Dog Breed of the Month: Bernese Mountain Dog- April 2013

Resilient companion: once facing extinction the Bernese Mountain Dog lives on
By Stacey Gonzalez

Photo by Ju Muncinelli Foter.com CC BY-NC

The sweet but powerful Bernese Mountain Dog- also known as the Berner Sennenhund- is one of four Swiss mountain dogs. But the Berner stands apart from the other Swiss canines in that it is the only one with a long, silky and flowing coat. It also almost didn’t make it out of the 19^th century alive.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, sturdy dog with a body that is longer than it is tall. This strong and agile creature comes in one coat colour- tricolour. The dog has symmetrical markings of black, white and rust. It is square in build and has a broad skull and a straight muzzle.
The females are very feminine while the males are quite masculine. The Bernese is slow to mature and it can take up to three years for them to reach their full size. This large breed dog’s coat is weather resistant making the dog a great outdoor companion in the winter months.

Photo by mikealex Foter.com CC BY-NC-ND

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a working dog that was bred primarily for draft work. This pooch was trained to pull a cart or wagon in the Swiss mountains where the breed originated. The breed got its name from the Canton of Bern in Switzerland. The breed was also occasionally used as flock guardians, to drive cattle, tracking and as companions to farmers. Their ancestors were believed to be Mastiffs that were brought into Switzerland more than 2,000 years ago. The breed was so popular that many 18^thcentury paintings feature the Berner. But by the end of the 19^thcentury many other breeds of working dogs were being imported to Switzerland and the number of Bernese started depleting. The breed was facing extinction when a group of activists led by Professor Albert Heim and Franz Schertenleib began a quest to save and preserve the breed.In order to stabilize the breed the group searched for the remaining dogs. They found Bernese Mountain Dogs in the valleys of the lower Swiss Alps and promoted the breed in Switzerland and throughout Europe. Thanks to their tireless efforts the Berner lived on and was introduced to America in 1926. In 1937 the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and continues to grow in popularity. Some dogs still find available work but most of them become happy companions to their beloved two-leggeds.The Bernese Mountain dog loves to please and makes an excellent family companion. It is a dependable breed that is loyal and devoted to its owner. This dogs temperament it perfect for pet parents who want a dog that is affectionate and physically active. This dog should not be left outside on a lead for hours. It thrives when it is with its family. These dogs are very intelligent but they can be sensitive, stubborn and aloof with strangers.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is great with children and other pets as long as they are socialized well. They are relatively easy to train and are very alert and on guard without being overly dominant. Some Berners can take longer to get out of their puppy stage than others and should be trained firmly but with love and a gently hand. This dog may be friendly and easy going, but it is sensitive and will become stubborn in a negative situation.
The breed is versatile and because of its low energy it can live in an apartment that is big enough as long as it has moderate exercise and some time to play off leash. But a fenced in yard is ideal for most large breeds. The breed is not overly playful but is very social and enjoys time with people in its own way.
The Bernese needs a moderate amount of maintenance and grooming. Its long coat should be brushed at least once a week. Twice a year during the shedding seasons the Berner sheds quite a bit and needs to be brushed more often. Bathe only as necessary to help protect natural waterproofing elements of the dog’s coat.The dog enjoys pulling and carrying things. Some Berner owners let their dogs carry a doggie backpack full of things for the long walk ahead. This not only gives the dog purpose and a task to perform but it also frees up the owners hands- making for a safer and more entertaining walk. The breed loves hiking but special measures must be taken to make sure the dog doesn’t get heat stroke.
Like most large, deep-chested canines the Bernese Mountain Dog is prone to bloat and should not be exercised right after feeding. The Berner is also prone to eyelid problems and hip and elbow dysplasia. But the number one reason for health decline and death in the Bernese Mountain Dog is cancer. The breed is prone to mast cell tumors and as a result the average lifespan of the Bernese is six to eight years. The BMD Club of America performed a health survey in 2000 that included 1,322 Bernese dogs. The average age of death in that group of dogs was 7.2 years. Sadly many more Bernese Mountain Dogs have died younger than six years. "Three years a young dog, three years a good dog, and three years an old dog...all else, a gift from God," is a common Swiss expression referring to the breed.The Bernese Mountain Dog can gain weight easily so it is important not to overfeed. The breed is occasionally prone to other health issues including gastric torsion, von Willebrand's Disease (vWD), allergies, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) cataract, and thyroid issues.
Despite the breeds likely hood of developing cancer and other potential health problems some Bernese Mountain Dogs live to be 10 years old. Glucosamine supplements can be used to support hip and joint issues and regular veterinarian visits can help prevent issues in the future.For a large breed it is hard to find a more loving dog than the Bernese Mountain Dog. Once you befriend a Berner it will be a devoted friend for life. The breed’s optimistic spirit can brighten even the darkest day and it will always work hardest to put a smile on everyone’s face.