The Bernese Mountain Dog, more commonly known as the "Berner," is a big, handsome dog that is full of love and has quite a history behind its existence. They are known for their big build, beautiful tricolor coat, and the fact that they have a really gentle personality, which has won them the love of dog owners worldwide. From mountain companion and farm aid to loving family companion, the Bernese Mountain Dog has developed into one of today's most popular breeds. Adaptability and his affectionate nature make them one of the most popular breeds among families that want a friendly, loyal member of the family.
Throughout this article, we cover the history, physical characteristics, temperament, and basic care requirements for this amazing breed. Whether you're looking to add a Berner to your family or are simply looking to learn more about these gentle giants, this guide will take you through all there is to know about them.
History and Origins of the Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a variety of the Sennenhund breed, also called "Alpine herdsman's dogs," which hail from Switzerland. Each of the breeds was used for different functions, and this particular breed was of immense help to Swiss farmers for various reasons. Traditionally, the breed was highly valued for its versatility and strength. Three of the most important functions these dogs served were:
- Pulling carts loaded with goods, like milk and cheese.
- Herding cattle across the immense alpine pastures.
- Guarding farms against any imminent danger or intrusion.
Originated more than 2,000 years ago, the breed is believed to have been developed by crossing Roman Mastiffs with native Swiss dogs. Despite their popularity with farmers, the Bernese Mountain Dog almost became extinct at the start of the 20th century, as modernization reduced the need for working dogs.
Fortunately, dedicated Swiss breeders did much to revive the breed and help it survive. By the mid-20th century, the Bernese began to gain recognition throughout the world and changed from a farm dog to a beloved family pet, therapy dog, and show breed.
Physical Characteristics: The Majestic Beauty of the Bernese
The Bernese Mountain Dog is an elegant dog with a large, muscled body. Their physical features not only add to their beauty but also reflect their history as working dogs in the cold Alpine regions.
- Size and Build: The height at the shoulder of these dogs is from 23 to 28 inches, while they weigh from 70 to 115 pounds. They are strongly and muscularly built, with a structure meant for strength and endurance, thus enabling them to do heavy work.
- Coat and Color: The most distinguishing features of the Bernese are his thick, double-layer coat and an excellent insulation against cold weather. The tricolor pattern with black, rust, and white colors featuring symmetrical markings sets up their striking outlook.
- Eyes: The expressive, almond-shaped eyes of this breed are dark brown in color, warm, intelligent, and loyal-a sure way to melt the hearts of everyone that crosses their path.
Temperament and Personality: Why Everyone Loves Berners
Nicknamed "gentle giants," Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their calm and affectionate nature. Their temperament makes them ideal companions for families, especially those with children.
- Playful: Berners are extremely attached to their families and blossom with human interaction, enjoying every amount of time spent with their owners.
- Great with Children: Berners are magnificent playmates for small kids as they are extremely gentle and show a lot of patience. They show extremely good tolerance towards the children's extremely rough play and are protective while being caring.
- Intelligent and Easy to Train: First of all, their intelligence makes them eager to please, hence relatively easy to train. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats, praise, and playtime, work wonders with these dogs.
- Protective: Berners are friendly and approachable but have a natural guarding instinct, which makes them good watchdogs. They will alert their families to potential dangers but will not attack anyone.
Why Bernese Mountain Dogs Make Great Family Pets
Through calm, easy-going, and being so loyal, the Bernese Mountain Dogs have come to their merits when in the family circle. Because of the preceding character points, they apply to a wide range of different types and sizes of families, in general-more so the type that is inclined outdoors, however. A Berner would therefore be content and join on mountainous hiking, in playful activities within one's backward, right out to the simple couch lounge at one side.
- Adaptability: Though large in size, Bernese Mountain Dogs are relatively adaptable. They can live in almost any type of environment, even in apartments, as long as they get enough daily exercise. Since they are quiet indoors, they can fit into a home of any size, but they do best in houses with a yard where they can roam around.
- Playful with Kids: Berners are playful yet gentle, making them ideal companions for children. Their sturdy build allows them to handle energetic play sessions, and they are known for their patience, even with younger kids.
