How long do Bernese Mountain Dogs live?

The median lifespan of the Bernese Mountain Dog is 10.1 years, based on the 2024 McMillan et al. study of 584,734 UK dogs.

What health problems do Bernese Mountain Dogs have?

Commonly reported conditions in the Bernese Mountain Dog include Histiocytic sarcoma, Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, GDV (bloat), Degenerative myelopathy.

Is the Bernese Mountain Dog a healthy breed?

On the Breed Health Score the Bernese Mountain Dog scores 44 out of 100 (grade D), compared with an average of 71 across 155 breeds.

44/ 100

Bernese Mountain Dog Grade D

Median lifespani 10.1 yr · giant · 35-55 kg

⇆ Compare Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a giant breed with a median lifespan of 10.1 years, which places it among the shortest-lived third of the 155 breeds we rank for longevity. Commonly reported health conditions include Histiocytic sarcoma, Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, GDV (bloat). Its overall Breed Health Score is 44/100 (grade D), against an average of 71/100 across all breeds.

Score breakdown

Longevityi 65%

Conformationi 20%

Hereditary burdeni 15%

Higher is healthier. See methodology.

Common & hereditary conditions

Histiocytic sarcoma Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia GDV (bloat)Degenerative myelopathy

Red marks a life-threatening or major-welfare condition. Click a condition to see which breeds it affects. This list reflects commonly reported conditions, so better-studied breeds may show more; hereditary burden is the lightest-weighted part of the score. Source: RVC VetCompass / AKC / PDSA (indicative).

Thinking of a Bernese Mountain Dog? A breed's health profile affects insurance cost. Comparing pet insurance early, before any conditions become pre-existing, usually gets the best cover.

Compare with similar-size breeds

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Data & citation. Median lifespan: McMillan, K.M. et al. (2024) "Longevity of companion dog breeds", Scientific Reports (584,734 UK dogs). Data CC-BY 4.0. Source. Machine-readable: developer API. These are independent estimates for comparing breeds, not veterinary advice. Photo: Cameron Fitzgerald via Pexels.