Bernese Mountain Dog
Gentle giant Bernese Mountain Dog; known for their loyalty, strength, and beautiful tri-colour coat. Ideal family pet.
Breed Overview
Personality Traits
History & Background
The Bernese Mountain Dog, or Berner, is a breed with a rich history deeply interwoven with the pastoral landscape of Switzerland. Originating from the Swiss Alps, specifically the Canton of Bern, this breed has been a fixture in Swiss rural life for centuries. Initially bred as a farm dog, their duties encompassed herding cattle, guarding property, and pulling heavy carts filled with goods to market. The breed's ancestors are believed to be mastiff-type dogs brought into the Alps by Roman armies during their European campaigns.
Despite their long-standing presence in Swiss culture, the Bernese Mountain Dog's numbers waned by the late 19th century, largely due to the advent of industrialisation and the changing dynamics of rural life. Concerned by the breed's diminishing numbers, a group of dedicated Swiss cynologists, led by professor Albert Heim who is revered for his work with Swiss mountain dog breeds, undertook efforts to preserve the breed. This led to the formal recognition and standardisation of the Bernese Mountain Dog in the early 20th century, firmly establishing its presence in the canine world.
Today, the Bernese Mountain Dog is celebrated not only for its historical significance but also for its gentle nature and versatility. While they are no longer as commonly found working on the farms of Switzerland, Berners have found a new role as beloved family pets around the world. Their friendly and affectionate demeanour, coupled with their striking tri-coloured coat, has endeared them to many. Furthermore, their capacity for training makes them suitable for various roles, including therapy and assistance work, showcasing the adaptability that once served them so well in the Swiss Alps.
Temperament & Personality
The Bernese Mountain Dog, known for its striking tri-coloured coat and imposing size, is the epitome of a gentle giant. Originating from the Swiss Alps, this breed combines strength and agility with a serene and affectionate demeanour, making them exemplary family pets. They are characterised by their patience, loyalty, and an innate desire to please, traits that endear them to both children and adults alike.
Bernese Mountain Dogs possess a calm and friendly personality, balanced with an alert and vigilant nature, making them superb watchdogs as well as loving companions. They are intelligent and trainable, responding well to gentle, consistent guidance. This attribute, coupled with their natural versatility, enables them to excel in various roles, from therapy work to participation in dog sports such as agility and obedience.
Despite their size, Bernese Mountain Dogs have a remarkably gentle approach to life and are known for their steadfastness. They thrive on human companionship, often showing a preference for being included in all family activities. Their kind and placid nature, however, does not negate the need for early socialisation and training to cultivate good manners and sociability towards other pets and people.
While they are inherently Zen-like in their temperament, Bernese Mountain Dogs require regular exercise to maintain their physical health and mental well-being. They also enjoy outdoor activities, particularly in cooler climates, which hark back to their Alpine heritage.
In essence, the Bernese Mountain Dog presents a harmonious balance of strength and gentleness, making them ideal companions for those who appreciate a steadfast and affectionate member of the family. Their loyalty, combined with their majestic presence and sweet disposition, creates a unique and beloved pet that enriches the lives of their human counterparts.
Common Health Conditions
Common Health Conditions
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a gentle giant known for its friendly nature and striking tri-colour coat. However, like all breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions. Understanding these common issues can help Bernese Mountain Dog owners ensure their pets live long, healthy lives.
1. Hip Dysplasia
Description and Diagnosis: Hip dysplasia in Bernese Mountain Dogs is a genetic condition where the hip joint does not fit together perfectly, leading to arthritis and pain. It is diagnosed through physical examinations and confirmed with X-rays.
Prevention & Management: Preventative measures include responsible breeding practices to avoid passing the trait. Weight management and regular, moderate exercise can help manage symptoms. In severe cases, surgical options like hip replacement may be recommended.
2. Elbow Dysplasia
Description and Diagnosis: Similar to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia is a genetic deformity causing misalignment of the elbow joint, leading to lameness and arthritis. Diagnosis involves physical exams and X-rays.
Prevention & Management: Prevention focuses on selective breeding. Management includes maintaining a healthy weight, providing joint supplements, and in some cases, surgical intervention to alleviate discomfort.
3. Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)
Description and Diagnosis: Bloat occurs when the stomach fills with gas, sometimes twisting on itself (volvulus), obstructing blood flow. Symptoms include restlessness, abdominal swelling, and retching. Prompt diagnosis through clinical examination and possibly abdominal X-rays is critical.
Prevention & Management: Feeding smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding heavy activity around meal times, and using slow-feeder bowls can help prevent bloat. Emergency veterinary care is crucial for managing bloat, often requiring surgery.
4. Malignant Histiocytosis
Description and Diagnosis: This is a fast-spreading cancer common in Bernese Mountain Dogs, affecting cells in the spleen, liver, and lung. Diagnosis is through tissue biopsy after presenting symptoms such as lethargy, weight loss, and breathing difficulty.
Prevention & Management: There's no known prevention; management focuses on improving quality of life through chemotherapy or targeted therapies based on veterinary oncologist recommendations.
5. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Description and Diagnosis: PRA is a group of genetic diseases that lead to the degeneration of the retina, resulting in blindness. Diagnosis is by genetic testing or observing signs of night blindness progressing to total blindness.
