When you bring home a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy, it feels like you’re welcoming a tiny, fluffy bear cub into your life. What many new owners don’t realize is just how quickly that little ball of fur grows into a 100+ pound gentle giant. I remember looking at my friend’s Berner at just four months old, paws the size of dinner plates, it legit looked like a toddler in a fur coat.
Tracking your Berner’s growth is more than curiosity. It’s about making sure their bones and joints develop properly, their weight stays healthy, and they’re on track for a long, strong life.
Bernese Mountain Dog Growth Stages
| Stage Name | Age | Male Weight | Female Weight | Height Range | Development |
| Neonatal Stage | Birth – 2 Weeks | 1–2 lbs | 1–2 lbs | – | Eyes open, first steps. |
| Transitional Stage | 2 – 4 Weeks | 2–5 lbs | 2–5 lbs | – | Playful, teething. |
| Socialization Stage | 1 – 3 Months | 10–35 lbs | 8–30 lbs | 23–38 cm | Rapid growth, chewing. |
| Juvenile Stage | 3 – 6 Months | 35–65 lbs | 30–55 lbs | 38–51 cm | Puberty, lanky build. |
| Adolescent Stage | 6 – 12 Months | 65–95 lbs | 55–85 lbs | 51–64 cm | Muscles fill in. |
| Late Adolescence | 12 – 18 Months | 85–100 lbs | 70–90 lbs | 61–66 cm | Adult size reached. |
| Young Adult Stage | 18 – 24 Months | 95–110 lbs | 80–95 lbs | 61–69 cm | |
| Full Maturity / Adult Stage | 2 – 3 Years | 100–120 lbs | 85–100 lbs | 64–70 cm | Fully mature. |
| Senior Stage | 7+ Years | Varies | Varies | – | Slower, joint issues. |
Table of Contents
Bernese Mountain Dog Growth Chart by Age
One of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) parts of raising a Bernese Mountain Dog is watching them grow. These puppies don’t stay small for long, in fact, many double their weight in just a few weeks.
Tracking their size month by month is not just fun for owners, but also important for catching early health or nutrition issues. A steady, consistent growth curve usually means your Berner is on track, while sudden spikes or slowdowns can signal something worth checking with a vet.
| Age | Height | Weight | Notes on Development |
| 2 months | 10 – 12″ | 15 – 25 lbs | Small, fluffy, rapid growth begins |
| 4 months | 14 – 18″ | 35 – 50 lbs | Appetite increases, growing fast |
| 6 months | 18 – 22″ | 50 – 70 lbs | Strong growth spurt, lanky stage |
| 9 months | 21 – 24″ | 70 – 90 lbs | Looks adult-like but still filling out |
| 12 months | 23 – 25″ | 80 – 100 lbs | Near adult height, lean frame |
| 18 months | 24 – 27″ | 90 – 110 lbs | Muscle and bulk developing |
| 2 – 3 years | 25 – 27.5″ | 100 – 120 lbs | Fully mature, steady frame |
Male vs Female Bernese Growth Differences
- Males: Usually end up heavier (100 – 120 lbs) with broader frames. They often take longer to mentally mature.
- Females: Lighter at maturity (80 – 100 lbs) and sometimes slightly shorter, but still large and powerful.
- Both: Both genders are prone to fast puppy growth, which makes careful feeding and joint protection essential.
How Exercise Affects Growth of Bernese Mountain Dog
Exercise is one of the biggest factors in raising a healthy Bernese Mountain Dog. Because they grow so fast, it’s easy to overdo things during puppyhood.
- During puppy stage: Bernese puppies need exercise, but it should be light and controlled. Too much running or jumping can put stress on their still-developing joints and bones. A couple of short walks and gentle play sessions are perfect at this stage.
- Avoid early strain: Activities like running long distances, climbing stairs repeatedly, or jumping from furniture can cause long-term joint issues if started too early.
- Adult stage: Once they’re fully grown (around 2 – 3 years), Berners thrive with more challenging activities such as hiking, swimming, pulling carts, or agility games.
