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The Bernese Mountain Dog is an increasingly popular choice for family dogs due to its playful personality and gentle nature. Anyone researching this breed is probably wondering how many years they can spend with potential fur kids.
Unfortunately, the Bernese Mountain Dog has the shortest lifespan of all dog breeds, if not the shortest. This shouldn’t stop you from bringing one home to join your family, but it’s important to know that your time may be short with your fur kids.
Also, if you know what things will shorten their lifespan, there are probably things you can do to help your Bernard live longer — or at least improve the quality of your years with them.
What is the lifespan of a Bernese Mountain Dog?
although American Kennel Club Saying that the Bernese Mountain Dog’s lifespan is 7-10 years, most sources think their lifespan is more like 6-8 years.A sort of Study in Switzerland The average life expectancy of the Swiss Bernese Mountain Dog is 8.4 years.A sort of Danish Studies The average lifespan of the Bernese Mountain Dog was found to be only 7.1 years.
No matter how you slice it, the Bernese Mountain Dog has a significantly shorter lifespan than the average for all dog breeds, around 10-12 years.Although large and giant dog breed Berners tend to have shorter lifespans than small dogs, so Berners may have the shortest lifespan of any breed.
why is that?
Why do Bernese Mountain Dogs have such a short lifespan?
The biggest factor in the short lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dogs is that they high incidence of cancerAbout half of all Bernards die from cancer, which is much higher than most other breeds. On average, less than one in four dogs succumbs to cancer.
Another reason for the short lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dogs is that they are prone to hip dysplasia, arthritis, ruptured cruciate ligaments and other mobility problems that can cause pain and difficulty walking. As the Bernese Mountain Dog’s pain level increased and walking became less difficult, the owner was forced to euthanize the Bernese due to the low quality of life.
Bernese Mountain Dogs can also die from kidney problems, heart disease, bloating, or other health problems.
What can you do to help your Bernese Mountain Dog live longer?
While there is no guarantee that your Bernese Mountain Dog will live an above-average lifespan, there are things you can do to increase your Bernese’s chances of living a long, healthy life.
#1 – Choose breeders carefully
The best way to give Bernard a long life is to find the best breeder to raise your puppy. The more health tests they have on breeding dogs, the better. Find a breeder with a history of Bernese Mountain Dogs, which have an average lifespan of over 8 years.
At a minimum, breeders should perform these health tests on any dog they plan to breed:
- heart check
- hip assessment
- Elbow Assessment
- Ophthalmologist evaluation
- Von Willebrand Disease DNA Test
#2 – Keep your Bernese Mountain Dog at a healthy weight
Due to their stocky shape and thick, furry coat, Bernards can easily become overweight without their owners realizing it. Dogs are prone to many of the same obesity-related health problems as humans, so make sure your Bernard maintains a healthy weight, avoid overfeeding and give them plenty of exercise.
How do you know if your Bernese Mountain Dog is overweight? You should be able to feel (but not see) Bernard’s ribs without much difficulty. If your Berner has enough “cushion” that you can’t easily feel their ribs, you should discuss with your veterinarian how to safely reduce your Berner’s weight to a healthier level.
#3 – Consider Supplements
Talk to your veterinarian about supplements that may help improve or prolong Bernard’s lifespan. E.g, fish oil May reduce inflammation and help prevent certain health conditions, such as cancer. Hip and Joint Supplements May help reduce joint pain.
#4 – Sterilize Your Female Bernard
Spayed female dogs of any breed live the longest compared to spayed males or intact male or female dogs. Discuss with your veterinarian the appropriate age for neutering a female Bernese Mountain Dog, as spaying a dog that is too young can cause other problems.
#5 – Get regular veterinary care
You should take your Bernese Mountain dog to the veterinarian at least once a year for health checks and vaccinations when they are young. Many health conditions are easier to manage if caught early. Once they are around 5 years old, you may consider taking your Bernard to the vet twice a year.
Depending on the types of parasites that are common in your area, you should have your Bernard regularly receive heartworm, flea and tick or other preventive treatment to help keep your Bernard healthy and free from parasites.
#6 – Feed quality food
Inexpensive dog food contains a lot of fillers and artificial ingredients. It is essentially junk food for dogs. Sure, it will keep your dog alive, but only up to a point.Feed Your Bernese Mountain Dog best large dog food You can help prevent diseases related to malnutrition.
final thoughts
Although Bernese Mountain Dogs generally have a short lifespan, all hope is not lost.Bernese Mountain Dogs are reported to live long, healthy lives, and one of the Bernese Mountain Dogs is reported to have survived at least 25 years old.
The sad truth is that no dog breed lives as long as humans. Whether we spend 5, 15 or 25 years with our fur kids, that doesn’t seem like enough. As pet parents, all we can do is enjoy the years with our beloved puppies.
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