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Q: What is a Bernese Mountain Dog?
A: The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large boned dog from
the Swiss Alps near Berne, Switzerland. They are
characterized by their distinct markings of white and rust
on a black background. They are very strong. Used for
hauling milk carts to Swiss cheeseries by local farmers,
these dogs also drove cattle to market and warned the farmer
of strangers.
Q: Is this an AKC recognized breed, or a cross of several
breeds?
A: The Bernese Mountain Dog has been an AKC recognized
breed since 1937. It is also known as the "Berner
Sennenhund" or simply as the "Berner". It is closely related
to three other Swiss breeds - the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
(also AKC recognized), the Appenzeller Sennenhund, and the
Entlebucher Sennenhund. The Bernese and it's three Swiss
cousins are thought to be distant relatives of the
Rottweiler (sharing descent from a now-extinct Roman
Mastiff). Prior to AKC recognition, there were a few rare
cross-breedings between Bernese and Newfoundlands.
The Bernese is not related to the Saint Bernard or to
the Australian Shepherd, although it is sometimes mistaken
for either of these breeds.
Q: What is their temperament like?
A: The Bernese Mountain Dog temperament is very
important to making the breed what it is. Although some dogs
have a tendency towards shyness, this should not be
considered correct. The correct temperament may be a dog who
is reserved and standoffish: however will not cower or be
aggressive. Once you become a friend to a Bernese, his whole
day will revolve around you. Because of this, a dog who is
poorly socialized or ignored may soon become destructive or
aggressive. These dogs are headstrong, and obedience
training is important.
Q: What health problems does the breed have?
A: The Bernese is a hardy dog, but not without his
problems. Like all large breeds, problems exist with bones
in growing puppies, such as hip and elbow dysplasia and
osteochondrosis (OCD, which affects the shoulder. Another
serious problem is the frequency in which cancer seems to
occur. This may be related to auto-immune problems. Flea
allergies are common, but can be managed with flea control
on the dog and in his environment.
Q: How long do they live?
A: The average life span is 8 to 10 years. In some rare
cases, Bernese have lived as long as 15 years.
Q: What should I know about puppies?
A: Bernese puppies are especially cute, and special care
should be taken with them. An adult maintenance food is all
they need for proper growth. Puppies should be discouraged
from jumping off things and taking stairs until they are
mature, to prevent injuries. Also, "pet quality" puppies
should be spayed or neutered to help reduce the incidence of
prostate cancer in males and mammary tumors in females.
Puppies should be socialized with visits to obedience
classes and becoming members of the families daily
activities.
Q: What sort of care do they require?
A: Care of the Bernese is as with all dogs. Yearly
visits to the veterinarian for vaccinations and heartworm
testing/prevention along with plenty of fresh water and
shade in Summer months. The Bernese does not tolerate high
heat well. They do shed, and require periodic bathing. In
obtaining your Bernese, ask the breeder for information on
health concerns and OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals)
hip/elbow data of parents. Some breeders may offer an older
puppy or an adult which make excellent pets and require less
time than pups for adjustment to your lifestyle.
Q: Where can I go for detailed information?
The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America can also be
reached by postal mail :
Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope
to:
Beverly Hilmes
BMDCA Public Ed
6403 Meadowcrest Lane
Flower Mound, TX 75022-6340
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