The Bernese Mountain Dog, also known as “Berner Sennenhund hence his Swiss homeland” or simply “Berner” is the only one of 4 types of dog breeds from the mountains of Switzerland that has long hair. This versatile hard-working breed is very easy to recognize due to its elegant good-looking appearance, large size and beautiful tricolor coat. They also have a wonderful people-oriented personality that makes them desirable to have around.
Physical Traits
Area of Origin: Switzerland
Used for: Herding, Companion
Average Life Span: 7-9 years. Their life span is eloquently described by Swiss people as “Three years a young dog, three years a good dog and three years an old dog. All else is a gift from God.”
Color: Tricolored; black with tan markings and white flashings
Coat: Thick, long, silky, rather wavy or straight
Average Height: 23-28 inches
Average Weight: 70-115 pounds
Group: Working
History and Domestication
Even when the origin of this breed is debatable some specialists linked the Bernese Mountain Dog’s history back to the Roman invasion of Switzerland. According to the experts crossings between the Roman mastiffs and the native flock-guarding dogs created a very muscular strong dog that was resistant to heavy conditions of the Alpine climate and could help with daily tasks like draft work, pulling carts, flock guard, drover, herder, general farm tasks and also served as companions to the farmers. In the 1800s the breed almost disappeared when other ways of transportation became accessible to farmers. Professor Albert Heim, who was by that time studying all the different Swiss dog types identify the Bernese Mountain Dog as one of the Swiss dogs. With the professor and Franz Schertenleib help a breed who was exclusive of the lower Alps was introduced throughout Switzerland and the rest of Europe. Initially called Durrbachler after the little town of Durrbach where most of the specimens where found, their name changed when the breed spread, adopting the actual name. The Bernese Mountain Dog was first found in America in 1926 and recognized by the AKC in 1937. The breed is extensively used in popular culture especially in the entertaining industry, starring in movies like “Good Boy!” and “Shooter” and TV series like “The New Normal” and “How I Met Your Mother”. Hollywood celebrities like Hilary Duff, Chelsea Handler, William H. Macy, Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart have also showed interest in this breed by adopting pups.
Standard Physical Characteristics
The Bernese is a big, solid, agile dog. The sturdy body is a little bit longer and taller. The wide flat head has a relatively slight stop and an even moderate muzzle. The eyes are almond-shaped and always are dark color. The triangular ears fall in a rounded edge at the tip. The legs are straight, wide, and strong and end in rounded arched toes. The shaggy tail holds low. Most of the times the declaws are removed. The water proof furry coat needs to be frequently groomed, especially when they are shedding; brush it at least one or two times a week.
Care, Grooming and Health
This breed carries genetic problems due to their narrow genetic foundation. They have a very high percent of cancer incidence including malignant histiocytosis, mast cell tumor, lymphosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, and osteosarcoma. Musculoskeletal diseases such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, and cruciate ligament rupture also attack this breed. They also can have inherited issues like malignant histiocytosis, hypomyelinogenesis, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts and hypoadrenocorticism. They have the tendency to be overweight and bloat so controlling their diet is very important. They are also prone to heat stroke because of their dense coat and large size. Keeping your dog hydrated and away from excessive heat is very important when outdoors. Not all Bernese will have these diseases, but it’s important to know them in order to prevent them or if you are considering adopting a puppy.
Living Conditions
This dog need at least 30 minutes of regular daily exercise to stretch out, like long walks, hike or run leash-free in an open space. They aren’t recommended for an apartment or condo living even when they aren’t very active indoors. They do much better with a moderate large fenced yard. They don’t do well exposed to extreme vigorous exercising that stresses their joints or extreme heat because of their thick coat. They are gregarious by nature, and for that reason love the family company and hate to be left alone neglected on a yard. Berners are not for everyone, and like every breed have strengths and weaknesses. Is very important do a research of the particular breed and breeder before making a decision of adopting a pet.
Temperament
The Bernese is an easygoing, sensitive, loyal, calm and vigilant breed. This dog is bred for farms in the mountains, that’s why it is very outdoorsy and loves low temperatures. Berners are very patient and affectionate with children, get along very well with other dogs or pets but are very cautious with strangers. Supervision is always recommended to keep everyone safe. They are very protective of their loved ones without being aggressive. Their eager to please and devoted nature makes them really easy to train. Their “soft” personality can be easily hurt if is treated harsh. They respond very well to positive reinforcement and socialization is the key for them to be well rounded dogs.
