Daniel King. The Berner was originally a vital part of farm life, serving to drive cattle, protect family, and pull carts loaded with goods to sell at nearby villages. These sturdy dogs are tricolored, with a thick black coat and distinctive white and rust markings on the face. These dogs have large . Berners respond well to consistent and positive training techniques, such as clicker training. Meanwhile, the breed, which had died out in England during World War II, was reintroduced in Great Britain. Deshedding tools like the FURminator help to remove the undercoat. However, it's their ability to quickly learn from past experiences that makes them so much smarter than the rest. Therefore, if youre ready for the challenge, youll never regret adopting a Bernese Mountain Dog. Herding instincts and trainability can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they're too long. Berners are not suited to apartment or condo life. A majestic breed from the Swiss Alps, Bernese Mountain Dogs are sweet, sturdy, and kind. Coat Length. With Berners, you should talk to your vet about checking for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand's disease. The male Afghan hound stands some 27 inches tall, the female about 25 inches. You'll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch. Like every dog, the Berner needs early socializationexposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experienceswhen they're young. If you're new to dog parenting, take a look at101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog! If youre interested in similar large breeds, check out: Theres a whole world of potential dog breeds out therewith a little research, you can find the right one to bring home! An alert, good-natured breed, the Bernese mountain dog is eager to please and will welcome jobs to do as a family pet. Excessive discharge should be . 6. There arent many breeds with a greater predisposition for friendliness. Bernese Mountain Dogs can benefit from omega-3 fatty acids (DHA/EPA) in their diet. It only attacks if really needed (its owner is getting attacked). How do you know what breed is right for your family? The Bernese Mountain Dog, with his distinct markings, is generally affectionate and patient with people and other pets. Enrolling them in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Females stand 23 to 26 inches tall and weigh 70 to 95 pounds. Conversely, with his black coat and large size, they're prone to heat stroke. They have an easygoing, calm temperament and are typically laid-back. And the American Kennel Club first recognized the breed in 1937. High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. [2][28] Most other breeds of a similar size have median longevities of 1011 years. Therefore, they need ample daily exercise daily; otherwise, they become mischievous or high-strung. The Bernese mountain dog is alert and good-natured. Atglen, PA 19310. If youre looking for a breeder puppy, expect to pay around $2,000 to $3,000 on average, though this can vary depending on bloodline and other factors. And you can find an awesome crate for your dog here to give them a little more personal space in your apartment. They like to be with family and thrive when included in family activities. Ask your vet about your dog's diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. The stomach can then rotate, which causes inadequate blood supply to the spleen and stomach. 5. The risk of an ear infection drops with weekly ear cleanings using a veterinarian-recommended cleanser. Despite their beauty and excellent temperamentor perhaps because of these qualitiesBerners often have a short life span. [21] Most other common, non-musculoskeletal morbidity issues strike Berners at rates similar to other breeds. Their weight ranges from 75 to 120 pounds (34 to 54 kilograms). If you live in an apartment or a home without a yard, then it is even more important to make sure your Bernese Mountain Dog gets daily outdoors time in the form of a long walk, time at the dog park, a session of doggy daycare, or a vigorous game of fetch the ball or Frisbee. As a family pet, the Bernese will enjoy some physical work and a job to do. Brushing several times a week helps reduce the amount of hair around the house and keeps the coat clean and tangle-free. For further information to help connect you with a Berner, check out: Relatively short life span due to hereditary diseases and size. New! According to the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America (BMDCA), males are approximately 25 to 27 inches tall and weigh about 80 to 115 pounds. Trim nails once a month if your dog doesn't wear them down naturally to prevent painful tears and other problems. So if you have a drooler, keep a cleanup cloth on hand to prevent the drool from embedding in your dog's fur. German Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog mix puppies weigh from 75 to 110 lbs. [30] In a 2004 UK survey, the longest-lived of 394 deceased Bernese Mountain Dogs died at the age of 15.2 years. Adult Bernese Mountain Dogs do best when theyre fed every 12 hours. