Bernese Mountain Dog Life Span: Why Is It Short? Can You Increase It?

With a Bernese mountain dog in the household, you will never ever be lonesome.

The Berner, as it is lovingly known, wishes to be at your side at all times. Bernese mountain dogs who are left to themselves in the household or yard for an extended amount of time may engage in deviant behavior to relax and unwind.

With its massive stature and distinctive tri-colored coat, the Bernese mountain dog, which originated in Switzerland, is a gentle giant. The Bernese mountain dog from Switzerland is a wonderful family dog who gets along well with kids and many other pets and enjoys being part of all family activities.

Bernese mountain dog fans adore the breed's intelligence and commitment to family. They're protective without being violent, devoted without being reliant, and active without being exhausted.

The Bernese mountain dog is a species of the dog family that originated in Switzerland, namely in the Berne area.

The Berner was a farming dog that was used as a monitor, a livestock guard, and a hauling dog. Even though it may have served as a cattle protector, it was most likely not a shepherd dog.

Owners, keep reading to get a better insight into Bernese mountain dog life span and various other factors about these cute dogs! Afterward also read about Australian shepherd lifespan and Bernedoodle size.

Why is Bernese mountain dog life span so short?

The Bernese mountain dog's short life expectancy is mostly due to their high cancer risk. Around half of all Berners succumb to cancer, which is much higher than the incidence of death in so many other breeds of dogs.

For years, dog breeders were more concerned with appearance than with nutrition, stamina, or even disposition. In the previous decade, producers' economic interests determined a lot of their selection practices.

Cancer kills less than one out of every four canines on average. Another reason for the short life expectancy time of the Bernese mountain dog is their proclivity for elbow and hip dysplasia, arthritis, anterior cruciate tear, and other limited mobility that can cause discomfort and trouble walking.

Due to their dismal quality of life should they succumb to such ailments, Bernese mountain dog owners are obliged to euthanize their Berners as their pain levels rise and their ability to walk declines.

Kidney failure, cardiovascular disease, bloat, and other health issues can potentially kill Bernese mountain dogs. The mortality rate from cancer is roughly 15% in the overall dog population. However, in Bernese mountain dogs, this figure ranges from 28-55% due to these health issues.

What do most Bernese mountain dogs die from?

Cancer is the most common cause of mortality in Bernese mountain dogs (almost 60% of cases). Histiocytosis accounts for an astounding 25% of all cancer incidences in the breed. This form of cancer is not only frequent in Bernese mountain dogs (BMDs), but it is also highly unusual in other species.

White blood cells, known as histiocytes, get affected by this cancer. When these blood cells become malignant, they replicate exceedingly quickly and infiltrate many bodily tissues.

Cancer's aggressive form is particularly aggressive, and once it begins, it may kill your pup in a matter of a few weeks. The systemic type appears and disappears in episodes, but finally leads to death. While medication and chemotherapy can help your dog live longer, there is no cure for histiocytosis.

According to Swiss research, cancer kills the majority of Bernese mountain dogs (58.3%). Degenerative joint disease (4.2%), spinal health problems (3.4%), and renal insufficiency are less prevalent causes of mortality (3.1% ) in the breed.

Gastric volvulus is the cause of morbidity and mortality in fewer than 2% of cases. Malignant histiocytosis is not the only kind of malignancy found in BMDs.

Bernese mountain dogs of all ages have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, allergens, hypothyroidism, and seizures from epilepsy. Regular veterinary care is required to manage their health and improve the dog's lifespan.

How long do healthy Bernese mountain dogs live?

Bernese mountain dogs have a limited life expectancy for a variety of causes. Over half of all fatalities in Bernese mountain dogs are caused by various kinds of canine cancer. Second, due to their size, large dog breeds such as Berners are prone to a variety of deadly health issues and conditions.

Bernese mountain dogs have an average short lifespan of six to eight years. Some Berner owners say that their Berner lives more than this which is very feasible.

However, the majority of the dogs live to be six to eight years old.

The female Berners have a somewhat greater average lifespan than males, which is interesting.

Females have a marginally higher lifespan of more than seven years but less than nine years, while males have an average life rate expectancy of less than eight but more than seven years, according to research conducted by the Veterinary Office and the Swiss Bernese Mountain Dog Club.

Despite the fact that the average expected life expectancy of Berners is far lower than that of other large breeds, it is essential to note that some of these Berners have a longer life.

In 2004 research was conducted in the United Kingdom which found that the oldest Bernese mountain dog died after their life span reached 14 years and 8 months.

How to calculate the age of your Bernese mountain dog?

Large dogs tend to age quickly, yet their lives appear to unfold in slow motion. According to researchers, every 4.4 lb (2 kg) of body weight decreases a dog's life expectancy by nearly a month.

The cause for this decrease due to weight is unknown, although it's possible that larger dogs perish to age-related disease faster, and that their faster growth leads to a higher risk of aberrant cell proliferation and cancer mortality.

