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When you're looking to improve your life with the arrival of a new fur baby, there's no greater place to start than bringing home a sweet, playful puppy. However, there are many factors that go into deciding which breed will work best for your location and your living situation: Is your home and yard space suitable for a large, active dog? Do you live in a colder climate? Can you handle shedding? Are you prepared to deal with the needs of a dog altogether?
If you answered yes to these questions, then look no further than a Bernese Mountain Dog to suit your needs! Read on to discover more about these big, fun-loving canines and why you should bring one home as soon as possible.
Overview:
- Weight: 70-110 pounds
- Height: 23-28 inches
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
- Historical function: herding, guarding, companion
History of the Breed
The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of four different varieties of the Swiss mountain-dog breeds, which were historically known throughout the region of Bern, a county of lush farmland and agricultural wealth. They were believed to have been brought to Switzerland by Roman soldiers who invaded the area thousands of years ago. Also referred to as "Berners," these large and dependable dogs would herd sheep and cattle, guard the farmlands and extended properties against outside predators, and generally protect the family of their homestead. These working dogs are strong, able to pull far beyond their weight, and are capable of helping farmhands and ranchers with many diverse tasks.
Though the numbers of Bernese Mountain Dogs started to decrease in the late 1800s, a European man known as Professor Albert Heim formed a Swiss breed club in 1907 to protect and revive this wonderful breed. Once their numbers had begun to recover in European locales, the Bernese Mountain Dog made its way to America for the first time in 1926, through a Kansas farmer who imported a pair of them to help on his own farmland. Ever since, they've remained a popular breed for both their working capabilities and their loyal, loving companionship.
Physical Characteristics
Standing tall and powerful, the Bernese Mountain Dog is rugged, muscular and ready to work. Most have coats with black, white and rust or tan coloring and they regularly have long, thick and silky coats that give them a refined, regal look. Their coat and face markings make them stand out with an air of nobility, though they are known to shed hair quite ferociously. However, these dogs manage well in colder climates with their hefty coats, keeping them warm and agile for working outdoors.
Personality Traits and Sociability
Berners have great reputations as loving, family-friendly canines. They are very affectionate with their owners and even have a tendency to be great with younger children and other pets. Highly smart and undoubtedly capable, this breed is ideal for training, especially as young puppies. Other characteristics include:
- High energy level; ready to run and be active, though they are also prone to being quiet, cuddly and affectionate with their people after hours
- Medium tendency to bark; only becomes vocal during fun playtime or to alert owners to various things
- Adaptable to most situations, as opposed to sticking to rigid routines
- Friendly and openhearted to all, but can be distant or reserved with strangers at first
- Very protective, fairly vigilant about being a watchdog
Overall, the Bernese Mountain Dog makes for a great household pet, guarding over his loved ones while also being sweet and eager to please with those who look after him in return.
How To Care for Your Berner
There are a variety of needs your Berner requires to stay healthy and happy. After all, a dog that works hard also plays hard, and therefore is likely to need additional help for his well-being.
Given the breed's excessive double coat, consisting of a wooly undercoat and a long fur coat over the top, grooming is going to be a regular necessity. Weekly brushings should be enough to refresh and define his coat, though you may need to switch up to daily brushings during peak shedding seasons. Meanwhile, other grooming needs such as nail clippings need to be kept up, as this active, agile dog often has a fast metabolism that keeps his fur and nails growing quickly. Given the Bernese's size, you may wish to take him to a professional groomer to help with his regimen.
When it comes to his eating habits, your Bernese pup should be given a high-quality dog food loaded with vitamins and nutrients that will balance his active lifestyle. Offering tasty treats as incentives for training during his early years can be great for positive reinforcement, but be sure to limit any snacks as he gets older to minimize his chances of becoming overweight with age.
Finally, plenty of exercise is par for the course with a Berner. The breed's large size, strong physique and workhorse capability means needing a lot of room to run and be outdoors. Cater to his sociable nature and treat him to a visit at the dog park a few times a week, or go on a long walk or hike for the both of you to get some necessary fresh air. Regular exercise is key to his healthy mental and physical well-being, so make sure he gets at least 30 minutes of activity a day.
Bringing home any new fur baby can be incredibly rewarding, but the Bernese Mountain Dog is a special and wonderful addition to any family home.
