifespan of a Bernese Mountain Dog is 7.2 years. While some Berners live to 10 years or more, the breed is considered a "heartbreak breed" because of their short lifespans.

Here are some key findings from the BMDCA survey, which included data on 394 dogs:

As you can see, the majority of deaths (61%) occurred between the ages of 5 and 8 years old. Less than 10% of Berners in the survey lived past 10 years old.

Cancer is the leading cause of death in Bernese Mountain Dogs, accounting for 28.1% of deaths in the BMDCA survey. Other top causes of mortality include:

• Old age (14%)
• Bloat/gastric torsion (5%)
• Arthritis/mobility issues (5%)
• Heart failure (4.8%)
• Kidney failure (3.7%)
• Seizures (2.8%)

A 2013 study in the UK found similar numbers, with an average lifespan of 8.4 years for female Berners and 7.5 years for males. The oldest Berner in their survey lived to 15.2 years.

Why Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Have Short Lifespans?

It‘s a sad reality for those of us who love Berners that our time with them is so limited. Several factors contribute to the Bernese Mountain Dog‘s relatively short lifespan.

Large Breed Lifespan

In general, large and giant breed dogs have much shorter lifespans than smaller breeds. A 2013 study found that for every 4.4 pounds of body mass, a dog‘s life expectancy decreases by about a month.

Scientists believe that large breeds age faster at a cellular level. Because they grow much more rapidly from puppy to adult compared to small breeds, this accelerated growth may lead to a higher likelihood of abnormal cell growth (cancer) and faster cellular aging.

Genetic Predispositions

The Bernese Mountain Dog‘s limited gene pool makes the breed more susceptible to certain genetic disorders that impact longevity. Berner breeders have worked hard to eliminate devastating diseases like aseptic meningitis through careful screening, but the breed remains highly predisposed to cancers like histiocytic sarcoma, osteosarcoma, and lymphoma.

In a 2005 study of cancer incidence in Bernese Mountain Dogs, 45.8% of the Berners studied died of cancer, with the mean age of death being just 6.6 years (even younger than the overall breed average lifespan). Early spaying/neutering before growth plates close may also increase the risk of certain cancers and orthopedic issues in the breed.

Orthopedic Issues

As a large, rapidly growing breed, Berners are prone to orthopedic disorders like hip and elbow dysplasia. Over time, these malformed joints lead to painful arthritis that impacts mobility and quality of life. According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, 19.1% of Bernese Mountain Dogs have hip dysplasia and 25.4% have elbow dysplasia.

Bernese Mountain Dog Lifespan by Life Stage

As your Bernese Mountain Dog ages, their needs and health concerns will evolve. Here‘s what Berner owners can expect as their dog progresses through each life stage:

Birth to 1 Year (Puppyhood)

Bernese Mountain Dog puppies pack a lot of growing into their first year of life, often gaining up to 100 pounds or more. Careful socialization is critical for ensuring your Berner puppy grows up to be a confident, friendly adult.

Even as puppies, Berners can be prone to health issues like panosteitis (growing pains), umbilical hernias, and portosystemic shunts. Responsible breeders have their litters examined by a veterinarian before placing puppies in homes.

1 to 3 Years (Early Adulthood)

Though your Berner may have reached their adult size by their first birthday, they‘ll still have some mental maturing to do and will remain in an adolescent stage until around 2-3 years old. Bone growth plates typically close around 12-18 months old, after which it‘s safer to begin more strenuous exercise.

This is a common age for issues like hip/elbow dysplasia and cruciate ligament tears to first become apparent. It‘s a good idea to have OFA x-rays done on your Berner around 2 years old to get a baseline assessment of their joint health.

3 to 6 Years (Adulthood)

The ages of 3 to 6 years are typically a Bernese Mountain Dog‘s prime. Your Berner should be in peak physical condition, fully mature mentally and emotionally, and a dependable companion in any situation.

While your Berner is hopefully healthy at this stage, it‘s still important to keep up with preventive care like annual check-ups and routine bloodwork, which can catch brewing health issues before symptoms appear. Many breeders and owners also have their Berners tested for hereditary eye and heart conditions around this age.

7 to 10+ Years (Senior)

Sadly, with their shorter lifespans, Bernese Mountain Dogs are considered seniors around 7 years old. You may notice your once-spry Berner starting to slow down and go gray around the muzzle.

This is the age when many of the health issues that impact lifespan start to arise, including arthritis, heart disease, kidney failure, and cancer. Work closely with your veterinarian to monitor your senior Berner‘s health and keep them comfortable. Even simple accommodations like orthopedic dog beds, raised food bowls, and glucosamine supplements can make a big difference in your aging Berner‘s quality of life.

How to Help Your Bernese Mountain Dog Live Longer

As a Bernese Mountain Dog lover, I know all too well the heartache of losing these special dogs too soon. While we can‘t stop the hands of time, there are steps owners can take to extend their Berner‘s lifespan and make the most of the years they have together:

1. Choose a responsible breeder. Look for a breeder that does comprehensive health testing on their breeding dogs, including OFA screenings for hips and elbows, annual eye exams, and genetic tests for conditions like degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding for health, temperament, and longevity – not just profit.

2. Feed a high-quality diet. Proper nutrition is key to supporting your Berner‘s growth and long-term health. For puppies, choose a large-breed puppy food that promotes controlled growth. Adults should eat a balanced diet with lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and limited fillers. Keep your Berner lean and fit, as obesity puts major strain on their joints and organs.

3. Stay up-to-date on preventive care. Yearly check-ups, vaccinations, bloodwork, and dental cleanings are essential for catching potential health issues early. Discuss your Berner‘s changing needs with your vet as they age, like switching to a senior diet around age 7.

4. Keep them mentally and physically active. Berners thrive with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Regular moderate exercise like hiking, swimming, and play sessions keep your Berner physically fit. Training classes, puzzle toys, and scent work engage their active minds. Just be careful not to over-exercise, especially during puppyhood.

5. Be proactive about age-related comfort. Make adjustments to keep your senior Berner comfortable, like providing soft bedding for aching joints, using ramps to help them navigate stairs, and adding joint supplements to their diet. Closely monitor your older Berner for concerning symptoms and don‘t hesitate to visit the vet.

6. Consider alternative therapies. Alternative medicine options like acupuncture, cold laser therapy, and herbal supplements may help manage age-related issues and even potentially slow the progression of some diseases. Consult with a holistic or integrative veterinarian for guidance.

7. Treasure every moment. The best thing you can do for your Bernese Mountain Dog is shower them with love and attention every day you‘re blessed to have them by your side. Take lots of pictures, have adventures together, and make memories to last a lifetime. The time we have with our heart dogs is never long enough, but it‘s so worth it.

Final Thoughts

To share your life with a Bernese Mountain Dog is to know great love and, inevitably, great loss. Their lifespan may be far too short, but the joy they bring to our world is immeasurable. By understanding the health challenges these gentle giants face, providing proactive care, and cherishing every moment together, you can help your Bernese Mountain Dog live their very best life while they‘re here.

From the first time you bury your face in that fluffy puppy fur to the last precious snuggle with your gray-muzzled senior, the unconditional love and loyalty of a Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the greatest gifts this life has to offer. They may not be able to stay as long as we want them to, but they truly make every day brighter while they‘re here.