Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Information & Health Issue

Working dogs from Switzerland’s countryside are known as Bernese Mountain Dogs, and they are exceptionally adaptable. As well as working as a herding and hauling animal, they’ve also been bred to be watchdogs and devoted friends. Long-haired Swiss Mountain Dogs are the only kind of Swiss Mountain Dogs.

Because they hail from the canton of Bern, they are referred to as Bernese Mountain dogs. A huge and powerful dog breed with a loving and placid personality, they are also well-suited to conformation, obedience, tracking, herding, and carting contests.

This breed’s amiable demeanor, intelligence, and willingness to learn make it a good choice for a first-time dog parent. Beginners should, however, take caution. Bernese Mountain Dog puppies are challenging to handle because of their large stature and intense activity. Consequently, they find it inconvenient to spend their days in flats. Every now and then you’ll need to wipe their cheeks clean since they shed a lot and drool often.

Dogs of this breed are excellent watchdogs, but they also have a propensity to bark excessively. In spite of the fact that they are quite gentle when fully matured and properly taught, these dogs may be inclined to pursue and play rough with smaller animals.

In the hands of an experienced pet parent who can match the Bernese’s vigor, give enough open space, maintain the breed’s hygiene, and devote time and effort to training, this breed will exhibit unwavering love and devotion. There is nothing better than a well-trained Bernese as a family member. In fact, if they’ve received the proper socialization, these dogs will even cheerfully welcome strangers into the family.

In terms of sociability, there are few other breeds. When it comes to the Bernese Mountain Dog, you’ll never regret taking on the task of owning one.

Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Pictures

Bernese Mountain Dog: A Brief History

The Bernese mountain dog has its roots in Switzerland, namely in the Bernese Oberland region. They were brought to the region by Roman mastiffs and other canines thousands of years ago. One of four distinct breeds of Swiss mountain dog, the Berner has a long and silky coat. The Entlebucher mountain dog, the Appenzeller mountain dog, and the Greater Swiss mountain dog are the other three kinds.

These dogs were utilized in the 1800s to drive animals, protect farms, and pull big cargo. They were devoted members of their families as well. By the late 1800s, the popularity of this breed had dwindled owing to the widespread use of machines that could do many of the tasks formerly performed by humans. As a result, organizations formed to save the breed and reawaken interest in it.

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In the early 1900s, Berners came to the United States. First acknowledged in 1937 by the American Kennel Club. They’ve become one of the country’s most popular dog breeds.

Care for Bernese Mountain Dog

To be happy and healthy, Bernese mountain dogs need a reasonable amount of activity and regular training and socializing. Their grooming is quite simple but be prepared for a lot of stray hair.

Size

The average height and weight for males range from 25 to 28 inches at the shoulder. At 23 to 26 inches tall, females weigh 70 to 95 pounds. There are smaller and bigger members of the breed.

Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Personality

Love, intelligence, and alertness describe Berner. They’re also kind, peaceful, and accepting. Family is important to them and they flourish when they are a part of the group. Of course, early training is necessary to educate them on how to act correctly in the home and with humans. They are slow to grow, reaching adult size before they have reached mental maturity.

Though they’re not known for being violent, Berners are known for being protective of their owners and their families. The Berner puppy has to be exposed to a broad range of people, animals, and circumstances in order to overcome their tendency to be distant from strangers and timid.

Bernese Mountain Dog Training

Bernese mountain dogs are intelligent and eager to please, training them is a snap. Dogs learn basic obedience and socialization when they are puppies. This is particularly true for a huge breed like the Berner, whose adults are strong and consequently difficult to handle if they have not learned their manners. Increasing your dog’s comfort and self-confidence may be achieved by exposing him to a variety of people, animals, and settings.

Clicker training, for example, works effectively with Berners because of their receptive nature. They are prone to shutting down if trained in such an environment with severe criticism.

Exercise

With their large bodies, Berners need a lot of room to run about and play around. Make it a point to get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every day. Berners may participate in a variety of canine sports, including obedience, agility, tracking, and carting. They’ll be forced to work more, both intellectually and physically.

Bernese Mountain Dog Grooming

The Berner’s double coat (a shorter undercoat coupled with a longer outside coat) helps keep the dog clean by deflecting dirt and debris. It does shed a lot, though. Make sure to brush your dog at least once a week to keep matting and tangles at a minimum. In the spring and autumn, shedding tends to increase, and regular brushings may be essential to keep up with all the loose hair.

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Depending on how unclean it becomes, you should bathe your dog around once every two weeks. Every month, check to see whether it needs a nail cut as well. Also, be sure to check your dog’s ears every week to determine if they need to be wiped down. Keep an eye out in the ears for any signs of irritation or irritation such as swelling, redness, or an odor.

Finally, although many Bernese mountain dogs drool less, those with slack jowls tend to drool more. It is possible for the drool to wind up on the dog, in the home, or even on your face and clothes. So, if you have a dog that drools a lot, make sure you have a drool-removing towel handy.

Nutrition and Diet

Your dog’s health is at stake, so make sure he or she has access to fresh water and a nutritious meal. Large-breed diets are very beneficial for Bernese puppies. In order to avoid joint and other health problems, these diets provide the correct nourishment.

Meals are usually served twice a day in most households. Make sure your dog is getting enough to eat by consulting with your veterinarian about the diet and portion size. For your pet’s sake, keep an eye out for treats and any additional food that might lead to overeating and obesity. Dogs who are overweight are more susceptible to arthritis and other health issues because of their large size.

Most Common Health Issues

Bernese mountain dogs have very short lifespans when compared to many other breeds, which should be considered before bringing one home. The Berners, like many other breeds, are prone to specific inherited problems, such as:

• Dysplasia of the hips and elbows
• Blood problems, such as Von Willebrand’s disease, occur when the blood fails to clot correctly.
• Cancer.
• A degenerative eye illness called progressive retinal atrophy.
• Bloat is a potentially fatal disorder in which the stomach bloats and twists as a result of eating too soon.

Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue Centre

Ownership of a Berner is frequently obtained without a full grasp of what it takes. Besides the rescues we’ve featured, there are a slew more Berners looking for new homes. The national breed club or a local breed club may help you find a rescue if you don’t see one listed for your region.

Breed Organizations

If you’d like to learn more about this dog breed, check out the links below.

• Bernese Mountain Dog Club of the United States, Inc.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)