Bernfie
Other names: Bernefie, Bernewfie
A true blend of gentleness and power, the Bernfie harmoniously combines the qualities of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Newfoundland to create an exceptional family companion.
This large-sized dog displays an imposing and muscular stature, supported by a robust bone structure that... Read more
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Create my accountHistory & Origin
T he Bernfie represents a modern hybrid cross between two gentle giants: the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Newfoundland. Although this specific crossbreed is relatively recent and not yet recognized as a breed in its own right, its roots lie in a well-established historical tradition.
Indeed, as early as 1949, Professor Albert Heim crossed the Bernese Mountain Dog with the Newfoundland with the goal of softening its character and improving its temperament.
This intentional cross today aims to achieve several specific objectives. Breeders primarily seek to combine the tricolor beauty and loyalty of the Bernese Mountain Dog with the legendary gentleness, water capabilities, and hardiness of the Newfoundland.
A major consideration lies in improving longevity: the Bernese Mountain Dog unfortunately suffers from a short life expectancy (8-10 years) due to genetic predispositions to cancer, while the Newfoundland offers a more robust constitution despite its giant size.
The Bernefie is not officially recognized by the FCI or international kennel club organizations, remaining in the category of first-generation hybrid crosses. Each litter may exhibit significant variations in appearance and temperament depending on the dominant genetic inheritance.
Responsible breeders select breeding stock tested for hereditary diseases to optimize puppy health. Today, the Bernefie is gaining popularity among families seeking a large-sized dog with a balanced temperament, combining working ability and companionship.
We offer the opportunity to register your Bernefie with our club: a modern platform dedicated to crossbreeds, providing responsible breeders with advanced breeding management tools and a passionate community.
Description
A true blend of gentleness and power, the Bernfie harmoniously combines the qualities of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Newfoundland to create an exceptional family companion.
This large-sized dog displays an imposing and muscular stature, supported by a robust bone structure that inspires both respect and confidence. Its impressive build generally stands around 65 cm at the withers with a weight ranging between 35 and 50 kg, varying according to parental lineage.
Its coat constitutes one of its visual signatures: a dense, water-resistant double coat, inherited from the Newfoundland, with medium-long to long hair, often slightly wavy.
Colors vary considerably depending on the dominant genetic heritage: solid black with white markings on the chest and legs, brown, black and tan reminiscent of the Bernese, or combinations of black, brown, and white.
Some specimens display the characteristic tricolor coat of the Bernese while others tend toward the deep black of the Newfoundland.
Its temperament reveals the best of both parent breeds. Calm, patient, and remarkably gentle-natured, the Bernfie displays unconditional loyalty toward its family.
Protective without aggression, it develops deep bonds with children, becoming their attentive guardian. Its intelligence facilitates training, and its natural desire to please makes it a companion as devoted as it is affectionate, perfectly suited to an active family lifestyle.
Personality
T he Bernefie inherits an exceptional temperament that combines the loyalty of the Bernese Mountain Dog with the gentleness of the Newfoundland.
Calm and patient, this gentle giant displays a natural kindness toward all family members. His deep devotion makes him a true "velcro dog" who follows his humans everywhere, constantly seeking their comforting presence.
Protective without aggression, he is particularly wonderful with children, tolerating their play with admirable patience. Intelligent and eager to please, he learns quickly and adapts easily to family routines.
Sociable with other animals, he coexists harmoniously with cats and fellow dogs when properly socialized. His watchful nature makes him an effective guardian who barks with conviction only when faced with unusual situations, never excessively.
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Breed Characteristics
General Information
- Category: Approval
- Origin: USA
- FCI Recognition: No
- Est. monthly upkeep: 100-150
- Daily exercise: 60 minutes
Key Facts
- Height: 60.00 to 75.00 cm
- Weight: 40.00 to 65.00 kg
- Life expectancy: 9 to 12 years
- Average price: 800.00 to 1200.00 €
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Grooming frequency:8/10
Training Tips
Training begins as soon as the puppy arrives at 8 weeks of age with the establishment of consistent and kind rules. This giant in the making learns easily thanks to his intelligence and desire to please, but his slow growth until 2-3 years of age requires constant patience. Positive methods based on rewards and encouragement yield excellent results. Early and varied socialization builds a well-balanced temperament. Avoid any harsh corrections with this sensitive breed who may become resistant. Leash training should begin early given his future strength.
Health & Common Conditions
General Health
The Bernefie generally enjoys a robust constitution, as the goal of this crossbreed is precisely to improve longevity compared to the purebred Bernese Mountain Dog.
Its life expectancy ranges from 9 to 12 years, combining the vigor of the Newfoundland with the genetics of the Bernese. Its dense coat provides excellent protection against inclement weather and cold.
As with all large breed dogs, the growth period requires careful monitoring to protect developing joints. A balanced diet and moderate exercise during the first 18 months promote proper development.
