This is low, when compared to the average dog’s lifespan of 11 to 12 years. He wasn't having any of it. And much like that of the Bernese Mountain Dog as we discussed above. This giant breed is more prone to cancer than any other breed. As they get older, the bond between the Berners and their masters grow stronger. Like the other Sennenhund, the Bernese mountain dog is a large, heavy dog with a distinctive tri-colored coat, black with white chest and rust colored markings above eyes, sides of mouth, front of legs, andount around the white chest.However, it is the only breed of Sennenhund dogs with a long coat. Bernese love their masters. Bernese mountain dog rescue facts. Enjoy of 5 mins cute Bernese mountain puppies :) Feel free to leave a comment! Colouring. When the Bernese Mountain Dog is crossed with a miniature Poodle, the result is a Bernedoodle. Besides the shorter lifespan that is typical of giant breeds (including the Great Pyrenees, Newfoundland, and Great Dane) they suffer from issues such as hip dysplasia and their care can be pretty expensive (food, vet, grooming). Because the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle share many personality traits in common, the temperament of these dogs is fairly predictable. Funny Bernese mountain dogs and puppies like to have fun! Usually their general lifespan is around 10 years. The average Bernese Mountain Dog lifespan is a mere 8 years. Not like puppies, when they are older than 18 months, it is a bit heartbreaking for them to leave their family. A significant factor behind Bernese Mountain Dog life expectancy is cancer. Among the other most prominent old dog breeds in Switzerland like Appenzeller Sennenhund, the Entlebucher Sennenhund, and the Greater Swiss Mountain dog, Bernese get the attention due to their looks. Bernese mountain dogs are much loved for their fluffy appearance. I am very interested in getting a Bernese Mountain Dog this coming summer. So why is this and why does the Bernese have such a short lifespan? Zoey (9 wks) tried to play with Max (10 y/o) at 7 AM. This has become quite a popular crossbreed. However, due to poor health, often the breed only lives until it is around 7 years old. I love everything I have read about them and enjoyed the few interactions I have had with ones I've met, but I was concerned that they have a short lifespan as I was hoping for a longer term companion.