BERNESE MOUNTAIN

Temperament: Affectionate, Smart, Loyal, Faithful
Height: 23 to 28 inches
Weight: 70 to 115 pounds
Life Expectancy: 6 to 10 years
Dog Breed Group: Working Dogs

MORE ABOUT THIS BREED

The Bernese Mountain Dog is an extremely versatile working dog from the farmlands of Switzerland. They were developed to herd cattle, pull carts, and be watchdogs and loyal companions. They’re one of four types of Swiss Mountain Dogs, and the only one with long hair.

A novice dog parent might be attracted to this breed’s friendly disposition, intelligence, and highly trainable nature. However, first-timers should beware. The Bernese Mountain Dog’s size and high energy can make handling difficult. Thus, they don’t appreciate being cooped up in apartments all day. They shed a lot, and they tend to need the drool wiped from their faces every once in a while.

Dogs of this breed are great watchdogs, but that also means they have a tendency to bark loudly. They may want to chase smaller animals and play roughly, even though they are quite gentle when fully mature and trained properly.

PERSONALITY

The Bernese mountain dog is alert and good-natured. Coming from a working background, they enjoy the challenge of learning new things. They should be obedience trained because of their large size at an early age to make them pleasant household companions. The Bernese makes a good watchdog, and is even better at herding and draft work. Draft work is demonstrated in field trails for Bernese mountain dogs and popular with owners today. The dogs are judged on ability to both pull and have control over a cart. As a family pet, the Bernese will enjoy some physical work and a job to do.

FEEDING

A Bernese Mountain Dog diet should be formulated for a large-sized breed with high energy and exercise needs. You should consult your veterinarian or professional nutritionist for advice on what to feed your Bernese Mountain Dog and the correct portion sizes. Their dietary needs will change as they grow from puppyhood to adulthood and senior age. Stay on top of these nutritional requirements.

HEALTH

In Bernese Mountain Dogs, health problems include hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as other orthopedic problems. Eye diseases or defects that can affect the Berner are progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, entropion, and ectropion. Berners can develop a bleeding disorder called von Willebrand disease. Unfortunately, malignant histiocytosis, an often fatal type of cancer, is common in Bernese. This breed may also experience neurological problems associated with the degeneration or malformation of the part of the brain called the cerebellum.

The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America participates in the Canine Health Information Center, a health database. Before individual Berners can be issued a CHIC number, breeders must submit hip, elbow, and heart evaluations from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA); an OFA evaluation for von Willebrand’s disease from VetGen; eye test results from the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF), and an AKC DNA profile. PennHIP certification of hips is also acceptable. OFA certification of thyroid health would be a plus.

CARE

Because the Berner is a working dog, they have plenty of energy. In addition to yard play, they need a minimum of 30 minutes of vigorous exercise every day; three times that amount keeps this sturdy dog in top condition.

With their thick, handsome coat, the Berner is a natural fit for cold climates. They love to play in the snow. Conversely, with his black coat and large size, they’re prone to heat stroke. Don’t allow them to exercise strenuously when it’s extremely hot; limit exercise to early mornings or evenings, when it’s cooler. Keep them cool during the heat of the day, either inside with fans or air-conditioning or outside in the shade.

They do well on a high-quality, low-calorie diet that keeps them from growing too fast.

Additionally, don’t let the Berner puppy run and play on hard surfaces (such as pavement), jump excessively, or pull heavy loads until they’re at least two years old and their joints are fully formed. Normal play on grass is fine.

GROOMING

Bernese Mountain Dogs have a thick, moderately long double coat that can be straight or slightly wavy. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that this coat sheds heavily, but frequent brushing will help to keep loose hair under control. The best tools for grooming a Berner’s coat are a stainless steel pin brush, a slicker brush, and a stainless steel comb with fine and coarse teeth.

Bathe the Bernese when he’s dirty to keep his tricolor coat gleaming. With regular brushing, the coat sheds dirt easily, so a bath isn’t needed too frequently. Usually, four or five times a year is plenty.

The rest is basic care. Keep the ears dry so the dog doesn’t get infections, and trim the nails as needed, usually every week or two. Brush the teeth for good overall health and fresh breath.

Source: dogtime, hillspet, vetstreet.