Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they've been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. A home with a large, securely fenced yard is the best choice. Willow the 5-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog is a certified therapy dog. A Bernese Mountain Dog diet should be formulated for a large-sized breed with high energy and exercise needs. He sleeps with them close by. Those considering a Bernese Mountain Dog must be very careful to not support irresponsible breeding practices. Dog Bitch. High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can't pant as well to cool themselves off. Self-confident, alert and good-natured, be sure to socialize well as a puppy. Slow to mature, they reach adult size long before they reache mental maturity. ", Vargas the Bernese Mountain Dog—"Greetings from Norway from Vargas the 3 year old Berner Sennen. Height: Males 24 - 28 inches (61 – 71 cm) Females 23 - 27 inches (58 – 69 cm), Weight: Males 85 - 110 pounds (38 – 50 kg) Females 80 - 105 pounds (36 – 48 kg). The Material contained herein may not be reproduced without the prior written approval of the author. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks. Many 18th century paintings show dogs that look like a Bernese type dog. If you've got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you're a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department. Conversely, with his black coat and large size, they're prone to heat stroke. If you want to tire out your energetic dog, you can try this toy that will get them moving! He loves everyone, loves to cuddle and follows us everywhere!". Characteristically tricolored, the majority of the Berner's body is covered with jet-black hair with rich rust and bright white. With their thick, handsome coat, the Berner is a natural fit for cold climates. Harley the Bernese Mountain Dog at 5 years old, An adult Bernese Mountain Dog—Photo courtesy of David Hancock, Marley the Bernese Mountain Dog puppy at 11 weeks old, Harvey the Bernese Mountain Dog at 10 months old working as a therapy dog, Darla the Bernese Mountain Dog at 4 1/2 years old working as a therapy dog, Berners pulling a cartâ"Willow, age 5; Bailey, age 3; Whisper, age 1. The base of the dog is black. These breeds generally aren't a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and they're more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they're too long. Currently, the life span of a Bernese Mountain Dog is comparatively short, about six to eight years, though in recent years, the life expectancy has gone up to about ten years. If shedding drives you crazy, this may not be the right breed for you. To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Not all Berners will get any or all of these diseases, but it's important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed. Often these dogs are bought at auction and little is known about their health history. The average age of death was 7.2 years. The Material contained herein may not be reproduced without the prior written approval of the author. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Because of the Berner's popularity, some people have bred dogs of lesser quality in order to sell the puppies to unsuspecting buyers. They do well on a high-quality, low-calorie diet that keeps them from growing too fast. The bushy tail is carried low. Dog puppy at 8 weeks old, "A common pose for my then 18-month-old Berner (Tally) and 3-year-old son". By the end of the 19th century many other working dogs were being imported to Switzerland, which brought the numbers of the Bernese down as workers began to use other types of dogs. The Bernese Mountain Dog is an extremely versatile working dog from the farmlands of Switzerland. Today the breed makes a wonderful companion and they still to this day enjoy whatever draft work you can give them. By early 1937, the AKC sent Glen Shadow a letter saying that the Bernese Mountain Dog had been accepted as a new breed in the Working Class. Many 18th century paintings show dogs that look like a Bernese type dog. They're known for being loyal, affectionate, eager to please, and intelligent. For a dog to feel secure it needs to clearly know the rules so they can be followed, thriving in structure, along with a daily pack walk to satisfy its instinct to migrate. Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. These dogs are sensitive and should be trained firmly, but gently. Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. Do not overfeed. They can be aloof with strangers and generally a bit shy, so exposing the Berner puppy to a wide variety of people, animals, and situations is important. Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. Xander the 16 week old Bernese Mountain Dog puppy—"Xander has a great Berner temperament! Like every dog, the Berner needs early socialization—exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences—when they're young. Fonts. 48 52 4. However, first-timers should beware. They're also gentle, calm, and tolerant. He achieved his CH at 2 years of age. Breed isn't the only factor. The Berner is calm but gregarious, and sometimes even a little goofy when they play with family. Although, for an experienced pet parent who can match the Bernese’s energy, provide open space, keep up with grooming, and dedicate time and effort to training, this breed will show unconditional love and loyalty. The Bernese Mountain dog originated in the Swiss mountains. And in that same year, the Swiss Kennel Club recognized the Bernese Mountain Dog as a breed. Berners sometimes have health issues due to irresponsible breeding. The Bernese Mountain Dog, affectionately called the Berner (and known as the Berner Sennenhund in their Swiss homeland), is instantly recognizable with their flashy, tricolor coat and white "Swiss cross" on the chest. They also were used to drive dairy cattle, to watch over the farm and as companions to the farmers. The Berner likes to be with family. Large active dogs such as these need regular exercise, which includes a long daily walk. Here are some great treats for training your dog to get you started! See Dogs Not Well Suited to Apartment Living, See Dogs Who Are Good For Experienced Owners, Click here to see Dogs Poorly Suited For Cold Weather, See Dogs Who Are Less Friendly To Strangers, Click Here To See Dogs Who Shed Very Little. They're happiest when they can participate in all family activities. Both have their CGCs.". Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase--and sometimes kill--other animals. Females stand 23 to 26 inches tall and weigh 70 to 95 pounds. The breed was named for the Canton of Bern in Switzerland. The dog is tricolor with symmetrical markings of black, rust and white. 157 Free images of Bernese Mountain Dog. These cheerful dogs love children. Our work is not Public Domain. In 1936, two British breeders began importing Berners, and the first litter of Berner pups was born in England. In 1902, the Swiss dog club sponsored a show at Ostermundigen that drew attention to the Swiss mountain breeds. Ivan the Bernese Mountain Dog—"Ivan just turned 10 years old. Willow the Bernese Mountain Dog as a puppy, Zara the Bernese Mountain Dog at 3 months old, Boone the Bernese Mountain Dog at 8 weeks old, Boone the Bernese Mountain Dog at 16 weeks old, Benny the Bernese Mountain Dog passed away after his owners had spent 13 1/2 wonderful and unforgettable years together. Sep 20, 2020 - Puppies Puppies My favorite breed to raise!. 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. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. The broad head is flat on the top with a moderate stop. The Bernese Mountain Dog’s size and high energy can make handling difficult. Males, on average, stand 25 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 80 to 115 pounds. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills. monitoring_string = "c1299fe10ba49eb54f197dd4f735fcdc". Beauty has a price, though, and in this case it's that the Berner is a shedder. In addition to being strikingly good-looking, the Berner has a wonderful temperament. 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.