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Bernese Mountain Dog |
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Description... |
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This big sweet dog can sometimes
be shy. He forms a strong bond of love with his family, but often
attaches himself to one person. He is eager to please and easy to
train, and gets along well with other animals. He likes children,
and especially enjoys pulling them in carts.
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History...
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 The
ancestry of the Bernese Mountain Dog dates to the ancient Roman
Legion introduction of the mastiff-type guard dogs that crossbred
with local herding dogs found around Berne, Switzerland. They were
one of the four Swiss Mountain Dog breeds to develop and the only
one to have a long coat. In the alpine farm operations the Bernese
Sennenhund as they are know there, instinctively worked as drovers
in herding livestock to and from various mountain pastures, became
draft-carting dogs that hauled produce to market, as well as being
watch dogs on these hillside farms.
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Traits...
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Training titles include tracking,
agility, and therapy, as well as show ring exhibition and obedience
trials. Local clubs sponsor many social and educational activities
for the new to the breed owner and want-to-be Berner owner, and is a
great way to learn about their dog from caring, experienced owners.
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Good aspects...
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 The
Bernese is self-confident and very intelligent making them a quick
and willing learner. Training sessions should be short, precise and
not pushed. Their loyal bonding requires close companionship of
their people. They adapt readily to children that they have been
raised with from puppy-hood, but should be supervised with other
children. They are inclined to be timid or suspicious of strangers
and are very able watchdogs not prone to frivolous barking. As a
herding dog, they are good with other pets. They're quiet indoors,
and more active outdoors, being athletic and playful. Unlike other
mastiff-type dogs, they are not inclined to drool.
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Health...
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As with all giant breeds, they should
not be allowed to become overweight at any stage in their major
growth period and throughout their adult 9 to 10 year life. Berners
are unfortunately prone to various cancers, although responsible
breeders are trying to get such tendencies out of the breed. Other
common medical concerns and genetic predispositions include hip and
elbow dysphasia, and bloat (trapped gas in the stomach which is then
prone to twisting on itself). Most breeders would welcome your
inquiries and would be willing to share knowledge of their breeding
stock. Additional health problems may be accessed through the
Berner-Garde database.
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Be aware...
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Whether residing in a town or
country setting, a fenced yard should be a must, along with
appropriate protection from the elements. Berners require daily
walks and exercise to keep them properly conditioned. Grooming
includes vigorous brushing to control shedding, and will require
more frequent brushing during their semi-annual blowing of coat,
along with periodic ear cleaning, and nail trimming. Puppy training,
early socialization, and beginning obedience training for both the
dog and owner are highly recommended.
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Summary...
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Make sure you like the disposition of
the parents of your Berner pup. Berners are usually reserved around
strangers, but veterinarians are starting to see some aggression in
a few dogs. Berners are a normally friendly breed and should not
display aggressive tendencies. Proper socialization as a young pup
is a must to help avoid such tendencies.
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source: petcare information centre-
petcare.umn.edu
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Further resources... |
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