Bernese Mountain Dogs: Know Everything About the Gentle Giants

Are you planning to make a furry addition to your family? Pet parenting is not just about adding fun to your life, it also comes with a whole bunch of responsibilities towards your furry family member. It is, therefore, important to do thorough research about the characteristics and requirements of the pet you want to bring home. So if you are busy evaluating different dog breeds for your family and the Bernese Mountain Dog breed has caught your attention, this piece of writing is for you.

Check out this article to know all the important things about the dog breed Bernese Mountain.

Bernese Mountain Dog breed

Origin

Fondly known as Berners, Bernese Mountain Dogs are large breed dogs that originated in the canton of Bern in the Swiss Alps. It is believed that Romans brought these dogs with them to Switzerland when they invaded the Alps back in the first century B.C.

Quick facts

• Size: Large
• Appearance: Sturdy structure and sparkling, silky coat. Berners have a tricolour coat- jet black base, bright white ‘Swiss cross’ on the chest, and rust colour markings on the face and legs.
• Average height: 58 to 69 cm
• Average weight: 31 to 52 kg
• Lifespan: between 7 and 10 years
• Suitability: cold weather, big houses with open backyard

Temperament

Known as gentle giants, Bernese Mountain Dogs have a friendly nature and gel well with people, especially with kids. These majestic creatures are loyal and love to spend time with their families. Berners were bred initially to be watchdogs and they still carry the characteristics of being alert and protective of their humans.

Exercise needs

Used as farm animals in earlier times, these working dogs need playtime and a moderate amount of exercise for at least 30 minutes daily. But, Berners are lazy and care should be taken in encouraging them for exercise. However, long exercise sessions may not be helpful for these heavy-bodied canines as it can strain their joints and hips. Go with short, moderate-activity exercise sessions for your giant fur baby.

Training

Bernese Mountain Dogs have a slow growth rate and their puppy-like behaviour continues for a substantially longer period. So, be patient with their learning pace. However, they are intelligent and can learn well. Also, Berners are very affectionate and are eager to please their favourite humans and like it when they have work to do. This makes their training easier.

Routine care

Berners have a thick double coat- a longer outer coat and a wooly undercoat. They shed heavily during the shedding season, i.e. twice a year and moderately all year round. That is why, Bernese Mountain Dogs require frequent grooming. Brush their coat several times a week with a comb and bathe them periodically with dog shampoo to maintain untangled fur and a tidy appearance. Their floppy ears are susceptible to infections and need regular cleaning with an ear cleaner to prevent infections.

Health concerns

Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to health conditions like hip & elbow dysplasia, bloat (gastric torsion- a sudden life-threatening condition), degenerative myelopathy, and blood disorders. Also, Berners are the canines most susceptible to histiocytic sarcomas (a type of cancer). It is one of the reasons for their short life expectancy. Though generally healthy, Bernese Mountain Dogs need regular vet checkups due to their vulnerability to these health problems making them an expensive pet to maintain.

Parting notes

Bernese Mountain Dogs, like dogs from any other breeds, are adorable and loving. It is important, however, that you check their suitability before you decide to bring a Berner home. Refer to this article to learn in detail about Bernese Mountain Dogs, to have a healthy and happy co-living with this majestic four-legged friend.