Family: livestock dog, mountain dog, mastiff (draft/cattle)Area of Origin: SwitzerlandDate of Origin: ancient timesOriginal Function: draftToday's Function: companionAverage Size of Male: Height: 25 - 27.5 inches, Weight: 90 - 120 poundsAverage Size of Female: Height: 23 - 26 inches, Weight: 70 - 100 poundsOther Name: Berner sennenhund, Bernese cattle dog
History of the Bernese Mountain Dog Breed
While the origin of the Bernese mountain dog is questionable, there are 18th century paintings that suggest the look of this mighty breed. The only Swiss mountain dog to have a silky, long coat, the Bernese is thought to have been developed during the Roman invasion of Switzerland. Some experts maintain that at the time Roman mastiffs were bred with flock-guarding dogs found in Switzerland. The result was a breed that was able to tolerate the cold Alpine climate and work as a guard, herder, drover, and a draft dog. While this breed was considered to be quite useful, attempts to continue developing the breed were very few, and by the late 19th century, the Bernese mountain dog was close to extinction. Thankfully, Professor Albert Heim began to study dog breeds originating in Switzerland, and he is credited with claiming the existence of the Bernese mountain dog of one of those types. This breed was found solely in the lower Alps, specifically in the valleys. It was Heim, Franz Schertenlieb, and others that can be credited with promoting this breed throughout Switzerland and the rest of Europe. The group located remaining individual dogs and stabilized the Bernese mountain dog as its own distinct breed. It is thought that the name Bernese mountain dog came from the Berne canton of Switzerland, a place where the breed is widely recognized. It is said that the best examples of this breed were found in the Durrbach area, which, at one time, gave the breed a different name: Durrbachler. But as the dog became more widely recognized, the breed name was officially changed to Bernese mountain dog. It was in 1926 that the first Bernese arrived in the United States, and the AKC recognized the breed in 1937.
Size and Appearance of the Bernese Mountain Dog Breed
Slightly longer than it is tall, the Bernese mountain dog appears to have a square shape. The well-muscled shoulders and straight, strong legs make up the forequarters. The rounded front feet are compact with well-arched toes. The strong thighs of the hindquarters are broad and muscular, and the back feet are also quite compact. An intelligent, gentle expression can be found in the dark brown, oval-shaped eyes.Medium in size, the ears are triangular and gently rounded at the tip. The strong, straight muzzle features a black nose, and the teeth should meet in a scissors bite. The strong, muscular neck is of medium length, and it blends smoothly into the back. The bushy tail of this breed is carried low when the dog is at rest and carried with an upward curl when the dog is alert. The gait of this breed is best described as a slow trot, but this working dog is capable of both agility and speed. The thick coat of the Bernese mountain dog is quite long, and it is usually either slightly wavy or straight. This breed has a tri-color coat that features a bright, natural sheen. The base color is jet black, and the markings are rust and white.
Bernese Mountain Dog Temperament
An easy-going family dog, this breed is known for its sensitivity, loyalty, and devotion. It is usually very good with children, as it tends to be a gentle dog, but it can be quite reserved with strangers. It will generally get along well with other family pets, including other dogs. While the Bernese can be slow to mature, once it grows past the adolescent stage, it has a calm demeanor. Many times this breed will attach itself to one family member in particular. The Bernese is an intelligent breed, and is therefore quite easy to train. While it is considered to be a natural watchdog, it is not known to be overly aggressive. Because of its loyalty and devotion, this breed may have a difficult time if it has to adjust to a new owner after 18 months of age. The Bernese should be fully socialized when it is a puppy, and because it loves to be with its family, this dog shouldn't be left outside all the time.
Bernese Mountain Dog Recommended Maintenance
A good brushing of the long, thick coat is suggested a couple of times a week, even more during those periods of heavy shedding. This breed is considered to be a seasonally heavy shedder. Bathing should be done as often as necessary, and the use of dry shampoo is also recommended. It is important to maintain teeth and nail care on a regular basis. Daily moderate exercise is suggested, including hiking, walking on a leash, and playing games in a safe, fenced-in area. The Bernese enjoys being outside in cold weather, and it can become rather uncomfortable in warm climates. This is not a good breed for apartment dwelling, as it requires plenty of space in which it can stretch, and it is not very active when inside.
