Mountain dog breeds were originally bred to guard flocks, hunt large game, and altogether survive in alpine climates. Generally speaking, mountain dog breeds are larger dogs with thick coats and strong legs that were specifically bred for endurance and agility.
All of these breeds feature an impressive combination of size, strength and agility that makes them excellent working dogs in cold climates. They also possess an even temper and gentle nature that makes them suitable family pets as well.
These breeds were originally developed to be working dogs: herding livestock, pulling carts, or protecting flocks from predators. Today many are used as search and rescue dogs or just beloved family pets.
Their rugged toughness makes them well-suited for a variety of activities like agility and weight-pulling competitions.
No matter what you use your mountain dog for, though, they will always be loyal companions when it comes to tackling the great outdoors together!
Our Top 3 Mountain Dog Breeds
| Family Closeness | Children-friendly | Social | Dogginess Rating | |
| Saint Bernard | The Saint Bernard dog breed is known for its gentle and loving nature, making them the perfect family companion. They are loyal and devoted, often forming strong bonds with their owners. | With their gentle nature and patient personality, they are incredibly tolerant and loving of children, making them ideal family pets. They are very intelligent and instinctively know how to act around children. | Saint Bernard is an affectionate, friendly breed that is typically good with other dogs and strangers. While they may be a bit shy around new people, they quickly warm up with patience and kindness. | 5/5 |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | They form strong bonds with their family. They make great companions and thrive on attention from their families. This dog breed is an amazing breed that will always show its love for its family through loyalty and affection! | Known for its sweet, gentle, and loyal nature. They are an excellent choice for families with children as they are usually patient and tolerant. | This breed typically loves to meet new people and will happily greet visitors. They are usually not aggressive or territorial towards other dogs, so they do well in multi-dog households. | 3.5/5 |
| Great Pyrenees | The Great Pyrenees dog breed is known for being an incredibly loyal and devoted family member. They are naturally protective of their families and will act as a guardian, watching over the home from intruders. | The Great Pyrenees dog breed is generally a very gentle and patient breed when it comes to children. They are incredibly loyal and devoted to their family, which makes them great friends for children. | The Great Pyrenees are a loyal, gentle and protective breed of dog. They generally get along well with other dogs and strangers alike, but can be suspicious of new people or animals. They will bark at strangers if they feel threatened, but this is usually just for show. | 4/5 |
1. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard dog breed is an iconic and impressive giant of a breed. They are friendly, loyal, and gentle dogs that thrive when they are part of a family.
Saint Bernard was originally bred to be a rescue dog in the Swiss Alps, so they naturally have the instinct to help people and look after their loved ones.
They can grow up to 30 inches at the shoulder and weigh upwards of 200 pounds, so they require plenty of space to move around and exercise regularly. They have a thick double coat that comes in various colors including red and white, brindle, or black and white.
Their expressive eyes and drooping ears give them an endearing quality that many people appreciate.
With proper exercise, socialization, training and care, Saint Bernards can make very loyal companions for life.
Saint Bernard dogs are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them great family pets. They are very loyal to their owners and love spending time with people.
They are great around other dogs and strangers, as they have a natural desire to please people and get along with everyone.
They enjoy being active, and need at least an hour of exercise every day to stay healthy and happy.
Saint Bernard is an incredibly loyal, gentle and obedient breed. They are known for their strong sense of duty and willingness to serve.
Things To Keep In Mind
Health
In terms of health, the Saint Bernard breed is generally considered to be very healthy. They don’t usually suffer from any major hereditary illnesses or conditions, although they can suffer from hip dysplasia and other joint problems due to their large size.
Grooming
The Saint Bernard dog breed is one of the most iconic and beloved breeds of dog. They are known for their large size and distinctive coat.
To keep them looking their best, grooming is essential. Regular brushing is important to help remove dead fur and encourage healthy coat growth.
As they have a double coat, it’s important to pay attention to the undercoat as well as the topcoat. Bathing should only be done when necessary, no more than once every 6-8 weeks, and special attention should be paid to cleaning the ears, eyes and paws.
Nail trimming should also be done regularly, as well as checking for any signs of fleas or ticks. With regular grooming, these beautiful dogs will stay healthy and look great!
Exercise
Exercising is essential for Saint Bernard dogs, as these large and powerful animals require plenty of physical activity to stay healthy and happy.
Taking your Saint Bernard out for a daily walk or jog is very important in order to help keep their weight down, develop strong muscles and bones, and maintain good cardiovascular health.
Additionally, participating in activities such as agility training, tracking games, hiking and swimming can provide your dog with an excellent outlet for physical exercise while also providing mental stimulation.
Providing your Saint Bernard with ample opportunities for exercise can ensure that they remain physically fit and emotionally content throughout their lifetime.
Training
Saint Bernards are known for their bravery, strength and loyalty. As with any breed, training is essential for these dogs to become well-behaved members of the family. Training should start as soon as possible, preferably as early as 8 weeks old. Basic obedience training is a must, including commands such as sit, stay, come and down.