This breed has difficulty tolerating intense heat due to its thick double coat. Regular veterinary checkups, including joint and cardiac examinations, help detect any abnormalities early and optimize overall well-being.
Common Conditions
The Bernefie may inherit predispositions from its parent breeds, particularly hip and elbow dysplasia, joint malformations common in large dogs. Responsible breeders systematically test breeding stock to minimize these risks. Screening radiographs allow for early diagnosis.
Eye problems, von Willebrand disease (a clotting disorder), and gastric torsion are among the potential concerns. As the Bernese Mountain Dog is unfortunately predisposed to certain cancers, particularly malignant histiocytosis, vigilance is warranted, although crossbreeding specifically aims to dilute this genetic risk.
Warning signs include persistent lameness, unusual fatigue, or suspicious masses. Fortunately, rigorous selection of breeding stock, quality nutrition, and preventive veterinary care maximize the chances of a long and fulfilling life.
Care & Living Environment
Daily Care
The pendant ears require weekly inspection to prevent infections, particularly after swimming. Regular cleaning of the eyes prevents irritation. Nails require monthly trimming if they do not wear down naturally.
Weekly dental brushing limits tartar buildup. Baths should remain occasional, every 2-3 months, to avoid stripping the natural protective oils.
Like its parent breeds, the Bernefie may drool moderately, making it advisable to keep a towel handy at all times.
Recommended Living Environment
The Bernfie thrives best in a house with a fenced yard, offering the space necessary for its imposing size. Apartment living is unsuitable for its size and need for space. A calm environment in the countryside or suburban areas suits it perfectly.
Temperate to cool climates are preferable, as its double coat makes it vulnerable to extreme heat. Access to water for cooling off is a welcome asset, a trait inherited from its Newfoundland parent's love of swimming.
Recommended Activities
Draft work (carting, sledding) stimulates his ancestral working instincts. Obedience, tracking, and puzzle games pleasantly engage his intelligence.
Avoid intensive exercise and jumping during growth to protect his joints. Dog sports such as agility remain possible but should be adapted to his molossoid build.
Frequently Asked Questions
The price of a Bernefie puppy generally ranges between 800 and 1200 € depending on the parents' lineage and the breeder's reputation. This fee includes initial vaccinations, deworming, and microchip identification. Seek out a breeder who performs hip dysplasia screening on breeding stock. The monthly budget runs between 100 and 150€
The Bernfie excels as a companion for children thanks to its exceptional patience inherited from both parent breeds. Gentle and protective, it tolerates their play with remarkable forbearance without ever displaying aggression. Its calm nature makes it an attentive guardian who watches over the little ones. However, care should be taken due to its imposing size.
The adult Bernefie stands between 60 and 75 cm at the withers with a weight of 40 to 65 kg depending on sex and dominant genetic heritage. This giant breed requires considerable space and monitored growth until 2 or 3 years of age. Its rapid development demands appropriate nutrition to protect its fragile joints during the growth phase.
The Bernefie has a life expectancy of 9 to 12 years, which is longer than that of the purebred Bernese Mountain Dog thanks to the genetic contribution of the Newfoundland. This cross is specifically designed to improve longevity and reduce cancer risks. This lifespan can be optimized through quality nutrition, moderate exercise, and regular preventive veterinary care including joint evaluations.
This cross combines the loyalty and tricolor beauty of the Bernese Mountain Dog with the gentle nature and robustness of the Newfoundland. The primary goal is to improve the longevity of the Bernese, unfortunately affected by a short life expectancy and predisposition to cancer. The result is a well-balanced temperament perfect for families, combining intelligence, patience, and a protective instinct without aggression.
Expert Rating
Overall rating for the Bernfie
This overall rating is calculated from 7 key criteria: activity level, trainability, guarding ability, child and animal friendliness, grooming frequency and barking level.
Activity level
Trainability
Sociability
Guarding ability
Parent Breeds
Discover the breeds that make up the Bernfie
About this crossbreed
The Bernefie represents a first-generation cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Newfoundland, driven by several complementary objectives. The primary intention is to improve the longevity of the Bernese Mountain Dog, unfortunately affected by a short life expectancy (8-10 years) and genetic predispositions to cancer. By crossing with the more robust Newfoundland, breeders hope to dilute these risks while preserving the tricolor beauty and loyalty of the Bernese.
Puppies generally inherit the gentle and patient temperament of both parents, creating exceptional family companions. Size, coat, and colors vary depending on the dominant genetic heritage: some display the characteristic tricolor coat of the Bernese, while others tend toward the black of the Newfoundland.
This variability is normal for first-generation crosses. The Bernefie is not recognized as an official breed by the FCI or international kennel club organizations, remaining in the hybrid category. Responsible breeders systematically test breeding stock for hereditary diseases to optimize the health of litters.
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