Bernese Mountain Dog Health
Life span: 7 - 9 yearsMajor concerns: CHD, elbow dysplasia, histicytosis, OCD Minor concerns: fragmented coronoid process, gastric torsion, PRAOccasionally seen: hypomyelinationSuggested tests: hip, elbow, eye
Note: Extra care must be taken to avoid heatstroke
While the origin of the Bernese mountain dog is questionable, there are 18th century paintings that suggest the look of this mighty breed. The only Swiss mountain dog to have a silky, long coat, the Bernese is thought to have been developed during the Roman invasion of Switzerland. Some experts maintain that at the time Roman mastiffs were bred with flock-guarding dogs found in Switzerland. The result was a breed that was able to tolerate the cold Alpine climate and work as a guard, herder, drover, and a draft dog. While this breed was considered to be quite useful, attempts to continue developing the breed were very few, and by the late 19th century, the Bernese mountain dog was close to extinction. Thankfully, Professor Albert Heim began to study dog breeds originating in Switzerland, and he is credited with claiming the existence of the Bernese mountain dog of one of those types. This breed was found solely in the lower Alps, specifically in the valleys. It was Heim, Franz Schertenlieb, and others that can be credited with promoting this breed throughout Switzerland and the rest of Europe. The group located remaining individual dogs and stabilized the Bernese mountain dog as its own distinct breed. It is thought that the name Bernese mountain dog came from the Berne canton of Switzerland, a place where the breed is widely recognized. It is said that the best examples of this breed were found in the Durrbach area, which, at one time, gave the breed a different name: Durrbachler. But as the dog became more widely recognized, the breed name was officially changed to Bernese mountain dog. It was in 1926 that the first Bernese arrived in the United States, and the AKC recognized the breed in 1937.
Size and Appearance of the Bernese Mountain Dog Breed
Slightly longer than it is tall, the Bernese mountain dog appears to have a square shape. The well-muscled shoulders and straight, strong legs make up the forequarters. The rounded front feet are compact with well-arched toes. The strong thighs of the hindquarters are broad and muscular, and the back feet are also quite compact. An intelligent, gentle expression can be found in the dark brown, oval-shaped eyes.Medium in size, the ears are triangular and gently rounded at the tip. The strong, straight muzzle features a black nose, and the teeth should meet in a scissors bite. The strong, muscular neck is of medium length, and it blends smoothly into the back. The bushy tail of this breed is carried low when the dog is at rest and carried with an upward curl when the dog is alert. The gait of this breed is best described as a slow trot, but this working dog is capable of both agility and speed. The thick coat of the Bernese mountain dog is quite long, and it is usually either slightly wavy or straight. This breed has a tri-color coat that features a bright, natural sheen. The base color is jet black, and the markings are rust and white.
Bernese Mountain Dog Temperament
An easy-going family dog, this breed is known for its sensitivity, loyalty, and devotion. It is usually very good with children, as it tends to be a gentle dog, but it can be quite reserved with strangers. It will generally get along well with other family pets, including other dogs. While the Bernese can be slow to mature, once it grows past the adolescent stage, it has a calm demeanor. Many times this breed will attach itself to one family member in particular. The Bernese is an intelligent breed, and is therefore quite easy to train. While it is considered to be a natural watchdog, it is not known to be overly aggressive. Because of its loyalty and devotion, this breed may have a difficult time if it has to adjust to a new owner after 18 months of age. The Bernese should be fully socialized when it is a puppy, and because it loves to be with its family, this dog shouldn't be left outside all the time.
Bernese Mountain Dog Recommended Maintenance
A good brushing of the long, thick coat is suggested a couple of times a week, even more during those periods of heavy shedding. This breed is considered to be a seasonally heavy shedder. Bathing should be done as often as necessary, and the use of dry shampoo is also recommended. It is important to maintain teeth and nail care on a regular basis. Daily moderate exercise is suggested, including hiking, walking on a leash, and playing games in a safe, fenced-in area. The Bernese enjoys being outside in cold weather, and it can become rather uncomfortable in warm climates. This is not a good breed for apartment dwelling, as it requires plenty of space in which it can stretch, and it is not very active when inside.
Bernese Mountain Dog Health
Life span: 7 - 9 yearsMajor concerns: CHD, elbow dysplasia, histicytosis, OCD Minor concerns: fragmented coronoid process, gastric torsion, PRAOccasionally seen: hypomyelinationSuggested tests: hip, elbow, eye
Note: Extra care must be taken to avoid heatstroke
No comments:
Post a Comment