Bernese Mountain Dog Growth Chart — Weight by Age & Size Guide
How much should your Bernese Mountain Dog weigh at each age? When do they stop growing? This guide covers month-by-month weight ranges for both male and female Bernese Mountain Dogs, growth milestones, when growth plates close (and why that matters for exercise), feeding guidelines by stage, and the warning signs that something might be off — all backed by veterinary research including population-level data from over 6 million dogs.
♀ 64-92 lbs (29-42 kg)
♀ 17-20 in
Weight: 18-24 months
8-10 years
Bernese Mountain Dog Weight Chart by Age
Weight ranges shown are for healthy Bernese Mountain Dogs at ideal body condition. Your puppy should fall within these ranges — being slightly below the range is better than above for large breeds (reduces orthopedic disease risk).
♂ Male Bernese Mountain Dog Weight
| Age | Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth | 9.6-14.4 oz | 0.3-0.4 | Born blind and deaf |
| 1 month | 3-5 | 1.5-2.1 | |
| 2 months | 8-12 | 3.6-5.2 | Typical adoption age |
| 3 months | 18-25 | 8.0-11.5 | |
| 4 months | 26-37 | 11.6-16.7 | |
| 5 months | 34-48 | 15.2-21.9 | |
| 6 months | 42-60 | 18.9-27.1 | ~50% of adult weight |
| 7 months | 48-69 | 21.8-31.3 | |
| 8 months | 54-77 | 24.3-35.0 | |
| 9 months | 58-84 | 26.5-38.1 | |
| 10 months | 62-90 | 28.3-40.7 | |
| 11 months | 66-94 | 29.8-42.8 | |
| 12 months | 69-99 | 31.2-44.9 | |
| 14 months | 73-105 | 33.0-47.5 | |
| 18 months | 77-110 | 34.8-50.1 | Near final weight |
| 24 months | 80-115 | 36.3-52.2 | Fully mature |
♀ Female Bernese Mountain Dog Weight
| Age | Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth | 8.0-11.2 oz | 0.2-0.3 | Born blind and deaf |
| 1 month | 3-4 | 1.2-1.7 | |
| 2 months | 6-9 | 2.9-4.2 | Typical adoption age |
| 3 months | 14-20 | 6.4-9.2 | |
| 4 months | 20-29 | 9.3-13.3 | |
| 5 months | 27-39 | 12.2-17.5 | |
| 6 months | 33-48 | 15.1-21.7 | ~50% of adult weight |
| 7 months | 38-55 | 17.4-25.0 | |
| 8 months | 43-62 | 19.5-28.0 | |
| 9 months | 47-67 | 21.2-30.5 | |
| 10 months | 50-72 | 22.6-32.6 | |
| 11 months | 52-75 | 23.8-34.2 | |
| 12 months | 55-79 | 24.9-35.9 | |
| 14 months | 58-84 | 26.4-38.0 | |
| 18 months | 61-88 | 27.9-40.1 | Near final weight |
| 24 months | 64-92 | 29.0-41.7 | Fully mature |
Bernese Mountain Dog Growth Milestones
Initially blurry vision, full sight by 8 weeks
Ear canals sealed at birth
28 deciduous teeth total
Should be eating puppy food exclusively
Adult teeth replacing baby teeth
Retained baby teeth need vet extraction
Females: first estrus. Males: producing sperm
Safe for higher-impact exercise after this point
Final weight reached, fully developed
Growth Concerns for Bernese Mountain Dogs
Monitor growth rate carefully
Large and giant breed puppies that grow too fast develop orthopedic disease (hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, OCD). The link between rapid growth and developmental orthopedic disease is well-established since Hedhammar et al. (1974).
Exercise limits during growth
Growth plates are the weakest point in developing bones. High-impact exercise before they close can cause permanent damage. Growth plates close at approximately 18-24 months for Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Feeding Guide by Growth Stage
| Stage | Meals/Day | Food Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8-12 weeks | 3x | Large-breed puppy formula with controlled calcium (0.7-1.2%) | Follow label — divide daily amount into 3 meals |
| 3-6 months | 3x | Large-breed puppy formula | Peak growth — do NOT exceed label recommendation |
| 6-14 months | 2x | Large-breed puppy formula | Growth slowing — reduce if gaining too fast |
| 15-18 months | 2x | Transition to adult formula | Gradually mix over 7-10 days |
See our full Bernese Mountain Dog Diet & Nutrition Guide for detailed caloric needs, macros, and breed-specific dietary risks.
Exercise Guide by Growth Stage
Short play sessions on soft surfaces. No structured walks until vaccinations complete.
A 4-month-old gets 20 minutes of structured walking. Free play in yard is fine.
30-45 min walks. Swimming is excellent low-impact exercise. No jumping, agility, or forced running until growth plates close.
Growth plates closed. Safe for running, hiking, agility, and all activities. Build endurance gradually.
When to Worry — Growth Red Flags
Not gaining weight for 2+ weeks
Could indicate parasites, illness, or inadequate nutrition. Vet check recommended — bring a stool sample.
Gaining too fast (above chart range)
Reduce food by 10%. Too-rapid growth in large breeds increases orthopedic disease risk. Reweigh in 2 weeks.
Limping or reluctance to play
Could be panosteitis (growing pains — self-limiting), or more serious joint issues. Vet exam needed.
Distended belly despite thin body
Classic sign of intestinal parasites (roundworms, hookworms). Vet visit for deworming.
Baby teeth not falling out by 7 months
Retained deciduous teeth cause dental crowding. Vet extraction may be needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
AKC Breed Standard — Bernese Mountain Dog — official height and weight ranges (2024)
Salt C et al. — Growth standard charts for monitoring bodyweight in dogs — PLOS ONE (6 million dogs) (2017)
Hawthorne AJ et al. — Body-weight changes during growth in puppies — Journal of Nutrition (2004)
Kealy RD et al. — Effects of diet restriction on life span in dogs — JAVMA (Purina LifeSpan Study) (2002)
Hedhammar A et al. — Overnutrition and skeletal disease in growing dogs — Cornell Veterinarian (1974)
Growing Bernese Mountain Dogs face real health risks
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and other orthopedic conditions are common in Bernese Mountain Dogs. Treatment can cost $3,000-$7,000+ per joint. Pet insurance covers these when diagnosed after enrollment.
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