Bernese Mountain Dog - loving cuddly dog ​​in large format

Bernese Mountain Dog is considered to be extremely relaxed and people-friendly. The original Swiss farm dogs have long established themselves as a popular family dog ​​breed. Her uncomplicated nature also makes her suitable for beginners in dog ownership. On top of that, their appearance is eye-catching: the shiny, three-colored fur and the size of up to 70 centimeters are impressive.

Contents:

1. The attractive farm dog from Switzerland
2. What does a Bernese Mountain Dog look like?
3. Bernese Mountain Dogs and their character: a loyal family dog
4. Training and keeping: Is a Bernese Mountain Dog suitable for beginners?
5. Grooming of the Bernese Mountain Dog
6. General health information: hereditary diseases, vulnerabilities, life expectancy
7. Buy Bernese Mountain Dogs
8. Characteristics of the Bernese Mountain Dog

The attractive farm dog from Switzerland

The exact genetic origins of the Bernese Mountain Dog are shrouded in mystery. It is believed that molasses and mastiffs are among the ancestors of the large, tricolored dogs. Geographically, they come from the Swiss area around Bern. Some of these four-legged friends were also at home in the inn courtyard of the Dürrbach inn. The inn was considered a meeting place for villagers, travelers and merchants. As a result, the popularity of the Bernese Mountain Dog - which has the middle name "Dürrbächler" due to its Dürrbacher occurrence - steadily increased.

Farmers actually kept the Bernese Mountain Dogs as farm dogs that could both pull carts and drive cattle. In 1902 they were first seen at a dog show. In 1907 the Swiss Dürrbach Club was founded, which initiated pure breeding. Shortly thereafter, their official name was changed from Dürrbächler to Bernese Mountain Dog.

What does a Bernese Mountain Dog look like?

A characteristic of the Bernese Mountain Dog is its tricolor. Of these, black forms the main part. Like a dark coat, the color runs from the head over the neck to the body to the tail. A white blaze begins on the forehead and reaches at most to the corners of the lips. Furthermore, the dogs have a white pectoral cross, white paws and a white tail tip. They have brown-red markings on their cheeks, their legs and on the side of the bright pectoral cross. Bernese Mountain Dogs also have brown-red spots above their eyes. This drawing earned them the nickname "Four Eyes". Their body measurements complete the imposing appearance: Bernese Mountain Dogs reach a height of 58 to 70 centimeters at the withers.

The lush, shiny fur of the four-legged friend is smooth to slightly wavy. Its density protects the dogs from cold, wind and snow. There are no naturally short-haired Bernese Mountain Dogs - a short-haired Bernese Mountain Dog is either a clipped representative of the breed or the similar-looking Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

Bernese Mountain Dogs and their character: a loyal family dog

The good-natured Bernese Mountain Dog is hard to shake. Serenity is one of his main character traits. Aggressive behavior is alien to him. Therefore, the farmer dog, as long as it has been well socialized, is wonderful as a family dog. He also gets along well with small children. On the other hand, you shouldn't rely on guard dog qualities: Although he reliably reports every arrival, instead of protecting house and property, it is more likely that the friendly four-legged friend greets people he doesn't know by wagging his tail.

The gentle giants are extremely loyal and affectionate towards their families. They enjoy playing together and are happy about any attention. Only males can sometimes quarrel with other dogs of the same sex if they feel threatened in their territory.

Training and keeping: Is a Bernese Mountain Dog suitable for beginners?

In general, Bernese Mountain Dogs are considered to be easily trainable. With a loving but consistent hand, both males and females can be trained well and taken anywhere. In addition, the dogs do not tend to hunt or stray. So you can walk without a leash. Its simplicity also makes the Bernese Mountain Dog suitable for beginners. Nevertheless, it is advisable that you seek support from experienced dog trainers or a dog school if it is your first dog. There you will get answers to all your questions and valuable tips.

