Breed Details
In 1991 , Jennifer Zaayer attended a dog show in Denver to chink out the Rottweilers and Newfoundlands in the hope of finding the right pawl to contribute to her menage . Her plan changed the minute she construe a Bernese Mountain Dog .
“ I ’d never heard of Bernese Mountain Dogs before , ” she recall . “ Just seeing the wienerwurst , we knew it was what we wanted . ”
Although Zaayer , a breed ambassador for theBernese Mountain Dog Club of Americaand vice president of the Southern California chapter , was initially drawn to the lovely show of the large , tri - slanted dogs , it was their sweet personality that made her autumn in lovemaking with the strain .
“ They are such sensible dogs and really link up with people , ” she says . “ They are really respectable family dog . ”
Historyand Origin
As their name suggests , Bernese Mountain Dogs hail from the mountains of Bern , Switzerland .
Thanks to their muscular physique and impressive strength , the dogs drive cattle and guarded farms , patrol rugged terrain across expansive swaths of land . Bernese Mountain Dogs are perhaps best make out as a drafting breed , able-bodied to draw carts filled with heavy warhead .
Their reputation as excellent work bounder captured the pursuit of a granger in Kansas who is credit with bringing the breed to the United States . He imported two Bernese Mountain Dogs to work on his farm and the stock was an instant bang . The American Kennel Club recognized the strain in 1937 .
Bernese Mountain DogPhysical Characteristics
Bernese Mountain Dogs are muscular working heel . Measuring 23 to 27.5 inches tall at the shoulders and weighing between 70 and 115 pounds , Bernese are adorable pup that reverse into strong , imposing — and just as adorable — adult . But their sizing is sometimes overwhelming .
“ A lot of the great unwashed who adopt theselarge - breed dogshave wonderful intentions but the endearing pup turn into 100 - pound teenagers , ” explains Tonia Moore , atomic number 27 - founding father of the Bernese Mountain Dog rescue , BFW Rescue . “ prominent breeds are slower to mature so they are still luxuriant puppies at 3 eld one-time . ”
The tri - slanted dogs are black with typical rust ( or tan ) and white grading . These dogs tend to have rusting - colorize patches over each eye , on the cheek , either side of the chest , all four leg and under the tail . White markings appear as a gag circle , the backsheesh of the tail , feet and on the chest .
Bernese MountainDogs have chummy double coating that make them well - suited to coldtemperatures .
Bernese Mountain DogTemperament
As working wiener , Bernese Mountain Dogs were prized for being snappy , sure-footed , and eager to please . Those same traits — along with their beneficial - natured dispositions and deep sense of warmheartedness and loyalty — have made this dog cover a popular crime syndicate dearie . Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for being easy with nipper .
Since Bernese develop secure Julian Bond with their owners , they prefer not to be allow for alone for long periods , Zaayer says .
Socialization is of import . In fact , Moore believes failing to socialize these gentle giant star is one of the gravid mistakes Bernese owner make .
“ A lot of owners start strong and lay off , ” she explains . “ The more you expose them to different muckle , sounds , smells , and experiences , the more confident and easy and less diffident and fearful they become . ”
Although Bernese Mountain Dogs can be aloof with strangers , the breed is not aggressive . Berge notes that they tend to have minimal prey drive , make them well - suit to homes with other favorite , including cats .
Bernese Mountain Dogs make not bad watch dogs that will bark if something is haywire but these are truthful gentle titan that , despite their size , have no guard propensity .
“ They wo n’t go after someone , but their sizing and barking are often enough to scare off them off , ” Zaayer adds .
Bernese Mountain DogCare Guide
There are two big downsides to the Bernese Mountain Dog breed , fit in to longtime Bernese Mountain Dog owner Dr. Kathy Berge , veterinarian and aesculapian director forAll - positron emission tomography Hospitalin Des Moines , Iowa : The stock throw off and is prone to legion health issue that castrate their lifespan .
Read on to learn more about Bernese Mountain Dog care .
Diet and Nutrition
Bernese dogs , like all stock , benefit from high quality diet . Due to their risk of orthopedic number , Berge note that it ’s essential not to over - feed Bernese Mountain Dogs to keep their weightiness in check .
Exercise and Activity
These working dogs are happy with something to do . steady walks — with lots of chance to sniff and explore — provide important genial and strong-arm stimulation .
“ A portion of people mean that , because of their sizing , they need a planetary house with 100 acres to stray but they are dandy apartment dogs , ” Moore says . “ They care to be active but , most of all , Berners want to be with their masses . ”
Bernese Mountain Dogs also love learning new tricks , practicing command , tear carts or participating in search and rescue . They are a sensitive breed so Zaayer paint a picture training that prioritize plus reinforcer and rewards .
Bernese Mountain Dogs fly high in frigid climate and be intimate a good romp in the snow . In warm climates , Moore suggests scheduling walks in the morning or eve before it gets too hot and watch for signs ofheat stroke , including excessive panting , freak out , vomiting , looseness of the bowels , or bright red gums .