- Balance is key: A Bernese that doesn’t get enough exercise may gain unhealthy weight, while one that’s over-exercised may face hip, elbow, or ligament problems.
Think of exercise for a Berner like a slow-building investment, consistent, moderate activity creates strong muscles and healthy bones that support them for life.
Also read: Bernese Mountain Lifespan
Bernese Mountain Dog Nutrition and Growth
What you feed your Bernese has a direct effect on their growth rate and overall health. Because they grow so quickly, they need the right balance of nutrients to support strong bones and joints without causing excessive weight gain. Here’s a Nutrition & Feeding Chart to guide you:
| Life Stage | Food Amount (per day) | Type of Diet | Notes |
| 2 – 6 months | 2 – 4 cups (3 meals) | Large-breed puppy food | Prevents overly rapid growth |
| 6 – 12 months | 3 – 5 cups (2 – 3 meals) | Large-breed puppy/adult transition | Keep weight steady |
| Adult (Male) | 4 – 6 cups (2 meals) | High-protein adult food | Adjust to activity level |
| Adult (Female) | 3 – 5 cups (2 meals) | Balanced diet with joint support | Usually lighter frame |
| Senior | 3 – 4 cups (2 meals) | Senior dog food, fewer calories | Prevents obesity |
High-quality foods with added glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids support joint health, which is especially important for a giant breed like the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Growth Concerns in Bernese Mountain Dogs
Berners don’t all grow at the same pace, and that’s normal. Still, some signs may indicate potential issues:
- Growing too quickly: If your puppy is far above the average weight for its age, it may lead to joint problems like hip dysplasia. Overfeeding is the most common reason.
- Growing too slowly: Consistently being under the chart’s range could point to nutritional deficiencies, intestinal parasites, or an underlying medical condition.
- Uneven growth: Many Berners go through awkward phases where they look too skinny or lanky. This usually evens out as they hit 18 – 24 months.
- Obesity risks: Because Berners are already prone to joint issues, carrying extra weight makes problems worse. Regular weigh-ins help prevent this.
If your pup seems off the curve in either direction, it’s best to talk with your vet. Catching growth-related problems early can make a huge difference.
Bernese Mountain Dog Size Chart vs Other Breeds
Compared to other giants like the St. Bernard or Newfoundland, the Bernese is a little lighter but still very powerful. Their growth is also slightly slower, with full maturity not reached until nearly 3 years. Before bringing home a Berner, many owners want to know how they compare to other large breeds. Here’s a look:
| Breed | Adult Height | Adult Weight | Growth Speed |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | 23 – 27.5″ | 80 – 120 lbs | Fast, 2 – 3 yrs maturity |
| St. Bernard | 26 – 30″ | 120 – 180 lbs | Very fast, 2 yrs maturity |
| Newfoundland | 26 – 28″ | 100 – 150 lbs | Moderate, 2 – 3 yrs maturity |
| Great Pyrenees | 25 – 32″ | 90 – 120 lbs | Slow, up to 3 yrs maturity |
| Labrador Retriever | 21 – 24″ | 55 – 80 lbs | Moderate, 1.5 yrs maturity |
also read: Bernese Mountain Breed Size Guide
FAQs
How fast do Bernese Mountain Dog puppies grow?
Very fast. In just 6 months, they can go from 20 pounds to 70 pounds. This rapid growth is why careful feeding and controlled exercise are so important.
Do male Berners grow bigger than females?
Yes, males are typically larger, averaging 100 – 120 lbs, while females usually reach 80 – 100 lbs. That said, genetics and diet can cause some overlap.
Why does my Bernese look skinny even though they eat well?
Berners often go through a lanky stage where they look thin compared to their height. This is normal and usually balances out as they mature between 18 – 24 months.
How do I keep my Bernese at a healthy weight?
Regular weigh-ins, portion-controlled meals, and avoiding too many treats help. A healthy Berner should have a visible waist and you should be able to feel ribs without pressing too hard.
Can I predict my Berner’s adult size?
The best indicators are the size of the parents and early puppy growth patterns. Vets can also give estimates based on weight at 4 months.
Also read: Bernese Mountain Dog Pros and cons