Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Drool a Lot? Breed Characteristics & Care Tips
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When deciding to adopt a particular dog breed, there are lots of questions you may ask yourself. Are they heavy shedders? Do they have major medical issues? How big does this breed get? And although it may not be one of the first questions asked, many are curious about how much a dog they are bringing into the home will drool. This is especially the case with Bernese Mountain Dogs. This dog breed is known as a gentle giant, with a lot of drool. Let’s learn more about this gorgeous dog breed and why they drool so much.
What Are Bernese Mountain Dogs?
From the canton of Bern in Switzerland, the Bernese Mountain Dog was bred for work. Watching over cattle, pulling carts, and guarding their homes were the reasons this dog breed came into existence. This breed is considered a sturdy breed that is calm, friendly, and intelligent. They are great companions and even ideal for first-time dog owners. But beware: these dogs are full of energy. A Bernese Mountain Dog requires a lot of attention and activity to keep them happy.
While great companions, there are a few things about this dog breed you should be aware of when you bring them into your life. As we’ve already mentioned, Bernese Mountain Dogs are droolers. You’ll have to keep them cleaned up quite a bit. They also tend to bark thanks to their background in guarding. This breed is also long-haired and tends to shed a good deal.
Why the Bernese Mountain Dog Drools
Yes, we said the Bernese Mountain Dog drools a lot, but that doesn’t mean every dog of this breed will drop tons of slobber a day. A few may drool all day, nonstop. Others may only drool after they’ve eaten something or had a bit of water to drink. Like with people, each dog is different. The main reason these dogs drool, however, is their large jowls. The saliva they produce builds up in their jowls and then comes out on their own or when the dog shakes its head. Why does saliva build up in a dog’s mouth? That’s a great question.
Here is a list of the normal reasons:
- The dog smells food
- The dog is anticipating being fed
- The dog has drank water
- The dog is excited
- The dog is stressed
While drooling is a normal part of life with a Bernese Mountain Dog, there are several other reasons you may find that these dogs drool. Always be aware of the situation if you notice your Bernese Mountain Dog begins drooling far more than normal.
Unfortunately, these reasons are a bit more concerning and may warrant a trip to the veterinarian:
- Your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t have
- The dog has something lodged or stuck in its mouth
- Your pet has gotten too hot
- Your Bernie is suffering from dental pain or dental issues
- Your pet is feeling sick or under the weather
Can Drooling Be Stopped?
If your Bernese Mountain Dog is drooling excessively, a trip to the veterinarian may be warranted. Your pooch’s veterinarian can provide a full checkup and possibly pinpoint the reason for the drooling if it isn’t natural. If the drooling is simply due to natural causes, then no, there is no way to stop your Bernie from drooling. It’s simply part of owning one of these amazing dogs. However, you can learn to cope with it. Keeping your Bernie’s mouth wiped and cleaned helps immensely. You may also want to get a few covers for the furniture if you don’t want to sit on a drool spot.
Final Thoughts
The Bernese Mountain Dog is an amazing breed. They are fun-loving, intelligent, and loyal. But yes, they are droolers. If a bit of drool is an issue, you may want to consider a different dog breed. However, all dogs drool to some extent. It would be terrible to miss out on the fun and love that could be shared between you and a Bernie over a bit of slobber.
Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