Prevention & Management: No cure exists, but genetic testing of breeding dogs helps prevent the condition. For affected dogs, managing the environment to keep it safe and navigable can help maintain a good quality of life despite vision loss.
In summary, while Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to specific genetic health issues, early diagnosis, and appropriate management can significantly enhance their lives. Prospective and current Bernese Mountain Dog owners are encouraged to work closely with their veterinarians to monitor for these conditions and to provide timely care.
Family Life
### Social Traits
#### Friendliness with Children
Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their affable and gentle nature, making them superb companions for children. Their patient and protective demeanour means they can form strong, loving bonds with the younger members of the family, often showing a remarkable gentleness with kids. However, due to their large size, supervision is advisable during interactions to ensure play remains safe and enjoyable for both parties. #### Stranger Friendliness This breed typically demonstrates a friendly yet reserved attitude towards strangers. The Bernese Mountain Dog is not known for being overly aggressive or fearful, but they do have a natural inclination to assess and watch over newcomers. Their size and deep bark can be imposing, but they usually warm up to new people once they understand there is no threat to their family. #### Friendliness Towards Other Pets Bernese Mountain Dogs generally get along well with other pets, especially if they have been raised with them from puppyhood. They often display a nurturing and tolerant attitude towards other animals in the home. Despite their size, they can interact harmoniously with smaller pets, though, as with children, their interactions should be monitored.
Ease of Training
Bernese Mountain Dogs are intelligent and eager to please, which typically makes them quite trainable with consistent and patient efforts. However, their sensitive nature means they respond best to positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise. Early socialisation and obedience training are recommended to mould their behaviour positively as they grow.
Grooming Needs
The Bernese Mountain Dog has a thick, long double coat that requires regular grooming to maintain its health and appearance. Weekly brushing is necessary to remove loose fur and prevent matting, with more frequent grooming needed during shedding seasons. They also require basic grooming like nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care to keep them in top shape.
Housing Needs
Given their size and energy levels, Bernese Mountain Dogs thrive in homes where they have ample space to move about. A house with a securely fenced garden is ideal, allowing them outdoor playtime while keeping them safe. However, they are also known for their attachment to their families and do best when allowed to live indoors, where they can be part of daily family activities.
Exercise Needs
This breed requires regular, moderate exercise to maintain their physical health and mental wellbeing. Daily walks, coupled with play sessions in the garden, provide good physical outlets for their energy. Bernese Mountain Dogs also enjoy activities like hiking and are known to be good companions for outdoor adventures, given their working heritage.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a loving, loyal companion that integrates well into family life, bringing joy and a sense of protection to their human pack. Their friendliness with children and other pets, combined with their intelligence and trainability, makes them a pleasure to have around, provided their grooming, housing, and exercise needs are met. With the right care and attention, Bernese Mountain Dogs can be wonderful, affectionate members of any family, making them a beloved breed for many.
Exercise & Training
Daily Care Needs for a Bernese Mountain Dog
Exercise Needs
Bernese Mountain Dogs are a large and robust breed, known for their working background. They require a substantial amount of daily exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. Long walks, hikes, and play sessions in a secure, open area are ideal for meeting their exercise demands. They delight in outdoor activities and can handle colder climates exceptionally well, making them excellent companions for active families who enjoy spending time outside.
Training
Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally eager to please, making them relatively straightforward to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques, including treats and praise. Early socialisation and consistent training are essential to harness their friendly nature and to prevent them from developing any unruly habits. Given their size and strength, teaching them basic obedience commands and leash manners from a young age is particularly crucial.
Grooming
This breed has a thick, double-layered coat that requires regular grooming to maintain its lustrous appearance. Weekly brushing is necessary to reduce shedding and prevent mats, with increased frequency during seasonal shedding periods. Occasional baths, nail trimming, and regular dental care are also important to ensure their overall hygiene and well-being.
Housing Needs
Bernese Mountain Dogs are best suited to homes with ample space, ideally with a large, secure garden where they can roam freely. They thrive in environments where they are an integral part of the family and have sufficient human interaction. While they can adapt to various living conditions, they may find apartment living challenging unless their considerable exercise requirements are met. It's also vital that they have a safe and comfortable indoor space to retreat to, as they enjoy the company of their family.
Social Traits
Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them wonderful family pets. They typically get along well with children and are usually friendly with strangers when properly socialised. Their calm temperament endears them to families with other pets as well, although introductions should be managed carefully to ensure a harmonious household.
Diet & Nutrition
A Bernese Mountain Dog owner should pay heed to providing a balanced and nutritious diet tailored to the breed's unique requirements. Given their large size and active nature, a diet that supports bone health and joint integrity is crucial, due to the breed's susceptibility to hip and elbow dysplasia. The incorporation of omega-3 fatty acids can aid in maintaining healthy joints and a shiny coat. Since Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to bloat, smaller frequent meals, rather than large single servings, are advisable to mitigate this risk. High-quality commercial dog food that caters to large breeds, or a well-researched homemade diet, can meet their needs, provided it is balanced and vet-approved. Additionally, it's pertinent to monitor the caloric intake to prevent obesity, considering their laid-back demeanour, ensuring the provision of regular, moderate exercise to complement their dietary regime.