Bernese Mountain Dog Breed

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

Do DOGS have a sense of humour??!?

Does your dog ever make you laugh – on purpose? Does he know he’s being funny? An even stranger question – does your dog find things funny?
There are countless stories of dog antics and behavior that are funny, but most of those you’d have to say are unintentional. Humorous behavior may be repeated because of the positive reaction received. In this case, you can’t say the dog has a sense of humor, but is acting on positive reinforcement. But dogs may be a little smarter than that. Just as some people enjoy making others laugh, it would seem, so do some dogs. Author Stanley Coren tells of his Cairn Terrier, Flint, who frequently seemed to try to amuse his owners. On one occasion, Stanley’s wife Karen was having friends over for coffee. Flint hung around the guests, perhaps hoping for a morsel of food. Karen shooed the dog away and told him to go find something interesting to do. Flint obediently left, only to return with one of Karen’s undergarments in his mouth. Coren writes, “Evading capture, he proceeded to flagrantly snap it from side to side with great joy—to the amusement of the company and the dismay of my wife.” Did the terrier know he was being funny? Hard to say, but Coren says Flint did get a great deal of enjoyment out of it. Now, there are many levels of humor. There’s basic physical humor like slapstick, up to very high-level humor that requires visualization and imagination to appreciate, such as the type comedian Steven Wright so dryly delivers. A dog’s world of humor would have to be mostly on the physical level, through simply behaving in a goofy manner, or playing little tricks on you. Of course, some really intelligent dogs may even enjoy a little psychological humor. One dog owner blogs, “I guess you could say… that I startle easily. And now, I live with The Crow - she's an unusually smart dog with a wicked sense of humor. She's decided it's funny to ambush me from the shower stall. Ha ha. Ha. Now I know she's likely to be there, and it doesn't scare me anymore ... not much, at least. Still, there's always a small start when I don't realize she's in there and I turn to see this.” It’s really not so hard to believe that dogs have the mental prowess to grasp humor, since they so readily grasp the concept of play. Dogs completely understand the difference between play and something more serious, and are careful to make the distinction. For example, one tiny Yorkshire Terrier named Missy is exceedingly careful to make sure the line between play and not-play is very clear. Missy loves to growl and yap ferociously when playing a game with a person. But she’ll abruptly call a time out by running over and licking her human opponent most humbly, as if to say, “Hey, you know this is only a game, right? You know I wouldn’t hurt you.” (As if her five pounds of fluff could ever be a threat.) Once Missy is satisfied that all parties understand that it’s only a game, she’ll go right back to it, acting out her savage beast within.W. H. "Hank" Halliday, of Wolf Awareness Inc. in Ontario, Canada contends that if dogs have a personality, why not a sense of humor? “Since personalities are a fact in these canids (dogs and wolves), I would suggest humor cannot be far behind. When my dog plays, it is not mechanical. He changes the rules to have "fun" with me. He certainly teases me and I would suggest that teasing is a form of humor.” As these stories illustrate, if you’ve ever suspected your dog was making you the punch line to his joke… you were probably right.

From The Dog Daily

Quote of the week

A dog is like an eternal Peter Pan, a child who never grows old and who therefore is always available to love and be loved.- Aaron Katcher

CHOOSE...Between a CAT AnD a DOG

Pets provide companionship and unconditional love. In fact, there have been numerous studies proving that owning a pet reduces your stress levels and promotes an overall feeling of well-being. However, choosing whether to get a cat or a dog can sometimes be a difficult task for a prospective pet owner.
When choosing between a cat or a dog, the first thing you’ll need to consider is your living arrangements. Dogs typically need more space to run, while cats can be happy in a smaller apartment. A dog will need to be taken for regular walks—a task which may be difficult if you live in a larger urban area. If you live in a rental unit, your landlord may also have restrictions on what types of pets are acceptable.
The level of time you have to devote to caring for your pet is another important factor to consider as you’re choosing between a cat or a dog. Cats are independent creatures who need very little care, but dogs will require much more training and supervision. If you have a demanding job that requires late nights at the office or frequent travel, owning either a cat or a dog will be difficult, but owning a dog may be more difficult unless you have someone else to share the responsibility of caring for your pet. If you’re patient and looking for a pet who can become another member of your family, however, owning a dog might be an ideal fit.
Your own personality can also influence whether a cat or a dog is the right pet for you. Generally, people who are outgoing and sociable prefer dogs to cats. They love to play with their pets and look forward to being greeted enthusiastically at the end of the day. Cat owners, however, tend to be calmer and more introverted. They want a pet who is as low-maintenance as they are.
No matter what type of pet you finally choose, it’s important to make sure that you understand the responsibilities of owning a cat or a dog. For example, you’ll need to make sure a cat or a dog is protected from poisonous household cleaners, breakable objects, electrical cords, and other potential safety hazards. You’ll also need to have your pet spayed or neutered and adjust your household budget to account for your pet’s veterinary care, grooming, licensing, boarding, and accessories. In some cases, you may even wish to purchase pet health insurance for a cat or a dog to protect your pet in the event of unexpected illnesses or injuries.

