Before falling in love with fluff, let’s talk about reality

Berners are large, powerful dogs—often 90 to 140 lbs when full grown. They take up space on your couch, your bed, your heart, and sometimes your patience. They’re not for everyone. Do you have room in your life (and your home) f 

A love like no other—but it’s not for the faint of heart.

We get it. You see a Bernese Mountain Dog and your heart skips a beat. Those soulful eyes, that striking tri-color coat, the big bear-like paws and gentle expression… They’re breathtaking, aren’t they?

We felt the same way. That’s how our journey with Berners began—love at first sight. But as much as we adore this breed, we believe it’s our responsibility to be honest with you: Berners are not the right dog for everyone.

So before you fall head over heels, let’s talk about the real life of owning a Bernese Mountain Dog.

🐾 They are gentle giants—but they are giants.

Berners are big. Really big. Our males often weigh 120+ pounds, and females aren’t far behind. They take up your couch, your car, and your personal space—but they fill it all with love. They’re clumsy, often underfoot, and think they’re lap dogs even when they’re not. You’ll never go to the bathroom alone again, and that’s just how they like it.

Do you have the space in your home, yard, and heart to welcome a dog this size? Are you ready for muddy paws, a little drool, and an enormous heart?

A Berner wants to be with you, not near you. They are happiest when they are part of every moment—on the couch, in the kitchen, at your feet while you work. If you’re gone most of the day and your home is empty, this breed will struggle. Berners are family dogs, and when separated from their people too often, they can experience deep anxiety.We raise our dogs with love, presence, and routine. We want the same for their forever homes.

🧼 Grooming isn’t optional.These beautiful coats don’t maintain themselves. Berners shed—a lot. Their undercoat blows out seasonally, and you’ll find fur on your floors, clothes, and even in your coffee. Regular brushing, bathing, and grooming are essential. If you’re not comfortable with a little dog hair as part of daily life, this may not be the right breed.

🧠 They need guidance, structure, and kindness.Berners are smart, but sensitive. They do best with gentle, consistent training. Harsh methods break their spirit. Early socialization, exposure to new places and people, and patient reinforcement are key. A well-raised Berner becomes a calm, steady, and deeply loving companion—but it takes effort. We raise our puppies in a home filled with routines, affection, and structure to give them the best start in life. But they still need your time and attention as they grow.

A big dog comes with big love—and big responsibilities.

Owning a Bernese Mountain Dog is a beautiful experience, but it’s also a serious financial commitment. We want every one of our puppies to go to homes that are not only loving, but fully prepared for the real-life costs that come with raising a gentle giant.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are wonderful, loyal companions—but they are not low-maintenance or inexpensive pets.

Because of their size, grooming needs, and potential health concerns, owning a Berner is a serious financial commitment. We want to be honest with you—this is not the breed to bring home if you’re looking to “cut costs.”

Here are just a few ongoing expenses to consider:

• Food:

Berners are large and active, which means they require a high-quality, nutrient-rich diet—and lots of it. Expect to spend $90–$150+ per month on premium food, especially during puppyhood.

• Veterinary Care:

Routine wellness visits, vaccinations, and parasite prevention are just the basics. Add in possible emergencies, joint health monitoring, or breed-specific concerns, and the bills can quickly climb. A single emergency visit can cost $1,000–$3,000 or more.

• Grooming:

Berners have thick, double coats that require regular brushing, bathing, and grooming. Professional grooming can range from $80–$150 per session, and should be done every 6–8 weeks to keep their skin and coat healthy.

• Supplies & Equipment:

From crates and beds large enough to fit a small bear to heavy-duty leashes, harnesses, and safe chew toys, owning a giant breed means investing in strong, size-appropriate gear.

• Training & Socialization:

While we give our puppies the best start, ongoing training is crucial—especially for a dog this size. Professional classes or one-on-one sessions may be needed, and they come with a cost.

• Insurance:

We strongly recommend getting pet insurance to protect against unexpected medical expenses. We include 30 days of free Trupanion coverage to get you started, but long-term coverage is your responsibility and could be $40–$100+ per month depending on the plan.

❤️ This is not meant to scare you—it’s to prepare you.

We raise our puppies with everything we have. Our hope is that they go to homes where they’ll receive that same level of care, love, and stability for the rest of their lives. If you’re financially and emotionally ready to commit to a Bernese Mountain Dog, they will repay you with the kind of love that changes your life forever.

This is the part that breaks every Berner owner’s heart. The average lifespan of a Bernese Mountain Dog is around 7–9 years. We pour our souls into these dogs knowing our time together may be heartbreakingly brief.

And yet—we choose them every time. Because even if their candle burns faster, it burns brighter. The love, the loyalty, the quiet moments beside you on a rainy day… there is nothing else like it.

🐶 If you’re still reading, maybe this breed is meant for you.

If your heart is open, your arms are strong, and your home is ready to be filled with fur, drool, laughter, and the most loyal companion you’ll ever meet—then maybe, just maybe, a Berner is your dog.

We welcome serious, thoughtful, committed families into our Berner circle. Our puppies are raised with love, and we want them to go to homes that feel the same.

With love from the pasture,

Olga & Peter

Gentle Giant Ranch & Kennel of Bernese Mountain Dogs "Spring Creek of Goldendale"

“Once you’ve had a Berner, your heart is never quite the same.”