Bernese Mountain Dog
History of the breed
The Bernese Mountain Dog (also called Berner Sennenhund or Bouvier Bernois) is a versatile breed of farm dog originating in the canton of Berne in Switzerland.
Black with white chest and tan (or rust) coloured markings above eyes, sides of mouth front of legs and a small amount around white chest. Other names the breed goes by are Berner Sennenhund, Bouvier Bernois, Bovaro Bernese, Dürrbächler
Appearance of the breed
A tri-colored dog of large size, the “Berner” (as they are often called) stands 23 to 27.5 inches (58-70 cm) at the withers. Breed standards for this breed normally specify no weight, but the usual range is 65 to 120 pounds. The breed is instantly recognized by its distinctive tri-color pattern: body, neck, legs, head and ears are solid black; the cheeks, stockings and thumbprints (or ghost eyes) are tan; the toes, chest, muzzle, tail tip and blaze between the eyes white. The pattern is rigid and varies only slightly in the amount of white. A perfectly-marked individual gives the impression of a white “Swiss cross” on the chest, when viewed from the front in sitting position. The eyes are an expressive dark brown and are almond shaped. Male Bernese mountain dogs are normally larger in size than females but both genders are extremely strong.
The Bernese coat is slightly rough in outline, but not at all harsh in texture. The undercoat is fairly dense; the coat is quite dirt and weather resistant. A good brushing every week or two is sufficient to keep it in fine shape, except when the undercoat is being shed; then daily combing or brushing is in order for the duration of the moult. Bernese Mountain Dogs shed year-round, and drifts of fur are to be expected, yet the Bernese Mountain Dog tends to be one of the better hypo-allergenic dogs with a longer coat.
Temperament of the breed
Bernese Mountain Dogs are outdoor dogs at heart, though well-behaved in the house; they need activity and exercise, but do not have a great deal of endurance. They can move with amazing bursts of speed for their size when motivated. If they are sound (no problems with their hips, elbows, or other joints) they enjoy hiking and generally stick close to their people.
The Bernese Mountain Dogs temperament is a strong point of the breed. Bernese Mountain Dogs are affectionate, loyal, faithful, stable and intelligent. The majority of Bernese are very friendly to people, and other dogs. Bernese Mountain Dogs often get along well with other pets such as cats, horses, etc.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are very trainable provided the owner is patient and consistent in training; Bernese need time to think things through. Bernese Mountain Dogs do not respond well to harsh treatment, however Bernese Mountain Dogs are very willing and eager to please their master. Bernese love to be encouraged with praise and treats. The breed is very sweet and good with children, despite their great size. Overall, they are very stable in temperament, patient, and loving.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are quirky, loving dogs, craving love and affection. They love to lean against people or sit on their feet. The Bernese Mountain Dogs calm temperament makes them a natural for pulling small carts or wagons, a task they originally performed in Switzerland. With proper training they enjoy giving children rides in a cart or participating in a parade.
Health Concerns of the breed
Bernese Mountain Dogs are very short-lived compared to breeds of similar size and purebred dogs in general. Bernese Mountain Dogs have a median longevity of 7 years. By comparison, most other breeds of similar size have median longevities of 10 to 11 years.
Cancer is the leading cause of death for dogs in general, but Bernese Mountain Dogs have a much higher rate of fatal cancer than other breeds. Bernese Mountain Dogs are killed by a multitude of different types of cancer, including malignant histiocytosis, mast cell tumor, lymphosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, and osteosarcoma.
Bernese Mountain Dogs also have an unusually high mortality due to musculoskeletal causes. Arthritis, hip dysplasia, and cruciate ligament rupture were reported as the cause of death in 6% of Bernese Mountain Dogs in a UK study; for comparison, mortality due to musculoskeletal ailments was reported to be less than 2% for purebred dogs in general.
Owners of Bernese Mountain Dogs are nearly three times as likely as owners of other breeds to report musculoskeletal problems in their dogs. The most commonly reported musculoskeletal issues are cruciate ligament rupture, arthritis (especially in shoulders and elbows), hip dysplasia, and osteochondritis. The age at onset for musculoskeletal problems is also unusually low. Most other common, non-musculoskeletal morbidity issues strike Bernese Mountain Dogs at rates similar to other breeds.
In short, prospective Bernese Mountain Dogs owners should be prepared to cope with a large dog that may have mobility problems at a young age. Options to help mobility-impaired dogs may include ramps for car or house access. Comfortable bedding may help alleviate joint pain.
Litter size: 8 puppies
Life span: 7 to 15 years