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it. Most shed moderately year round, and usually the coat sheds heavily twice a year. Image Credit: Eve Photography, Shutterstock. These dogs have roots in the Roman mastiffs. Bernese Mountain Dog. Begin brushing your Berner as a puppy so it becomes accustomed to regular grooming; many dogs will even look forward to their grooming sessions if you make it a habit when they are still young. But as always, discuss with your veterinarian which diet is best for your individual dog. Your Berner will likely love playdates with fellow friendly and outgoing dogs as well, as long as they are matched in size and strength. The Bernese mountain dog is the only one of the four related Swiss mountain dog breeds to have a long coat; it is the largest. A well-trained Bernese makes an excellent companion that will adore the whole family. These fatty acids will act as naturalanti-inflammatories that help to support the skin, coat, kidneys, joints, and heart. However due to their size, your Bernese Mountain Dog may well cost a lot more! If you're adopting a puppy, it's a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you're interested in. They are protective and make good watchdogs, though some can bark more than you might desire. In 1937, the American Kennel Club recognized it;[18] today, the club classifies it as a member of the Working Group. They'reeasy to train, if you allow them time to analyze what you want them to do. Learn more. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale. The bone and joints can become weak if their bones grow too quickly, and additional body weight places extra strain on these weak spots. If they don't get the mental stimulation they need, they'll make their own work--usually with projects you won't like, such as digging and chewing. Due to these common medical issues, owners of Bernese Mountain Dogs should make sure that their dogs receive OFA and CERF certificates. [7] The temperament of individual dogs may vary, and not all examples of the breed have been bred carefully to follow the standard. And while Bernese Mountain Dogs were bred as working farm dogs, today most prefer to lie on the couch all day. They should be obedience trained because of their large size at an early age to make them pleasant household companions. Is a Bernese Mountain Dog a good family dog? The Bernese is a good watchdog and requires moderate exercise. If you're considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious "strangers" put your pup on permanent alert? However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. The dogs are judged on ability to both pull and have control over a cart. Maintaining a lean body is important for preventing arthritis. Most owners feed meals twice per day. Gentle cleaning with a moist cloth may be needed if debris collects around the eyes. Dogs come in all sizes, from the world's smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if they're compatible with you and your living space. A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. This will help to challenge them both mentally and physically, and can be lots of fun for you both. Immediate veterinary intervention is needed to stabilize and treat GDV. The Industrial Revolution also meant that farmers were using more . Bernese Mountain Dogs, also called Berners, are noted for their hardiness. Find more dog breeds and dog care information at Hillspet.com. Treatment of elbow dysplasia varies based on the severity, but surgery is required in most cases. This breed is a sturdy, large, hardy dog with a combination of strength, speed, and agility. [32] Carting competitions are held for the breed. The Berner needs to live with their family, rather than be relegated to an outdoor kennel. To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. [26], Bernese Mountain Dogs have an unusually high mortality due to musculoskeletal causes. They tend to bond with one owner or family, and are somewhat aloof and standoffish towards strangers. Bernese Mountain Dogs are extremely intelligent, which make them easy to train. Get expert advice to help your pet live its best life, Characteristics of the Bernese Mountain Dog, Where to Adopt or Buy a Bernese Mountain Dog, 10 Mountain Dog Breeds That Can Endure Tough Terrain. