The
Bernese Mountain Dog originates from Switzerland and is one of four
Swiss working dogs. Each of the four different breeds were named
after the regions or cantons in which they were found but all have
similar markings, with black coats, with white & tan markings.
The
Entlebucher originated from the Entlebuch area of Switzerland and
is the smallest of the group at 20 inches. It is of a similar build
to the Rottweiler with a natural stump of tail and is short haired.
To find out more about this breed please click here.
The
Appenzeller originated from Appenzell in Switzerland and is a medium,
short haired cattle dog of 23 inches. He has a distinctive curled
tail. To find out more about this breed please click here.
The
Greater Swiss is the tallest of the four at 28 inches and originated
from Burgdoff. To find out more about this breed please click here.
The
Bernese originated from the Berne canton in Switzerland. More widely
used as a farm dog used for driving cattle to the alpine pastures,
pulling
carts taking
the milk to the dairy and the wares to the market, but also used
as an avalanche rescue dog. The Bernese is a loyal dog
and
would
watch
over the farm animals and the family ensuring all was well.
The
Bernese is a quiet dog who is happy spending many hours a day dozing,
in the hub of activity, keeping an eye on all that is happening
around him, but is ready for action
when
required. Should you have any visitors, your Bernese will make
you aware of their presence, be excited to greet them and
then settle down again to doze. A Bernese isn't a yappy dog, only
choosing to bark if there is a good reason.
The
Bernese measures 23 - 27 inches at the withers with dogs measuring
between
25 inches
-
27
inches
and
bitches
between
23 inches & 26 inches. Weighing in between 35kg - 55kg for dogs
and 31kg -
45kg
for bitches. The Bernese is a slowing maturing breed, reaching
their full adult height by 15 months but not fully maturing until
2 or
3 years of age.
Bernese
do not thrive in a kennel environment, much preferring to live in
the family home. They also shouldn't be left for long periods
of time and are not suited
to households were both
adults are in full time work. Many breeders won't sell you a puppy
if it will be left alone for long periods of time. The Bernese is
never happier than when it's working or being part of
family life.
Bernese
are
people
watchers
and are very good judges of character. They benefit from
a good
grounding in obedience from an early age, with
a firm
but
kind
handed
approach
taken from puppy hood. They love nothing better than to please their
owners but don't take kindly to being shouted at.
Exercise
should be limited during the first year when they're growing very
rapidly. But they should be socialised
as much as possible to ensure your Bernese grows up to be a confident
dog
which
can be
taken
anywhere. They should not be allowed to bound downstairs, jump off
furniture or out of cars, nor stand on their hind legs at gates,
for all these things can be most damaging to their delicate fast
growing bodies. It is also very important to ensure that you feed
your Bernese a properly
balanced
diet, which
will in
turn
promote
a healthy
dog. Many Bernese are fed a complete dry diet which changes as your
Bernese grows though different levels of maturity. It is always best,
though, to follow the advice of your Bernese breeder.
For
more information please see our Book
Review page
for more information on the best books to read on our lovely breed
or contact Philippa.
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