The Bernese Mountain Dog is a powerful dog breed that is built for working hard. Bernese Mountain Dogs are intelligent dogs that love spending time with their owners on outdoor adventures. If you are interested in this adventurous and confident breed, then this article is a must-read! From the Bernese Mountain Dog’s distinct personality to its fluffy appearance, we will discuss everything that you must know about this spectacular breed.
Origin of the Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a dog breed that originally comes from Bern, Switzerland; hence the name Bernese Mountain Dog. In Switzerland, these majestic dogs worked on farms by pulling carts, herding cattle, and guarding fields and property. The Bernese Mountain Dog belongs to the four categorized ancient dog breeds of Switzerland. The Bernese Mountain Dog falls into the category of Berner Sennenhund breeds. While researchers are not definitive in their explanation, it is believed that the Bernese Mountain Dog was brought to the Swiss region by the Romans some time ago. The people of Switzerland recognized the wonderful abilities of the Berner, and the dog quickly grew in popularity.
As the dawn of the twentieth century came, the popularity of this working dog began to diminish. The demand for working dogs was no longer the same due to the modernization of farming and ranching. This lack of demand led to a dramatic decrease in the Bernese Mountain Dog population; the breed almost became completely removed from farm life. However, thanks to the work of some individuals, the Bernese Mountain Dog began to rise in popularity once again.
Arrival in America
Professor Albert Heim grew fond of the Bernese Mountain Dog, and in 1907 he formed a European breeding club in an effort to popularize the intelligent dog breed once again. His work paid off, and the Bernese Mountain dog soon began to be well known across the continent as a spectacular farm dog. Over the next 20 years, the dog grew in popularity across Europe and caught the attention of a farmer from Kansas in 1926. This farmer soon imported a pair of Bernese Mountain Dogs to assist with farm work. Due to this, more farmers in the area wanted a Berner of their own. This increase in demand led to the official recognition of the breed by the American Kennel Club in 1937.
Today, the Bernese Mountain Dog still remains a popular working dog that has made its way into the hearts of families across the world.
Physical needs and mental stimulation
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a highly clever and athletic dog that requires a lot of daily activity and exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. These dogs thrive in households with spacious, fenced-in yards where they can run around and burn off some energy. Muscle stimulation not only gives the dog exercise but it also helps with joint health. While the Bernese Mountain Dog does not tend to be hyperactive and is frequently referred to as a couch potato, it nevertheless requires regular exercise to retain a docile nature.
Because their bones are still growing and maturing, Berner puppies do not require as much activity as adult Berner dogs. Exercising excessively at this time of development can lead to future health problems. Never let your Berner puppy run and jump on hard surfaces before the age of two years; this activity can lead to joint problems and hip dysplasia later on in the dog’s life.
Berners are definitely not suited for apartment life or condo living. These dogs need ample space to run around in and do particularly well on acreages and houses with large fenced-in yards. The Berner is a working dog and needs at least an hour of exercise a day to stay in optimal health.
Hiking and running with their owners are two of the most popular activities enjoyed by Bernese Mountain Dogs. It not only provides physical activity for the dog, but it also strengthens the link between the clever dog and its owner, making training and coexisting much easier.
An intelligent breed that is ready to learn
Is a Bernese Mountain dog a good family dog? The Berner is a very intelligent and affectionate dog that loves the attention of lots of people. These qualities make them an excellent family pet as they are mild-tempered and get along well with smaller children. While they are protective of their human family members, they are not usually aggressive towards other people. These dogs are excellent guardians and will closely bond with their owner(s). They love to participate in all kinds of family activities.
While the Bernese Mountain Dog can be energetic at times, they also enjoy a nice laid-back evening chilling in their favorite spot. These dogs generally do very well with children, as they are very affectionate and love attention. They are very patient animals and even do well when they find children climbing over them during playtime.
The Berner is a very unique and kind-hearted dog that also has a somewhat silly personality. To discover what it is like to own your very own Berner check out Bert and Ernie the Berners! They share some great tips on what it takes to own a Bernese Mountains Dog.
Obedience training
The Bernese Mountain Dog’s high intelligence makes it a dog that responds well to obedience training. It’s essential to begin training your dog as soon as you bring it into your home. The dog can learn fundamental obedience training exercises even at an early age (eight weeks). Enrolling your puppy in a puppy kindergarten class at around 10 to 12 weeks of age is a terrific idea when it comes to the early stages of training your dog. These puppy lessons enable the dog to socialize and engage with other dogs and people. When it comes to developing a well-rounded dog that can positively connect with its environment and other people, socialization is one of the most crucial factors to consider.
It is important to keep in mind that the Berner is a very gentle giant and does not respond well to harsh correction. It is much more productive to focus on positive reinforcement training. This emphasizes positive behavior and avoids harsh correction and negative punishment.
How often should you brush your Bernese Mountain Dog?
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs shed a lot? Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs shed year-round and tend to shed heavily twice a year during seasonal changes. The Berner is commonly referred to as being a heavy shedder! To avoid excess shedding and finding hair scattered around your house, you should brush your Berner at least three times a week. Not only does this prevent hair from floating around your house, but it also decreases the frequency that you have to give your dog a bath. Your Bernese Mountain Dog will likely only need a bath once every three months or so. The level of bathing depends on how much time your dog spends outside. If you notice that your dog smells or is particularly dirty, then you know that it is bath time!
