Introduction: Let’s know what’s so special about Bernese Mountain Dog Breed!
Hailing from the Swiss Alps, the Bernese Mountain is one of the large size breeds of the dogs. It is also one of the four breeds of the Sennenhund-type. This epic name comes from the germen Senne and hund, as they went with the high herders and dairymen called Senn. Berner refers to the territory of the breed’s root, in the carton of Bern.
Originally this dog was used as a general farm dog. Expansive Sennenhunde in the past was likewise utilized as draft creatures, pulling trucks.
The breed was formally settled in 1907. In 1937, it was recognized by the American Kennel Club. Now, the club alludes to it as an individual from the Working Group.
This dog gets along very easily and nicely with the family, specifically the kids. Above this, there will be one lucky person who might happen to become this dog’s favorite person in the house. This dog is extremely gentle with the children, which is very appreciable for a large sized breed of its kind. There is no doubt about the fact that these dogs are imposing but simultaneously they are not threatening and they keep up reserved respect with outsiders.
Appearance
Before jumping onto one particular breed it is important to have a small piece of information which averts to the four breeds of the Sennenhund. Scroll down to find out the names of the four breeds:
- Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund which is the Greater Swiss mountain dog
- Berner Sennenhundwhich is the Bernese mountain dog
- Appenzeller Sennenhund also called the Appenzeller
- Entlebucher Sennenhund; also known as Entlebucher mountain dog
This dogs can stand over 27 inches at the shoulder. Like other dogs, the females are slightly shorter than the males in a range of 23 to 26 inches. The Bernese Mountain Dogs weigh 80 to 120 lb, talking about the male ones. On the other hand, the female’s weight a little lesser, 75-100lb. Mentioning about the build and the proportion, these dogs are slightly longer than tall but are highly muscular.
The leader of the Bernese mountain hound is level on the best with a moderate stop, and the ears are medium-sized, triangular, set high, and adjusted at the best. The teeth have a scissors nibble. The legs of the Bernese are straight and solid, with round, curved toes. The dewclaws of the Bernese are frequently expelled. Its thick tail is conveyed low.
Color
Likewise the other Sennehunde, this also happens to a large sized dog but the distinction lies in the coat. The tricolored coat patched with black, white and rust color. The black is on the white colored chest and the rust patches can be seen above eyes, side of the mouth, the front of legs, a tiny amount around the white chest and front of the legs as well. The perfect of a flawlessly checked individual gives the impression of a white horseshoe shape around the nose and a white “Swiss cross” on the chest when seen from the front. A white mark is also located typically on the neck, one can say part of the neck and it is called the “Swiss kiss.”
According to the American Kennel Club, a dog that has blue colored eyes and ground other than black will not clear the standards. The one with the full ring will also not meet the standards set by the AKC.
Temperament
The temperament of an individual dog depends on the level of exercise and regular training. In accordance with the breed standard, the larger sized dogs should be well socialized when they are puppies. The more social they are as puppies, the more gentle they will grow up as dogs. The breed standards also say that the Bernese mountain dog should be good-natured and self-assured rather than being aggressive and anxious. The entire breed cannot have the same common behavioral traits. They are affected by the way they are brought up.
These are outdoor dogs and it does not mean that they misbehave at home. They are well-behaved indoors also. One can also say that it is because of their thick coats which are sensitive to hear and would rather be more comfortable being outdoors. All that matters is the amount of exercise but they do not perform very well when it comes to endurance. Motivation can bring them to run at the best speed even being large sized ones. In a perfectly healthy condition, they adore hiking and staying close to their loved ones. When not offered an ample amount of exercise and training, they might end up growing into harassing dogs who will bark louder than anything and that too more frequently.
They are very affectionate when around children and do well with children on a general basis. They do turn aggressive even if the children climb onto them. They take it pretty patiently.
Though they are blessed with humungous energy, they take a calm evening pretty well. Around strangers and other pets also, they are well-behaved dogs. They also act as superb guardians. They will in general bond with one proprietor, and are to some degree reserved and standoffish.
History
Generally, in a few districts, in any event, the breed was known as a Dürrbachhund. The Bernese Mountain dogs have been established in the Roman Molosser breeds. The breed was utilized as a generally useful homestead hound for guarding property and to drive dairy steers long separations from the ranch to the elevated fields. This kind was initially called the Dürrbächler, for a residential area (Dürrbach) where the huge puppies were particularly frequent. In the mid-1900s, fanciers displayed the couple of instances of the expansive mutts at shows in Berne, and in 1907 a couple of reproducers from the Burgdorf district established the principal breed club, the Schweizerische Dürrbach-Klub, and composed the primary Standard which characterized the puppies as a different breed.