Grooming and Nail Care
Bernese Mountain Dogs are sonorous shedders . Berge suggests brushing them at least twice per week to polish off supererogatory hair . Zaayer uses a grooming rakehell to remove the undercoat . Their nails should be trimmed regularly to prevent dreadful overgrowth . The breed does n’t require professional preparation .
Bernese Mountain DogHealth Issues
As a giant breed , Bernese Mountain Dogs are prostrate to several vernacular health job .
articulatio coxae dysplasiaand articulatio cubiti dysplasia : Dysplasia is name when the rosehip or elbow join fail to align with the socket . The symptoms include pain in the neck , stiffness , neutered pace , and possible limping . Berge suggests asking stock breeder to provide the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals ( OFA ) credential for the parents to reduce the betting odds that Bernese pup will have orthopedic issues .
Bloat : Also make out as gastric tortuosity , bloat appears when the stomach fills with food , fluid , or gas , causing it to stretch , switch off off circulation to the heart and stomach . Bloat make tissue death and can be calamitous .
Histiocytic sarcoma : The malignant neoplastic disease , rare in other breeds , often touch Berners . It ’s a cancer of the blood cellular phone that starts in the spleen or liver and spread to other organs . The prognosis is poor . Berge notes that most Bernese Mountain Dogs live just a few months after a diagnosis .
Interesting Bernese Mountain DogFacts
In their aboriginal Switzerland , Bernese Mountain Dogs are known asBerner Sennenhund .
Swiss farmers sometimes referred to Bernese dogs as “ Cheese Dogs ” because they would be responsible for for pulling carts of dairy products like Milk River and high mallow .
fame like Kate Hudson , Chelsea Handler , and Hilary Duff all apportion their life sentence with Bernese Mountain Dogs .
A Bernese Mountain Dog nominate Luna ( @luna.the.berner ) has more than 112,000 Instagram following .
Popular Bernese Mountain DogMixes
Bernese Mountain Dogs have a reputation for being serene , well-informed , and affectionate so it ’s no surprisal that these dogs are often mixed with other breeds .
Some of the most uncouth breeds mixed with Bernese Mountain Dogs let in :
Bernese Mountain DogAdoption Tips
A Google search for “ Bernese Mountain Dog rescue ” will turn up data for rescues from coast to seacoast that specialize in finding incessantly homes for purebred and mixed - breed Bernese Mountain Dogs .
While breed - specific rescues likeNORCAL Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue;Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions;andBerner INC Education and Rescue ; specialise in find forever homes for rescued Bernese Mountain Dogs , most knead with small numbers of dogs . AtBFW Rescue Inc. , which has a meshwork of foster homes in all 50 state , few than 20 Berners end up in rescue every class .
“ Although their numbers are growing , it ’s not like a German Shepherd orGolden Retrieveror Labrador Retriever that most people have seen or played with , ” Moore says . “ The breed is still unidentified to a lot of people . ”
There are still Bernese Mountain Dogs usable for adoption but find one might take time . TheBernese Mountain Dog Club of America , a interior breed organization , has a committee that focuses on helping with delivery and rehoming situations and the websitePetFinderallows you to look for by breed and sphere to help you find a Bernese Mountain Dog close to dwelling house .
Keep in creative thinker that if you ’re interested in espouse a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog , it may take some time to find one . Otherwise , find a reputable dog stock breeder and purchasing a Bernese may be a faster way to discover your new canine supporter . Just ensure to do your inquiry , ask questions , and talk to credit before purchasing a Bernese from a breeding kennel or facility .
Bernese Mountain DogFAQs
Bernese Mountain Dogs have wads to offer family . Their fun - loving personality , docile natures , and odorous smile are definitely something special . But before welcoming a Bernese into your dwelling , it ’s significant to know exactly what you ’re getting into .
Here are some frequently ask questions about the strain .
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Shed?
Yes ! Bernese Mountain Dogs doshed quite a bit . They have buddy-buddy duple coats and the stock “ blows their coat ” twice a year , creating even more dog hair than usual . veritable brush can serve remove surplus hair but await to detect tussock of fuzz on dress , furniture , and the floors .
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Drool?
No . In fact , Zaayer notes that it ’s considered a mistake in the breed to have “ loose backtalk ” that cause bounder to drool . “ It ’s study a dry back talk breed , ” she adds , meaning that this dog strain produces less tommyrot than some others .
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Hypoallergenic?
No , this is not a hypoallergenic strain . Some Bernese mixes , such as theBernedoodle , may produce less dander based on the other stock they are mixed with . SincePoodlesproduce low dander , Bernedoodles may be better suited for those with allergy . However , no dog is truly hypoallergenic .
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Swim?
Sometimes . It ’s not a water breed like a Labrador Retriever or Irish Water Spaniel but some Bernese Mountain Dogs will take to the water , wade or even swimming .
Where Are Bernese Mountain Dogs From?
The stock hail from the mountainous regions of Bern , Switzerland .
Bernese Mountain DogsPictures
There ’s no deny that this weenie strain is endearing . range our gallery to see Bernese Mountain Dog photos showcasing all seasons and situations .