Akitas-learn more about them!!

The Akita Inu

On Saturday May 28, 1994, millions of people in Japan listened eagerly to their radios to hear the recorded voice of a dog that had died 59 years earlier. This, obviously, was not the voice of an ordinary dog. This was the voice of an Akita Inu, a breed that enjoys national-monument status in Japan. Nor was this the voice an ordinary Akita. This was the voice of Hachi-ko, a legend in his own time, a symbol of Japanese virtue, a dog who had kept a 10-year vigil at Tokyo's Shibuya train station, waiting in vain for his master's return.

The recently discovered recording of Hachi-ko's voice — on an old long-playing record that had been broken into three pieces — was obtained by the Culture Broadcasting Network (CBN). After technicians at CBN had repaired the disc with laser surgery, and after a galvanizing buildup, a dramatic introduction and an onslaught of commercials worthy of a Super Bowl, the storied dog's voice was played for a national radio audience.
"Wan-wan," said Hachi-ko. (Wan-wan is Japanese for bow-wow). Royal Origins
The Akita Inu (the latter is the Japanese word for "dog") was named after the rugged, mountainous Akita province on the northern end of Japan's Honsu island, where the first dogs of this type were developed in the 17th century. According to Keiichi Ogasawara, DVM, writing in The Akita University Research Bulletin, studies "seem to indicate" that the Akita's ancestors "came from Europe via the U.S.S.R. and Hokkaido."
Because Akitas were often kept as pets by Japanese emperors and other members of the ruling nobility, the breed was once known as "the royal dog." The Akita's size and courage made it a formidable hunter, whose quarry included the fierce boar, huge elk and savage Yezo bear of Akita province.
The Akita's bravery also made it a favorite recruit for Japan's famed Samurai warriors. In order to turbocharge the Akita's aggressiveness, it was crossbred with Tibetan mastiffs and Great Danes. These breeds not only enhanced the Akita's combativeness and courage but also brought added vigor and additional size to the breed. Survival of the Fewest
When Hachi-ko died on March 8, 1935, at the age of 13, he was already a Japanese legend. The preceding year the city of Shibuya had installed a life-size bronze statue of Hachi-ko at the Shibuya train station, where the faithful dog kept a vigil for his dead master. That vigil had begun in May 1925 when Hachi-ko's owner, Eizaburo Ueno, failed to return from the Imperial Agricultural University (now Tokyo University), where he taught. Professor Ueno had died of a stroke that day.
Hachi-ko's story was related to Helen Keller when she inquired about his statue while visiting Japan on a lecture tour in July 1937. Keller expressed a desire to own such a dog, and the following month she was presented with a puppy named Kamikaze, who was the first Akita to reside in the United States. "If ever there was an angel in fur," wrote Keller in the Akita Journal,, it was Kamikaze. I know I shall never feel quite the same tenderness for any other pet. The Akita dog has all the qualities that appeal to me — he is gentle, companionable and trusty." Kamikaze died of distemper at a young age, and in 1939 Keller received one of his older brothers as a replacement.
Keller's tribute to the Akita, and Hachi-ko's fame, captured the imaginations of dog lovers around the world. But for their influence the Akita could have become extinct as a result of the devastation wrought upon Japan during World War II. Because of the profound food shortage during the war, anyone seen feeding a dog in Japan was liable to be branded a traitor. Therefore, many Akitas were destroyed at the time. Barely a dozen Akita dog survived the war, wrote Ogasawara, but a number of American servicemen were able to bring Akitas back to the United States nevertheless.
Americans admired the same qualities that had made the Akita a national treasure in Japan, and in 1956 the Akita Club of America was founded. Seventeen years later the breed was accepted for championship competition by the American Kennel Club. Walking Contradiction
The most renowned Akita in the United States is Kato, whose name is a bloody footnote to the O.J. Simpson story. This dog, who might well have witnessed the killing of Simpson's wife, Nicole, is emblematic of the trendiness responsible in large part for the difference in the Akita's reputation here and in Japan.
The Akita was the beneficiary of a 290 percent increase in American Kennel Club registrations during in the 1980s. As often happens when dogs become status symbols, familiarity breeds contretemps. Not surprisingly in a study of dog bites reported to Denver, Colorado, animal control officials in 1991, Akitas were among the breeds most likely to bite children.
The following year when the Chicago Tribune asked six dog trainers to select the five most problematic kinds of dogs, the Akita was at the head of the class. "It's a super-attractive dog," said one panel member, "but unlike most canines, Akitas don't have a strong pack instinct." They can be aloof to the point of being catlike. This is not always a virtue in a dog so large, so Akitas must learn "the absolute rules between right and wrong," another panelist added. "And it takes some patience - an Akita frequently resents correction."
What's more, in 1996 and '97 the Akita was the breed that inflicted the highest percentage of bites severe enough to require medical attention in Palm Beach County, Florida. These are but some of the press reports, which often contain horrific details, about damage wrought by Akitas. Their devotion notwithstanding, these are large dogs with enough torque in their jaws to break a person's arm with one bite.