It is important to avoid bathing your Bernese Mountain Dog too often. Frequent bathing can strip the dog’s skin and hair of natural oils and cause irritation and skin diseases. It is best to engage in weekly brushing to avoid unnecessary bathing.
Teeth brushing and nail trimming
In addition to coat maintenance, you should brush your dog’s teeth at least two to three times a week to prevent the buildup of tartar. There are also special dog treats and bones available that help to prevent the buildup of tartar and decrease the frequency that your dog’s teeth need to be brushed.
You should trim your Berner’s nails at least once a month or more depending on your dog’s activity level. If your Bernese Mountain Dog spends a lot of time outside, its nails will not need to be trimmed as frequently. While you are trimming your dog’s nails, you should also check the dog’s ears to ensure they are free of redness and infection. If you believe your dog has an ear infection or if its ears are giving off a bad odor, you should take your dog to the vet to receive proper treatment.
Physical appearance of the Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is known for its beautiful coat. This double coat has a long outer layer and a wooly undercoat that was used to keep the dog warm in the Swiss mountains. The silky coat is tricolored, with most of the Berner’s body being covered in a long black coat. The two other colors of the outer coat are rust and bright while that usually appear on the dog’s chest. The pattern is commonly referred to as a swiss cross or white blaze. In addition, a white patch is usually found between the dog’s eyes and on the tip of the tail.
Due to Berner’s thick coat, you should avoid vigorous exercise on days that the temperature is extremely elevated. The dog can easily overheat and is prone to heatstroke. In the summer months, it is best to limit outdoor exercise to early mornings and evenings when the temperature is not as hot. To keep this Swiss mountain dog cool in the summer months, ensure that he has access to plenty of shade or another way to cool off.
The Bernese Mountain Dog falls into the large dog breed category and typically weighs between 80 to 115 pounds. The dog also stands at a height of 25 to 28 inches tall at the withers. Females of this breed tend to be a bit smaller; weighing between 70 to 95 pounds and standing at a height of 23 to 26 inches at the withers.
Feeding your Bernese Mountain Dog
Like many other large dog breeds, Berners tend to grow very rapidly between the ages of four and seven months. To avoid your Bernese Mountain Dog developing bone and joint issues, it is best to feed them a high-quality, low-calorie diet. This form of feeding prevents the dog from growing too fast and avoids the development of health issues as the dog matures.
The diet of your Bernese Mountain dog should be formulated to account for your dog’s specific sex, weight, age, and other health conditions. It is best to consult with your vet to ensure that you are providing your dog with the proper diet and nutrition. The dietary needs of your dog will change as the dog ages, so it is always best to check with your vet for recommendations.
A raw dog food diet for large dogs has become increasingly popular in recent years. Human-grade meat and vegetables are included in a raw dog food diet. The disadvantage is that, in comparison to traditional kibble feeding, this diet necessitates a greater time investment on your part and can be more costly. However, feeding your dog a raw food diet can be far more helpful to its health in the long run.
Bernese Mountain Dog Health
One of the sad facts about owning this breed is that it has a shorter lifespan compared to other large dog breeds. This is always something that you should consider before bringing one of these majestic dogs into your life. Like many other large dog breeds, the Bernese Mountain Dog is prone to developing certain health conditions, including:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Cardiac disease
- Autoimmune disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Eye disease
- Cancer
- Blood disorders
- Gastric Torsion
- Progressive retinal atrophy
How long does the Bernese Mountain Dog live?
The average life expectancy of the Bernese Mountain Dog is 6 to 8 years. However, with proper daily exercise and diet, along with frequent veterinary visits, our Berner may live even longer!
It is vital to take your Bernese Mountain Dog to the veterinarian on a regular basis for checkups and immunizations. By doing so, you can protect your dog from common ailments and detect hereditary disorders early on. Regular inspections ensure that your dog is healthy and able to have a long and happy life.
Where can you adopt a Bernese Mountain Dog?
How much is a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy? Adopting a Bernese Mountain Dog from a reputable breeder might cost anywhere between $2,000 and $4,500. If you’re looking to adopt a Bernese Mountain Dog, contact your local breed club or animal shelter. They’ll be able to point you in the right direction.
You must choose a reputable breeder to protect your dog’s health. Breeders’ commitment to their animals and offspring is critical to the animals’ physical and mental well-being. A conscientious breeder depends on the mother’s ability to recuperate after each delivery. This reduces the number of litters per year and the amount of money collected from the brood, but it prioritizes the dog’s health and happiness. For additional dog realted content check out the top 100 dog blogs.
Where to find a reputable Bernese Mountain Dog breeder
Puppies should not be sold before they reach the age of eight weeks. This stage of imprinting is critical for the emotional and physical development of the puppies. As a result, your Bernese Mountain Dog will grow up to be a friendly dog who enjoys socializing with other dogs and people.
All of this, of course, comes at a cost. Professionally bred dogs are frequently more expensive than dogs purchased from pet stores without a pedigree. Alternatively, there are many purebred dogs in animal shelters looking for a new home. Everyone is encouraged to visit their local animal shelters because there are always pets in need of a home. You might even get lucky and find your own Bernese Mountain Dog at your local animal shelter.