Description: The Bernese Mountain Dog is a striking, tri-colored, large dog who thrives in cold weather. These Cattle Dogs are one of four distinct Swiss breeds descended from a cross between Roman mastiffs and the local dogs. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, squarely built animal with dark brown eyes and triangular drop ears that are set high on the head. All of this, along with their deep chest and bushy tail are covered in a long, glossy, distinguishingly tricolor coat. Because of their heavy coat they do not do well in very hot or humid climates. The Bernese Mountain Dog is gentle in temperament and easy to get along with. Sweet in nature, the Bernese Mountain Dogs are outgoing, affectionate canines who love children and are very loyal to their family, and usually to other pets as well. Large as they are, they require sufficient space to run and play. Although Bernese Mountain Dogs may be sloppy in their affections and remain a happy dog most of the time, they do retain some guarding instinct and may not always warm up to strangers at first. They are one-owner dogs and may find it difficult to adjust to a new owner if introduced after 18 months of age. With their sleek look and sweet temperament, Bernese Mountain Dogs are ideal for an active owner in a suburban or rural environment.
Other Names: Berner Sennenhund,
Bernese Cattle Dog, Bouvier Bernois
Type: Guardian Dog; Working Dog
Height:
Males: 25 - 27.5 inches; Females: 23 - 26 inches
Weight: 75 - 105 lbs.
Colors: Jet black
with rich, reddish brown markings on cheeks, over eyes on legs and chest; some
white markings on head, chest, tip of tail and feet are permissible. Usually
a black base with rust and white markings. These are the usual Swiss colors.
there should be distinctive tan/rust markings on each leg.
Coat: Thick, moderately
long, straight or slightly wavy but never curly, with a bright, natural sheen.
Coat is naturally glossy. Frequent brushing is required.
Temperament: Bernese
Mountain Dogs are active, friendly, and very easygoing. They are confident and
gentle, and do well with children. Temperament is often described as "sweet",
and they appear happy. In the 1930s, a popular fad was to breed the Bernese
Mountain Dog into a more fierce guard dog, resulting in some strains of Bernese
Mountain Dogs that are slightly more alert and aggressive than others, for purposes
of guarding. The Bernese Mountain dog may be wary of strangers, but the Bernese
can learn obedience successfully and is easy to train.
With Children: Yes, but may knock down smaller
children by accident. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a rather large dog.
With Pets: Yes, friendly. Some male-male
aggression with other dogs, good with cats and other small pets. Easygoing with
other animals.
Special Skills: In the past, it was a cattle-driver,
watchdog, tracking dog, as well as guard dog. The breed was created in the Roman
era and used in Caesar's army to be guard dogs for their supplies and stations.
They were also bred to withstand severe weather, such as in the Alps, and to
be a herding and farm dog. Today, it is a watchdog and family pet that does
well in shows and often makes appearances at charity events. These dogs are
still used in Sweden to pull milk carts, dairy products, and other market products
up Swiss mountainsides.
Watch-dog: High. Bernese
Mountain Dogs were bred to be watchdogs.
Guard-dog: Medium - High.
In the 1930s, a few bloodlines of these dogs were bred to be more of a guard
dog than a happy family pet, therefore resulting in some unreliable temperament
in those specific bloodlines, but not in all Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Care and Exercise:
Bernese Mountain Dogs need daily brushing of their long silky coat. Extra care
should be taken when the Bernese Mountain Dog is shedding. Bathe or dry shampoo
only when necessary. Regular nail and teeth care. Bernese Mountain Dogs requires
regular daily exercise but it is worth noting that until they are fully grown
they should not be taken on long tiring walks.
Special Needs: Grooming, socialization,
and training.
Training: A quick learner, Bernese
Sennenhunds require a consistent and loving approach to training. Bernese Mountain
Dogs were bred to serve as herders, protectors, and thus are intelligent, quick-learning
dogs. They may require socialization among other dogs and people in order to
increase compatibility between the Bernese Mountain Dog and others.
Learning Rate: Very High. Obedience - High.
Problem Solving - High. This breed is known for being a quick-learner
and responsive to positive training.
Activity: High. Needs exercise,
but enjoys lounging with owner. Bernese Mountain Dogs require a lot of exercise
to keep healthy. Walks and play sessions are essential, although do not allow
them to play with small children as they may knock them over on accident.
Living Environment: A home with a back yard
is essential. Their natural territorial instinct will keep them close to home,
and close to their owners. The best owner for the Bernese Cattle Dog would be
an active owner in a suburban or rural environment.
Health Issues: Due to a small genetic pool, the Bernese Mountain Dog carries the increased risk of genetic disorders, such as stillborn puppies. These problems include hip & elbow dysplasia, hereditary eye diseases, autoimmune diseases, cancers, aortic stenosis and kidney problems. Other health issues may include von Willebrand's disease, skin and coat problems, thyroid disorders and bloat. Bloat is a health issue to most dogs, being the second largest killer of dogs other than cancer, but Bernese Mountain Dogs can be particularly susceptible to it because of their deep chests.