Due to its size and its nature as a farm and herding dog, the Swiss loves exercise and being outdoors. Keeping an apartment is therefore out of the question; he needs a spacious living space. He also needs enough work. Draft dog sport, tracking games, rescue dog work or even training as a therapy dog ​​challenge the intelligent dog and are fun for him. However, do not engage in fast dog sports such as agility, which also require agility. Bernese Mountain Dogs, with an average weight of 50 kilograms, easily develop joint problems. Also, avoid physical exertion in high temperatures. Their long, thick coat of fur makes them sensitive to heat. In summer the dogs enjoy their rest in the shade. In winter, on the other hand, they feel comfortable even in frosty temperatures.

Grooming of the Bernese Mountain Dog

In principle, Bernese Mountain Dogs shed all year round. So brush your dog at least two to three times a week. In this way you avoid tangles and preserve the shine of the fur. It's best to comb him every day during the moulting season. In addition to grooming, it is important to regularly check the eyes, ears, mouth and paws for any abnormalities.

General health information: hereditary diseases, vulnerabilities, life expectancy

This regular check is also so important because Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to various diseases. These include joint problems – mostly elbow and hip dysplasia –, kidney diseases and cancerous growths. Although there are now strict breeding regulations designed to improve the health of the breed, life expectancy is only six to ten years. For many dog ​​owners, this low average age is the biggest disadvantage of Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Because of his tendency to joint damage, make sure your dog doesn't climb too many stairs. Stairs should be avoided completely in puppies, as the joints have not yet fully developed. Also keep in mind that you can hardly carry the adult Bernese Mountain Dog up a flight of stairs.

In terms of nutrition, it is important to ensure that your dog does not become overweight; because this is also one of the inclinations of the big Swiss dog. A high proportion of meat mixed with vegetables and fruit is ideal.

Buy Bernese Mountain Dogs

If you're looking to buy a Bernese Mountain Dog, go with a reputable breeder. Luckily it's not that difficult. You can usually find good Bernese Mountain Dog breeders in a registered association. Take your time choosing. Visit the dogs several times and get a comprehensive impression of the breed. It is important for puppies to have all their vaccinations and the recommended health screenings.

The cost of a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog with papers is between 1,000 and 2,000 euros. Maybe you'd rather have a Bernese Mountain Dog mix? Common crossing partners are:

1. Labrador Retriever
2. Golden Retriever
3. Bernhardiner
4. German shepherd
5. Hovawart

An alternative to breeders are animal shelters or animal protection associations. There is an organization in Germany specifically for Bernese Mountain Dogs in need that takes care of the animals and passes them on to others. Here you are doing something good for the animals.

CharacteristicsBernese Mountain Dog

Breeds	Bernese Mountain Dog
Origin	Switzerland, Canton of Bern
classification	Group 2 Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid - Swiss Mountain
	Dogs, Section 3 Swiss Mountain Dogs, without working test,
	FCI herding dog
Size	Males: 64 to 70 centimetres, females 58 to 66 centimetres
Weight	Males 35 to 55 kg, females 30 to 50 kg
anatomy	strong and harmonious stature, stocky limbs, rather compact
Eyes	dark brown, almond-shaped, well-fitting lids
ears	high set lop ears, triangular
fur and color	Long hair, smooth to slightly wavy, shiny, luxuriant, three-colored
	(black, white, brown-red)
particularities	snow lovers
Character	calm, attentive, friendly, open-minded, loyal, affectionate,
	intelligent
Care	regular brushing and checking of eyes, ears, paws and mouth
Health	prone to obesity and disease (elbow and hip dysplasia, kidney
	disease and canker sores)

Here you can find the breed portraits of the other Swiss Mountain Dogs:

• Appenzeller Sennenhund: His ancestors drove the cattle to the alpine pastures and guarded them there. Even today, the Appenzeller Sennenhund is an excellent guard who prefers to have his family very close together. Long walks and dog sports are just as important to him as relaxing cuddles in front of the sofa.
• Swiss Mountain Dog: An imposing appearance - that's how you could describe the Swiss Mountain Dog, which can be up to 72 centimeters tall. Its size and strength made it a popular working dog in the past. Today, however, he is mainly kept as a family and guard dog.
• Entlebucher Sennenhund: The Entlebucher Sennenhund is the smallest of the four Swiss mountain dog breeds. In his nature, he is in no way inferior to his big brothers: alert, clever, eager to learn and lively, the fearless and agile bundle of energy with the characteristic three-colored coat pattern makes active dog lovers and families a lot of fun.