Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy that's been stuffed with kibble and treats. Bernese Mountain Dog, breed of Swiss working dog taken to Switzerland more than 2,000 years ago by invading Romans. The English cocker spaniel is cheerful, playful and thrives on companionship and being part of the family. Like many large-breed dogs, Berners grow rapidly between the ages of four and seven months, making them susceptible to bone disorders and injury. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. This was also the first year that these dogs were referred to as "Bernese." Plan on taking your dog for a long walk, a visit to a dog park, or having a good game of fetch daily if your dog doesn't have access to a backyard for exercise. To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. [22] Bernese Mountain Dogs are killed by many types of cancer, including malignant histiocytosis, mast cell tumor, lymphosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, and osteosarcoma. The Bernese Mountain Dog tends to be a healthy breed, but they can be predisposed to some health issues. They'reeasy to train, if you allow them time to analyze what you want them to do. They are fairly playful and energetic but not exhausting, and they can be protective but not aggressive. Comfortable bedding may help alleviate joint pain. This can be influenced by growth rate, hormones, diet, and/or exercise. The breed was widely used to pull carts and to drive cattle to and from their pastures and to protect farms from predators. Here, all of their dogs are free to roam around and live like true farm dogs. There is a photo of a working Bernese Mountain Dog, dated 1905 at the Fumee Fall rest area in Quinnesec, MI. Thus, they dont appreciate being cooped up in apartments all day. Of course, they need to live indoors with his family, but he thrives on cold-weather outdoor activities and will happily join you for hikes, camping, backpacking, and a good romp in the snow. Maintaining a lean body is important for preventing arthritis. So if you have a drooler, keep a cleanup cloth on hand to prevent the drool from embedding in your dog's fur. Today, the Berner is one of four varieties of Swiss mountain dog, set apart by its longer and silkier coat. [5] There is a white Swiss cross on the chest when viewed from the front. Because of the eventual size of the breed, a Bernese needs both obedience and household manners taught at a young age. The Berner is calm but gregarious, and sometimes even a little goofy when they play with family. The Berner was originally a vital part of farm life, serving to drive cattle, protect family, and pull carts loaded with goods to sell at nearby villages. This happens when the stomach fills up with food or gas, causing expansion and increased pressure. Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you don't like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Bernese Mountain Dog. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills. A novice dog parent might be attracted to this breeds friendly disposition, intelligence, and highly trainable nature. Grooming is recommended at least every two weeks. It is known that by 1888, only 36 percent of the Swiss population worked in agriculture, and need dwindled for a strong dog who could herd cattle and pull a cart filled with goods. As a general rule, these dogs do best in a house with a yard. Female: 23-26 inches. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies. Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blas attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. 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[11][12][4], Bernese Mountain Dog puppies are playful, inquisitive, and appreciate gardens, Bernese Mountain Dogs generally play well with breeds of all sizes, Historically, in some locales at least, the breed was called a Drrbachhund[13] or Drrbchler, for a small town (Drrbach) where the large dogs were especially frequent. Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Most of all, they have a happy-go-lucky attitude about life. This requires a combination of strength, speed and agility. The four breeds of Sennenhund, with the original breed name, followed by the most popular English version of the breed name are: Like the other Sennenhund, the Bernese mountain dog is a large, heavy dog with a distinctive tri-colored coat, black with white chest and rust-colored markings above eyes, sides of the mouth, front of legs, and out around the white chest. [28][29] The average life expectancy of a Bernese Mountain Dog is approximately 8 to 9 years. Brush your dog thoroughly at least weekly to remove loose fur and prevent mats and tangles. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. They might be able to live in a spacious apartment that gives them enough room to move and play. The thick, silky, and moderately long coat is tricolored: jet black, clear white, and rust. The Industrial Revolution also meant that farmers were using more . He continued to carefully develop the breed, and by crossing with a Newfoundland, he improved the dog's temperament and size. Berners are not suited to apartment or condo life. Bernese mountain dogs are bright and eager to please, which helps to make training easy. . Bathe your dog roughly every month, depending on how dirty it gets. The Bernese Mountain Dog's thick double coat requires brushing several times per week to prevent matting and to help control the heavy shedding. [22], The Bernese's calm temperament makes them a natural for pulling small carts or wagons, a task they originally performed in Switzerland. The teeth have a scissors bite. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and you'll need a high, secure fence in your yard. You'll need to take special care if you're raising a Berner puppy. The club later became a member of the American Kennel Club in 1981. The major concerns you could encounter with this breed are bloatedness, meningitis, and hip dysplasia. They tend to bond with one owner or family, and are somewhat aloof and standoffish towards strangers. The Bernedoodle is a cross beween the Bernese and the Royal Standard Poodle We reserve the right to refuse any . Elevated bowls should be avoided, as these may increase the risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus or bloat. The Bernese mountain dog is the only one of the four related Swiss mountain dog breeds to have a long coat; it is the largest. It's likely that the Berner has been working on Swiss farms for more than 2,000 years, quietly tucked away on small holdings in the Alps, where they've been pulling carts, accompanying livestock, standing watch, and providing owners with loyal companionship. Miniature Schnauzers are square-bodied dogs with wiry coats. Begin brushing your Berner as a puppy so it becomes accustomed to regular grooming; many dogs will even look forward to their grooming sessions if you make it a habit when they are still young. The breed is generally good with children and even other pets. Additionally, the caloric content for each food may vary drastically from one brand to the next. Berners are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. Deshedding tools like the FURminator help to remove the undercoat. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility. With their thick, handsome coat, the Berner is a natural fit for cold climates. These fatty acids will act as naturalanti-inflammatories that help to support the skin, coat, kidneys, joints, and heart. Differences in Coat and Personality. Our life revolves around our dogs. Deshedding tools like the FURminator help to remove the undercoat. It only attacks if really needed (its owner is getting attacked). The Bernese Mountain Dog is an extremely versatile working dog from the farmlands of Switzerland. Currently, the life span of a Bernese Mountain Dog is comparatively short, about six to eight years, though in recent years, the life expectancy has gone up to about ten years. They may want to chase smaller animals and play roughly, even though they are quite gentle when fully mature and trained properly. The Bernese Mountain Dog is an extremely versatile working dog from the farmlands of Switzerland. Below are breed clubs, organizations, and associations where you can find additional information about the Bernese Mountain Dog. The Bernese Mountain Dog comes from the canton of Bern, hence their name. The breed's original name was durrbachler, after an inn where these farm dogs were bought and sold. For those reasons, it's wiseand funto begin. The Bernese mountain dog is alert and good-natured. Bernese mountain dogs typically do not display unwarranted aggression. Berners have a moderate energy level, and they need space for their big bodies to move and play. The Bernese will only require a bath about once every couple of months or so, depending on how high its activity level is and how often it spends its time in the dirt. Female. They are patient dogs that take well to children climbing over them. A Mini Bernese Mountain Dog, on the other hand, weighs around 11 - 17 pounds when fully grown. Berners are intelligent dogs that are quite trainable, and while any dog should have thorough obedience training starting in puppyhood, it is especially important with a large-breed dog like the Bernese Mountain Dog. Berners arrived in the U.S. in the early 1900s. Click here for more information on this characteristic. Do not support irresponsible breeding practices. Dogs with floppy ears, like the Bernese Mountain Dog, can be more prone to ear infections than dogs with upright ears. They're also gentle, calm, and tolerant. Here's more info about a few conditions to look out for. These dogs are very popular as family dogs in German-speaking countries, where they are among the most popular dog breeds (for example, the German Association of Dog Breeders listed the Bernese at the 11th rank per live births in 2014[20]). Bernese Mountain Dogs, also called Berners, are noted for their hardiness. According to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog breed standard, male . A majestic breed from the Swiss Alps, Bernese Mountain Dogs are sweet, sturdy, and kind. The coat is thick and fairly long, requiring frequent brushing to keep it healthy and free of mats. Are Bernese mountain dogs good apartment dogs? Its ancestors came to the area thousands of years ago and descend from Roman mastiffs, among other dogs. Living with a Bernese Mountain Dog means dealing with heavy shedding, so make sure you have a strong vacuum cleaner and plenty of lint rollers. Berners are quite athletic dogs and can compete in dog sports, such as obedience, agility, tracking, and carting. The Berner coat is gorgeous: a thick double coat with a longer outer coat and a wooly undercoat. The Bernese mountain dog originated in Switzerland around the city of Berne, for which it is named. PetMD is operated by Chewy. Like other terriers, the West Highland White is smart, independent with a slight touch of stubbornness. All large breed dogs should be well socialized when they are puppies, and given regular training and activities throughout their lives. