Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Long Bernese Mountain Dogs Live. Bernese Mountain Dog Life Expectancy
- Lifespan of the Bernese Mountain Dog Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- Common Causes of Death in Bernese Mountain Dog, and how to Prevent Them.
- How To Prevent Genetic Problems in Bernese Mountain Dogs
- How Old is Your Bernese Mountain Dog in Human Years
- How Long Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Live in Human Years?
- More Ways to Make Your Bernese Mountain Dog Live Long
- Conclusion on Bernese Mountain Dog Life Expectancy
How Long Bernese Mountain Dogs Live. Bernese Mountain Dog Life Expectancy
Generally, the lifespan of the Bernese Mountain Dog is from 6 to 10 years.
Moreover, a few years back, British Veterinarinan researchers performed a scientific study to determine the lifespan of the Bernese Mountain Dog. In this study, the scientists collected data on how long 394 pet Bernese Mountain Dogs lived.
From the study, it was found that Bernese Mountain Dogs have a average lifespan of 8 years. Furthermore, the study found that Bernese Mountain Dogs can live for as long as 15.1 years.
Furthermore, researchers from the University of Georgia conducted a study to find out what are the top causes of death in Bernese Mountain Dogs.
According to the study, the top 5 causes of death in Bernese Mountain Dogs are:
- Neoplastic Disease: Issues involving tumors
- Cardiovascular Disease: Encompasses heart problems, blood pressure issues, and bleeding/clotting problems. CV issues may also be related to lung and/or breathing problems.
- Neurologic Disease: Refers to problems with the brain, nerves, and spinal cord.
- Hematopoietic Disease: Problems having to do with platelets, blood vessels, or clotting factors.
- Respiratory Disease: Problems with lungs and breathing
In this article, we will explain each of these diseases and discuss how to prevent the early occurence of each in your Bernese Mountain Dog to make your Bernese Mountain Dog live a longer.
Also, in this article, we will discuss other things you can do to ensure that your Bernese Mountain Dog have a longer than average lifespan.
Do you want to know how old your Bernese Mountain Dog is in human years? Then, check out our Bernese Mountain Dog age to human years calculator
Lifespan of the Bernese Mountain Dog Compared to Other Dog Breeds
See in the table below how the lifespan of the Bernese Mountain Dog compares to the lifespan of other dog breeds.
| Dog Breed | Average Lifespan (Years) |
|---|---|
| Tibetan Spaniel Lifespan | 14.40 |
| Swedish Vallhund Lifespan | 14.40 |
| Lhasa Apso Lifespan | 14.30 |
| Miniature Poodle Lifespan | 13.90 |
| Basenji Lifespan | 13.50 |
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier Lifespan | 12.70 |
| Maltese Lifespan | 12.20 |
| Australian Terrier Lifespan | 12.00 |
| Brussels Griffon Lifespan | 12.00 |
| English Springer Spaniel Lifespan | 12.00 |
| Lancashire Heeler Lifespan | 11.70 |
| German Pinscher Lifespan | 11.30 |
| Curly-Coated Retriever Lifespan | 10.70 |
| Clumber Spaniel Lifespan | 10.30 |
| Pomeranian Lifespan | 9.67 |
| Komondor Lifespan | 9.13 |
| Spinone Italiano Lifespan | 9.00 |
| French Bulldog Lifespan | 9.00 |
| Bernese Mountain Dog Lifespan | 8.00 |
| Great Dane Lifespan | 6.50 |
Common Causes of Death in Bernese Mountain Dog, and how to Prevent Them.
We will now discuss the common causes of death in Bernese Mountain Dog, according to scientific research. Also we will provide you advice on how to prevent these problems in your Bernese Mountain Dog.
Here are the causes of death, starting from the most common cause
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Neoplastic Disease in Bernese Mountain Dogs
Neoplasms, or tumors, can be benign (like a lipoma), or malignant (cancer).
Neoplastic Disease is responsible for 54.6 percent of all deaths in Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Causes of Neoplastic Disease in Bernese Mountain Dog
Neoplasms in dogs, just like in people, are caused by either a genetic predisposition (like some breast cancers), an environmental factor (like smoking in humans), or a combination of both.
