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The Bernese Mountain Dog is a gentle giant who loves sharing their family's adventures. Their calm, balanced temperament makes them a pleasant companion during terrace stops or in spacious accommodations. Their large size however requires rigorous organization for transport and destination choice. They excel in mountain hikes or forest walks, provided you avoid strong summer heat. Plan regular stops and plenty of fresh water to fully enjoy your getaways with this gentle colossus.
Atouts en voyage
- Calm, composed temperament facilitating accommodation stays
- Exemplary sociability with children and other animals encountered
- Enduring on mountain trails despite their bulk
- Protective nature reassuring owners in unfamiliar environments
Defis a anticiper
- Extreme heat sensitivity limiting summer destinations
- Imposing size complicating public transport access
- Abundant shedding requiring constant maintenance during travel
Profil voyage
En images
Se deplacer avec votre Bernese
The Bernese Mountain Dog far exceeds the 6 kg threshold and must travel with a full-price ticket. Their size requires choosing seats with extra space, ideally first class or in a group. Remember to reserve a spot near the door to facilitate boarding and alighting. A comfortable floor mat will help them stay lying down calmly during the journey.
With a weight reaching 50 kg, the Bernese Mountain Dog requires a spacious vehicle, like an SUV or station wagon. A cargo area fitted with a thick mattress will protect their sensitive joints during long trips. Plan breaks every two hours and keep air conditioning at a pleasant level. An access ramp will greatly facilitate their vehicle entries and exits.
The Bernese Mountain Dog necessarily travels in cargo in an XXL IATA-approved crate. Few airlines accept dogs of this size, check total weight restrictions including crate. Flights during hot periods are strongly discouraged due to cargo temperatures. Favor direct, short flights to minimize your companion's stress.
Sante en voyage
Risques specifiques
- Rapid heatstroke due to thick coat and body mass
- Gastric torsion after a meal followed by a car journey
- Joint problems aggravated by long trips without breaks
Precautions
Plan your travels during cool hours of the day and always keep a veterinary thermometer in your kit. Wait at least two hours after meals before any travel. Bring a cooling mat which will be essential during summer stops.
Tolerance chaleur
The Bernese Mountain Dog tolerates temperatures above 25 degrees very poorly. Their dense double coat makes them particularly vulnerable to heatstroke. In summer, limit activities to early morning hours and late afternoon. A cooling vest is an essential investment to travel serenely with this breed.
Pharmacie de voyage
- Large format cooling mat for breaks
- Joint supplement to protect their joints
- Gastric anti-foaming agent in case of bloating
- Wide cohesive bandage for their voluminous paws
Equipement indispensable
Reinforced XXL crate
Essential for cargo travel, it must support the Bernese's weight and size while remaining IATA approved
Vehicle access ramp
Protects the Bernese's fragile joints during cargo entries and exits, avoiding harmful repeated jumping
Large capacity collapsible bowl
The Bernese drinks enormously especially in hot weather, a minimum 1.5 liter bowl is necessary at each break
Size XL cooling vest
Their heat vulnerability makes this equipment vital for any summer outing or prolonged journey
Orthopedic travel mat
The Bernese's weight exerts significant pressure on their joints, a memory foam mat offers adapted support during trips
Ou partir avec votre Bernese ?
The Bernese Mountain Dog thrives in mountainous and wooded regions where they can enjoy cool temperatures. The Alps, Jura, and Vosges offer ideal playgrounds for this giant from Swiss alpine pastures.
Le saviez-vous ?
Bernese Mountain Dogs were used as draft dogs in the Swiss Alps, pulling milk carts over kilometers of mountain trails
This breed possesses a natural instinct to find their way in mountains, making them precious companions for itinerant shepherds
The Bernese is one of the rare giant breeds capable of quickly adapting to new environments, feeling at home wherever their family is
Questions frequentes
Can you hike long with a Bernese Mountain Dog?
The Bernese Mountain Dog can cover 10 to 15 km per day on moderately difficult trails. Avoid hiking in hot weather and plan frequent breaks with fresh water. Their joints being fragile, overly rugged terrain should be avoided especially in young dogs under 18 months.
How to cool your Bernese Mountain Dog during summer travel?
Use a moistened cooling vest, offer ice water regularly, and plan your travels early morning or evening. In the car, air conditioning must stay active permanently. During breaks, systematically seek shade or a water source where they can soak their paws.
Which accommodations accept dogs of this size?
Rural cottages and vacation rentals with yards are most suited to the Bernese Mountain Dog. Many hotels accept large dogs for an additional fee. Always contact the establishment in advance specifying your dog's weight to avoid bad surprises upon arrival.
Does the Bernese Mountain Dog tolerate long car trips?
With good preparation, the Bernese travels well by car thanks to their calm temperament. Install them in a cargo area fitted with a thick mattress and take 15-minute breaks every two hours. Avoid feeding them just before departure to prevent gastric torsion risks.
Do you need a special vehicle to transport a Bernese Mountain Dog?
A station wagon, SUV, or minivan is strongly recommended for your Bernese's comfort who weighs between 36 and 50 kg. The cargo area must be spacious enough for them to lie down full length. A separation grill or approved safety harness are mandatory for all passengers' safety.
