Bernese Mountain Dog

Get to Know Bernese Mountain Dogs

• Drafting Dogs: Bernese Mountain Dogs were originally bred in Switzerland to pull carts and work on farms. They are one of four Swiss Mountain Dog breeds, known for their strength and ability to haul heavy loads.
• Tricolor Coat: Their striking tricolor coat of black, white, and rust is a defining feature. This thick, double coat is weather-resistant, perfect for working in the cold, mountainous regions of Switzerland.
• Gentle Giants: Despite their large size, Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them excellent family companions who are particularly good with children.
• Short Lifespan: Unfortunately, Bernese Mountain Dogs have a relatively short lifespan, averaging around 7 to 10 years. This is primarily due to their susceptibility to certain health issues, including cancer.
• Versatile Workers: Historically, Bernese Mountain Dogs were versatile farm dogs, used for herding cattle, protecting livestock, and even serving as loyal family guardians.

Breed History

The Bernese Mountain Dog, or Berner Sennenhund, is a large and noble breed that originated in the Swiss Alps. These dogs were historically used as working dogs on farms, where they performed a variety of tasks, including herding cattle, pulling carts, and guarding the property. Their name is derived from the Bern region of Switzerland, where the breed was developed. Bernese Mountain Dogs were highly valued for their strength, intelligence, and versatility, making them indispensable to farmers and their families. Over time, their gentle and affectionate nature has made them popular as family pets, cherished for their loyalty and companionship.

Personality and Behaviour

• Gentle and Affectionate: Bernese Mountain Dogs are renowned for their friendly and loving temperament. They form strong bonds with their families and are particularly good with children, making them excellent family dogs. Their affectionate nature extends to other animals and even strangers once they are properly socialized.
• Intelligent and Trainable: This breed is highly intelligent and eager to please, making training relatively straightforward. They thrive on positive reinforcement and respond well to praise and treats. While they are intelligent, they can have a somewhat independent streak, so consistency and patience during training are essential. Early socialization is also important to help them become well-adjusted adults.
• Loyal and Protective: Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their loyalty and protective instincts. They are natural watchdogs and will alert their families to anything unusual, though they are not known to be aggressive. This loyalty, combined with their gentle demeanor, makes them excellent companions who will stand by their loved ones through thick and thin.

Care

• Exercise: Bernese Mountain Dogs are moderately active and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, walking, and playing in the yard. A daily walk of 30 to 60 minutes, combined with playtime, is ideal to meet their physical needs. While they do enjoy exercise, it's important to avoid overexertion, especially during their puppy stage, as their joints are still developing.
• Grooming: The Bernese Mountain Dog has a thick, double-layered coat that is beautiful but requires regular maintenance. Brushing their coat two to three times a week helps manage shedding and prevents matting. They typically shed more heavily during seasonal changes, so more frequent brushing during these times is beneficial. Regular grooming should also include checking their ears for infection, trimming their nails, and maintaining their dental hygiene. Baths should only be given as needed to avoid stripping natural oils from their coat.
• Training and Socialization: Bernese Mountain Dogs are intelligent and eager to please, making training relatively straightforward with positive reinforcement techniques. They respond well to praise, treats, and gentle guidance. Early training and socialization are important to ensure that they grow up to be well-mannered and confident adults. Socializing them with different people, animals, and environments can help prevent any shyness or anxiety. While they are generally good with other dogs, early socialization helps them learn proper behavior and interaction.