Introduction
With their tricolor coats, gentle personalities, and impressive size, Bernese Mountain Dogs never fail to make a striking first impression. These large working dogs have captured the hearts of many over the centuries thanks to their affectionate and loyal natures. While their beauty may draw people in initially, it’s the Bernese Mountain Dog’s sweet temperament and eagerness to please that makes them truly exceptional companions.
Origin and History
The Bernese Mountain Dog hails from the Swiss Alps near the city of Bern. They were originally bred as farm dogs and were used to drive cattle and guard property in the mountainous regions of Switzerland.
The exact origins of the Bernese Mountain Dog are unclear, but they likely descended from similar Mastiff-type farm dogs bred in Rome during the Roman invasions. Their ancestry probably includes dogs brought to Switzerland by Roman soldiers and bred with native Swiss dogs.
References to large mountain dogs in Switzerland date back to the 1600s, but the modern Bernese Mountain Dog breed was not formally established until the late 1800s. The breed nearly went extinct in the late 1800s due to crossbreeding with imported breeds. Devoted breeders worked to reestablish the Bernese Mountain Dog using local farm dogs that retained traditional characteristics.
The Bernese Mountain Dog was officially recognized in Switzerland in 1907 and was one of the earliest breeds registered by the American Kennel Club in 1937. While they originated as working farm dogs, today the Bernese Mountain Dog is primarily a beloved family companion and show dog.
Physical Characteristics
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, sturdy breed with a distinctive tri-colored coat. They are one of the larger breeds of mountain dog and their size reflects the breed’s original use as an all-purpose farm dog from the Bern region of Switzerland.
One of the most recognizable features of the Bernese Mountain Dog is their tri-colored coat, consisting of black, white, and rust markings. Their face features a white blaze and white muzzle. The rest of the body is primarily black. There are tan markings above the eyes, on the cheeks, below the tail, and on all four legs. They have a moderately long, thick coat that can feature slight waves or curls.
Bernese Mountain Dogs have a broad, flat skull and a strong, moderately long muzzle. Their medium-sized eyes are dark brown in color, and they have a black nose that blends in with the black fur. The Bernese Mountain Dog’s ears are triangular and high set. The Bernese’s expression reflects the breed’s good-natured temperament.
The Bernese Mountain Dog has a powerful, muscular build indicative of its history as a working farm dog bred for drafting and herding. The Bernese Mountain Dog has a level topline and stands 25-27.5 inches tall at the shoulder. Their large size and muscular build allows them to perform demanding tasks such as pulling carts or driving cattle.
Temperament
Bernese mountain dogs are known for having a very friendly and affectionate temperament. They form strong bonds with their families and excel at interacting gently with children. Bernese mountain dogs are loyal companions that aim to please their owners.
This breed is highly intelligent and eager to participate in family activities. They are playful and energetic, especially as puppies. However, Bernese mountain dogs tend to be more low-key and easygoing than some working dog breeds.
Early positive socialization is important for Bernese mountain dogs. Exposing them to a wide variety of people, places, animals, and experiences will ensure they grow into well-rounded adult dogs. With proper socialization, these dogs get along well with other pets and strangers.
Overall, the Bernese mountain dog is a gentle, friendly family companion when provided with the exercise, training, and socialization they require to thrive.
Exercise Needs
The Bernese mountain dog requires moderate exercise to stay physically and mentally fit. Though they are fairly large dogs, they have a lower activity level than some other breeds of their size. However, they still need daily walks and playtime to meet their exercise needs.
Bernese mountain dogs enjoy activities like hiking, especially when they can explore new outdoor trails and environments. Long walks and romps at the dog park help provide an outlet for their natural energy. Interactive play with toys or fetching balls and frisbees also satisfies their exercise requirements.
Without proper exercise, Bernese mountain dogs are prone to weight gain. An inactive lifestyle can lead to obesity, which puts stress on their joints and negatively impacts their health. Make sure to provide at least 30-60 minutes of exercise per day to keep a Bernese mountain dog at a healthy weight.
Grooming and Care
Bernese mountain dogs have moderate shedding due to their thick double coats. They shed heavily in the spring and fall when the seasons change. Plan to brush them weekly to control loose hair and prevent matting.
