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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 Classification
What type of dog breed is a Berner Chow? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Cross Breed Bernese Mountain Dog and Chow Chow mix

Berner Chow Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Berner Chow? Learn how big the Berner Chow breed typically grows.
Large
Weight Statistics
How much does a Berner Chow weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Berner Chow breed.
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 Range
How much does a Berner Chow puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Berner Chow costs.
$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

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Berner Chow? Discover the Berner Chow's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
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.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Berner Chow? Learn about the Berner Chow's trainability and response to training methods.
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 Rating
How good is a Berner Chow as a watchdog? Learn about the Berner Chow's alertness and guarding instincts.
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.
Territorial Protection
Is a Berner Chow protective of its territory? Learn about the Berner Chow's guarding instincts and behavior.
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

Personality Traits
What personality does a Berner Chow have? Learn about characteristic Berner Chow temperament and behavior traits.
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

Barking Frequency
Does a Berner Chow bark a lot? Learn about typical Berner Chow vocalization patterns and triggers.
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.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Berner Chow? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Berner Chow 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.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Berner Chow live in an apartment? Learn about the Berner Chow's suitability for apartment living.
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

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Berner Chow to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Berner Chow's flexibility to new situations.
Average: Berner Chow dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Berner Chow be left alone? Learn about the Berner Chow's tolerance to solitude.
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 Risk Assessment
What is a Berner Chow biting potential? Learn about the Berner Chow's bite risk factors.

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.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Berner Chow mouthy? Learn about the Berner Chow's tendency to use mouth during play.
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.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Berner Chow bite? Learn about the Berner Chow's bite force measured in PSI.

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.

Berner Chow Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Berner Chow live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Berner Chow breed.
7-11 years
The average lifespan of Berner Chow: 9 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Berner Chow handle different weather? Learn about the Berner Chow's climate adaptability.
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.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Berner Chow? Discover typical conditions affecting the Berner Chow breed.
Berner Chows are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Berner Chow need vet visits? Learn about the Berner Chow's veterinary care requirements.
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.
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

Berner Chow Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Berner Chow? Understand daily activity needs of the Berner Chow breed.
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

Obesity Tendency
Is a Berner Chow prone to weight gain? Learn about the Berner Chow's obesity risks.
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.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Berner Chow need daily? Learn about the Berner Chow's feeding requirements.
4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Berner Chow Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Berner Chow hypoallergenic? Learn about the Berner Chow's suitability for allergy sufferers.
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.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Berner Chow come in? Discover all possible Berner Chow color variations.
Black Red Blue Cream White Cinnamon
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Berner Chow need? Learn about Berner Chow coat maintenance requirements.
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.
Drooling Tendency
Does a Berner Chow drool a lot? Learn about the Berner Chow's drooling habits.
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.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Berner Chow smell bad? Learn about the Berner Chow's natural odor levels.

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.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Berner Chow have? Learn about the Berner Chow's fur characteristics.
DenseRough
Bathing Needs
How often does a Berner Chow need baths? Learn about the Berner Chow's bathing requirements.
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.

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.

Berner Chow Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Berner Chow good with children? Learn about the Berner Chow's behavior around kids of different ages.
Berner Chow dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Berner Chow get along with other pets? Discover the Berner Chow's compatibility with other animals.
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.
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 Capability
Can a Berner Chow be a service dog? Learn about the Berner Chow's service work potential.

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 Work Suitability
Is a Berner Chow good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Berner Chow's therapy work aptitude.

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.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Berner Chow good at detection work? Learn about the Berner Chow's scenting abilities.

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 & Rescue Potential
Can a Berner Chow do search and rescue? Learn about the Berner Chow's SAR capabilities.

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.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Berner Chow good on boats? Learn about the Berner Chow's maritime capabilities.

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.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Berner Chow pull carts? Learn about the Berner Chow's drafting abilities.

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.

Military Service Background
Was a Berner Chow used in military service? Learn about the Berner Chow's military history.

Not really

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

Berner Chow Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Berner Chow usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
3-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Berner Chow pregnant? Learn about the Berner Chow's gestation period.

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.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Berner Chow have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

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.

Berner Chow Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Berner Chow in? Learn about the Berner Chow's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Berner Chow in? Learn about the Berner Chow's international classification.
Not recognized by FCI.

Berner Chow Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Health Concerns: Berner Chows are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Watchdog Rating: 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 Capability: This breed makes good as a service dog.
  • Draft Work Capability: A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
Cons
  • Allergy Friendliness: Berner Chow dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Grooming Requirements: 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.
  • Obesity Tendency: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Berner Chow's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Mouthing Tendency: 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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