A friendly breed that takes its time
In general, yes. Bernese Mountain Dogs were bred as Swiss farm dogs who worked alongside people all day, and the typical temperament is calm, kind, and steady with people outside the family. Most Berners are not effusive greeters in the style of a Labrador, though. The more common picture is a large dog who watches a newcomer quietly, checks his owner's reaction, and then approaches at his own pace for a stroke, often finishing with the breed's famous lean against a leg.
That reserve is not unfriendliness. It is a measured way of meeting the world, and many owners value it: the dog is welcoming without launching himself at guests.
What shapes an individual Berner's response
Genetics set the starting point, which is why meeting a puppy's parents tells you a great deal — a relaxed, people-friendly mother is a strong sign. Socialisation does the rest. A Berner puppy who meets many kinds of people, in many settings, during his early months usually grows into an adult who takes visitors, delivery drivers, and crowds in his stride.
A Berner who missed that early exposure can be wary as an adult, and wariness in a dog of this size needs patient work: let strangers toss treats without reaching for him, keep greetings short and calm, and never force contact. A dog who is merely reserved will warm up given space. A dog who growls, snaps, or panics is showing you a problem that needs a professional trainer's help, not more exposure forced on him.
Berners with visitors in your home
Set guests up to succeed. Ask them to let the dog approach first, to stroke his chest or shoulder rather than reaching over his head, and to ignore him if he chooses to keep his distance. Because a friendly Berner can still weigh as much as a small adult, teach a reliable sit for greetings so enthusiasm does not become a knock-over risk for children or unsteady relatives.
On walks, the same manners apply in reverse: not every stranger wants to meet a very large dog, however sweet his expression, so keep him close and ask before allowing an approach.
Choosing a Berner with sociability in mind
If friendliness with strangers matters to your household — perhaps you host often, or the dog will join you at markets and family gatherings — say so plainly to breeders or rescues. Ask how the parents behave with visitors, watch adult relatives of your puppy meet a stranger if you can, and be honest about the social life the dog will actually lead.
For an adult rescue dog, ask for specifics rather than a label: how does he behave at the door, on a busy street, with tradespeople in the house? Written notes from a foster home are gold here.
Bringing that history home with him
A dog's comfort with strangers is built from everything that happened before he met you, and losing that context makes the first months harder than they need to be, which is why KinsLe Transferrable Profiles lets a Bernese Mountain Dog's profile move to his new owner with his history, records, and routines intact, including the social notes that tell you exactly how he likes to meet new people.