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Berner Chow Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Berner Chow so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Designer Dogs
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OriginSwitzerland flagSwitzerland China flagChina
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Cross Breed Bernese Mountain Dog and Chow Chow mix

Berner Chow Size and Weight

Size
Is a Berner Chow small, medium or large dog?

How big do Berner Chow get?

What is the average size of a Berner Chow?

Large
Weight
How much does the Berner Chow weigh? How much should a Berner Chow weight? What is the normal weight of a Berner Chow? How much does a full-grown Berner Chow weight?
45-70 pounds (20-32 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Berner Chow?
57.5 pounds (26 kg)
Height
How tall is the Berner Chow? Berner Chow height:
Male: 24-28 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 23-27 inches (58–69 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Berner Chow?
Male: 26 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 25 inches (58–69 cm)

Berner Chow Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Berner Chow puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Berner Chow in the United States? How much money is a Berner Chow?

Where to buy a Berner Chow with a good pedigree?

$800-$1000
If you choose to purchase the Berner Chow, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Berner Chow for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Berner Chow gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Berner Chow? How many Berner Chow are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Berner Chow is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Berner Chow Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Berner Chow? Is the Berner Chow breed dumb or smart?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Berner Chow ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Berner Chow dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Berner Chow?
Berner Chow dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Berner Chow good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Berner Chow dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the Berner Chow dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Berner Chow dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Berner Chow dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Berner Chow Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Berner Chow have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
AloofIndependentProtectiveIntelligentAffectionateLoyalQuietFaithfulDetached
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Berner Chow sensitivity:
Berner Chow dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. Sometimes it's okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music.

Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by moderate punishment.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Berner Chow a good family dog?
Average: Berner Chow dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. Some breeds are forthcoming and friendly, while others are independent and don't bond too closely with their owners.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Berner Chow need? Berner Chow social needs:
Berner Chow dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Berner Chow to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Berner Chow roam?
Berner Chow dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Berner Chow have high prey drive?
Berner Chow dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Berner Chow dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Berner Chow Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Berner Chows, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Berner Chow dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Berner Chow bark?
Low to Average: The Berner Chow rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Berner Chow good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Berner Chow in an apartment?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Berner Chow indoors.

Berner Chow Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Average: Berner Chow dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Berner Chow be left alone? How long can you leave a Berner Chow alone?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

Berner Chow Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Berner Chow has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Berner Chow? How much bite force does a Berner Chow have? How strong is a Berner Chow bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Berner Chow bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Berner Chow measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Berner Chow is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Berner Chow bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Berner Chow bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Berner Chow puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Berner Chow, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Berner Chow bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Berner Chow can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Berner Chow bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Berner Chow? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Berner Chow? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Berner Chow has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Berner Chow do?
Berner Chow dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Berner Chow dogs need to be taught a good attitude. We have compiled a list of Mouthy Dog Breeds.

Berner Chow Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Berner Chow dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Berner Chows are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Berner Chow breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Berner Chow breed? Most common health risks of Berner Chow:
Hip Dysplasia CancerProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Von Willebrand's DiseaseBloatEctropionElbow DysplasiaPanosteitisPortosystemic Liver Shunt
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Berner Chow breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Berner Chow see the vet?
Rare
The Berner Chow should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Berner Chow dogs live? How old can a Berner Chow be? What is the age limit of the Berner Chow? How many years can the oldest Berner Chow live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Berner Chow?

How long is the lifespan of a Berner Chow?

7-11 years
The average lifespan of Berner Chow: 9 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers cold weather
The Berner Chow can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. Dogs can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia in extremely cold weather, so it is important to take precautions to keep your dog safe and comfortable during the winter months.

Berner Chow Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Berner Chow have? What is the activity level of the Berner Chow?
Berner Chow dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Berner Chow need? How much exercise do Berner Chow dogs require per day?

Do Berner Chow dogs need a lot of exercises?

Berner Chow dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Berner Chow breed need?
Berner Chow dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Berner Chow Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Berner Chow need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Berner Chow breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Berner Chow? How much food should I feed my Berner Chow?
4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Berner Chow risk for obesity:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Berner Chow's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Berner Chow weight regularly.

Berner Chow Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Berner Chow have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
DenseRough
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Berner Chow coats?
Black Red Blue Cream White Cinnamon
Grooming
How to groom the Berner Chow and how often? How often should I take my Berner Chow to the groomer?
Advanced: The Berner Chow requires a lot of grooming. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer can be helpful sometimes.

Regular brushed dog's coat is less likely to shed. Ears and eyes should be cleaned often to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Occasional dog nail trimming and dog baths are important.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and to give your Berner Chow a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Berner Chow, search for the best dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.
Shedding Level
How much do Berner Chow dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Berner Chow? Do Berner Chow dogs shed a lot?
Berner Chow dogs shed above average. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type. If you don't like vacuum cleaning, you might have to reconsider your choice of having a puppy from the Berner Chow breed.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Berner Chow need a bath? How often should you give a Berner Chow a bath? Can I bathe my Berner Chow every day?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Berner Chow breed hypoallergenic?
No
Berner Chow dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Berner Chow has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Berner Chow drool?
The Berner Chow drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool more than others, just like the Berner Chow.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Berner Chow Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Berner Chow dogs get along with other pets? Are Berner Chow dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Berner Chow dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Berner Chow temperament with other people:
Berner Chow dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Berner Chow dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Berner Chow temperament with children:
Berner Chow dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Berner Chow dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Berner Chow breed live with a cat?
Berner Chow dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Berner Chow good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Berner Chow dogs get along with other dogs?
Berner Chow dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Berner Chow is not a good choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Berner Chow breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Berner Chow breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Berner Chow dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Berner Chow dogs good office canines? Do Berner Chow dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Berner Chow is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Berner Chow dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Berner Chow temperament with senior people? Are Berner Chow dogs good for elderly owners?
Berner Chows are commonly okay with elderly people.

Berner Chow As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Berner Chow be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Berner Chow breed is a good choice for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Berner Chow be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Berner Chow be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Berner Chow is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Berner Chow be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Berner Chow is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Berner Chow be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Berner Chow is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Berner Chow be a boat dog?

Not really

Berner Chow breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Berner Chow be a drafting dog?

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Berner Chow breed is a good choice for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Berner Chow dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Berner Chow Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Berner Chow pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Berner Chow breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Berner Chow: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Berner Chow have in a litter? How many puppies can the Berner Chow breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Berner Chow have? How many puppies can a Berner Chow give birth to?
3-6 puppies

Berner Chow Recognition

AKC Group
Is Berner Chow recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Berner Chow recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

Berner Chow Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Health Issues: Berner Chows are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Watchdog Ability: Berner Chow dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Berner Chow dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Service Dog: This breed makes good as a service dog.
  • Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog: A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Berner Chow dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Grooming: Advanced: The Berner Chow requires a lot of grooming.
  • Shedding Level: Berner Chow dogs shed above average.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Berner Chow drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Berner Chow's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Mouthiness: Berner Chow dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
  • Dog Friendly: Berner Chow dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Berner Chow is not the best dog breed for office environment.

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