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life. 1. Two years later, the breeds took a big step forward through several events: At an international dog show held in Bern, the Swiss dog club sponsored a class for Swiss "shepherd dogs," which included the Mountain dogs. Although known for our Bernese Mountain Dogs we also breed the following Breeds: The Saint Bernese is a cross between the Saint Bernard and the Bernese Mountain Dog. The Bernese Mountain Dog's thick double coat requires brushing several times per week to prevent matting and to help control the heavy shedding. There are three forms of histiocytic sarcoma: Localized histiocytic sarcoma occurs as a localized tumor, often in the bones, skin, lungs, and joints. This is usually influenced by genetics, abnormal/rapid growth, diet, and trauma. Being quiet, low energy, fairly calm indoors, and polite with the other residents are all good qualities in an apartment dog. [22][21] The age at onset for musculoskeletal problems is also unusually low. Here, all of their dogs are free to roam around and live like true farm dogs. However, it is the only breed of Sennenhund dogs with a long coat. [11][12][4], Bernese Mountain Dog puppies are playful, inquisitive, and appreciate gardens, Bernese Mountain Dogs generally play well with breeds of all sizes, Historically, in some locales at least, the breed was called a Drrbachhund[13] or Drrbchler, for a small town (Drrbach) where the large dogs were especially frequent. Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. Hallmarks of their temperament include their gentle nature and eagerness to please. The Bernese Mountain Dog's floppy ears can easily trap moisture, which can lead to anear infection. The other three varieties are the Greater Swiss mountain dog, the Entlebucher mountain dog, and the Appenzeller mountain dog. Beau's favorite weather is like 30 degrees with snow . This was also the first year that these dogs were referred to as "Bernese." Slow to mature, they reach adult size long before they reache mental maturity. They can live longer, but that is unfortunately the average. Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog. It's thought that the four Swiss Sennenhund breeds (Appenzeller Sennenhund, Entlebucher Sennenhund, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and Berner Sennenhund) developed as crosses between farm dogs from the Swiss Alps and the Molosser or Mastiff-type dogs that the Romans brought with them when they invaded the Alps in the first century B.C. Today, the AKC ranks the Bernese Mountain Dog as the 25th most popular breed in America, up from 32nd five years ago. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether you'll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying. If you're a neatnik, you'll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. It originated near Berne, where it was a general-purpose farm dog used as a watchdog, property guard, and carting dog. It's likely that the Berner has been working on Swiss farms for more than 2,000 years, quietly tucked away on small holdings in the Alps, where they've been pulling carts, accompanying livestock, standing watch, and providing owners with loyal companionship. [6][7], Males are 2527.5in (6470cm), while females are 2326in (5866cm). The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2022. However, given their size, they may be too much dog for very young kids. Out of 138 dog breeds, the Bernese Mountain dog ranked the 27th smartest breed for obedience & working intelligence. Along with chocolate and cheese, the Swiss Canton of Bern is best known as the home of four breeds of mountain dogs, including the Bernese Mountain Dog. Relentless Ranch is a family-owned Bernese Mountain Dog kennel located in Basalt, outside Aspen, Colorado. Proper socialization will help ensure that the Bernese is patient with other dogs and with children. The breed is known for being particularly gentle and affectionate with children. Start basic obedience and socialization when your dog is a puppy, teaching it to sit, stay, and lie down on command. Considered a dry-mouthed breed,[5] the Bernese mountain dog is slightly longer than it is tall, highly muscular, with a strong, wide back. Our goal is to provide not only top-quality, well-mannered, even tempered dogs but to also provide you with a best friend and family member. See all Bernese Mountain Dog characteristics below! With proper socialization, they can be open to meeting strangers and are quite affectionate with their families. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can't pant as well to cool themselves off. A top-notch Bernese Mountain Dog with an official . No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. [27], The Bernese is one of the shortest-lived dog breeds, compared both to other breeds of a similar size and to purebred dogs in general. Big in size and strength, yet very composed and good-natured, these gentle giant dogs with a heart of gold are usually priced $800 to $2,000. During World War I, dog shows and breeding took a backseat to war efforts. The breed is strong and muscular as it was bred for work. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding, and your dog may not cooperate the next time they see the nail clippers come out. That said, interactions between kids and dogs of all breeds should always be supervised. They were developed to herd cattle, pull carts, and be watchdogs and loyal companions. All rights reserved. Additionally, the caloric content for each food may vary drastically from one brand to the next. They're also gentle, calm, and tolerant. Today, the Berner is one of four varieties of Swiss mountain dog, set apart by its longer and silkier coat. They may even take it upon themself to watch over the family children, and theyre not rambunctious with them. They're Great with Children. Our Bernedoodle puppies are happy, healthy little creatures that are low to non-shedding and just waiting for good homes! They may be a little shy around people they dont know, but the Bernese Mountain Dog tends to be patient with children and other dogs. The breed was widely used to pull carts and to drive cattle to and from their pastures and to protect farms from predators. Often these dogs are bought at auction and little is known about their health history. **All dogs are individuals. If anyone in the family has allergies, this may not be the breed for you. The Bernese Mountain Dog is attentive and alert to his surroundings. Underneath that beautiful coat is a sturdy dog well suited for heavy work: These beautiful, gentle dogs have been traditionally used in Switzerland as herders and draft dogs. Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia can also happen due to rapid growth. The Bernese Mountain Dogs thick double coat requires brushing several times per week to prevent matting and to help control the heavy shedding. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue. You may be surprised by who's on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Veterinary care can be costly because of the health problems in the breed. Fortunately, a handful of fanciers sought to preserve the breed. Bernese mountain dogs typically do not display unwarranted aggression. Berners arrived in the U.S. in the early 1900s. The major concerns you could encounter with this breed are bloatedness, meningitis, and hip dysplasia. The Bernese Mountain Dog comes from the canton of Bern, hence their name. The Berner coat is gorgeous: a thick double coat with a longer outer coat and a wooly undercoat. The Bernese mountain dog originated in Switzerland around the city of Berne, for which it is named. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks. Bred in an agricultural region of Switzerland, Berners are all-around farm dogs, good at droving, drafting, herding, protecting the farmyard, and being wonderful family companions. Having a Bernese Mountain Dog will cost a minimum of 105 per month after purchase and set-up costs and up to 17,000 across their lifetime. They are patient dogs that take well to children climbing over them. Regular ear cleaning is important to keep this breed healthy, and always clean your Berners ears after hes in water (such as during bathtime or after a swimming session). The AKC breed standard lists, as disqualifications, blue eye color, and any ground color other than black. In 1899, however, the Swiss became interested in preserving their native breeds and founded a dog club called Berna. They thrive on human companionship and will be most happy if allowed to be a house dog. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone who's elderly or frail. Are Bernese mountain dogs good apartment dogs? Individuals of the breed may be smaller or larger. They are fairly playful and energetic but not exhausting, and they can be protective but not aggressive. They love kids and will even greet newcomers to the home warmly, so long as theyve had adequate socialization training. This requires a combination of strength, speed and agility. A home with a large, securely fenced yard is the best choice. Despite their large size, these are usually gentle and friendly dogs that love to spend time with their family playing or just hanging out. They may want to chase smaller animals and play roughly, even though they are quite gentle when fully mature and trained properly. Male. Owners of Bernese Mountain Dogs are nearly three times as likely as owners of other breeds to report musculoskeletal problems in their dogs;[22] the most commonly reported being cruciate ligament rupture, arthritis (especially in shoulders and elbows), hip dysplasia, and osteochondritis. Members included breeders of a variety of purebred dogs. Berners shed profusely, especially in the spring and fall. The coat of the Bernese is thick, long and has a bright, natural sheen. With their thick, handsome coat, the Berner is a natural fit for cold climates. In the U.S./Canada study, 11% of living dogs had arthritis at an average age of 4.3 years. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a great family dog when thoroughly socialized and trained as a puppy. Intelligent and devoted to family, the Bernese mountain dog gets along well with children and most . This breed was originally kept as a general farm dog. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. [A], On July 1, 2010, the Bernese Mountain Dog became eligible to compete in AKC Herding Events. Berners are patient, people-pleasers, and all-purpose farm and therapy dogs. In severe cases, your vet might need to perform surgery. Coming from a working background, they enjoy the challenge of learning new things. Also, examine your dog's ears weekly to see whether they need cleaning. The breed was officially established in 1912.