How to Prevent Neoplastic Disease in Bernese Mountain Dogs
Just like in humans, there is little you can do to prevent cancers that are caused by genetic factors. You can, however, reduce the environmental risks that are associated with cancer. The `environmental` causes of neoplasia are chemical agents, infectious agents, and physical agents. An example of a chemical agent that could cause cancer in Bernese Mountain Dogs (and humans) is asbestos. An example of an infectious agent that could cause cancer in Bernese Mountain Dogs is the virus called canine adenovirus. An example of a physical agent that can cause cancer in Bernese Mountain Dogs is UV radiation from the sun, just like in humans.
Another way to prevent neoplasms in Bernese Mountain Dogs is to vaccinate them against harmful viruses, such as canine adenovirus (DHPP vaccine at 8 and 12 weeks and then once a year, every year). As in humans, early diagnosis is the key to supporting Bernese Mountain Dogs with neoplasms, so talk to your veterinarian if you find any new lumps, bumps, or discoloration on your Bernese Mountain Dog. You should also talk to your veterinarian if your Bernese Mountain Dog`s gums look pale.
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Cardiovascular Disease in Bernese Mountain Dogs
Cardiac problems may include valvular and vascular disorders, which ultimately lead to the heart`s inability to pump oxygen-rich blood to tissues. Cardiac issues can be acute or chronic, and can lead to progressive heart failure or sudden death.
Cardiovascular Disease is responsible for 10.1 percent of all deaths in Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Causes of Cardiovascular Disease in Bernese Mountain Dog
Heart disease in Bernese Mountain Dogs may be caused by genetic (inherited) factors, lack of exercise, and poor diet. Heart disease can also be caused by infections such as bacteria (endocarditis, myocarditis, and more) as well as viruses, fungi, and parasites (heartworm).
How to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease in Bernese Mountain Dogs
You can prevent heart problems in your Bernese Mountain Dog by exercising your Bernese Mountain Dog regularly and feeding your Bernese Mountain Dog a good diet. Heartworm, which causes heart problems, is also very easily avoided by using preventatives. Giving your dog the following supplements can help prevent heart diseases. Here is a good supplement that can prevent heart problems in your Bernese Mountain Dog. The supplement is not only good for your Bernese Mountain Dog`s heart, but it is also good for your Bernese Mountain Dog`s overall health.
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Neurologic Disease in Bernese Mountain Dogs
These problems include canine cognitive disfunction, dementia, stroke, Lyme disease, and more.
Neurologic Disease is responsible for 10.1 percent of all deaths in Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Causes of Neurologic Disease in Bernese Mountain Dog
Neurological issues can be caused by vascular disease, inflammatory disease, infectious disease, metabolic disease, cancer, and developmental disorders.
How to Prevent Neurologic Disease in Bernese Mountain Dogs
Some neurological problems can be caused by infectious agents, like Lyme disease. You should always get your dog vaccinated with the course recommended by your veterinarian.
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Hematopoietic Disease in Bernese Mountain Dogs
Normally, the body can regulate its own blood pressure and fluid volume without outside help. However, issues in hematopoesis can cause high or low blood pressure, blood clots, edema (fluid where it`s not supposed to be, like in the lungs), and even shock.
Hematopoietic Disease is responsible for 9.2 percent of all deaths in Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Causes of Hematopoietic Disease in Bernese Mountain Dog
The causes of hematopoietic problems usually involve inflammation and immune responses gone wrong. This can cause congestion, hemorrhage, and many more problems.
How to Prevent Hematopoietic Disease in Bernese Mountain Dogs
Talk to your veterinarian if your dog`s gums or skin look very pale or very red. It`s also a good idea to talk to your vet if your dog is experiencing exercise intolerance. Many parasites can cause internal bleeding, so you should have your dog on flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives all year round. Here is a good flea and tick prevention medication (buy the box associated with your pet`s weight!).
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Respiratory Disease in Bernese Mountain Dogs
Respiratory diseases includes asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and other conditions. May also be related to left-sided heart failure and other cardiovascular issues.
