Description: Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, sturdy working breed originating from the Swiss Alps. Known for its striking tri-color coat, this breed combines strength and agility with a calm, friendly demeanor. Bernese Mountain Dogs were originally used for herding cattle, pulling carts, and serving as loyal farm dogs. Their gentle, affectionate nature makes them excellent family pets, and they are particularly good with children. They require a moderate amount of exercise and space to roam, ideally suited to homes with yards. Though their thick, long fur needs regular grooming, their companionship is well worth the effort. Bernese Mountain Dogs are also known for their intelligence and can be trained for various tasks, making them versatile and dependable companions.
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Properties
The Bernese Mountain Dog, affectionately known as the 'Berner', is a large, sturdy working breed with a friendly and calm disposition. Originating from the mountains of Switzerland, particularly the Bern region, these dogs were primarily used as farm dogs for driving cattle, pulling carts, and serving as loyal companions. They are well-known for their tri-color coat which is strikingly glossy and has a distinctive pattern of black, white, and rust.
The Bernese Mountain Dog has a strong, muscular build with a broad head and a slightly furrowed brow. They have expressive eyes and a pair of medium-sized, triangular ears that add to their gentle appearance. Their gait is strong and confident, which reflects their historical background as a draught animal.
Berners are known for their intelligence and are quite trainable, although they can have a stubborn streak. They possess a great desire to please their owners, which makes them responsive to kind, consistent training approaches. Despite their size, they are remarkably gentle and are well-suited to families with children. They enjoy being part of family activities and display an immense loyalty to their household.
Their temperament balances between placid and active. While they exhibit serenity indoors, they are also ready for outdoor adventures, making them excellent companions for walking or hiking. They are not excessively energetic but do require regular exercise to manage their weight and to satisfy their need for activity. Adequate physical and mental stimulation is crucial to keep them happy and healthy.
Healthwise, the Bernese Mountain Dog's life span is unfortunately shorter than many other breeds, typically ranging from 7 to 10 years. They are prone to specific health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, several types of cancer, and hereditary eye diseases. Prospective owners should ensure they obtain their pet from reputable breeders who utilize genetic testing. Regular vet checkups and attentiveness to their health are essential.
Their dense coat needs regular grooming to manage shedding and prevent matting. During the shedding season, more frequent brushing might be necessary to keep their coat in good condition. Despite their size and a few challenges related to their health and maintenance, Bernese Mountain Dogs make devoted companions and integrate well into the lives of those who appreciate their affectionate nature and regal bearing.
Appearance
The Bernese Mountain Dog, known for its striking tri-color coat, is a large and sturdy breed that displays both agility and elegance. Originating from the Swiss Alps, specifically the canton of Bern, this breed was primarily used as a farm dog for guarding property and driving dairy cattle. Over time, they have become cherished companions, recognizable by their distinctive appearance and gentle demeanor.
The physiognomy of the Bernese Mountain Dog is robust and symmetrical, with males typically standing 25-27.5 inches at the withers, and females slightly smaller at 23-26 inches. They generally weigh between 80 to 115 pounds, with males being larger than females. The Bernese has a powerful, strong body that is slightly longer than it is tall, contributing to their stability and strength. Their heads are broad and flat on the top with a slight furrow and a well-defined, but not abrupt stop. The muzzle is strong and straight with a gentle curve, and their lips are clean.
Their ears are medium-sized, set high, triangular in shape, and rounded at the tips, hanging close to their head and adding to their intelligent, friendly expression. Their eyes are dark brown and almond-shaped, exuding an alert and gentle look. The overall expression is one of intelligence, alertness, and approachability.
The most distinguishing feature of the Bernese Mountain Dog is perhaps their luxurious, long, and silky coat which requires regular grooming. The coat is typically jet black with rich rust and bright white. There is a clear white marking on the chest, and white on the head, known as a 'Swiss cross.' The rust appears above the eyes, on the cheeks, and on either side of the chest. This tri-color pattern is very specie-specific and adds to the beauty of the breed.
Additionally, the Bernese sports a bushy tail that they carry low when relaxed and upwards in a curve when alert or active. Their gait is steady and powerful, with a natural energy suitable for lengthy activities like hiking or pulling carts, activities that hark back to their heritage as working dogs.
Overall, the Bernese Mountain Dog's appearance is not only functional for the tasks they were bred to perform but also profoundly aesthetic, making them popular both as working dogs and family pets. Their appearance embodies a perfect blend of functionality and beauty, making them a beloved breed worldwide.
History
The Bernese Mountain Dog, originating from Switzerland, is one of four varieties of Swiss Mountain Dogs, and the only one with long, silky fur. Their history is deeply embedded in the rural, hilly regions of Bern, hence their name. The breed's ancestors can be traced back over 2,000 years when Roman soldiers invading Switzerland brought mastiff-type dogs that interbred with local dogs, laying groundwork for several Swiss breeds.
The primary function of Bernese Mountain Dogs was to serve as farm dogs in the Swiss Alps. Their tasks included herding cattle, pulling carts, and being watchdogs and loyal companions to the farmers. The Bernese were well-suited to the harsh Alpine weather and the demanding physical tasks required by mountain life. They were bred for strength, endurance, and the ability to work on uneven, rocky terrain.
In the early 20th century, the Bernese Mountain Dog faced the threat of extinction due to changes in agricultural practices and a decreased need for working dogs. Thanks to the efforts of Swiss fanciers, most notably Professor Albert Heim, who recognized the breed's attributes and worked towards preserving their lineage, the breed saw a resurgence. The first breed club was founded in 1907, solidifying the breed's standard and securing its future.
Their good-natured attitude and striking appearance soon caught attention beyond Swiss borders. By the mid-20th century, they were introduced to other parts of Europe and North America. The American Kennel Club recognized the Bernese Mountain Dog in 1937. Since then, they have steadily gained popularity, not only as work dogs but also as family pets, thanks to their friendly and affectionate nature.
Today, the Bernese Mountain Dog is cherished not only for its historical role but for its role as a companion. They are particularly noted for their patience with children and their protective yet gentle disposition. While they continue to participate in conformation shows, obedience, and drafting (cart-pulling) competitions, they are primarily beloved as family members around the world. Their historical background as farm dogs equips them well for a variety of outdoor activities and their size and strength make them superb companions for adventurous families.