By 1910, already 108 other members had got themselves enlisted under the same breed. This dog earned the 32nd rank in the American Kennel Club in the year 2013 backing its place amongst the popular dogs growing. People having German as their mother tongue refer it to as one of the best breeds to pet and keep it as a family dog.
Care Tips
Make sure that the food given to the dog should be of high quality that is it should have all the necessary nutrients required for the growth of the dog. This does not matter if the food is bought commercially or is prepared at home averting to the veterinarian’s approval and supervision. Another factor to keep in mind is the age of the dog. Like the diet of a human being is deciding depending on the age, in the same manner, a dog of the smaller age group will need lesser food. But no compromises should be done with the quality of the food.
Some dogs are prone to easy weight gain. In that case, becomes very important to keep a watch at the calorie intake and consumption level. Like a little kid, this dog also demands treats when being trained but halt before it turns overweight or obese. Not everything that a human can consume can be offered to the dog. It is better to learn what all is common among human and dogs when it is about eating habits. Learn about which ones are safe and which are not. If facing weight issues with the dog, always turn to a vet for a proper prescription. Do not skip the water which should be served fresh at all times.
Bernese Mountain Dogs shed all year, and the heaviest shedding is amid occasional changes. Usually, the Bernese will just require brushing once per week, with additional in spring and fall, to keep its jacket slick and lessen the measure of the hide on the floor and furniture. The Bernese will just require a shower about once every couple of months or somewhere in the vicinity, contingent upon how high its activity level is and how regularly it invests its energy in the dirt.
Unique consideration ought to be paid to the ears of the Bernese mountain dog, as they can trap microbes, soil, and liquid. All it needs it is week after week cleanings of the ears with a veterinarian’s prescription to shoo away the danger of ear disease. See this is how simple it is!
Characteristics of A Bernese Mountain Dog
Gathered an ample amount of information about this dog, it is now time to unleash some outstanding facts about this affectionate breed. Scroll down for more!
1. A versatile Farm Dog
This is one of those dogs who was initially used as an all-purpose farm dog. It was used to guard the properties and even pull the dairy carts from the farm to the alpine pastures. Their size and stable personality have made them prevalent trucking hounds in this nation, and with preparing they are cheerful to pull kids in trucks or wagons and take an interest in processions. The Berner is additionally qualified to contend in American Kennel Club Herding Events, where the breed can flaunt the working senses that were so prized in Switzerland.
2. Hygiene Seekers
The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America breed standard depicts the coat as “thick, decently long and somewhat wavy or straight,” with a “splendid, regular sheen.” The breed’s alluring great looks have made him a well known canine model on the runway and in numerous TV and print promotions. Berners shed all year, with the heaviest coat blow occurring in the spring and fall. By and large, an intensive brushing on more than one occasion per week will keep the coat clean, keep up its sheen and trim down on the measure of hair left on furniture and floors. A shower each month or two ought to be adequate, contingent on your Berner’s action level and how much soil he comes into contact with. Give careful consideration to the Berner’s ears as they can trap microorganisms and flotsam and jetsam if not cleaned week by week.
3. Awful Temperament
The Bernese mountain dog is esteemed as a “fearless, caution and cheerful” hound as indicated by the breed standard, never sharp or modest. The Bernese Mountain Dog should stand consistent however may stay reserved to the considerations of outsiders. Puppies and youthful grown-ups need early and continuous socialization. With guys tipping the scales at 80 to 120 pounds, females at 70 to 110 pounds, this is too ground-breaking a breed not to be benevolent and dependable among individuals. Uncovering a developing Berner to numerous new encounters will help build up a certain, nice grown-up.
4. A Working Dog
This dog literally thrives on exercise and outdoor activity. Hence it is very true to its roots. In addition to its great level of endurance, it stands as an amazing hiking companion and a friendly plus patient pet for kids. Since it is a working dog, it is necessary that it is given a job at an early stage of training which will make it lovelier as a pet. The key is the outlet of energy. A Bernese dog that has a proper outlet of the energy will make grow up into a pleasant family dog. On the contrary, the one kept aloof and not given proper exercise and activity will develop undesirable behavior that can be troublesome at times. It can create troubles like barking, chewing, and digging.
5. Easy To Train
This dog will not give any kind of trouble while training if treated loving, on an even keel and a consistent approach. This dog is very eager to learn newer activities as it from the working community. It responds easily to its trainer’s voice also.
Having read the complete information, it must be now clear that the Bernese Mountain dog is an excellent family pet but do not confuse it with believing that it is a nice apartment dog. The more are the outdoor activities, the sweeter will be the dog and the easier it will be to befriend. This dog can become an awesome gift to the kids and nothing can be better than a Bernese mountain dog if it is about a companion. Do bring a companion home rather than just a dog.