Respiratory Disease is responsible for 9.2 percent of all deaths in Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Causes of Respiratory Disease in Bernese Mountain Dog
Some lung conditions can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Other lung conditions, such as asthma, can be related to allergies and genetic conditions. Some breeds (called brachycephalic breeds) are more susceptible to breathing problems. These breeds appear to have their noses and snouts kind of squished into their faces. Although they are very cute, these breeds can have serious breathing problems throughout their lives which may require surgery. Additionally, dogs and cats can often get colds and other upper respiratory infections because of stress. Common causes of stress in dogs include separation anxiety, thunderstorms and other loud noises, the introduction of other animals into the home, and more.
How to Prevent Respiratory Disease in Bernese Mountain Dogs
Respiratory diseases can be prevented by supporting the immune health of your Bernese Mountain Dog, by making sure you feed your Bernese Mountain Dog a good, nutritious dog food brand, give them plenty of exercises, and help them live in a stress-free environment. There are several options for supplements and therapies that can help reduce stress in your Bernese Mountain Dog. Some Bernese Mountain Dog do really well with thundershirts, which are snug shirts that swaddle the dogs and help them calm down during thunderstorms and other stressful events. Furthermore, Bernese Mountain Dogs that are anxious with loud sounds might also benefit from calming supplements, such as Anxiety TFLN. For general anxiety, the supplement Composure or Composure Pro might help calm your Bernese Mountain Dog`s nervousness. Some Bernese Mountain Dogs do really well with supplements, but just like with people, supplements do not work for everyone. If you are not seeing results after a few weeks of putting your Bernese Mountain Dog on a supplement to calm anxiety, you should talk to your veterinarian about behavioral therapy and stronger medications.
How To Prevent Genetic Problems in Bernese Mountain Dogs
Every dog breed has a set of genetic problems to which it is predisposed, and the Bernese Mountain Dog is not an exception.
These disease will reduce your Bernese Mountain Dog`s qualilty of life. Also, these diseases can shorten your Bernese Mountain Dog`s lifespan.
The good news is that these diseases can be prevented in Bernese Mountain Dog offsprings by only breeding Bernese Mountain Dog that have been screened and cleared of genetic defects.
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is one the organizations that keep records of which disease to which a dog breed is genetically prone.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy and live long, make sure that your Bernese Mountain Dog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
If you do not know if your Bernese Mountain Dog has been screened for genetic health problems, then your can use an at-home genetic screening kit like this one to check your Bernese Mountain Dog for genetic health problems at home. This might help you in deciding whether to get your Bernese Mountain Dog a pet health insurance.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Bernese Mountain Dogs for:
How Old is Your Bernese Mountain Dog in Human Years
The table below shows your human years equivalent age of your Bernese Mountain Dog. This table is based on a dog-to-human age study conducted by researchers from Purdue University.
Learn more about how old your Bernese Mountain Dog is in human years here.
In 1997, researchers from Purdue University developed a method for converting a dog`s age to its human age. Their method was based on the 1953 work of the French Veterinarian, A. Lebeau that we discussed above.
Researchers from Purdue University took Lebeau`s work further by taking into account two important factors to develop a more accurate method for converting a dog`s age into its human equivalent age:
- The size of the dog: Smaller dog breeds live longer than larger breed dogs
- The lifespan of the dog: Dog breeds that live longer lives will age slower than dog breeds that live shorter lives
The average lifespan of the Bernese Mountain Dog is 8.0 years.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are giant-sized dogs. Bernese Mountain Dogs weigh 70 to 115 pounds.
The method developed by the Purdue University veterinarian researchers took into account the lifespan and size of Bernese Mountain Dog in converting Bernese Mountain Dog age to human age.
The researchers used data on the lifespan and weight of 5,608 mixed breed dogs and 17,927 purebred dogs to develop their method for converting the ages of dogs (of different breed sizes and lifespans ) to their equivalent human ages.
The calculator below lets you convert your Bernese Mountain Dog`s age to its human age based on the Purdue University method. Just enter your Bernese Mountain Dog`s age in the calculator and it will compute your Bernese Mountain Dog`s human age. If you do not know your Bernese Mountain Dog`s exact age, enter an approximate age in the calculator.