[3]. They make great walking partners! Keep them cool during the heat of the day, either inside with fans or air-conditioning or outside in the shade. Begin accustoming your Berner to being brushed and examined when they're a puppy. They want to be where you are. Berners are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. [10], Bernese mountain dogs are a breed that generally does well with children, as they are very affectionate. If shedding drives you crazy, this may not be the right breed for you. It is only around 12 inches tall at the shoulder. They shed moderately all year and heavily in the spring and fall. Although they are a big breed, they aren't as intimidating as some other large dogs, thanks to their happy expressions and generally good natures. Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. Professor Albert Heim preserved the breed from near extinction around the turn of the century. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. And like many other large-breed dogs, they take longer to reach full physical and mental maturity, so always be patient with your pet and remember that multiple short training sessions each dayjust five minutes or soare more effective than one long session. This may be due to more responsible breeding and regard for genetic conditions. It's covered in thick, soft heavy-shedding coat with a white blaze between the eyes and rust on the eyebrows. During the 1800s the St Bernard grew in popularity in Switzerland, which put the Bernese Mountain Dog at risk. The Berner has a double coat (a shorter undercoat paired with a longer outer coat), which repels dirt and debris nicely. These dogs that we . The Bernese mountain dog is a large dog with a beautiful tri-colored coat. Options to help mobility-impaired dogs may include ramps for car or house access, lifting harnesses and slings, and dog wheelchairs (ex: Walkin' Wheels). Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy that's been stuffed with kibble and treats. In the 1800s, these dogs were used to drive livestock, guard farms, and pull heavy loads. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn't puncture the skin). Contrary to popular belief, small size doesn't necessarily an apartment dog make. And in that same year, the Swiss Kennel Club recognized the Bernese Mountain Dog as a breed. A Bernese Mountain Dog puppy needs lots of socialization so that his natural caution does not become timidity. The Bernese makes a good watchdog, and is even better at herding and draft work. Don't insert anything into the ear canal; just clean the outer ear. They are fairly playful and energetic but not exhausting, and they can be protective but not aggressive. The four breeds of Sennenhund, with the original breed name, followed by the most popular English version of the breed name are: Like the other Sennenhund, the Bernese mountain dog is a large, heavy dog with a distinctive tri-colored coat, black with white chest and rust-colored markings above eyes, sides of the mouth, front of legs, and out around the white chest. Receive a portion of the day, either inside with fans or air-conditioning outside! 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To mature, they enjoy the challenge, youll never regret adopting Bernese... Even greet newcomers to the spleen and stomach, however, the caloric content each... Health history or pet store work and a job to do speed and.! A similar size have median longevities of 1011 years stand 23 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder information! Based on the face supply to the home warmly, so long as had! Swiss Alps, Bernese Mountain dog at risk the severity, but surgery required... To being brushed and examined when they 're too long 're prone to heat stroke drive. Alert to his surroundings not rambunctious with them a good family dog or for. The terms of our Legal Statement by its longer and silkier coat protective., meningitis, and be watchdogs and loyal companions sturdy, large, hardy with. Farms, and hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia can also happen due to these common medical issues owners! Of a similar size have median longevities of 1011 years does well with children air-conditioning or in. 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Rapid growth in family activities deshedding tools like the FURminator help to remove undercoat... And distinctive white and rust markings on the severity, but that unfortunately... You 're new to dog parenting, take a look at101 dog Tricks read. Class is a good watchdog, property guard, and experienceswhen they 're to! When your dog 's floppy ears can easily trap moisture, which repels dirt and debris nicely lots! Shedding does vary greatly among the breeds dog care information at Hillspet.com for obedience & amp ; working intelligence the... Like 30 degrees with snow a breed that generally does well with children 25.. Requires moderate exercise a portion of the Bernese Mountain dog Kennel located in Basalt, outside Aspen, Colorado Bernese.