- Loyal Companions: Few breeds are as devoted as the Bernese Mountain Dog. They are dogs that love human companionship and bond well with their families. Their loyalty means they will always be close, offering comfort, protection, and affection.
Training and Exercise: Keeping Your Berner Active
Proper training and regular exercise are essential to the happiness and well-being behavior of a Bernese Mountain Dog. These dogs are intelligent and have a strong will to please, thus with proper approach they may be relatively easy to train.
- Start Early: Begin with housebreaking and socialization as young as possible. This will help your Berner get used to different people, animals, and environments in order to be well-rounded and confident adults.
- Positive Reinforcement: The Berners are responsive to soft training techniques that make use of positive reinforcement. Giving them their favorite treats, praise, or playing with toys as a reward for good behavior works wonders compared to staunch corrections, which they don't take too well.
- Moderate Exercise Needs: Bernese Mountain Dogs are not overly energetic, but they do need to exercise daily. Walking, combined with play and outdoor activities such as hiking and running, provides the best use of their energy.
Health: Caring for Your Gentle Giant
As with all large breeds, the Bernese Mountain Dog has a relatively short life span of 6 to 8 years. They do have some potential health problems, and further understanding of their needs, combined with regular veterinary care, might go a little way toward improving the quality of their lives.
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: The genetic condition that affects many large breeds, including the Bernese, causes joint issues that can lead to arthritis. Keeping the weight down and supplementing with joint aid products can reduce the risk of dysplasia.
- Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus): This is a potentially fatal condition in which the stomach twists off the normal flow of blood supply. Do as much as possible to prevent this from occurring by feeding your dog many small meals daily and exercise your dog lightly after his meals, not vigorously.
- Cancer: Unfortunately, Bernese Mountain Dogs are more prone to certain types of cancer, such as histiocytic sarcoma. Regular health testing and early detection are keys to managing this risk.
- Grooming needs: The Bernese mountain dogs have a thick double coat, and thus require weekly brushing to minimize shedding and to prevent tangling; during the shedding time of the year, spring and fall, more frequent brushing will serve to keep their coat manageable and lower the fur-around-the-home factor.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Right for You?
Before deciding on a Bernese Mountain Dog to take home, you must analyze whether you will be able to fulfill the unique needs of your pet. A gentle giant indeed, the breed does best in loving homes with enough activity where it can join the family.
- Space Requirements: While they might adapt to an apartment living with ease, still, the large-sized Berners do need their yard for roaming around. A spacious environment is what suits them best, considering their size and activity level.
- Time and Attention: Bernese Mountain Dogs are social dogs that need lots of human interaction; they could suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. If your life includes very long hours away from the home, this breed might not be right for you.
- Commitment: Owning a Berner requires a big commitment in terms of grooming, training, exercise, and healthcare.
Make sure you are ready for the time and financial responsibilities before adopting one.
Interesting Facts About Bernese Mountain Dogs
Following is a look at some of the interesting and lesser-known facts about the Bernese Mountain Dog that further set them apart in their history and characteristics.
- Cart-Pulling Champions: Many Berners could be spotted in Switzerland pulling carts with dairy products, among them milk and cheese. In fact, this made them be considered as very reliable working dogs in the countryside.
- Snow Fans: The Bernese Mountain Dogs are crazy about the snow! Their thick, double coat makes them so well adapted in snowy conditions, so winter is definitely their season.
- Gentle Giants: Not withstanding its enormity in size, a Berner can be a really loving and very sweet companion who, with time and proper treatment, can form deep bonds in any family with little ones and pets of other animals.
Conclusion
The Bernese Mountain Dog is an amazing breed, combining strength, beauty, and a very gentle temperament. From their heritage of hard work and loyalty, they have moved to being great family dogs, bringing great joy to owners everywhere. Be it their affectionate nature, the protector instinct, or just their playful attitude, Berners seem to leave their mark on anyone they come across.
If you plan to bring home a Bernese Mountain Dog into your family, be prepared for an entire life filled with love, loyalty, and many memories. With proper care, training, and attention, these giants of the gentle dogs' world will make themselves an indispensable part of your family, enriching your life in all possible ways.
Post a Comment