From carting and herding to agility and obedience, Bernese Mountain Dogs are truly versatile athletes. Yet, it’s not just their physical abilities that make them so special. These dogs, also called “Berners,” are also known for their gentle, playful dispositions and their loyalty to their families. In fact, many Berner owners swear that these dogs are family members, and they quickly become a cherished part of the household.
Here, we’ll delve into this magnificent breed and see why these gentle giants make such excellent family dogs.
1. Bernese Mountain Dogs Originate from the Alps
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a breed with a long and noble history. Originally from the canton of Bern in the Swiss Alps, these dogs are descendants of the Molossus, a now-extinct dog breed from Italy that also created Neapolitan Mastiffs.
First used as a general farm dog, Berners then got drafted into pulling carts, herding sheep, and other duties, before going on to become companion dogs. Over time, they became known for their loyalty, strength, and intelligence. Eventually, they migrated from Europe to North America.
Today, they are still prized as working dogs, but they also make excellent companion animals. With their gentle nature and loving dispositions, Bernese Mountain Dogs make wonderful additions to families with children.
2. Berners Are Large, Double-Coated Dogs
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large dog. Males stand 25 to 28 inches at the shoulder and weigh up to 115 pounds, while females stand 23 to 26 inches at the shoulder and weigh up to 95 pounds. While not as tall as Irish Wolfhounds and Great Danes, these are truly gentle giants.
Berners’ gorgeous medium-long coats are thick and double-coated to protect them from the cold climates. They are heavy shedders and blow coat twice a year during the spring and fall. So, have a pet-friendly vacuum ready!
A Berner is typically tri-colored, with tan markings around the neck, chest, and paws, although some are bi-colored. Underneath that thick coat is a powerful, muscular body that is meant for heavy work like weight pulling. They may not have the stamina of a Husky or the speed and agility of a Border Collie, but the Bernese Mountain Dog is an excellent all-around, versatile canine athlete.
3. These High-Energy Dogs Thrive in Large Spaces
Berners are not apartment dogs! These are high-energy dogs who thrive with lots of exercise and activity. They’ll be happy with a large yard to play around in during the day and a long daily walk that might be able to tire them out.
And under-exercised Berner is not going to be fun for the household. They are large, powerful dogs with a penchant for chewing and digging when they are bored or frustrated, just like any dog. And remember: Berners are big. With a bored dog, you’ll find more than chewed-up shoes; think more along the lines of a chewed-up couch!
They are extremely intelligent dogs with a strong working bloodline and will fare well in obedience trials, agility training, and other mentally stimulating activities. At home, they may be happy enough to laze around with you but be sure to have tons of interactive puzzle toys, or your Berner might just decide to make your home its chew toy.
4. Bernese Mountain Dogs Have Health Issues
Bernese Mountain Dogs sadly don’t live very long. They generally live from six to eight years, which is pretty short, even by large dog standards. These dogs are prone to developing:
Certain Types of Cancer
One of the leading causes of death in Berners is cancer, in particular histiocytosis, a condition that causes the overproduction of histiocytes, a type of white blood cell. Histiocytosis is responsible for more than half of the deaths of Bernese Mountain Dog deaths.
Histiocytosis can cause a wide range of symptoms, including skin lesions, weight loss, and fatigue. If left untreated, histiocytosis can be fatal. Recognizing the early symptoms of cancer can help your dog get prompt medical care and overcome the condition.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Dysplasia is a condition that affects the growth of bones and joints. It is a common problem in large breed dogs, and Bernese Mountain Dogs are no exception. While dysplasia can lead to pain and mobility problems, it is important to note that not all dogs with dysplasia will experience these issues.
There are two main types of dysplasia:
- Hip dysplasia occurs when the head of the femur does not fit snugly into the hip socket. This can cause the joint to rub and wear away, eventually leading to arthritis.
- Elbow dysplasia, on the other hand, is a term used to describe several different conditions that can affect the elbow joint. These conditions can cause the joints to rub and grind, which can eventually lead to arthritis.
Conclusion: Bernese Mountain Dogs Make Great Pets
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a great breed for those who are looking for a best friend. They are gentle, intelligent, and have a lot of personality. However, nothing good lasts forever, and that’s certainly the case with these kindhearted giants. Still, if you’re looking for a friend who’s here for a good time, not a long time, you may find lots of love and joy with these dogs.
