Bernese Mountain Dog Progression: Growth Chart and Milestones

Quick Take

• Most owners spay or neuter their Berner as early as possible, but new research suggests that timing could backfire in a big way. See the timing research →
• Grain-free diets are wildly popular for large breeds, but vets have a serious problem with them. Perhaps surprisingly, their concern is not what most people would expect. See the grain-free concerns →
• Berners gain weight well past the point most owners assume they're fully grown, and mistaking that window can affect their long-term health. Check the growth timeline →
• House training a Berner isn't just about patience. The breed has a biological quirk that changes the entire timeline you should plan around. Understand the breed's quirk →

Bernese mountain dogs, affectionately known as Berners, are large, fluffy dogs that can weigh up to 115 pounds when fully grown. They are strong and require plenty of exercise, making them best suited for active households with large, fenced yards. Berners are also quite affectionate and prefer having someone home most of the day. Additionally, they shed heavily and need regular grooming to maintain their coats. Continue reading to learn what to expect as your Bernese mountain puppy matures into an adult Bernese mountain dog.

Bernese Mountain Dog Growth and Weight Chart by Age

Every Bernese mountain dog will grow at its own rate. During puppyhood, their growth should be gradual and consistent while hitting developmental milestones. Proper nutrition and exercise are key to a developing Bernese mountain dog puppy.

The chart below shows the typical weight range for Bernese Mountain Dogs at different ages.

When Will My Bernese Mountain Dog Stop Growing?

Giant breeds like Bernese Mountain Dogs grow rapidly, but they reach their full size much more slowly than smaller dogs. Male Bernese mountain dogs, on average, stand 25 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder, while females are slightly shorter, standing 23 to 26 inches tall. Your Berner isn’t likely to reach its full size until it is two or even three years old.

In the years following, they may continue to gain weight and muscle mass but shouldn’t continue to grow in height.

Your Berner should see the vet annually and to stay up to date on vaccines.

Your veterinarian can tell you more about your Bernese Mountain Dog’s growth, food intake, and exercise needs. They’ll also perform a routine exam, bloodwork, and more to ensure your dog is healthy.

How Much Should Bernese Mountain Dogs Eat Daily?

Always consult your veterinarian when it comes to your dog’s diet. The most commonly-recommended foods by vets are those that meet WSAVA guidelines, which include having a vet nutritionist formulate the recipes and testing the food for quality.

Many professionals recommend staying away from grain-free and boutique diets, as they have been linked to heart issues in dogs. Raw diets are also controversial due to risks of bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalance.

When it comes to quantity, the amount your dog eats will vary depending on their weight and exercise routine.

A Bernese mountain dog puppy should typically transition to adult food between 12 and 18 months of age. Because they are a giant breed, their bones and joints grow rapidly and need the controlled nutrients of large-breed puppy food to prevent developmental orthopedic diseases. You’ll know it’s time to transition when your puppy stops growing rapidly in height and begins to gain muscle and width.

Along with food, your dog should always have access to fresh water.

How Big Will My Bernese Mountain Dog Be When They’re Fully Grown?

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), female Berners typically grow to about 23-26 inches tall and weigh 70-95 pounds. Males are larger, standing 25-27.5 inches tall and weighing 80-115 pounds.

Your puppy’s current weight and your veterinarian’s assessment can help estimate your dog’s adult size. However, the exact size won’t be known until your dog is fully grown.

When Should My Bernese Mountain Dog Be Spayed or Neutered?

In the United States, it’s common to spay or neuter a dog as young as possible. This is because they can reproduce as young as five to six months old, and the dog population can get out of hand quickly!

There’s a lot of debate as to when a dog, especially a giant breed, should be spayed or neutered. Recent research suggests that delaying spaying or neutering large breed dogs, including Bernese Mountain Dogs, until they are at least 12-18 months old may reduce the risk of joint disorders and other health problems.

However, not spaying or neutering can increase the risk of certain reproductive cancers, such as mammary, ovarian, or testicular cancer. If you’re unable or unwilling to keep your dog away from other intact dogs, there is also a risk of creating unwanted and poorly-bred puppies.

You should make this decision with your veterinarian, who is familiar with the latest research and understands your dog, family, and lifestyle.

When Should My Bernese Mountain Dog Be House Broken?

You can begin house training your Bernese mountain dog puppy as soon as you bring it home, but at this age, it won’t signal when it needs to go outside and will likely have accidents.

It’s best to stick to a schedule based on your puppy’s age. For instance, a two-month-old cannot hold their bladder for more than two hours. You’ll likely need to bring them out more often than this.

Watch your puppy for signs that they need to go, and bring them outside if they begin to sniff around, crouch, or wander off in search of a potty spot. Keep them contained in a room with hard floors, leashed by your side, or in a playpen to prevent accidents in undesirable areas.

Also, pay attention to times when your puppy is likely to need to go, such as after meals, baths, or playtime. Take them outside right before you go to sleep and first thing in the morning, with extra potty breaks in between depending on their age.

As your pup ages, it will get better at holding its bladder and will learn to tell you when it needs to go out.
However, even year-old Berners may occasionally have accidents. Keep in mind that they’re puppies for longer than most dog breeds.

Common Health Issues Your Bernese Mountain Dog Might Experience

Common health problems in Bernese Mountain Dogs include:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia: Deformities of the hip or elbow that occur while a puppy is growing
• Bloat: A deadly condition in which a dog’s stomach fills with gas or air and flips inside of the body
• Histiocytosis: A hereditary condition that causes an increase in white blood cells and is sometimes cancerous
• Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD or OD): When a dog’s bone and cartilage are disconnected from one another during development
• Von Willebrand’s disease: A blood clotting disorder that is hereditary