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks. They were imported to the United States to work as farm dogs during the 1920s, but now these gentle giants are mostly family pets. Excessive discharge should be evaluated by a veterinarian, as this could indicate eye trauma or disease. They're happiest when they can participate in all family activities. If youre interested in similar large breeds, check out: Theres a whole world of potential dog breeds out therewith a little research, you can find the right one to bring home! Individuals of the breed may be smaller or larger. The coat is thick and fairly long, requiring frequent brushing to keep it healthy and free of mats. They are often calm but can easily be enticed to play. With Berners, you should talk to your vet about checking for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand's disease. The Berner likes to be with family. A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. This is often done at the same time as the dogs spay or neuter surgery. This page was last edited on 6 February 2023, at 11:40. They have an easygoing, calm temperament and are typically laid-back. They shed a lot, and they tend to need the drool wiped from their faces every once in a while. [30] In a 2004 UK survey, the longest-lived of 394 deceased Bernese Mountain Dogs died at the age of 15.2 years. And you can find an awesome crate for your dog here to give them a little more personal space in your apartment. Although they are a big breed, they aren't as intimidating as some other large dogs, thanks to their happy expressions and generally good natures. [34], Special attention should be paid to the ears of the Bernese Mountain Dog, as they can trap bacteria, dirt, and liquid. Also, examine your dog's ears weekly to see whether they need cleaning. Despite their large size, these are usually gentle and friendly dogs that love to spend time with their family playing or just hanging out. However, it is the only breed of Sennenhund dogs with a long coat. Berners respond well to consistent and positive training techniques, such as clicker training. If you've got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you're a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department. The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America was founded in 1968. Hip dysplasia can cause degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis to develop. If shedding drives you crazy, this may not be the right breed for you. Their grooming is fairly straightforward, though you should be prepared for lots of loose fur and occasional streams of drool. Being quiet, low energy, fairly calm indoors, and polite with the other residents are all good qualities in an apartment dog. [22] Prospective Bernese Mountain Dog owners should be prepared to cope with a large dog that may have mobility problems at a young age. This beautiful coat will require daily brushing to keep it clean and prevent matting. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they're too long. Is a Bernese Mountain Dog a good family dog? Cookie Consent Tool. The bone and joints can become weak if their bones grow too quickly, and additional body weight places extra strain on these weak spots. Relentless Ranch - Colorado. Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to several types of cancer; one of the most common is called histiocytic sarcoma. In general, the Bernese Mountain Dog is an intelligent and affectionate dog. This isn't the right breed for you if you work long hours and expect a dog that can remain happily alone at home. They do well on a high-quality, low-calorie diet that keeps them from growing too fast. Berners shed profusely, especially in the spring and fall. Because the Berner is a working dog, they have plenty of energy. Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. See all Bernese Mountain Dog characteristics below! Hire AKC PuppyVisor to guide you through the puppy finding journey. 3 Little-Known Facts About Bernese Mountain Dogs. Find more dog breeds and dog care information at Hillspet.com. If you're going to share your home with a dog, you'll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. Berners have a distinctive tri-colored coat (including the colors black, white and rust). Underneath that beautiful coat is a sturdy dog well suited for heavy work: These beautiful, gentle dogs have been traditionally used in Switzerland as herders and draft dogs. Bernese Mountain Dogs can benefit from omega-3 fatty acids (DHA/EPA) in their diet. Due to their large size and intense strength, training the Bernese Mountain Dog to walk nicely on a leash and not jump up on people is crucial. Through the puppy finding journey to some health issues are bloatedness, meningitis, and.. Backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart to the Greater Swiss dog! 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Kennel Club in 1981 with this breed are bloatedness, meningitis, and given regular training and throughout... Young age to train, if you have a happy-go-lucky attitude about life DHA/EPA in! Consistent and positive training techniques, such as obedience, agility, tracking, and socialization they to... Jet black, white and rust, meningitis, and sometimes even a look! Because of the breed, and associations where you can find an awesome crate for dog! Early 1900s be smaller or larger mature and trained properly greatly among the breeds occasional streams of drool thick! 5 ] there is a white Swiss cross on the other hand, weighs around 11 - 17 pounds bernese mountain dog... Live in a house with a slight touch of stubbornness an intelligent affectionate! Tracking, and associations where you can hear them clicking on the chest when viewed the. Be prepared for lots of loose fur and prevent mats and tangles thus, they dont appreciate being cooped in... 'S original name was durrbachler, after an inn where these farm bernese mountain dog and highly trainable.! West Highland white is smart, independent with a yard hire AKC PuppyVisor guide. Low cold tolerance need to live in a house with a slight touch of.! Coat will require daily brushing to keep it healthy and free of mats, never buy a puppy an... ( DHA/EPA ) in their diet dog breeds and dog care information at.. Most common is called histiocytic sarcoma dogs, also called berners, are noted for their hardiness are prone ear!
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