Barbara J. Andrews, internationally known Akita breeder and author of The World of the Akita worries that the story of Hachi-ko and Helen Keller's reminiscences might lead readers to believe the Akita is a plodding and lovable giant. For all its devotion, the Akita is no one's servant. Indeed, Andrews writes, the prospective Akita owner should be aware that the breed can act with lightning speed and is not one to back down from a challenge.
The Akita is both aristocratic in bearing and aloof with strangers. He is protective and determined -- at times to the point of exasperation. These characteristics are not accidents. They were developed for a purpose. Unfortunately that purpose, which generally involved the pursuit of game or an adversary in war, can be counterproductive to the breed's integration into polite society. Thus, to ensure the Akita a permanent place among the purebred dogs of Japan, breed advocates began working to eliminate the superaggressive tendencies required in the times of war. The trouble is, inbred tendencies are often difficult to breed out. Terriers still love to dig, sheepherding dogs still love to herd, and guard dogs are still liable to attack innocent people.
Many dog fanciers claim that owning just one of their chosen breed is nowhere near as much fun as owning two or three, but if you fancy owning two Akitas, get one of each sex. Spay and neuter, of course, and expect the female to rule the roost, yet at least you'll be able to rest easily knowing that your dogs won't attempt to have each other for lunch. Having two Akitas of the same sex in a household is courting disaster. Fights will erupt, and Akitas are not inclined to leave any job undone. Big and Beautiful
By any standard the Akita is a lot of dog. The average male measures 26 to 28 inches at the shoulder and weighs roughly 100 pounds. Females are a bit smaller, but still of a size to impress any challenger.
The Akita's plush coat comes in an infinite array of colors — from snow white to jet black or chocolate, in brindled designs or with patches of brilliant color on a snowy background. This glorious coat is shed twice a year, and at those times your house will look like a blizzard site. Judicious and frequent grooming can help to minimize the extent to which you are inundated with hair and the length of time you will have to dig your way out. Good Fortune Hunting
The Akita is considered a harbinger of good luck in Japan. When babies are born, their parents receive carved statues of Akitas. Persons in hospital receive similar totems. Each April tens of thousands of people visit Hachi-ko's statue in Shibuya train station. There a festival is held in memory of this devoted dog, and visitors leave offerings at the foot of his statue in the hope that the spirit of Hachi-ko will visit the hearts and souls of all humans. If you are considering an Akita, be sure to make your own pilgrimage to reputable breeders whose dogs reflect the traditional Akita virtues.
Health Concerns
Akitas can lead happy, healthy lives for as long as 12 to 15 years, but like all pedigreed dogs, the breed is subject to its share of genetic diseases and other problems. In no particular order of frequency they are:
Hip dysplasia, a malformation of the hip joint resulting in a poor fit between the head of the femur bone and the hip socket, in which the femoral head normally lies. This condition can be alleviated by surgery, at some cost to dog and owner. Because dysplastic dogs often produce dysplastic puppies, buyers should ask if both the sire and the dam of the puppy in which they are interested have been rated clear of hip dysplasia by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or by Penn HIP. Do not take yes for an answer without seeing the certificate, and ask for a copy to take to your veterinarian. Hip x-rays are most useful if they are taken after a dog is two years old.
Bloat (gastric torsion), though not a hereditary condition, frequently affects the Akita. When a dog bloats, the stomach can turn and block, causing a buildup of gas. Unless treated quickly, bloat can be fatal. Signs of bloat include futile attempts to vomit and to salivate. Bloat, which may lead to cardiovascular collapse, usually occurs when exercise too closely follows eating. The incidence of bloat may be lessened by feeding adult dogs twice a day and, of course, by allowing a dog time to digest before taking him for a run in the park.
Thyroid imbalance in Akitas can occasion a number of disorders, not the least of which is hypothyroidism, an endocrine disease that results in the abnormally low production of thyroid hormones. The symptoms of hypothyroidism include lethargy, mental depression, weight gain and a tendency to seek out warm places. Hypothyroidism can also affect the coat and skin, causing hair loss and excessive dandruff.
Eye problems, including progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), are not without incidence in the Akita. PRA is the wasting away of the vessels in the retina. Initially manifested as night blindness in young dogs, as PRA progresses, its victims become totally blind. Conscientious Akita owners test the eyes of their breeding dogs every year and should, therefore, be able to produce current CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) test results for the parents of any puppy offered for sale.
Von Wildebrand's Disease, an abnormal condition of the blood-clotting system that resembles hemophilia in humans, has also been observed in the Akita.

