Bernese Mountain Dog Life: 25 Years of Love, Loss & Lessons

There’s something unforgettable about the Bernese Mountain Dog—those soulful eyes, that fluffy tricolor coat, and a heart that’s bigger than their paws.

After 25 years of life with three Berners, I’m sharing their stories, sweet quirks, and what makes this gentle giant one of the most lovable dog breeds you’ll ever meet.

Falling for the Bernese Mountain Dog Breed

I fell head over heels for the Bernese Mountain Dog nearly 27 years ago, during brunch with my now-husband at the old Adam’s Mill restaurant in Manchester, Connecticut.

Just outside the window, a group of Bernese Mountain Dogs from the working breed class were learning how to pull their classic Swiss farm carts—trotting back and forth like furry little professionals on a mission to deliver groceries to market.

It was love at first sight.

Nicknamed “Berners,” the Bernese Mountain Dog is known for its striking tricolor coat, gentle eyes, and enormous heart.

They’ll stick to you like glue, always wanting to be close—whether that means sitting on your lap, curling up in your bed, riding shotgun in the car, or simply walking calmly by your side.

Berners don’t just love their people—they live for their people.

Over the years, we’ve been lucky enough to welcome three of these beautiful dogs into our family: Gretchen, Charlie, and Ella.

Each one left a pawprint on our hearts. I hope you enjoy the stories, the memories, and everything we’ve learned from life with this beloved breed.

Our First Bernese Mountain Dog: Charlene Chester TriStar “Charlie”

Charlie was our very first Bernese Mountain Dog—the one who started it all nearly 25 years ago. We found her through TriStar Breeders in Westport, Connecticut, back when the waitlist for a Berner puppy could stretch out as long as three years. But fate clearly had other plans for us—and for Charlie.

How Charlie Found Her Way to Us

I called the breeder one afternoon, hoping for any chance at getting on the list. Let’s just say… my timing wasn’t great.

She snapped at me and hung up. But later that same evening, the phone rang. It was the breeder calling back to apologize—and she offered us the pick of the litter. Talk about a plot twist!

A few weeks later, we drove home with the sweetest Bernese Mountain Dog puppy we could’ve ever dreamed of.

The name Charlie came from the iconic perfume, “Charlie.” Chester was the name of our hometown, and TriStar was the name of her breeder.

When you adopt a Bernese Mountain Dog through a reputable breeder, especially an AKC-registered one, it’s common practice—and often requested—to include the breeder’s name as part of the dog’s official registered name. It’s a way to honor the lineage and acknowledge the breeder’s role in your pup’s pedigree.

Living a Long and Loved Life

Charlie was a mellow soul. While most dogs race to the leash, Charlie preferred lounging peacefully in the backyard, watching the world go by. She came with us everywhere—road trips, ski resorts (she loved the snow but didn’t ski, of course!), and family gatherings.

She lived to be 11 ½ years old, which is quite remarkable for a Bernese Mountain Dog. Her sister lived to be 13 ½! We were incredibly lucky to get her from such a healthy, well-cared-for litter.

If you’re considering a Bernese Mountain Dog, please—do your research and find a reputable breeder. It truly makes all the difference when it comes to the longevity and health of these gentle giants.

Losing Charlie to cancer was one of the hardest moments of our lives. But our love for the breed was so deep that before long, we were already searching for our next Bernese Mountain Dog puppy.

Our Bernese Mountain Dog Gretchen’s Life and Legacy

Finding a Bernese Mountain Dog Breeder at GlenMegan

After we lost Charlie, we began our search for another Bernese Mountain Dog. The owner of Charlie’s sister recommended GlenMegan Bernese Mountain Dog Breeders in Colebrook, Connecticut, since TriStar had since closed up shop.

(Fun fact: Charlie’s breeder moved to the Netherlands and now grows flowers!)

We visited GlenMegan and were greeted by a yard full of beautiful, happy Berners. One of them, Poppy, was expecting a litter of seven. The breeder explained that placements would be determined after the puppies were born—based on temperament, needs of the new families, and show potential.

