Bernese Mountain Dog
Temperament:
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a good-natured dog and has a balanced temperament. He shows himself to be extremely affectionate, especially towards familiar people. He is considered attentive, alert and fearless, but is not a yapper. Towards unknown persons he behaves self-confident but absolutely peaceful. In addition, he is characterized by a very good leadership.
Characteristics
Bernese Mountain Dogs are valued not only for their good-natured temperament. Also their attachment to children makes them the ideal family dog . In addition, the very adaptive animals are also used as companion dogs.
The joy of physical work makes the Bernese Mountain Dogs good draft dogs. The successful trackers, provide valuable services especially as disaster and rescue dogs.
Animals of this particular breed also enjoy any kind of amateur sports. They are not suitable for sports like agility because of their strong physique. Because these sports require a high agility and mobility from the dog.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are large dogs with a lush tri-color coat. Their base color is black, with a pattern of reddish to rusty brown and white. The coat of the dogs is relatively long and thick. It must be brushed out regularly. This is the only way to keep it free of any tangles.
The quadrupeds are particularly strong and muscular built. Originally, they were therefore mostly used as working dogs. The males grow to about 70 cm tall, while the females are often a little smaller. They have a very robust build and are longer than they are tall. The weight is around 34 to 54 kg.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are characterized by constant alertness and special good nature. They were originally working dogs and are therefore very willing to learn. Because of their size, obedience training is appropriate from puppyhood. Only in this way will the Bernese Mountain Dogs become sociable and reliable house dogs.
The natural instincts for guarding as well as performing work on farms still prevail today. This species is therefore excellent as a reliable guard dog and is also ideal as a draft and herding dog.
Train work is also a part of the Field Trials especially for Bernese Mountain Dogs. The dogs willing to work are professionally judged here. It's about how strong and steady they can pull a cart and keep control during it.
As a loving family dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog enjoys moving around. He also likes to take on different tasks. He would like to please you. Also, he always accompanies you with pleasure in all your walks.
According to FCI the Bernese Mountain Dogs belong to the group Two. So they belong to "Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid, Swiss Mountain Dogs". As a rule, the dogs reach an average age of 10-12 years.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
The Bernese Mountain Dog has a muscular, large stature and a strong coat. Therefore, he has very special demands on the diet. Mostly dogs of the breed are used mainly as working dogs. Despite this, they have rather a jovial character.
Feeding should be tailored to individual requirements of the dog. A standard food is therefore rather less suitable. Because it is not optimally adapted to all the needs of this particular breed. The food should also be adapted to the individual dog.
The dog breed in itself has its own requirements for optimal feeding. Nevertheless, each individual Bernese mountain dog is different. Therefore, not only breed-specific characteristics must be taken into account. The dog's activity and age also play a role. In addition, the state of health and physical constitution should be included.
Furthermore, diseases often occur in this breed. These include: Hip dysplasia, obesity, kidney dysfunction and tumors. These can be taken into account only by giving special diet feed.
A rather very sluggish dog tends to be overweight. Then a more energy-reduced dry food is recommended. This should contain important nutrients despite this. Also important minerals, protein and all vitamins are irreplaceable. So you prevent the overweight and at the same time also deficiency symptoms.
As an alternative to the ready-made feed products nowadays also the Barfen established. Here, the dog is given only feed in its raw form. The proponents of this method particularly emphasize the rich ingredients. These are only present in raw meat and vegetables and can be lost by boiling.
It may happen that you are still unsure which diet is suitable. In this case, it is best to contact the breeder or your veterinarian. He can create a completely individual and adapted requirement plan for your dog.
Bernese Mountain Dog Care
The beautiful coat of the Bernese Mountain Dogs is dense and quite long. It has a particularly natural shine. However, such a coat requires daily brushing. Only in this way it always remains clean and above all does not mat unsightly.
However, a more thorough grooming should be done at least every other week. Most Bernese Mountain Dogs shed rather moderately throughout the year. On average, this happens twice a year very strongly. This is usually the case at the change of coat, once in summer and once in winter.
To make it easier for you to care for the coat, there is a special dog shampoo for long-haired four-legged friends on the market. This ensures that the coat remains supple and shiny. If the coat has nevertheless formed knots or tangles, a detangling spray is recommended. Such sprays are available specifically for the care of long-haired dogs.
In addition, the eyes, skin and ears should be checked daily if possible. Also the paws, claws and teeth are not to be neglected. On occasion, they should also be cleaned carefully, if necessary. During short routine checks you can detect possible changes in the skin. These can be a sign of serious diseases. If detected at an early stage, they can be treated quickly.
Keeping your dog in a species-appropriate manner and caring for your dog comprehensively are important. They contribute to the well-being and health of your four-legged friend. In addition, it also contributes to the fact that you will have a lot of fun together for a very long time.
Suitable accessories
Every now and then you should buy new toys for your Bernese Mountain Dog. This way, playing and romping remains more interesting for the dog than your shoes. An important part of the basic equipment are above all the Dog brushes. These are indispensable in the care of the coat.
Some dog accessories are very important, especially for a Bernese Mountain Dog. Especially if you do not want to have a carpet of dog hair in your apartment. One day your Bernese mountain dog can do without grooming. But at the latest on day two he can urgently use the fur care again.
Brushes for the coat are the most important accessories. You should buy them. They help to avoid annoying matting and unsightly fur carpets. Otherwise, the breed is undemanding in the care.
Origin & History
Originally, today's Bernese Mountain Dog was called "Dürrbächler". This name is basically derived from a small village called Dürrbach in Switzerland. Because here the strong and willing to work dog was very popular especially with the local farmers.
From the beginning, the Bernese Mountain Dog was a versatile farm dog. The intelligent dog could herd cattle. In addition, he had to guard the farm and even pulled the heavy milk cart to the nearest dairy store in town. He was especially excellent at herding many sheep.
Despite its initial popularity, the breed fell into oblivion around the turn of the century. The professor Albert Heim saved the dog breed from gradual extinction. He steadily developed the breed. By crossing the dogs with Newfoundlands, he optimized the temperament and size of the dogs.
At a large international pedigree dog show, the dog enjoyed great attention. That was in 1907 in Bern, in Switzerland. As a result, he quickly became very well known in many other regions. Whereupon he was renamed the Bernese Mountain Dog.
The name Bernese Mountain Dog comes from the region where the dog breed originates. Bern refers to a canton (similar to a German state) in Switzerland. This is where the Bernese Mountain Dog was first bred.
By the way, there are also Appenzeller Mountain Dogs, Swiss Mountain Dogs and Entlebucher Mountain Dogs. The breeds are named according to their place of origin. Alpine herders are also often called "Senn". Since they typically keep such dogs frequently as farm dogs and shepherd dogs willing to work.
