Bernese Mountain Dog

Big, powerful, and built for hard work. The Bernese Mountain Dog is also strikingly beautiful and blessed with a sweet, affectionate nature. Berners are generally placid but are always up for a romp with the owner. Whom they live to please. Bernese Mountain Dog!

Bernese Mountain Dog

One of four varieties of Swiss mountain dogs. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a smart, hardy dog that was originally bred to work on alpine farms in a variety of capacities. Including watchdog, herder, and draft animal.

The Bernese Mountain Dog first arrived in the United States in 1926. And was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1937. It has since become a favorite among dog owners thanks to its easygoing personality. Family suitability, and love of all things outdoors. Today it is America’s 31st most popular dog breed. And extra brushing will be needed during this time. The hair between the paw pads should be trimmed as needed, and this is easiest to do when trimming the dog’s nails.

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History

The Bernese Mountain Dog, or Berner Sennenhund in his native Switzerland. Was used as an all-around farm dog by Alpine herdsmen in the canton of Bern. The dogs drove cattle to pasture, pulled milk carts to the dairy. And acted as watchdogs on the farm. Generally, Berners hauled milk in pairs, so it was common to see two of them hooked to a cart. Berners are thought to have descended from mastiff-type dogs who came to Switzerland along with Roman armies some 2,000 years ago.

There they interbred with local dogs and were developed to help with farm work. With industrialization, however, the dogs almost disappeared. The breed was revived in the early 20th century to become a companion dog. Although many still carried out their traditional farm duties as well. The American Kennel Club recognized the Bernese Mountain Dog in 1937. Their stunning coat also requires regular grooming, and they’re not an ideal pet for warm or hot climates. So, you must first make sure you’re compatible—because Berners deserve all the happiness in the world.

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What You Need to Know About Bernese Health?

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems. Just as all people have the potential to inherit a particular disease. Run, don’t walk, from any breeder who does not offer a health guarantee on puppies. Who tells you that the breed is 100 percent healthy and has no known problems. Or who tells you that her puppies are isolated from the main part of the household for health reasons.

A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur in her lines. In Bernese Mountain Dogs, health problems include hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as other orthopedic problems. Eye diseases or defects that can affect the Berner are progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, entropion, and ectropion. Berners can develop a bleeding disorder called von Willebrand disease. Unfortunately, malignant histiocytosis, an often fatal type of cancer, is common in Bernese. This breed may also experience neurological problems associated with the degeneration or malformation of the part of the brain called the cerebellum.

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Terrific Temperament

The Bernese Mountain Dog is renowned as a “self-confident. Alert and good-natured” dog according to the breed standard, “never sharp or shy. The Bernese Mountain Dog should stand steady though may remain aloof to the attentions of strangers.” Puppies and young adults need early and ongoing socialization.

With males weighing in at 80 to 120 pounds, females at 70 to 110 pounds. This is too powerful a breed not to be friendly and reliable among people. Exposing a growing Berner to many new experiences will help develop a confident, easy-going adult.

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A Smile That Delivers Eternal Happiness

You’re no doubt ready to adopt a dozen Bernese Mountain Dogs and prepare for a lifetime of obnoxious bliss. But you must be practical! Berners need plenty of exercise and lots of quality hang time (they become deeply attached to their humans).

Their stunning coat also requires regular grooming, and they’re not an ideal pet for warm or hot climates. So, you must first make sure you’re compatible—because Berners deserve all the happiness in the world.

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Is This the Right Dog for You?

Daily exercise is needed for this active breed. They are not recommended for apartment living because of their inactivity indoors. And they do best with a large, fenced yard. They are sensitive to heat because of their double coats and would do best in colder climates.  The Bernese Mountain Dog should stand steady though may remain aloof to the attentions of strangers.” Puppies and young adults need early and ongoing socialization.

The long double coat of the Bernese needs daily brushing. Bathing or dry shampoo can be used as needed. Shedding is seasonally heavy. And extra brushing will be needed during this time. The hair between the paw pads should be trimmed as needed, and this is easiest to do when trimming the dog’s nails. In Bernese Mountain Dogs, health problems include hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as other orthopedic problems.

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And extra brushing will be needed during this time. The hair between the paw pads should be trimmed as needed, and this is easiest to do when trimming the dog’s nails. In Bernese Mountain Dogs, health problems include hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as other orthopedic problems.