The Ultimate Guide to Bernese Mountain Dog Black and White

The Bernese Mountain Dog Black and White is a stunning breed with a unique coat pattern. Their black and white coat is a result of a specific genetic combination that creates a striking contrast between their black fur and white markings.

These dogs typically have a black base coat with white markings on their chest, face, and legs. The white markings can vary in shape and size, but they often form a distinctive "Swiss cross" pattern on the chest.

Their black and white coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. A weekly brushing session can help keep their coat in good condition and reduce shedding.

Their intelligence and loyalty make them a popular choice as family pets and working dogs.

The Bernese Mountain Dog's large size requires a home and transportation that can accommodate it without being forced into cramped spaces. They prefer cold hard surfaces, but also need access to soft bedding to prevent callouses and bursitis.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to shedding and drooling, so they may not be a good choice for fastidious housekeepers. They require no more than an hour of walking or playing during the cool parts of the day.

They enjoy playing tug, swimming, nose work, and trick training. Carting and sled pulling are also favorite activities, with some Bernese Mountain Dogs competing in weight pulling.

To manage their heavy shedding, you'll need to brush their coat weekly, if not daily, to prevent matting. Deshedding tools like the FURminator can help remove the undercoat and keep shedding under control.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are not long-lived, averaging only 7-10 years. They're prone to gastric dilatation-volvulus, a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate veterinary intervention.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is an affectionate and intelligent breed that is eager to please and easy to train.

They tend to be patient with children and other pets, but may be a little shy around people they don't know.

These dogs are generally friendly towards strangers, other dogs, and other pets, but can be aloof with strangers and may attach themselves to one favorite person.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are excellent guardians, but they don't make great protection dogs due to their calm nature and deep bark.

They are highly adaptable to change and minor stressors, but may be shy in new settings if not properly socialized.

If you're considering bringing a Bernese Mountain Dog into your family, be aware that they may dislike being left alone and may develop separation anxiety.

With proper training and socialization, however, they can thrive in a variety of living situations and make wonderful companions for people of all ages.

Bernese Mountain Dogs benefit from omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in skin and joint supplements, fish oil, and specially formulated dog foods. These fatty acids act as natural anti-inflammatories that help support the skin, coat, kidneys, joints, and heart.

Always consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog a supplement, including omega-3. They will recommend the best course of action for your dog's specific needs.

Feeding your Bernese Mountain Dog a diet that's compliant with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards is crucial for a complete and balanced diet. This ensures your dog receives the necessary fat, protein, and carbohydrates for a healthy growth rate.

To maintain a healthy growth rate in Bernese Mountain Dog puppies, feed them AAFCO-compliant puppy foods designed for giant and large dogs. Discuss with your veterinarian which puppy food is best for your individual dog.

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Bernese Mountain Dogs may benefit from omega-3 fatty acids (DHA/EPA) in their diet, at your veterinarian’s recommendation. These fatty acids will act as natural anti-inflammatories that help to support the skin, coat, kidneys, joints, and heart.

Feeding your Bernese Mountain Dog a complete and balanced diet is crucial for their overall health. This can be achieved by feeding commercial kibble or wet food that’s compliant with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)’s standards.

Explore further: How Much to Feed Bernese Mountain Dog Puppy

Never give your dog a supplement, including omega-3, without speaking to your vet first. Your veterinarian can help you determine the best course of action for your dog's specific needs.

As a giant breed, Bernese Mountain Dog puppies need to grow at a steady rate so their muscles and bone grow in unison. This can be achieved by feeding them proper amounts of fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

The best way to determine how much to feed a Bernese Mountain Dog is to talk with your veterinarian. They can calculate how much you should feed your dog based on their size, metabolism, neuter/spay status, and activity level.

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Taking care of your Bernese Mountain Dog's ears is crucial to prevent infections. Regular ear cleaning is a must, especially after water activities.

Their floppy ears can trap moisture, making them more prone to infections. This is why it's essential to clean their ears after bath time or a swimming session.

Use a veterinary-approved ear cleaner to keep your Bernese Mountain Dog's ears healthy and infection-free.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally a healthy breed, but they can be predisposed to some health issues. They have an average lifespan of 7-10 years.

One of the biggest health concerns for Bernese Mountain Dogs is cancer, with 55% of deaths being attributable to the disease. This is a high frequency of neoplasia.