Poor Oral Hygiene Dangerous for Pets

Poor oral hygiene in pets is associated with a number of health risks. The main risk is that pets will develop periodontal disease, which causes the gums to become extremely unhealthy. Unhealthy gums can result in loose or sore teeth, and difficulty eating. Further, consistent poor oral hygiene in pets that results in periodontal disease can affect the major organs of the body.
Poor oral hygiene in pets is more serious than most pet owners know. Roughly 70-80 percent of cats and dogs develop periodontal disease by the time they are three years old. That’s a significant figure, especially, since poor oral hygiene is also linked to shorter life span.
The first stage of poor oral hygiene in pets is accumulation of plaque, called gingivitis, near the gums. This can be treated, but animals will likely require teeth cleaning, with anesthesia in order to scrape off the plaque. One might note signs of gingivitis by examining an animal’s mouth. One will see a red line along the teeth instead of the bright pink color that signifies a healthy mouth.
Gingivitis is actually a bacterial infection. When left untreated, the bacteria begin to move under the gum line, where they infect the teeth at their roots. This is periodontal disease, and it has numerous symptoms. These include bad breath, excessive drooling, yellow or brown tartar deposits on the teeth, angry red gums, and loose or missing teeth.
Periodontal disease is not curable, but it can be treated. Treatment will generally involve extractions of teeth that have become severely infected, regular cleaning appointments, and antibiotics as needed to help reduce infection. Untreated, infection can enter the blood stream where it can cause damage to the liver, heart, and kidneys.
Poor oral hygiene in pets can be forestalled with a few steps. Dry food is always best for cats and dogs. Wet food and people food actually helps plaque develop more quickly. Dry food, conversely, should keep a pet's teeth from developing significant plaque.
Further, one can address poor oral hygiene in pets by making tooth brushing part of their lives. This can be challenging with an older animal that is not used to it. Tooth brushing habits should start early, using a bit of gauze to wipe the teeth, so the pet gets used to you exploring its mouth.
Once the pet has this down, buy a pet size toothbrush, and pet toothpaste. Do not use people toothpaste as this can make your pet sick. Try to brush at least once a week. Ideally to really combat poor oral hygiene in pets, one should brush three to five times a week.
If your pet really refuses brushing, there are now some products, which can be added to the pet’s water. These help reduce plaque build-up. These have no odor and color, and may be a good way to go for the pet that fights through brushing attempts. Pet biscuits can also be a great way to combat poor oral hygiene in pets because they also help the teeth shed plaque build up.
If you notice signs of poor oral hygiene in your pets, be certain to visit the veterinarian as soon as possible. It is better to get an early start on combating the issue, rather than allowing your pet’s health to deteriorate.