Use a slicker brush and metal comb to reach through the thick outer coat down to the soft undercoat. Brush against the direction of hair growth to remove dead hair. Check for any mats or tangles and gently work them out. Trim the fur between foot pads if it starts to matt.
Bathe a Bernese mountain dog every 2-3 months or when dirty. Use a moisturizing dog shampoo to avoid dry skin. Dry thoroughly after baths to prevent molds or fungal growth on the skin.
This breed is sensitive to heat due to their thick coat. Avoid strenuous exercise in hot weather. Provide ample shade and water when outdoors in the summer. Keep the coat brushed and trimmed to prevent overheating.
Health Issues
Although generally a hardy breed, Bernese mountain dogs are prone to certain health problems. Some of the more common issues include:
- Cancer – This is the major cause of death for Bernese mountain dogs. They have higher rates of cancer than most other breeds, especially bone cancer, mast cell tumors, and histiocytic sarcoma.
- Joint dysplasia – Hip and elbow dysplasia can cause arthritis and lameness. Screening of breeding dogs helps reduce this.
- Bloat – Gastric dilation volvulus, or bloat, is a life-threatening condition requiring emergency treatment.
- Allergies – Bernese mountain dogs tend to have sensitive skin and be prone to allergic reactions.
The average lifespan for a Bernese mountain dog is only 6 to 8 years, which is quite short compared to many other breeds. Providing excellent veterinary care and nutrition can help extend the lifespan a bit, but owners should be prepared for the short life expectancy of this breed.
Training Tips for a Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs can be quite stubborn and independent, but they generally respond very well to positive reinforcement training methods. Here are some useful tips for training this breed:
Socialization from an early age is very important for Bernese Mountain Dogs. Expose your puppy to a wide variety of people, places, sounds, and experiences starting as young as 8 weeks old. Proper socialization will help prevent shyness, aggression, or fearfulness as an adult dog.
Use reward-based training approaches, providing treats, praise, and affection when your Bernese Mountain Dog displays desired behaviors. Avoid punishment or scolding which can cause this sensitive breed to shut down.
Be patient and consistent. Bernese Mountain Dogs can be strong-willed and may need more repetition to learn commands. Remain calm and be willing to regularly reinforce training.
Start training early and keep training sessions positive and short. Bernese Mountain Dog puppies have a lot of energy and short attention spans.
Use clicker training, a very effective positive reinforcement technique for this breed. The clicker provides a clear signal marking correct behavior.
Practice commands in different environments so your Bernese Mountain Dog reliably responds no matter the distraction level. They can become stubborn if they don’t see the need to comply.
Invest in puppy obedience classes led by a positive trainer. This provides important socialization and training during the crucial first year of life.
Be patient, yet firm and consistent. Bernese Mountain Dogs aim to please but need persistence from their owner to reinforce training.
Capitalization Rules
When writing about dog breeds, proper nouns like breed names should be capitalized. This includes capitalizing the full breed name (Bernese Mountain Dog) as well as the individual words in the breed name (Bernese, Mountain, Dog).
Proper nouns always start with a capital letter. This includes names of specific dog breeds, names of dog clubs and registries, dog show titles, names of places, and names of people.
Some examples of capitalizing dog breed names and other proper nouns correctly:
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Labrador Retriever
- American Kennel Club
- Best in Show title
- Westminster Dog Show
- John Smith, dog breeder
Common nouns like “dog” or “breed” do not get capitalized, unless they start a sentence. Only use capital letters for proper nouns and at the beginning of sentences.
Conclusion
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a popular and beloved breed originating from the mountains of Switzerland. They are striking in appearance with their tri-colored coats, sturdy builds, and relaxed temperaments. These gentle giants require consistent training and socialization but make wonderful family companions. Some key points to remember about Bernese Mountain Dogs:
- They were originally bred as farm dogs in the Swiss Alps.
- They have thick, long coats that require weekly brushing and grooming.
- They are calm, loyal, and eager to please their owners.
- They need daily exercise and do not do well in hot climates.
- Their lifespan is relatively short at 7-10 years on average.
An interesting fact about Bernese Mountain Dogs is that they were almost extinct in the late 1800s. Thanks to dedicated breeders in Switzerland, their numbers recovered by carefully breeding the remaining purebred dogs. Today, they are the 42nd most popular breed according to AKC registrations.