We didn’t mind whether we got a girl or a boy, though we’ve always had a soft spot for the girls. They tend to be a bit smaller and often live longer, but truthfully, we’d have welcomed either with open arms.

And that’s how Gretchen Pearl GlenMegan came into our lives.

Gretchen the Bernese Mountain Dog: Sweet, Loyal, and Unique

Gretchen was small for a Bernese Mountain Dog and had a sweet little white blaze down her face. She was gentle, shy, and completely smitten with my husband—we swear she thought she was his girlfriend.

Her fur was a bit unruly and charmingly scruffy. She grew long, feathery dreadlocks on her ears, and her paws looked like they belonged on the Grinch. But she was stunning and elegant in her own way.

Gretchen was also surprisingly agile for a Berner. While agility training isn’t usually recommended for the breed, she practically trained herself. I hiked with Gretchen every day. She never needed a leash—she was always right by my side, a loyal and constant companion.

And her stuffed tiger? It went everywhere with her—through the woods, the snow, the mountains, and the beach. She wore scarves, loved the snow, and charmed everyone she met in Vermont and Maine. She was pure joy in a Berner coat.

Bernese Mountain Dog Lymphoma Journey

One fall afternoon in Vermont, I noticed something was off. Gretchen wasn’t keeping pace on our usual trail. That evening, she skipped dinner—very unlike her. Her neck looked slightly swollen, too.

At just six years old, Gretchen was diagnosed with lymphoma. We were crushed. Our vet told us that with chemotherapy, we could expect about one more year with her.

We said yes immediately. And here’s something many people don’t know: dogs don’t experience chemotherapy the same way humans do. They receive much lower doses, and the side effects are minimal. Gretchen enjoyed nearly every day of that year—and so did we.

I still remember her trotting out of the vet’s office with a tiny bandage wrapped around her paw and a heart sticker from the staff.

Visiting Dog Mountain Chapel with Our Bernese Mountain Dog

If you’ve never been to Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, it’s a magical place—a true sanctuary for dog lovers.

Set on 150 acres atop a private mountaintop, Dog Mountain welcomes dogs and their people to explore its trails, ponds, meadows, and wildflower fields. The late artist Stephen Huneck and his wife Gwen created this place from a dream, turning an old barn into a studio and eventually opening the Dog Chapel in 2000.

Inside the chapel, the walls are covered in thousands of love notes, pictures, letters, and memories—all dedicated to the dogs we’ve loved and lost.

After Gretchen’s diagnosis, we visited Dog Mountain together. We hiked the trails, met other pups, read the notes, and found comfort in the beauty of it all. I pinned a photo of Gretchen and me on one of our Vermont hikes to the chapel wall. It was a sacred and healing day—one I’ll never forget.

We said goodbye to Gretchen nearly a year later. She was only seven, but she gave us a lifetime of love in those short years.

Meet Ella, Our Sassy Bernese Mountain Dog from Vermont

After losing our beloved Gretchen, we decided to wait about a year before welcoming another Bernese Mountain Dog into our lives. We wanted to travel a bit and take some time to heal. But deep down, we always knew we weren’t done loving a Berner.

Finding Ella at Vert-Mont’s Bernese Mountain Dog Breeder

That’s when I met Doris of Vert-Monts Bernese Mountain Dogs up on the Canadian border in Enosburg, Vermont.

Her European-line Berners were regal, healthy, stocky, and full of personality.

When she sent me a photo of the litter, one puppy stood out right away—front and center, confident and curious.

That puppy was our Ella. We didn’t pick her—she picked us.

Sassy from Day One

Ella is hands-down the sassiest, most spirited Bernese Mountain Dog we’ve ever had. And, of course, we adore her for it. From the moment she arrived home, she ran the house. One of my favorite photos of her is at just eight weeks old—giving us side-eye on top of the white sectional, tongue hanging out, all attitude and fluff.

Her head seemed to grow faster than the rest of her body, giving her an adorably awkward look that only made us love her more. In one photo, she’s surrounded by fallen pillows after a head-first flop onto the couch. She’s a born comedian—and she knows it.

