The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the intelligent and very hardy quadrupeds. He is extremely emotional, he quickly becomes attached to all the household members. It is characterized by a calm, balanced and gentle character. He is patient and understanding with children. These qualities make it a great family companion.
The history of the Bernese Mountain Dog is described widely and varies according to the cited source. The most reliable reports indicate that these dogs lived in Helvets (former Switzerland) as early as around 1000 - 600 BC It is believed that the Bernese ancestors were descended from the Tibetan Mastiff and were used as local tractive force to transport wool and dairy products in the harsh Alpine conditions .
At the end of the 19th century, the name "Bernese" first appeared in an inn in Dürrbach, near Bern. The owner kept long-haired dogs that guarded the farm and worked as herding dogs. The young puppies quickly became favorites with guests visiting the inn. Tourists eagerly bought them. Thus, the Bernese became a family companion, and breeding began to spread. Initially, these dogs were called Dürrbachers (after the name of the town where they originated), and after In 1913, the name "Berner Sennenhund" was introduced – Bernese Mountain Dog, which is still in use today.
Here are the suggested sizes for adult dogs of this breed. They were selected on the basis of many years of experience in sewing accessories and the most common choices of other dog owners of this breed. Remember, only measuring will give you 100% certainty - every dog is different.
The Bernese Mountain Dog, according to the FCI classification, belongs to the group 2 - Schnauzers, Pinschers, Molossians, Swiss Sheepdogs and related breeds, to Section 3 - Swiss Mountain Dogs. Unlike other Swiss Mountain Dogs, it is a long-haired breed. This strong dog weighs around 40 - 44 kg. The adult height at the withers is 58-66 cm (female) and 64-70 cm (male). The Bernese Mountain Dog is quite stocky but harmoniously built. Dogs of this breed live up to 10 years, on average they live 6 - 8 years.
The head of a Bernese Mountain Dog is proportionally built, with a well-defined stop, a medium-length muzzle and a distinctive, always black nose. The shape of the eyes resembles almonds. The ears are triangular, not very large and set high, and rounded at the ends (they lie flat when resting). When aroused, the Bernese Mountain Dog points his ears forward. The dog's tail is long and should reach at least to the hock. When resting, it should hang freely, and when in motion it should be raised to the height of the back or a little higher.
The coat of the Bernese Mountain Dog has a soft and shiny coat and a thick undercoat. The hair is long and can be straight or slightly wavy. The color of this quadruped is tricolor, according to the pattern:
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a gentle and sociable dog with a nice disposition. He loves contact with a human being, and therefore badly tolerates many hours of loneliness. He is very attached to the owners, he is a patient pet and quickly establishes good contact with children. However, due to the size and weight of the dog, care should be taken not to accidentally harm children. A Bernese Mountain Dog who is raised from a puppy in the company of a cat or other domestic animals will certainly accept their presence in the home later.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is usually little barking, but as a watchdog, it "gives a voice" when it is concerned. He recognizes the friends of the house and warmly welcomes them. On the other hand, he warns against strangers by barking, but then calms down and behaves with a certain reserve towards them. He will accept them when he notices that the owners are showing them kindness.
Due to the large mass of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the genetic burden (e.g. hip dysplasia) and frequent injuries of the knee ligaments, the skeletal system of this breed should be taken care of. The Bernese Mountain Dog must maintain a proper body weight and be given regular, even brief physical activity. Unfortunately, dogs of this breed also have a predisposition to oncological diseases. Each lump, lymphadenopathy, or hyperplasia should be checked and examined by a veterinarian. At the same time, blood tests should be performed annually.
At puppy age, the Bernese Mountain's physical activity should be minimized to ensure proper development of bones and joints. One-year-old pooch can be unleashed to run out. An adult pet needs at least one hour of exercise during the day. If we ignore this need, the dog will surely gain weight. However, it should be remembered that the Bernese Mountain Dog is not a seasoned runner, e.g. by bike, or a fan of playing with a ball. Better to go for a long walk with him, combined with the elements of running and retrieving the ball, or allow him to swim, which he loves.
Dogs of this breed can receive meals both in the form of ready-made food for large breeds and prepared at home. Bernese Mountain Dog is a typical foodie, who does not chew food, but eagerly swallows large chunks of food. This can cause gas and stomach problems. Less abundant, more frequent meals can minimize the problem. Therefore, the daily portion should be divided into 2-3 rations and provide the pooch with constant access to clean and fresh water. In addition, Bernese Mountain Dogs need the correct selection of nutrients, including minerals and vitamins, as determined by a veterinarian.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is intelligent, clever, easy to groom and, despite its large size, quite willingly participates in training. It's usually easy to get him to exercise. The most recommended skills for this breed are tracking, nosework, heavy hauling, and obedience training.
Caring for the appearance and the robe of a Bernese Mountain Dog is not complicated, but may cause some difficulties, especially due to the size of the dog. The coat requires regular care, also because it is long and tends to tangle. Since the Bernese Mountain dog moults intensively, brush his coat 2 - 3 times a week. Basically, we bathe a Bernese mountain dog when it is necessary. However, you should comb your hair both before and after the bath, and dry it thoroughly. In addition, we remember that the hair between the pads of the paws is systematically trimmed, we regularly check the condition of the teeth, check the ears for possible inflammation, and if the pet does not rub its claws - we shorten it ourselves.
Joint dysplasia is one of the most common conditions in dogs, especially large breeds. Many owners only notice the first disturbing symptoms when their pet begins to limp or avoid exercise. However, it's important to know how to recognize the condition early and what treatment options modern veterinary medicine offers. With proper care, a dog with dysplasia can still lead an active, joyful life.
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