Also, the table below shows how old your Bernese Mountain Dog is in human years based on the method developed by the researchers.
Note that your Bernese Mountain Dog`s human age changes day by day. Therefore, always check back to use the calculator to find your Bernese Mountain Dog`s up-to-date human age.
Bernese Mountain Dog Age to Human Age Calculator (Purdue Uni. Method)
Below is a Bernese Mountain Dog age to human age calculator that is based on the methods developed by researchers from Purdue University.
The calculator will tell your Bernese Mountain Dog`s human age based on your Bernese Mountain Dog`s dog birthday. Also, the calculator will tell you which day is your Bernese Mountain Dog`s human birthday! Try it out!
| Bernese Mountain Dog Age (Years) | Human Age (Years) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 20 |
| 2 | 26 |
| 3 | 31 |
| 4 | 37 |
| 5 | 42 |
| 6 | 47 |
| 7 | 51 |
| 8 | 56 |
| 9 | 61 |
| 10 | 66 |
| 11 | 71 |
| 12 | 77 |
| 13 | 83 |
| 14 | 89 |
| 15 | 96 |
| 16 | 103 |
How Long Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Live in Human Years?
The average lifespan of the Bernese Mountain Dog is 8.0 years. In human years, the Bernese Mountain Dog lives for 56 years.
How Old is 1-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog in Human Years?
A 1-year old Bernese Mountain Dog is 20 years old in human years.
How Old is 2-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog in Human Years?
A 2-year old Bernese Mountain Dog is 26 years old in human years.
How Old is 4-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog in Human Years?
A 4-year old Bernese Mountain Dog is 37 years old in human years.
How Old is 6-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog in Human Years?
A 6-year old Bernese Mountain Dog is 47 years old in human years.
More Ways to Make Your Bernese Mountain Dog Live Long
Here are more things your can do to make sure your Bernese Mountain Dog live a long life:
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Regular Exercise: Research studies have shown that one of the very effective ways to make a dog live long is to ensure that a dog is in good shape. Adequate exercise will make your Bernese Mountain Dog fit and make it live longer.
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Good Diet: A poorly-fed, underweight Bernese Mountain Dog does not have a good chance of living a long life. Similarly, an overweight Bernese Mountain Dog will have a shorter lifespan than a Bernese Mountain Dog that is of normal weight. Therefore, it is important that your feed your Bernese Mountain Dog high-quality dog food without overfeeding your Bernese Mountain Dog. Check out our Bernese Mountain Dog feeding guide here. Learn how you can prevent your Bernese Mountain Dog from being overweight here.
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Proper Hydration: Water is essential for your Bernese Mountain Dog existence. Therefore, you should make sure your Bernese Mountain Dog has access to clean water whenever your Bernese Mountain Dog needs water. However, too much water is bad for your Bernese Mountain Dog. See our Bernese Mountain Dog water drinking guide to learn more on how to properly hydrate your Bernese Mountain Dog.
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Spaying/Neutering: Sterilizing your Bernese Mountain Dog might prolong its life. Check out this guideline to know when it is the best time to spay/neuter your Bernese Mountain Dog.
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Routine Vet Care: Regular preventative visits to the vet can help catch diseases early.
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Vaccinations: Always make sure your Bernese Mountain Dog is up to date on its vaccination.
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Dental Hygiene: Your Bernese Mountain Dog’s teeth can get infected, and if the infection goes unnoticed, that infection can spread to other parts of the body and become systemic. This could lead to a shortened lifespan. You must have your Bernese Mountain Dog teeth cleaned professionally at your vet’s office a couple of times in its lifetime. Talk with your vet about the best ages to have these cleanings done.
Conclusion on Bernese Mountain Dog Life Expectancy
We hope the information we have provided will help your in increasing your Bernese Mountain Dog`s life expectancy.
Tate Ackerman contributed to this article. Tate is a second-year veterinary student at Kansas State University. Tate is also a concurrent Ph.D. student. She has a lot of experience reading scientific literature and communicating that information to a non-veterinary audience. Tate was a veterinary technician for a companion animal practice before she applied to veterinary school.