Bernese Mountain Dog Dog Breed Information, Images, Characteristics, Health

History - Bernese Mountain Dog for Sale

bernese mountain dog - historyThe Bernese Mountain Dog comes from the Swiss Alps and is one of four separate breeds called Sennenhund or “Alpine pasture dog”. The Name Bernese Mountain Dog indicates the area of Switzerland that the dogs come from – the canton of Bern. These groups of dogs accompanied the dairymen and herders and they were farm dogs. They pulled carts, delivered goods from village to village. The Bernese Mountain Dog was part of this group along with: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Appenzeller,Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Bernese Mountain Dog. It is probably true that the Bernese Mountain Dog has been a part of farm life in the Alps for over 2000 years.

In some regions of the Alps, these dogs were called Durrbachhund after a small town named Durrbah and are said to be rooted in the Molosser breeds. Tin 1902 the Swiss Kennel Club recognized the Bernese Mountain Dog as a separate breed and the first breed club was founded in 1907 in the region of Burgdorf. The first standard for the breed was written and separated the 4 dogs into their own breeds. The Molosser is an ancient breed whose versatility and travels made it expressly influential in the developing of Mastiff dogs like St. Bernards, Great Pyranees, Mastiffs and Swiss Mountain Dogs like the Bernese.

However at the end of the 19th century famers and shepherds began to import other breeds of working dogs, while at the same time automated modes of transportation began to replace the farm dogs. Under these circumstances the number of Bernese Mountain Dog began to decline and the breed faced potential extinction. A group of people were gathered together to save the Berner, including Franz Schertenleib and Albert Heim. Still today the Bernese are in short supply and because of the need and desire to increase the numbers, some breeding practices have not been as good as they should have been. However, today’s Berner is a great family dog and he still loves to work. He is good at carting, herding, search and rescue, watch dog, tracking, and competitive obedience.

The Bernese Mountain Dog came to the US after World War I and was imported to Britain in the 1930’s. The AKC accepted the Berner as a new Working-Class breed in 1937. It was not until 1968 that the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America was formed. In 1981, the AKC accepted the club as a member and in 1990 they (AKC) adopted the standard used today to judge the Bernese Mountain Dog.

Basic Information - Bernese Mountain Dog for Sale

Group:
Working dog
Origin:
Switzerland
Height Male:
61 - 71 cm24 - 28 inches
Height Female:
58 - 66 cm22 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
35 - 55 kg77 - 122 pounds
Weight Female:
30 - 50 kg66 - 111 pounds
Life Span:
6 - 8 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 15
Size:
Giant dog
Other Names:
Berner Sennenhund Bernese Cattle Dog - Berner, Bernese
Colors Available:
Tri-Black,Rust,White
Coat:
double, long, thick
Shedding:
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Docile, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Quiet, Social, Stubborn, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No

Description - Bernese Mountain Dog for Sale

bernese mountain dog puppy - descriptionThe Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, lovable clown. He has a heavy build with a tri color- mostly black – coat. He should have a white chest and rust coloring on the front of his legs, the sides of his mouth, and above his eyes. His eyes should be dark and blue eyes are a disqualification. His coat is silky, thick and long. He has medium sized triangle shaped ears and a scissors bite. He has round toes and strong, straight legs, He is well suited to cold weather. His skull is broad and flat, his muzzle is straight and strong, his nose must be black, and he does not usually drool.

He is an imposing sight, but he is also as non-aggressive as any breed. He is strong, intelligent, and agile. He should have his dew claws removed. This breed should be self-assured, yet good natured and calm. He is welcoming to strangers and loyal to his people. He needs his people.

Characteristics - Bernese Mountain Dog for Sale

bernese mountain dog dog - characteristicsWhen reading the AKC standard for the Bernese Mountain Dog you will find that the breed is good natured and self-assured. They are not aggressive, shy or anxious. These are gentle, loving dogs. At the same time, they should be socialized to all kinds of animals, people and children when they are puppies. They are happy outside but need to live in the house with their people. They need exercise and play, and because they are so large, they need this outside. But when it comes to cuddling and sleeping they need to be indoors.

They love children though you should be careful with small children because of the Berner’s size and their not being aware of their size at times. They are extremely loyal to their people and want to be with people. They are intelligent, and they want to please their people. At the same time, they are sensitive. They do not respond well to punishment or harshness. They are imposing but they are lovers at heart.

Health Problems - Bernese Mountain Dog for Sale

bernese mountain dog puppies - health problemsEven though it is well known that cancer is the leading cause of dog deaths across the globe, the Bernese Mountain Dog is particularly prone to die of cancer. Half of all Berners compared with 27% of all dogs, die from cancer. The Berner’s life span is also shorter than most dogs his size. IT is also not just one cancer that attacks the Bernese Mountain Dog but rather at least 6 or more including mast cell, osteosarcoma, malignant histiocytosis, fibrosarcoma, and lymphosarcoma. They can also suffer from PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), hypoadrenocorticism, cataracts and histiocytic sarcoma. Another issue that plaques the Berner more than other breeds is musculoskeletal issues that cause mortality. This can include issues such as cruciate ligament rupture, arthritis and hip dysplasia. These types of aliments cause death in 6% of the breed while they are usually the cause of mortality in only 2% of all other dogs.

Caring The Pet - Bernese Mountain Dog for Sale

Feeding

bernese mountain dog dogs - caringAs with any large purebred dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog needs high quality food that will provide hi with nutrition and keep him from becoming overweight if fed properly. He is however a very large dog with a very large appetite. Watch his calorie intake. It’s ok to use treats if you fit them into the overall calorie intake for the day. Feed him smaller meals twice a day.

Health issues

As previously mentioned the breed has quite a few health challenges to deal with, cancer being the number one issue. The small genetic line is one of, if not the main, culprit in this high mortality rate and short life span of the Bernese Mountain Dog. In addition to the conditions mentioned above, they are also susceptible to bloat (stomach inversion). In addition, they face the conditions mentioned previously and should be tested for dysplasia of the hip and elbow, Von Willebrand’s Disease, Cardiac testing and an eye or ophthalmologist exam.

Exercise and games

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a gentle giant. They have a calm happy demeanor and they love to work. In fact, they need to work. They love children and will quickly give them cart rides. They compete in carting competitions and herding events sponsored by the AKC. They need exercise but not an extreme amount or intense type. A half-hour a day is enough for them. They love long walks or hiking. They are great companions for backpacking or camping. They are also good at tracking, rally, obedience, and agility.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Bernese Mountain Dog vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  2. Newfoundland Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  4. Alaunt vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  5. Alangu Mastiff vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  6. Pyrenean Mastiff vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  7. Bisben vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. Moscow Watchdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  9. Spanish Mastiff vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  10. St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  11. Kars Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  12. Moscow Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  13. Ciobanesc de Bucovina vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  14. Great Dane vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  15. Bernese Mountain Dog vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  16. Bernese Mountain Dog vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  17. Bernese Mountain Dog vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  18. English Mastiff vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  19. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  20. Bully Kutta vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  21. Irish Wolfhound vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Francais Blanc et Orange vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  23. Mountain Burmese vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  24. Gaddi Kutta vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  25. Billy vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  26. Nebolish Mastiff vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  27. Scottish Deerhound vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  28. Shiloh Shepherd vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  29. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  30. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  31. Broholmer vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  32. Samoyed vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Alaskan Malamute vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  34. Border Collie vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  35. Sakhalin Husky vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  36. Bullmastiff vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  37. Bernese Mountain Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds