The Bernese mountain dog, also known as the Berner, is a medium-length coated, tricolored, large working dog breed hailing from Switzerland. These dogs are known for their loyalty, affectionate nature, and ability to get along well with children and other pets. While they are energetic and playful, they are not overly tiring, and they have a protective but not aggressive nature. Despite their size, they have a friendly appearance and a generally amiable disposition, not as intimidating as some other large breeds. However, they tend to bark frequently and shed a lot, so if you choose to adopt a Berner, you must be prepared for regular grooming sessions. It's also important to note that they are not hypoallergenic dogs.
Overview of the Breed:
- Breed Group: Working
- Height Range: Females: 23 to 26 inches; Males: 25 to 27.5 inches
- Weight Range: Females: 70 to 95 pounds; Males: 80 to 115 pounds
- Coat Type: Double coat, thick and medium-length
- Coat Colors: Black, rust, and white or black, tan, and white
- Life Span: 7 to 10 years
- Temperament: Loyal, gentle, and even-tempered
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Origin: Switzerland
Bernese Mountain Dog Traits and Attributes
Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their amiable disposition, characterized by their gentle nature and desire to please. They possess an inherent friendliness and can be quite affectionate with their families, provided they are socialized properly. Despite their friendly nature, they have a protective streak that makes them excellent watchdogs, though some individuals may have a tendency to bark more than desired.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are intelligent and trainable, and it is recommended to provide them with thorough obedience training, starting in puppyhood. This is especially important for larger breeds like Berners. Despite their gentle nature, they tend to be playful and energetic, and their size and weight may cause them to accidentally knock over people, including children, should they jump up in excitement or become too exuberant during playtime.
Due to their affectionate nature and loyalty to their family, Bernese Mountain Dogs do not appreciate being left alone for extended periods of time. If you have a work schedule that requires you to be away from home for long hours and expect a dog that can happily stay home alone, this breed may not be the best fit for you.
The Origin and Development of the Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog, named after the city of Berne, originated in Switzerland. Its ancestors arrived in the region thousands of years ago and were descendants of Roman mastiffs, among other breeds. The Berner is one of four Swiss mountain dog varieties, distinguished by its longer and silkier coat, while the other three varieties include the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog, and the Appenzeller Mountain Dog.
During the 1800s, Bernese Mountain Dogs were employed to drive livestock, protect farms, and haul heavy loads. Additionally, they served as affectionate companions to their owners. As machines began to replace these dogs in many of their working roles, the breed's popularity began to wane towards the end of the century. Nonetheless, this led to the formation of clubs dedicated to preserving the breed and restoring its popularity.
The Bernese Mountain Dog was introduced to the United States in the early 1900s, with the breed being officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1937. Today, Berners are consistently ranked among the most popular dog breeds in the country, owing to their attractive appearance, friendly personality, and moderate activity level.
An Overview of Bernese Mountain Dogs
Advantages:
- Great as a family pet
- Loyal and dedicated
- Energetic without being overly exhausting
Disadvantages:
- Shorter lifespan due to size and hereditary health issues
- High shedding
- Some individuals may experience significant slobbering and drooling
Caring for a Bernese Mountain Dog
Grooming
The Bernese Mountain Dog boasts a double coat, consisting of a shorter undercoat and a longer outer coat, which is highly effective in repelling dirt and debris. However, the coat sheds a lot, and it is recommended to brush your dog thoroughly at least once a week to prevent mats and tangles and remove loose fur. Shedding tends to increase when the weather changes in the spring and fall, and daily brushings may be necessary to keep up with the shedding.
It's essential to begin grooming your Berner as a puppy to get them accustomed to regular grooming and establish it as a positive experience. Many dogs will even anticipate their grooming sessions if you make it a habit when they are young.
Depending on how dirty your Bernese Mountain Dog gets, it's recommended to bathe them roughly once a month. Additionally, it's important to check their nails monthly and trim them if necessary. You should also inspect your dog's ears on a weekly basis for any signs of dirt, redness, swelling, or odor. Berners, like other dogs with floppy ears, are more susceptible to ear infections, so it's crucial to monitor their ears regularly.
While most Bernese Mountain Dogs do not drool excessively, those with loose jowls may produce a significant amount of drool, which can get on the dog, in the house, and on people. If you have a drooling Berner, it's advisable to keep a cleanup cloth on hand to wipe away the drool and prevent it from sticking to your pet's fur. Additionally, as with any dog, it's important to brush your Berner's teeth regularly to avoid the buildup of tartar, which can lead to gum disease.
Exercise
Bernese Mountain Dogs possess a moderate level of energy and require ample space to exercise and play due to their large size. It is recommended to provide them with at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each day, such as brisk walks, hikes, or games of fetch. Berners are athletic dogs and excel in various dog sports, including obedience, agility, tracking, and carting. Engaging them in such activities will aid in their mental and physical development and can be an enjoyable experience for both you and your pet.
Typically, Bernese Mountain Dogs thrive in a home with a yard, but if you reside in an apartment or a house without a yard, it becomes even more crucial to ensure that your pet receives daily outdoor activity. This can include extended walks, visits to the dog park, sessions of doggy daycare, or engaging in lively games of fetch with a ball or Frisbee. Your Berner may also enjoy socializing with other friendly and outgoing dogs, as long as they are matched in size and strength.
Training
Bernese Mountain Dogs are intelligent and willing to please, which makes training a relatively easy task. To begin with, it's recommended to start basic obedience and socialization training when your Berner is a puppy, teaching them fundamental commands such as sit, stay, and lie down. This is particularly crucial for a large breed like the Berner, as they can be powerful and challenging to control if they haven't learned proper manners.
It's also essential to expose your Berner puppy to different people, animals, and situations to enhance their comfort and confidence. This will help your pet develop into a well-adjusted and socially adept adult dog.
Positive and consistent training techniques, including clicker training, are effective in training Bernese Mountain Dogs, as they respond well to such methods. These dogs are sensitive to harsh corrections, which may cause them to shut down during training. Additionally, it's important to keep in mind that Berners, like many other large breeds, take longer to reach full physical and mental maturity. Therefore, it's crucial to be patient with your pet and remember that short training sessions throughout the day, preferably five minutes or so each, are more beneficial than a single long session.
Diet and Nutrition
It's crucial to provide your Bernese Mountain Dog with fresh water at all times and to choose a high-quality, well-balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. For Berner puppies, it's particularly important to feed them a diet specifically formulated for large breeds. These diets are designed to promote gradual and healthy growth, which can help prevent joint problems and other health issues.
It's common for owners to feed their Bernese Mountain Dogs two meals per day. However, it's important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate diet and quantity for your pet to ensure they are receiving proper nutrition. It's also essential to monitor your dog's treat consumption and avoid overfeeding, as excessive weight gain can put significant stress on their joints and lead to other health issues.
Frequent Health Issues in Bernese Mountain Dogs
Before deciding to adopt a Bernese Mountain Dog, it's important to consider that they have a relatively shorter lifespan compared to many other smaller breeds. Additionally, like most breeds, Berners are prone to certain hereditary conditions, which include:
Some of the hereditary conditions that Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to include genetic abnormalities in joint development, such as hip and elbow dysplasia. Additionally, they may suffer from blood disorders such as Von Willebrand's disease, which impairs blood clotting ability. Berners are also susceptible to cancer, particularly a type that affects white blood cells, as well as progressive retinal atrophy, which is a degenerative eye disease. Another health issue that Berners may experience is bloat, a potentially fatal condition that occurs when the stomach becomes inflated and twisted, often as a result of eating too quickly.
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