Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the four varieties of Swiss Mountain Dogs, also known as Sennenhunds. History Bred and developed in Switzerland, the Bernese Mountain Dog has many characteristics typical of Sennenhunds. These dogs were used on farms up in the mountains. They were also used to herd cattle, guard farms, and pull carts full of produce into markets. Rumor has it that these dogs were descendent from black bears crossed with livestock guardian dogs. This breed was originally called the "Godly,"� though the name was changed to the Bernese Mountain Dog soon after; the breed was named for the Canton of Bern. This breed made it to the Western World early one, and they were used in the Civil War. They fought in battles near Harrisburg until their numbers declined. The breed was officially recognized in the 1900's when it established its own club, the Schweizerische Durrback-Klub. As the breed evolved, it was used in agility competitions, therapy work, and drafting work in the Swiss Alps. Appearance Bernese Mountain Dogs are large canines that measure between 25 and 27.5 inches at the withers, on average. The females are typically a bit smaller, measuring between 23 and 26 inches. They have a square-ish frame with a torso that is about as long as the dog is tall. Thick bones, a well muscled body, and a full head give this dog the appearance of power. However, these aren't fierce dogs. Their faces usually have friendly, gentle expressions, and they are very animated. The eyes are almost always dark brown and the ears are triangular; ears hang down, close to the head. The head itself is rather large, like the rest of the dog. As for the fur, a Bernese Mountain Dog has a very thick, slightly wavy coat. The fur is usually shiny and somewhat soft. Like all Swiss-bred Sennenhunds, the Bernese Mountain Dog is tri-colored. Black is the base color, and dogs have symmetrical patterns of tan and white all over their bodies. It's normal to find tan spots over the eyes, like eyebrows, on the cheeks, across the chest, down the legs, and under the tail. The white markings usually show up on the feet, muzzle, chest, and tip of the tail. Temperament Bernese Mountain Dogs are good-natured pets. They are usually very friendly and outgoing, and never shy or sharp. They have a lot of self-confidence. When in a family, they can be very affectionate and gentle, even around children. However, it is not unusual for them to be aloof when around strangers. Bernese Mountain Dogs are usually happiest when outdoors, though they can behave well inside. Other characteristics of this breed include loyalty, faithfulness, intelligence, and calmness. They get along with other dogs, as well as other pets such as cats. Health Issues The average lifespan of a Bernese Mountain Dog is 8 years, which is much shorter than most purebred dogs and dogs of this size. This can be attributed to a much higher incidence rate of cancer and other fatal diseases in this breed. Common cancers include mast cell tumors, lymphosarcoma, malignant histiocytosis, osteosarcoma, and fibrosarcoma. This breed also has a higher than normal incidence of musculoskeletal problems, such as arthritis, cruciate ligament rupture, and hip dysplasia. Owners should be prepared to handle these health problems, as mobility will decrease should musculoskeletal problems set in. This can happen when the dog is as young as 4 years old. Pet Care Because of their size and instincts, Bernese Mountain Dogs are very energetic. Owners should provide plenty of exercise. Obedience training is also necessary to keep the dog disciplined. These dogs shed a lot, though frequent grooming can reduce the amount of hair spread across the house. What Owners Have to Say Most owners love the Bernese Mountain Dog for its gentle nature. They are praised as excellent family pets. Those who use them as work dogs also love them for their strength. Is this the right dog for you? If you are looking for a powerful family pet, then the Bernese Mountain Dog may be for you. These furry dogs can be fun to cuddle and play with. They are great with children since their temper is often even and mild. This makes them patient and unlikely to snap at children during play, like other breeds. The Bernese Mountain Dog loves playing in the snow and can be trained to pull a sled or small cart during the winter. This can lead to many fun games, especially if you have young children light enough for the dog to pull. They may take time to train, but they learn commands and can be very obedient. However, there are some major problems with the Bernese Mountain Dog. The worst issues are the dog's health problems. Its lifespan is shorter than most dogs, meaning that you can lose your dog at a young age. This may be painful for children to cope with. Since the cancer rates are higher than average, this dog may go through a slow, painful death, necessitating euthanasia. Also, due to an increased rate of musculoskeletal problems, these dogs may lose mobility. This means owners have to purchase ramps and other tools for dogs handicapped by arthritis and other conditions. Extra expenses are not always desirable. When young, these dogs can be very rowdy, though that is typical of most puppies. However, they are slow to mature, so rowdiness may continue for up to 2.5 years, which is much longer than most dog breeds. Males can be particularly stubborn, so training is not always fun; owners must establish themselves as leaders early on so that dogs will obey. Another big deterrent is the cost of puppies. A Bernese Mountain Dog can cost over $1,000, which is much more than other purebreds. For some, the health risks and price tag are well worth the love and affection a Bernese Mountain Dog can bring to a family. For others, there are better choices. Think carefully when considering this breed as a pet.

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