Elbow dysplasia is another common issue, with studies showing a prevalence of 13.91% to 26% in the breed. This can lead to painful arthritis and mobility problems.

Some Bernese Mountain Dogs may also inherit a mutation that increases their risk of developing canine degenerative myelopathy. This mutation is associated with the SOD1 gene and is found in 3.5% of the breed.

Immune-mediated glomerulonephritis is a kidney disease that affects Bernese Mountain Dogs at a higher rate than other breeds. The incidence of this disease is 3.2 times higher than average, and the mortality rate is 8.2 times higher than average.

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Mastocytoma, a type of skin cancer, is also more common in Bernese Mountain Dogs. They are three times as likely to develop this condition as other breeds.

Histiocytosis, a group of rare disorders, is also more prevalent in Bernese Mountain Dogs. This can include malignant histiocytosis, a rapidly progressive multisystem cancerous disease.

Additional reading: Histiocytosis Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a majestic breed with a rich history. The breed originated in Switzerland.

Here are some key facts about the breed:

Their friendly nature and strong work ethic have earned them a special place in many hearts.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a breed that's known for its impressive size and sturdy build. They typically weigh between 70-115 pounds and stand between 23-27.5 inches tall at the withers.

Their lifespan is relatively short, ranging from 7-10 years. This is something to consider if you're thinking of bringing one into your family.

They're a working breed, which means they're built for strength and endurance. This is reflected in their muscular physique and strong, wide back.

Here are some key statistics about the Bernese Mountain Dog breed:

Their impressive size and strength make them well-suited to performing acts of heroism. In fact, there are several documented cases of Bernese Mountain Dogs saving their owners from danger.

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a rich history that dates back to its origins in a small town called Dürrbach.

Historically, the breed was known as a Dürrbachhund or Dürrbächler, named after the town where these large dogs were frequently found.

The breed was used as an all-purpose farm dog for guarding property and driving dairy cattle to alpine pastures.

Farmers relied on the dogs to transport carts of milk and cheese, earning them the nickname "Cheese Dogs".

In the early 1900s, fanciers started exhibiting the breed at shows in Berne, and by 1907, a breed club was founded, writing the first Standard for the breed.

The Schweizerische Dürrbach-Klub was the first breed club, and it had 107 registered members by 1910.

The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1937 and classified it as a member of the Working Group.

Today, the Bernese Mountain Dog is growing in popularity, ranking 22nd place by the American Kennel Club in 2017.

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The Bernese Mountain Dog is a natural for pulling small carts or wagons, a task they originally performed in Switzerland.

They enjoy giving children rides in a cart or participating in a parade, such as the Conway, New Hampshire holiday parade, and regional Bernese clubs often offer carting workshops.

Carting competitions are held for the breed, and with proper training, they can excel in these events.

Their herding instincts and trainability can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests, and Berners exhibiting basic herding instincts can be trained to compete in herding trials.

They are energetic, attentive, and impetuous, but indisposed to biting.

In Switzerland, they excel at herd guardianship, especially in the Holy Regions, and are untiring, often unruly, resistant to the coldest winters, and excellent defenders of stable or home.

The Bernese Mountain Dog's large size requires a home and transportation that can accommodate it without being forced into cramped spaces.

They are prone to shedding and drooling, making them a less-than-ideal choice for fastidious housekeepers.

The breed is not a good pet for warm climates, as they are vulnerable to heatstroke unless they can spend much of the day in air-conditioning.

Bernese Mountain Dogs require no more than an hour of walking or playing during the cool parts of the day.

They love to play tug, swim, and engage in nose work and trick training.

The breed is not long-lived, averaging only 7-10 years.

Gastric dilatation-volvulus, a life-threatening emergency, is a common health issue in Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Many owners elect to have their dog's stomach surgically attached to the abdominal wall to prevent this condition.

Berners generally have a thick double coat that sheds heavily year-round.

They need a dedicated pet parent who's willing to commit to regular grooming to prevent matting and control shedding.

Deshedding tools like the FURminator can help make shedding more manageable.

A good vacuum cleaner is essential for keeping up with the Bernese Mountain Dog's heavy shedding.

Living with a Bernese Mountain Dog means dealing with heavy shedding, so it's essential to be prepared with the right tools and a willingness to clean up after them.

The breed is relatively calm and eager to please, making them great companions for people of any age.