The Book Thief

Ella is also our very first Bernese to become a book thief.

One of her first attention-seeking antics was stealing books from the sunroom shelves. She never chewed them—just carried them around to ensure we noticed her. And, of course, we always did.

Picture-Perfect Pup

Ella is truly a camera-loving Bernese. She strikes a pose anytime she sees the lens pointed her way. She’s been caught posing in wicker chairs, sectionals, dining room chairs, and just about every other spot in both our Vermont and Maine homes.

We swear she even holds her breath for the shot.

Food-Loving Bernese

Unlike our other Berners, Ella is extremely food motivated. She’s a total chowhound. Once, after returning home still groggy from a sedative at the vet, she made a beeline straight for the breakfast table to make sure the loaf of bread was still there. Priorities.

Social Butterfly

Ella doesn’t just love her family—she adores people.

She gets so excited when we have visitors that she sometimes makes herself sick. And when they leave, her little heart breaks.

She’ll even stop eating for a day or two after a favorite guest leaves. She’s got that sensitive Berner soul.

Queen of Cuddles

Ella lives for cuddle time. We call her “Bug” because she’s a total cuddle bug.

She sleeps in our bed, head on the pillows, limbs sprawled out. Her favorite lounging spot is the pillow-filled sectional at our home in Maine—pure heaven for a snuggle-loving Bernese.

Bernese Mountain Dog Health and ACL Surgery Journey

Ella’s ACL surgery recovery and lessons learned

Ella is now seven and a half years old and doing great—but she’s had her fair share of medical adventures along the way. At six and a half, she underwent ACL surgery (also known as TPLO surgery) on her back knee, which is a fairly common issue in Bernese Mountain Dogs and other large breeds.

Unfortunately, just a few weeks into recovery, Ella chipped a bone near the surgical site, requiring a second, unexpected procedure. That meant a cast for eight weeks and twelve weeks of strict rest—a challenge for any pup, let alone a sassy Berner like Ella.

She now has a slight limp that may stick with her, but she’s adjusted beautifully and hasn’t let it slow her down.

She now takes a daily joint supplement and a chewable anti-inflammatory called Deramaxx to help support her mobility and prevent hip dysplasia, which is common in Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Cue the pet insurance. Yep—this is where that earlier advice really paid off. We use Trupanion, and they covered both of Ella’s ACL surgeries—If you missed it, scroll back up to the pro tip on pet insurance—it’s one of the best decisions we’ve made for our Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Second ACL Surgery in Bernese Mountain Dogs: What to Expect

As expected, Ella needed surgery on her second knee about a year later—something that happens in nearly 70% of dogs who’ve had ACL surgery on one leg. Thankfully, her second procedure and recovery went much more smoothly, and she’s now back to doing what she does best: cuddling, posing, and ruling the house.

Dealing with Mange in Bernese Mountain Dogs

One summer in Vermont, Ella had a run-in with an unexpected guest—a wandering fox. And no, they didn’t meet face-to-face, but she still managed to pick up mange, which is surprisingly easy for dogs to contract just from sniffing where a fox has been lying. Within days, Ella was so itchy, and her skin started flaking like crazy. It took seven weeks of weekly vet-administered shots to clear it up, and we’ve been on high alert for fox activity ever since. Lesson learned: Foxes may be cute, but they can leave behind more than just pawprints.

You can also catch her riding shotgun in our RV as we hit the road for vintage antiquing trips across New England. See more in our new Antiquing Road Trips & RV Decor Blog Series.

Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Information & Temperament

Thinking about bringing a Bernese Mountain Dog into your home? Here’s what you need to know about this gentle giant of a breed:

Whether they’re stealing the spotlight on a thrift trip or cuddling up for a snowy Vermont nap, Bernese Mountain Dogs have a way of leaving paw prints on your heart (and fur on everything else!).

Here’s to the slobbery kisses, muddy paws, and the kind of loyalty you’ll never forget—life with a Berner is the best kind of beautiful chaos.

Pin forLater!

Shop Bernese Mountain Dog Favors

This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.