Please see our expanded breed education website at http://www.bmdinfo.org for more information on Bernese Mountain Dog care and training.
8 months to a year
Dogs are not physically mature at the 8-12 month time bracket. The family of dogs a given pup comes from will have a significant bearing on whether the dog appears physically mature or is still quite a gangly teenager by a year of age. A few pups have evened out growth wise by this age. Typically dogs between 8-12 months of age weigh around 70 - 110 pounds. By this time a good idea of the finished size of a Berner can be predicted. Dogs that weigh 100 pounds at a year may gain another 10- 30 pounds of bulk over the next 2-3 years. A 110 pound dog might finish out at 130 pounds. Females that weight 70 pounds will also likely put on another 10-25 pounds of weight. A female weighing 85 pounds might finish at around 100 pounds.
Young dogs rarely carry as much coat as their mature counterparts. Coats on both males and females usually continue to lengthen and leg feathers are just beginning to grow on many yearling BMDs. By the time a Bernese reaches age three, bib feathering and density and length of coat can present quite a breathtaking picture.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are becoming young adults at around a year. Hormones come into play during this time frame. The puppy that was so obedient and tractable may seem to have forgotten everything that has been learned. It is especially important to offer dogs firm direction and guidance during these months. Now is the time to reinforce everything that has been learned. Build confidence in dogs through encouragement and praise when their behavior is to your liking.
Hormones can be quite a disruptive force in a dog's life.
Females may become skittish and nervous prior to their first heat cycle, which typically occurs between 10-14 months. Some girls may begin to have heat cycles as early as 6 months or as late as 16-18 months. Every female will have her own way of expressing herself during heat cycles. Some girls will be very excitable or overtly sexual in behavior while other may become less active and seem to mope. The amount of vaginal discharge will vary somewhat in different bitches during their season. Some Berner bitches develop pyometra (inflammation and infection in the uterus) which can be a life threatening condition. Vaginal discharges with a foul odor or of a pussy, or tomato soup like nature should be checked out by a vet.
Some males have a very strong reproductive drive while others do not. Many young Berner males start to lift their leg when urinating as early as 6 months while others may approach 18 months. Distract intact males with a game of catch or a walk if they become inappropriately amorous or overtly sexual.
They are still BIG puppies
With the Bernese size ,often owners expect a yearling to act like a fully matured dog. Size is not a good indicator of physical or mental maturity. Pups of this age that have been offered consistent guidance, have been socialized and have been taught to go outside to eliminate should know how to follow commands with reasonable consistency. A yearling Bernese should be housebroken; but that does not mean accidents can't happen. Yearling Berners are still puppies and will behave a such. So don't expect more than the maturity of your pup at a year of age allows. Pups of this age will often still chew, will rip up magazines or newspapers or clothes and shoes and will steal food if it is left in an area they can reach if their owners give them the freedom to do so.
Vaccine boosters
At this time you will want to consider getting your dog a booster vaccine for parvo virus and distemper as well as the booster for rabies. The same protocol should apply as mentioned before. Do not give vaccines together– schedule 2 vet appointments about a month apart.
Conclusion
The Swiss saying "Three years a puppy, three years a good dog, three years an old dog and the rest is a gift" is quite an accurate description of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Bernese Mountain Dogs will continue to lay down bone, put on width and substance, their heads will continue to broaden well into the second and third year of life. Young dogs are rarely as together structurally, appearance or behavior wise as mature three or four year olds. By the time individual dogs in this breed reach 5-7 they are glorious in coat; their structure is set; they should be calm and self assured; they are in full body and are at the prime of life.
Patience is the key to gaining a full appreciation for the Bernese Mountain Dog. Enjoy every phase your puppy lives through and appreciate each day you are blessed to share with your dog. Berner puppy hood is a precious time that passes all too quickly.