Socialization is also important, so that the dog can be comfortable around other people and animals. In addition to basic obedience training, Saint Bernards need to be trained in proper leash walking.
They tend to pull on the leash when they get excited or scared and will need to learn how to walk properly on a leash without pulling. Training should also include teaching the dog how to respond appropriately when you give them commands such as “leave it” or “no bark”.
With proper training and care, Saint Bernards can make wonderful companions for life!
Nutrition
Saint Bernards are large, active dogs that require a lot of food and nutrition to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They can consume between 5-8 cups of high-quality dog food per day, depending on their size and activity level. It is important to feed your Saint Bernard a balanced diet that includes proteins, fats, carbohydrates and vitamins.
You should also avoid overfeeding them as this can lead to obesity. When it comes to treats, make sure you give them only in moderation. Natural foods like fruits and vegetables, as well as low-fat meat like chicken or turkey are all great options for healthy treats that won’t cause any weight gain.
Lastly, always make sure you provide your Saint Bernard with fresh water at all times. With the right nutrition and food choices, your Saint Bernard will be able to live a long and healthy life!
2. Bernese Mountain
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, sturdy dog with a striking black and white coat. They are very loyal and friendly, making them great family companions.
This breed is an ancient one, originating from the Swiss Alps and they have been used as farm dogs for generations.
They have a thick double coat that is usually tricolor—black, white, and rust—and they require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and free of tangles.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are active dogs that enjoy outdoor activities such as walks, hikes, swimming and playing in the snow.
They love human interaction and need plenty of exercises to stay happy and healthy. These gentle giants make wonderful family pets as long as they receive the attention, exercise, nutrition, and care they need!
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a friendly, loyal, and loving breed that makes an excellent family pet. With their calm and gentle nature, they are great with children and other pets in the home.
This dog breed is a friendly and social breed. They have an easy-going nature that makes them great with both other dogs and strangers.
They are strong, active dogs that require regular physical activity to stay healthy.
They are loyal and intelligent and have a strong desire to please their owners, making them highly trainable and an excellent companion for families
Things To Keep In Mind
Health
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, sturdy breed with an average lifespan of 7 to 10 years.
They are generally healthy and have few health problems, however, they are prone to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia, eye problems like cataracts, and bloat. It’s important to ensure they receive adequate exercise and nutrition to maintain their overall health.
Regular vet visits and checkups can help detect any issues early on. Additionally, it is important to socialize them from an early age so that they are well-adjusted and friendly around other animals and people.
Grooming
The Bernese Mountain dog is a large, strong and sturdy breed that requires regular grooming. This includes brushing the coat to keep it clean and free of tangles or mats, as well as trimming their nails. They should also be checked for ear infections, and their eyes should be cleaned regularly.
Additionally, the fur in between their toes should be checked to ensure it does not become matted. It is recommended that the Bernese Mountain dog receive a bath every few months, using a mild shampoo designed specifically for dogs.
With proper grooming practices, your Bernese Mountain dog can look its best and stay healthy!
Exercise
Exercise is an important part of owning a Bernese Mountain Dog. This breed needs regular, daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. Depending on the age and size of the dog, it should be taken for at least one to two long walks each day.
These walks should be in a safe area where the dog can explore, such as a park or open field. Additionally, Bernese Mountain Dogs enjoy activities such as running, playing fetch, swimming, hiking and agility courses.
To ensure that your Bernese Mountain Dog gets enough exercise it’s important to set aside time each day for activities with your pet. This will keep them physically fit and mentally stimulated.
Training
As with any breed of dog, it is important to ensure that the Bernese Mountain Dog receives regular training and socialization. Training should begin early, as puppies will learn quickly and be more willing to obey commands.
Obedience classes are a great way to get your Bernese Mountain Dog used to being around other dogs and people. It is also important to teach basic commands such as sit, stay, come, heel and leave it.
Training should also focus on proper behavior when out in public places such as not jumping up on strangers or barking excessively. With consistent training and socialization your Bernese Mountain Dog will become a well-behaved member of the family who loves to explore the outdoors and cuddle up at home!
Nutrition
Although they are hardy dogs, they require a specialized diet to stay healthy and happy. They need high quality protein sources such as lean meats and poultry, as well as complex carbohydrates like brown rice and oats.
Additionally, they should be supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids such as fish oil, flaxseed oil, or canola oil for joint health.
Vitamin E and selenium are both important vitamins that aid in overall health and the prevention of disease. These dogs also need plenty of fresh water to stay hydrated throughout the day. Finally, it’s important to provide regular exercise for this active breed to maintain muscle tone and prevent obesity.
3. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a majestic white-coated canine known for its courageous and loyal temperament. It’s an old breed that originated in the Pyrenees mountains of France. With its large size and thick coat, the Great Pyrenees is often used as a livestock guardian dog and makes an excellent family pet.
This breed is naturally protective and can be quite vocal when it senses danger.
