Bernese Mountain Dogs are so beautiful and sweet that is easy to forget that a key consideration in deciding whether a Bernese is the right dog for your family must be an understanding of the health problems that can appear in this breed.

As with all large dogs, orthopedic problems are a concern. Hips and elbows are evaluated prior to breeding on all Rosewood dogs and soundness is a primary concern when planning a breeding. Unfortunately, genetics are not a sure thing and new owners must be aware of the importance of proper nutrition, exercise, and supervision as each puppy grows. Even then, there is always the risk of something going wrong.

As the dogs age, genetic diseases can occur. Malignant Histiocytosis and Autoimmune diseases are some of the most common and devastating. Unfortunately, Bernese are one of the breeds with the highest rate of cancer deaths.

Prospective owners should do their research and be sure they are comfortable with the health history of the dogs in a puppy's pedigree. It is wise to discuss concerns with the breeder before entering into a contract.

A great deal of health information is available on the websites of the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America (bmdca.org) and the BernerGarde Foundation (bernergarde.org).