Life expectancy: 6-8 years

Origin: Switzerland

Temperament: Intelligent, Affectionate, Loyal, Faithful

Height:  Males 25–27.5 in (64–70 cm) Females 23–26 in (58–66 cm)

Weight: Male: 84–110 lbs (38–50 kg), Female: 79–110 lbs (36–48 kg)

Colors: Black tri-color

 

HISTORY / ORIGIN

The Bernese Mountain dog originated in the Swiss mountains. Many 18th century paintings show dogs that look like a Bernese type dog. The breed was named for the Canton of Bern in Switzerland. They were working dogs particularly good at draft work, pulling carts to market. They also were used to drive dairy cattle, to watch over the farm and as companions to the farmers. By the end of the 19th century many other working dogs were being imported to Switzerland, which brought the numbers of the Bernese down as workers began to use other types of dogs. An effort was made by a group of people including Professor Albert Heim and Franz Schertenleib to preserve the breed. They went around finding what remaining dogs they could in order to stabilize the Bernese. Today the breed makes a wonderful companion and they still to this day enjoy whatever draft work you can give them. The breed’s talents are tracking, herding, watch, guarding, search and rescue, carting and competitive obedience.

 

DESCRIPTION

Big, powerful, and built for hard work, the Bernese Mountain Dog is also strikingly beautiful and blessed with a sweet, affectionate nature. Berners are generally placid but are always up for a romp with the owner, whom they live to please. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, sturdy worker who can stand over 27 inches at the shoulder. The thick, silky, and moderately long coat is tricolored: jet black, clear white, and rust. The distinctive markings on the coat and face are breed hallmarks and, combined with the intelligent gleam in the dark eyes, add to the Berner's aura of majestic nobility. A hardy dog who thrives in cold weather, the Berner's brain and brawn helped him multitask on the farms and pastures of Switzerland. Berners get along with the entire family and are particularly gentle with children, but they will often become more attached to one lucky human. Berners are imposing but not threatening, and they maintain an aloof dignity with strangers.

 

TEMPERAMENT 

These cheerful dogs love children. They are very intelligent, easy to train and are natural watchdogs, but not overly dominant. A Bernese Mountain Dog will be your friend for life. Self-confident, alert and good-natured, be sure to socialize well as a puppy. These dogs are slow to mature, acting like puppies longer than other breeds. They are rather friendly with strangers, and are generally good with other pets and dogs. The Bernese needs to be with people and not confined to the backyard or a kennel. These dogs are sensitive and should be trained firmly, but gently. Owners will only run into issues with this dog if they are not displaying natural leadership towards the dog, treating him more like their baby and lacking in the knowledge as to what dogs instinctually need to be stable minded. Owners who fail to convince the dog humans are alpha may find themselves with a totally different dog than what is described above. For a dog to feel secure it needs to clearly know the rules so they can be followed, thriving in structure, along with a daily pack walk to satisfy its instinct to migrate. The Bernese Mountain Dog was bred for draft work and can be trained to pull a cart or wagon.

 

HEALTH PROBLEMS

The Bernese Mountain Dog is prone to bloat, cancer and eyelid problems, hip and elbow dysplasia. Gains weight easily. Do not overfeed. Prone to mast cell tumors.

About 6-8 years. The average lifespan of the Bernese has decreased in recent years from 10-12 years to 6-8 years. The BMD Club of America did a health survey in 2000 with 1,322 dogs. The average age of death was 7.2 years. Cancer is unfortunately a very large part of the Berner world and many Berners die young. One source states "I know of several that died of cancer at 3-4 years old and one that died two days before his 2nd birthday. The BMD Club of America is aggressively researching this cancer issue! We must see if we can end this sad situation." -Dogbreedinfo.com