The breed is also very gentle, intelligent, and devoted to its family. They do best with plenty of exercise and will thrive with early socialization and obedience training.
The Great Pyrenees is an independent thinker, so consistency in training is key to ensure they understand the rules of their environment. With proper care, this breed can live up to 12 or more years.
The Great Pyrenees is a loyal, affectionate breed that makes a great family pet. They are highly protective of their families and will guard them with their lives.
This breed typically gets along well with other dogs and strangers, but they can be suspicious of new people or animals in their environment.
They are strong and majestic dogs with a lot of energy. They need plenty of physical activity to stay healthy and happy.
The personality of a Great Pyrenees is one of loyalty and protectiveness. They are naturally gentle, loving, and devoted to their families.
Things To Keep In Mind
Health
The Great Pyrenees is a majestic breed of dog with a large and powerful body. It is known for its intelligence and loyalty as well as its protective nature.
They are very strong and have an impressive life expectancy of 9 to 12 years, making them a great companion for many families.
The breed does require regular exercise in order to stay healthy, but they can be quite content with moderate activity levels. The Great Pyrenees is also prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, and elbow dysplasia.
As long as regular vet visits are kept up and the dog is monitored for any signs of concern, these issues are generally preventable or treatable. With proper care and regular check-ups, the Great Pyrenees can remain healthy and happy throughout their life.
Grooming
Grooming a Great Pyrenees can be quite a task. This impressive breed of dog has a long, thick double-coat that requires regular brushing and combing to keep it looking its best.
The coat should be brushed at least twice per week with a slicker brush and once every week to two weeks with a metal comb, especially during the shedding season.
Bathing should also be done on a regular basis, typically every 3-4 months or as needed. Additionally, nails should be trimmed regularly and the ears should be checked for any signs of infection or buildup of wax.
With proper grooming and care, your Great Pyrenees will have the beautiful coat they deserve!
Exercise
Exercise is an important part of life for any dog breed, but especially for the Great Pyrenees. This large, powerful breed needs daily exercise to stay healthy and happy.
They love long walks and hikes, as well as interactive games like fetch or tug-of-war. Swimming is also a great way to provide exercise and keep them cool in warmer weather.
Additionally, mental stimulation through activities like agility courses or scent work can help keep their minds sharp and their spirits high.
With regular exercise, you can ensure your Great Pyrenees stays fit and has a strong bond with you!
Training
Great Pyrenees are a large and loyal breed of dog, making them excellent guardians. However, they require early and consistent training to ensure they remain calm and obedient. It is important to start training your Great Pyrenees as soon as possible; socialization should begin at an early age, as this breed is naturally suspicious of strangers.
Obedience classes are also recommended in order to teach the dog basic commands such as sit, stay, come, leave it and heel. Positive reinforcement methods should be used for training Great Pyrenees in order to encourage desired behaviors rather than punishing the dog for unwanted behaviors.
Additionally, providing adequate exercise for this breed is essential in order to reduce boredom and other negative behaviors that can arise from lack of mental stimulation. All in all, with the right training and care, Great Pyrenees can make wonderful companions.
Nutrition
Great Pyrenees dogs are large, strong, and loyal animals that require plenty of nutrition to stay healthy. They need a balanced diet that is high in protein, with moderate amounts of fat and carbohydrates.
High-quality ingredients like lean meat, whole grains, and vegetables should be included to provide all the essential nutrients for proper health and growth. Fruits can also be added as snacks from time to time.
Vitamins and minerals are also necessary for Great Pyrenees dogs, so make sure to feed your pup with supplements if needed. Additionally, make sure that fresh water is always available for them throughout the day and keep their bowls clean at all times.
With proper nutrition, your Great Pyrenees dog will remain healthy and happy for many years to come.
Owners Also Ask
What breed is Mt dog?
One of the four breeds of Sennenhund-type canines from Bern, Switzerland and the Swiss Alps is the Bernese Mountain Dog (German: Berner Sennenhund), a huge dog. These canines have Roman mastiff ancestry.
What’s the best mountain dog?
The best mountain dog is a matter of preference, but many would agree that the Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the most popular breeds.
What are the four types of mountain dogs?
The four types of mountain dog breeds are: Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund (Greater Swiss Mountain Dog), Berner Sennenhund (Bernese Mountain Dog), Appenzeller Sennenhund (Appenzeller Mountain Dog) and Entlebucher Sennenhund (Entlebucher Mountain Dog).
Mountain Dog Breeds Wrap-up
Mountain dog breeds are some of the most versatile and hardworking dogs around. They can handle a variety of tasks, from herding livestock to serving as guard dogs. They are generally intelligent, loyal, and eager to please.
Mountain dog breeds tend to have thick coats that help them stay warm in cold climates and protect them from harsh weather conditions.
They typically have strong bodies, alert eyes, and sharp senses of smell. Their long legs allow them to keep up with their owners when out for a walk or jog. While they may require more exercise than other breeds, mountain dog breeds make great companions for active lifestyles.
All in all, mountain dog breeds make great additions to any family.
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