A well-mannered dog is a pleasure and the owner’s responsibility. Basic training is a necessity for all dogs and especially for large breeds.
Bernese Mountain Dogs
Bernese Mountain Dogs (Berner Sennenhund) are from Switzerland and named for the Canton of Bern. Historically, Berners were used as general purpose farm dogs. Their large, sturdy frames and their calm, confident temperaments made them ideal for pulling carts to market, watching the farm, and being farmer’s companions.
General Appearance and Size
Bernese are striking, tri-colored, large dogs. They are intelligent, strong and agile enough to do the draft and driving work for which they were used. Measured at the withers, males should be 25 to 27 inches and females 23 to 26 inches. Properly structured males generally weigh 90-120 pounds and females 75-105 pounds. Overweight should be avoided.
Temperament
The proper temperament of Bernese is confident, alert and good natured, never sharp or shy. With the training essential for ownership of any large working breed, Bernese are generally gentle, easygoing, and tolerant with children and other animals. As with any large dog, supervision is recommended with small children. Bernese prefer to be close to their people and activities, whether inside or out. If kept isolated, behavior problems such as barking or digging will likely develop. They may be aloof with strangers. Berners should not be shy or aggressive. Temperament is inherited, but can be influenced, both positively and negatively, by environment, experiences,
and training.
Socialization
As the puppy’s owner, you play a critical role in providing a secure and stimulating environment to help the dog reache its full potential. The best approach is to be patient, kind, understanding, and positive. Read more about puppy development to ensure you are shaping a well-rounded dog. All Bernese should be exposed to a wide variety of people, places, and other animals, especially in their first year of life.
Exercise
Puppies need regular supervised exercise in a safe, dog friendly outside area to maintain healthy muscle tone and condition. Exercise should never be forced (like jogging or extended rough playing). Avoid unsupervised exercise and play with older or larger dogs which could easily injure a puppy.
Grooming
Basic grooming should provide care for ears, nails, coat, and teeth. Bernese are a double-coated breed, and shedding is considerable. Regular brushing will help.
Spay/Neuter
Spaying or neutering your Berner is a sensible choice for most families. Altered dogs are usually calmer, easier to train, and less likely to wander. They are also less likely to develop several types of cancer. Ask your veterinarian to explain in more detail the benefits and concerns of spay/neuter.
Health and Life Expectancy
The average life of a Berner is slightly more than eight years. Some live to ten and beyond. BMD health issues include hip and elbow dysplasia, cancer, bloat, subaortic stenosis, autoimmune diseases, skin and coat problems, thyroid disorders, von Willebrand’s disease, and eye disorders (ectropion and entropion, cataracts, PRA).
BMD owners are encouraged to report health information to the Berner-Garde open database and to use its vast databank: www.bernergarde.org
Recommended Daily vitamin: www.nevet.com enter Order Code: 755016