Bernese Mountain Dogs and Bears: Exploring the Relationship

Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their large size and powerful build, which can sometimes be mistaken for a bear from a distance. These gentle giants are not naturally aggressive towards bears, but they do have a strong protective instinct towards their family. In this blog post, we’ll explore the relationship between Bernese Mountain Dogs and bears, and uncover the truth behind the misconceptions.

The Physical Appearance of Bernese Mountain Dogs

Bernese Mountain Dogs have a distinctive tri-colored coat, which can make them appear similar to a bear from a distance. However, they are much smaller than bears, with males standing between 25-27.5 inches tall and weighing 80-120 pounds, while females stand between 23-26 inches tall and weigh 75-100 pounds.

Characteristic	Bernese Mountain Dog	Bear
Height	23-27.5 inches	Varies by species, but generally much taller
Weight	75-120 pounds	Varies by species, but generally much heavier
Coat Color	Tri-colored (black, white, and rust)	Varies by species, but generally not tri-colored

Despite their bear-like appearance, Bernese Mountain Dogs are a breed of domestic dog, bred to assist with farm work and protect their families in the Swiss Alps.

The Origins of Bernese Mountain Dogs

Bernese Mountain Dogs originated in the Swiss Alps, where they were bred to help drive cattle and protect farms. Their size and strength made them well-suited for these tasks, but they are not naturally aggressive towards bears or other predators.

The Bernese Mountain Dog’s history as a working dog in the Swiss Alps has shaped their temperament and behavior. They were bred to be loyal, gentle, and protective of their families, rather than aggressive towards wildlife.

The Temperament of Bernese Mountain Dogs

Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for being gentle, friendly, and affectionate. They are not typically aggressive unless they feel their family is threatened. In such cases, they can become protective and defend their family, as seen in the story of Bunsen, a Bernese Mountain Dog who saved his golden retriever sister from a coyote attack.

While Bernese Mountain Dogs are not naturally aggressive towards bears, they do have a strong protective instinct towards their family. They can be trained to guard and defend their family, but this should be done with proper training and socialization to avoid any adverse behaviors.

Real-Life Incidents Involving Bernese Mountain Dogs and Predators

There have been instances where Bernese Mountain Dogs have protected their families from predators, such as coyotes. These dogs are capable of defending their family when necessary, but they are not naturally aggressive towards bears or other animals unless provoked.

One such incident occurred in 2021, when a Bernese Mountain Dog named Bunsen saved his golden retriever sister from a coyote attack. Bunsen’s owner, Kimberly Salerno, recounted the event, stating that Bunsen “turned into a bear” to protect his sibling.

While Bernese Mountain Dogs are not typically aggressive towards bears, their size, strength, and protective instincts make them capable of defending their family if necessary. However, it’s important to note that these incidents are rare, and Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally not considered a threat to bears or other wildlife.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, powerful dogs that can appear bear-like from a distance. While they are not naturally aggressive towards bears, they do have a strong protective instinct towards their family and can defend them when necessary. Proper training and socialization are essential to ensure they behave appropriately in various situations.

References:
1. https://www.nylabone.com/dog101/bernese-mountain-dog
2. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/fun-facts-bernese-mountain-dog/
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernese_Mountain_Dog
4. https://www.newsweek.com/gentle-giant-dog-turns-bear-protect-golden-retriever-coyote-1889685.