Bernese Mountain Dog: Personality, Characteristics and Care

Origin and history of the Bernese Mountain Dog

Originally from Switzerland, the Bernese Mountain Dog was bred as a working dog on farms, where it helped herd cattle, pull carts, and guard the property. Its history dates back to the Swiss Alps, and its nobility and strength made it an indispensable companion for farmers. Its name comes from the canton of Bern, a mountainous region that forged its resistance to the cold.

Physical characteristics

Size and weight: It is a large dog.

• Males: between 64 and 70 cm tall and 40 to 50 kg.

• Females: between 58 and 66 cm and 35 to 45 kg.

Coat and Color: Their coat is long, dense, and slightly wavy. The characteristic tricolor color is shiny black, with white markings on the chest, face, and legs, and tan (reddish) tones on the eyes, cheeks, and legs. If you want to keep your dog's coat shiny, strong, and free of skin irritations, dog supplements like Waggy's Shine are an excellent option to complement their care routine. Formulated with natural ingredients like salmon oil, biotin, and vitamin E, they nourish from within to promote healthy skin and a silky coat. It's ideal for dogs with dry hair, excessive shedding, or skin sensitivity, and also has a flavor that dogs love. Incorporating Shine into their daily routine is a simple and effective way to give them the care they deserve.

Distinctive features:

• Noble and kind expression.

• Droopy, triangular-shaped ears.

• Bushy tail, carried low when at rest.

• Muscular but proportionate body.

Personality and Temperament: The Bernese Mountain Dog is known for its calm, loyal, and affectionate nature. It is a family-oriented, protective dog that is very patient with children. It enjoys spending time with its human family and often develops strong bonds with its owners.

Relationship with other pets: He gets along well with other dogs and pets if socialized from a young age. His friendly nature makes him an excellent companion, even for multi-pet households.

Relationship with children: It is widely recognized for its good behavior with children. Due to its size, it is recommended to supervise play with children, but its behavior is generally gentle and tolerant.

Energy level: Although he's active, he's not hyperactive. He enjoys long walks, quiet games, and mentally stimulating tasks. He adapts well to the family routine, as long as he has enough physical and mental activity.

Social and emotional needs: The Cattle Dog needs constant companionship. He's not a dog to live alone in a yard. Prolonged isolation can cause anxiety in dogs . He enjoys being part of the household dynamic.

Basic care of the Bernese Mountain Dog

Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in protein and healthy fats is ideal for keeping your dog's muscles and coat in optimal condition. High-quality food formulated for large breeds is recommended. Consult your veterinarian about appropriate portion sizes and supplements if necessary.

Exercise and physical activity:

• Daily walks of 30-60 minutes.

• Interactive games and mental stimulation.

• Activities like hiking or obedience training can keep you active without putting stress on your joints.

Hygiene and cleanliness:

• Brush 2-3 times a week (daily during shedding periods).

• Baths every 6 to 8 weeks.

• Regular ear cleaning and dental check-ups.

Education and training: The Bernese Mountain Dog is intelligent and responds well to positive reinforcement. Begin with socialization and basic commands as a puppy. Consistency and affection yield excellent results.

Health and common diseases

Common diseases:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia.

• Gastric torsion (volvulus).

• Cancer in dogs , especially histiocytosis.

• Hereditary eye problems.

It is vital to maintain regular veterinary checkups and be alert to any changes in behavior or appetite.

Life expectancy: Unfortunately, their life expectancy is short for their size: between 7 and 9 years. With good care and regular veterinary checkups, their quality of life and overall well-being can be improved.

Heat cycles and reproduction

Suitable age for reproduction

• Females: after the second heat (approximately 18-24 months).

• Males: from one and a half years old.

Breeding this breed should be done responsibly, ideally with veterinary supervision and genetic testing to avoid hereditary diseases.

Caring for a pregnant female:

• Nutrient-rich diet suitable for pregnancy.

• Moderate exercise and frequent checkups.

• Calm, warm and safe environment for childbirth.

General puppy care

• Deworming, vaccinations and constant check-ups.

• Early socialization.

• Food formulated for large breeds in the growth stage.

• Avoid jumping or rough play that can put pressure on their developing joints.

You may be interested in: dog vaccines .

Myths and curiosities about this breed

• Myth : They are lazy.
  Reality : They are quiet, but enjoy activity if stimulated.
  
  

• Curiosity : In Switzerland, they were trained to pull small milk carts.
  Myth : They can't live in hot climates.
  Reality : Although they prefer the cold, they can adapt with proper care (shade, water, and not exercising them during hot hours).

• Curiosity : Their sweet expression and slow movements make them look eternally like puppies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can it be kept in an apartment?

Yes, but only if they are given sufficient daily exercise and are not left alone for long periods of time. They prefer spacious spaces, but can adapt if given physical and mental stimulation.

Does the Bernese Mountain Dog bark a lot?

It is not a particularly barking breed, but it can alert by barking if it perceives something strange or if it is bored.

What is the average size of an adult Bernese Mountain Dog?

Males measure between 64 and 70 cm and weigh 40 to 50 kg; females measure between 58 and 66 cm and weigh 35 to 45 kg.

Why does the Bernese Mountain Dog have such a short lifespan?

Due to their size and a genetic predisposition to diseases such as cancer, responsible breeding and veterinary checkups can improve their quality of life and life expectancy.

Is the Bernese Mountain Dog aggressive?

No. They are a gentle and calm breed. Aggression isn't part of their natural temperament, but poor socialization or handling can lead to behavioral problems.

Is the Bernese Mountain Dog a guard dog?

Yes, although it's not aggressive, its imposing size and protective instinct make it a good watchdog. It often alerts by barking, but it's not an attack dog.

Conclusion

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a noble, loyal, and deeply family-oriented dog. Although its size and care needs require commitment, its tenderness, patience, and devotion make it an unparalleled companion. If you have the space, time, and affection to offer it, you'll have a friend who will leave an indelible mark on your life.