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Bernese Mountain Dog
Puppies for Sale
Bernese Mountain Dog
(Berner
Sennenhund) (Berner)
Oktava Kalnarute
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Pronunciation |
Bernese
Mountain Dog |
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Description |
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a sturdy, heavy dog,
with a beautiful weather-resistant tri-color double coat of black with
symmetrical markings of rust and white. The dog should have a white blaze on the
chest, white on the head and toes, and rust markings over each eye, on the
cheeks, sides of the chest, under the tail and on each leg. The coat is
moderately long and either straight or slightly wavy. The broad head has a
slight furrow down the middle. The medium-sized triangular ears are pendant. The
dark eyes have a gentle expression and the nose is black. The teeth should meet
in a scissors bite. The body is compact with a wide, deep chest. The brisket
should reach down to the elbow at least. The tail is long and bushy, carried low
when in repose (a slight upward curve is permissible when the dog is alert).
Dewclaws should be removed. |
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Temperament |
These gentle, cheerful dogs love children. They
are very intelligent, easy to train and are natural watchdogs, but not overly
dominant. A friend for life. Self-confident, alert and
good-natured. They are fairly friendly with strangers, and are generally good
with other pets and dogs. These dogs may be slow to mature,
remaining puppy-like for quite awhile. The Bernese needs to be
with people and not relegated to the backyard or kennel run. Like any dog, the
Bernese Mountain Dog should be well socialized as a puppy. These dogs are
sensitive and should be trained gently. Owners will only run into issues with this dog if they are not displaying a natural leadership towards the dog, treating him more like their baby and lacking in the knowledge as to what dogs instinctually need to be stable minded. Owners who fail to convince the dog humans are alpha may find themselves with a totally different dog than what is described above. For a dog to feel secure they need to clearly know the rules so they can follow them, thriving in structure, along with a daily pack walk to satisfy their instinct to migrate. The Bernese Mountain Dog was bred for draft work and can be trained to pull a cart or wagon.
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Height, Weight |
Height: Dogs 24-28 inches (61-71cm.) Bitches 23-27
inches (58-69cm.)
Weight: Dogs 85-110 pounds (38-50kg.) Bitches 80-105 pounds (36-48kg.) |
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Health Problems |
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a very hardy breed,
but beware of hip and elbow dysplasia. Also prone to cancer, bloat and
eyelid problems. |
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Living Conditions |
Bernese Mountain Dog are not recommended for apartment life. They are
relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least a large, fenced-in
yard. Prefers cool climates because the thick coat makes the Bernese
uncomfortable in warm weather. |
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Exercise |
Large active dogs such as these need regular
exercise, which include a
long daily walk. |
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Life Expectancy |
About 6-8 years. The average
lifespan of the Bernese has decreased in recent years from 10-12 yrs to 6-8
yrs. The BMD Club of America did a health survey in 2000 with 1,322
dogs. The average age of death was 7.2 yrs. Cancer is unfortunately
a very large part of the Berner world and many Berners die young. One
source states "I know of several that died of cancer at 3-4 yrs old and one
that died two days before his 2nd birthday. The BMD Club of America is
aggressively researching this cancer issue! We must see if we can end this
sad situation." |
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Litter Size |
Varies from 1 - 14 puppies - Average
8 |
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Grooming |
Daily to weekly brushing of the long thick coat is
important, with extra care needed when the coat is shedding. Bathe or dry
shampoo as necessary. This breed is a seasonal, heavy shedder. |
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Origin |
Although the exact origins of the Bernese Mountain
Dog are unclear, this breed probably began as a farm dog in the Swiss mountains.
Paintings from the end of the 18th century show the Bernese type. By the end of
the 19th century, however, many foreign dogs were being imported to Switzerland
and there was a danger that the native breeds would be lost. Professor Albert
Heim, Franz Schertenleib and others led the effort to preserve native Swiss
breeds by finding remaining specimens and stabilizing the Berner Sennenhund
(Bernese Alpine Herdsman's dog) as a distinct breed. The Bernese Mountain Dog
was named after the Berne canton of Switzerland where the breed is widely known.
The sturdy Bernese has been used for driving livestock, for draft work and as a
farm guardian. Because of his gentle, happy temperament, the Bernese Mountain
Dog makes a fine family companion. Its talents are tracking, herding,
watch, guarding, search & rescue, carting, and competitive obedience. |
| Group |
Mastiff, AKC Working |
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Recognition |
CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, NKC, NZKC, CCR,
ANKC, APRI, ACR |
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CKC = Continental
Kennel Club
FCI = Fédération
Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American
Kennel Club
UKC = United Kennel
Club
KCGB = Kennel
Club of Great Britain
CKC = Canadian
Kennel Club
NKC = National
Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand
Kennel Club
CCR = Canadian
Canine Registry
ANKC = Australian
National Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry |
KLEOPATRA HERUS POSEIDONAS. Courtesy of Kennel POSEIDONAS.
Shasta, the purebred Berner at 8 weeks old.
Shasta, the purebred Berner at 14 weeks old.
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Ripley, the Bernese Mt Dog at 5
years old with Gabby, the Bernese Mt Dog puppy at 8 weeks old.
"A common pose for my then 18 month old Berner (Tally)
and 3 year old son."
..Bernese
Mountain Dog Pictures 1
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