Quick Stats for the Bernese Mountain Dog
- Height (at the shoulders): dogs: 24 – 28 inches (61 – 71 cm) ; bitches: 23 – 27 inches (58 – 69 cm)
- Weight: dogs: 85 – 110 pounds (39 – 50 kg) ; bitches: 80 – 105 pounds (36 – 48 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 6 – 9 years
- AKC Group: Working Group – AKC recognized in 1937
- Shedding: heavy shedder; seasonal shedder
- Living Conditions: not recommended for apartments; relatively inactive indoors; best with large fenced yard
Personality of the Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog (Berner) is a gentle and loyal canine that makes a great family pet. It is extremely devoted to its family and excellent around children. The Berner is one of the friendliest canines around both strangers and other pets.
They mature slower as compared to other dog breeds. They are self-confident members of the Working Group.
History of the Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog actually came from somewhere in Switzerland, the Swiss Mountains it is believed. Their history seems to go back at least to the 18th century, where paintings depict dogs similar in looks to the BMD.
Some experts believe that the BMD originated from a mix between the old Roman Mastiffs, and Swiss dogs that were used to guard flock. This is a possibility since the Romans invaded Switzerland and brought their dogs with them. The resulting cross was a dog that could withstand the extreme cold temperatures of the Alpine Mountains. They were also good at driving, guarding, drafting, farming, and herding.
Unfortunately, there was no real attempt at continuing to develop this amazing new breed. By the late 1800s, only a few were left, and the breed faced extinction. However, Albert Heim, professor and researcher, soon discovered the breed in the lower Alps.
Professor Heim began to actively promote the breed throughout Switzerland, and then moved on to promoting them in Europe. In 1926, the Bernese Mountain Dog made its way to America.
The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1937.
They may also be related to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Breed.
Bernese Mountain Dog Information on Care and Grooming
The BMD loves to spend time outdoors, especially in cold weather.
They can get sufficient exercise with regular daily walks or a good long hike. Bernese Mountain Dogs seem to enjoy pulling, so that would be a great activity to provide them with both mental and physical stimulation.
The breed is a seasonal, heavy shedder. Grooming requirements include a good weekly brushing of their thick coats with a good dog grooming brush. Pay specially attention to their coat during shedding season.
Health Problems of the Bernese Mountain Dog
The average life expectancy of the Bernese Mountain Dog is about six to nine years.
Major health concerns for this breed are:
- elbow dysplasia
- CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)
- gastric torsion
- mast cell tumors
Minor health issues include:
- cataracts
- SAS (Sub-Aortic Stenosis)
- ectropion
- bloat
Image courtesy of Wikipedia
For even more information about this dog breed check out the book:
[...] largest and oldest of the four types of Swiss Mountain Dogs in existence. The other three are the Bernese Mountain Dog, Appenzeller, and the [...]