Bernese mountain dogs , known as " Berners " to their rooter , are beloved for their honeyed , tranquil , easygoing nature and their devotion to their families , including small children . Big and inviolable Berners , which historically help with farming duty in Switzerland , can pull cart and act as guard hound . When they ’re not working or playing , these smart , fast dog are happy at their proprietor ’s side , wherever that may be .
Appearance
Bernese mountain dogs are big — they weigh between 70–115 pounds and can be 23–27.5 inches tall at the shoulder — and have a welcoming intent and expressive disconsolate brown eye . Bernese mount dog puppy even resemble lucullan dog toys . These sturdy dogs are tricolored , with a thick black coat and classifiable lily-white and rusting markings on the grimace . The moderately long and silken coat can be straight or slightly crinkled .
" Bernese mountain dogs are so sweet looking , " Jami - Lyn Derse , DVM , founder ofVeterinary Housecall Carein Chicago , says . " To me , they always see like they ’re smile . I think that ’s because of the mask they have on their brass . "
Temperament
TheBernese mountain dog ’s trainabilityand zeal to please has bewitch owners since the pawl ’s earliest days on Swiss farms . " It ’s one of my all - time favorite stock , " Derse say . " They ’re smart , they ’re quick learners , and they ’re exceptionally close dog . "
Derse , who says the Bernese mickle dog is grow more popular in the United States , describes them as " depressed - energy " and allege that they enjoy plentitude of downtime with their hoi polloi , whether it ’s playing in the grounds or lazing on the couch . They do not care to be alone . The Bernese quite a little dog is patient , tranquil , lovesome , anda great pet for families , though they can be passably distant with strangers . Ifproperly socialized when young , Bernersget along well with catsand other frankfurter .
Bernese deal dogs have long acted as guardians for stock and , considering their large size and intimidate bark , make good watchdogs . However , with their loving and blue nature , proprietor should n’t expect much veridical threat behind the bark .
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Living Needs
Because of their thick pelage , Berners arebest suited for colder mood . " They love the winter , " Derse says . " I have gone to customer ' home in a blizzard and their Bernese great deal click will be lie in the snow , just as happy as can be . They do not want to go in the house . "
Bernese tidy sum blackguard enjoy having space to explore , soa palisade - in yard is recommended , Derse says , andregular walks are important . The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America recommend at least a one-half 60 minutes of brisk walking or running every solar day . This dog realize an excellent associate for outside activity , likehikingandcamping , and can even pull out Kid around in carts . Bernese pot dogs also do well in activities such as tracking , lightness , and herding .
Care
" If you ’re going to get a Bernese mountain andiron pup , get a Roomba , too , " Derse says . " Becausethey cast off like mad . Expect a lot of grooming . And a lot of vacuuming . " A Berner ’s silky twofold - layer coat will needbrushing every duet of daysand full grooming every four to eight weeks .
Training and socializationshould start early and should emphasise plus behavior rather than coarse correction . Berners are sensitive and wish to make their owners happy , so they incline to answer well to confirming reinforcement . Just do n’t leave a Berner alone for too long , or they may find trouble .
Your Bernese quite a little dog should consume firedog foodmade from high-pitched - quality ingredients . Monitoring solid food and drill is an important part of tending , as Berners can eat a lot . A visit to your vet can help you fix how much and how often to feed your dog .
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Health
There are a routine of condition that could impact the wellness of a Bernese spate dog , Derse say , include cancer . " They get a lot oftypes of cancers , in especial , and they do n’t have as long of a life because of that , " Derse says . The Bernese mountain dog ’s life is in general seven to 10 years .
Bernese plenty click are also prone to a few conditions normally associated with large dogs , such as elbow andhip dysplasia , blood disorders , and eye weather . Owners also need to be suspicious ofgastric dilatation - volvulus ( GDV ) complex , or bloat , which is a venter condition that happens when breeze accumulate in the breadbasket , stimulate it to twist . Bloat can be life - threatening and necessitate emergency surgical procedure . There are some steps owners can take that may diminish the risk of bloat , according to VCA Hospitals , such as give the dog pocket-size , more frequent meals during the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. .
possessor should talk to their veterinary about the risks of these conditions and how they can reduce them .
Westend61 / Getty
History
Bernese mountain frump originally came from Bern , Switzerland , where they work on farm driving kine , pulling carts , and guarding fields and farm on mountains and in vale . The breed is one of four ancient Swiss breeds , known asSennenhundbreeds , and was brought there , it ’s believe , by the Romans . The Bernese mountain hotdog — then and now — has a reputation for long suit , smarts , and companionship .
As agriculture and ranching modernized , need for this character of dog decreased and the population declined . But partizan for the breed responded and lead a concert campaign to bolster the breed ’s number . A respected European cad lover diagnose Professor Albert Heim fill poster of the Bernese mountain domestic dog and formed a breeding club in 1907 to popularize the smart , gentle dog , and the pups returned to favor on farm as well as with families .
The dogs caught the attention of a Kansas farmer in 1926 , who import a duo to serve around his property . Other farmers drive bank bill , and so did the American Kennel Club , which registered the breed in 1937 .
Alexandr / Adobe Stock
Fun Facts
Bloat . VCA Animal Hospitals .
History . Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America .
Photographer Unknown