Future research is being planned to better understand the relationship between development and death. These researchers analyzed patterns called chiral molecules in people and Bernese mountain dogs to see how their DNA changes over time.

They discovered that converting a dog's age to human years may be done by multiplying the log transformation of the dog's age by 16 and adding 31. For little, moderate, and big dogs under 100 lb (45.36 kg), you may use this process to determine their age in a simpler (and more reliable) manner.

The first year for these mountain dogs is equivalent to 15 human terms. A dog's second year is about equivalent to nine human terms. Every extra year is roughly equal to four or five human years.

Do Bernese mountain dogs live longer in colder climates?

The Bernese mountain dog is a huge breed with strong paws and a reputation for carrying hefty burdens. They don't require much exercise, but they do have a lot of stamina, so they can stay in your companionship on long, chilly treks.

The majority of Bernese mountain dogs living in the winter weather enjoy it. This cold-weather canine, a farm dog with a thick, fluffy coat, was developed to survive in the harsh Swiss Alps, so they're more than ready for the upcoming snows.

Bernese mountain dogs despise even mildly hot weather and will go to considerable lengths to locate a shade and ward off the warmth in any manner they can. As a result, they are preferable options for folks who live in chilly climates all year.

A BMD appears to survive and stay alive longer in colder climates than when living with people who dwell in hotter climates.

One theory, which has yet to be verified, is that colder degrees slow down metabolic rate and the harmful consequences that metabolism causes. However, whether or not this is accurate is still up for discussion.

Can anything be done to increase life expectancy in Bernese mountain dogs?

The typical lifetime of a Bernese mountain dog is a time period of eight years at max, which is very low when compared to other huge dog breeds. This, however, does not have to be the case. By following some of this health advice, you may really extend the life of your Bernese mountain dog.

The best approach to keep your dog healthy is to visit your veterinarian on a regular basis and have your dog on a scheduled vaccine program. Make sure you keep an eye on any alterations in your Bernese's demeanor. Physiological changes or symptoms of edema should also be kept in mind.

What is the longest living Bernese mountain dog?

When compared to other dog breeds of similar size and purebred dogs in general, the Bernese is one of the most short-lived. Bernese mountain dogs have an average lifespan of seven to eight years.

The median lifespan of comparable breeds dog of similar size is 10–11 years. The world's oldest from 394 dead Bernese mountain dogs died at the age of 15.2 years, according to a 2004 UK census.

A poll was done in the United Kingdom to determine what the average lifetime of a Bernese mountain dog is. After the survey, it was determined that the oldest live Bernese mountain dog was roughly 15.2 years old, out of 394 deceased dogs. That's incredible!

Better and nutritious food, and a regular and salubrious lifestyle, may contribute to a longer lifetime. Cancer is infamously the most common cause of death in dogs.

Rather than feeding the Bernese mountain dog in one go, feed them in little amounts on a regular basis. It helps the dog's digestion and overall wellness. The following care tips for older Bernese mountain dogs should be considered seriously.

Brushing your Bernese mountain dog's fur on a regular basis can prevent mats and tangles in its smooth coat. Checking the fur of your dog on a regular basis keeps it clean and reduces fur shedding.

Bernese mountain dogs must be bathed every so often, notably if they have been outside and have become soiled. Between washes, use dry shampoo to keep your dog's coat clean. At least once per month, you should cut or get your dog's nails trimmed.

You'll want to adjust the amount of food your Berner gets based on his or her level of physical activity, maturity, and weight. You should feed your dog four to five cups of high-quality, dry kibble every day. Two servings should be made from this quantity of food.

Caring For Your Bernese Mountain Dog

Herding cattle, defending property, and pushing small carts to the market were all jobs that the Bernese mountain dog used to do on farms in Switzerland. The Berner is a powerful, sturdy breed with an easygoing, friendly demeanor.

It is commonly referred to as a gentle soul and does well in households with children. If it isn't properly taught, its size might be an issue, since it can accidentally knock over young children or valuables.

You should see your veterinarian on a regular basis. To keep your Bernese mountain dog healthy, make sure it gets its shots on a regular basis.

Keep an eye on your Berner for any changes in temperament, puffiness, or physical changes. A variety of hereditary health problems, including cancer, hip and elbow dysplasia, and blood abnormalities, are common in the breed.

Repeated trips to your vet can aid in the detection of issues and the discussion of treatment alternatives before a hereditary condition worsens and affects their health.

Allow your Bernese mountain dog to spend time outside every day in a fenced yard to play and expend off energy. Give them toys, teach them, play with them, and take long walks with them on a daily basis.

The Berner, like some other working dog breeds, has a lot of energy and needs a lot of activity to be fit and active.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for Bernese mountain dog life span then why not take a look at the longest living dog breed, or Bernese mountain dog facts.