Bernese Mountain Dog Wikipedia Breed Guide

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a beloved breed known for its gentle and calm nature. They originated in Switzerland, where they were used as working dogs, hauling milk and other goods.

Their thick coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. This breed is not suitable for apartment living due to their large size and shedding.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally healthy, but they can be prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia and cancer.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a sturdy breed with a distinctive appearance. It's slightly longer than it is tall.

Their head is flat on top with a moderate stop, and their ears are medium-sized, triangular, and set high. The teeth have a scissors bite.

Their legs are straight and strong, with round, arched toes. Dewclaws are often removed.

Their bushy tail is carried low, adding to their overall rugged look.

Bernese mountain dogs are known for their calm and affectionate nature, making them a great breed for families with children. They are patient dogs that take well to children climbing over them.

Their temperament is described as "good-natured", "self-assured", and "docile", with a strong instinct to stick close to their people. Bernese mountain dogs are also well-behaved in the house and enjoy quiet evenings.

However, they do require regular exercise and activity to prevent barking and harassing behavior. A daily walk and some playtime should keep them happy and healthy.

Despite their calm nature, Bernese mountain dogs are prone to certain health issues, including cancer and musculoskeletal problems. In fact, nearly half of Bernese mountain dogs die of cancer, compared to about 27% of all dogs.

Their high risk of cancer is due to a multitude of different types of cancer, including malignant histiocytosis, mast cell tumor, lymphosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, and osteosarcoma.

If this caught your attention, see: Cancer Bernese Mountain Dog

Dogs are the most variable mammal on earth, with around 450 globally recognized dog breeds.

Their incredible diversity is a result of artificial selection imposed by humans, which has led to the formation of modern breeds in just the last 200 years.

Dogs can vary significantly in size and weight, from a 0.46 kg teacup poodle to a 90 kg giant mastiff.

Their skull, body, and limb proportions also vary greatly between breeds, displaying more phenotypic diversity than can be found within the entire order of carnivores.

A genetic study identified 51 regions of the dog genome associated with phenotype variation among breeds in 57 traits, including body, cranial, dental, and long bone shape and size.

These genetic regions are linked to traits that define a breed, such as body size, coat characteristics, and ear floppiness.

Three quantitative trait loci explain most of the phenotype variation, indicating the complexity of canine genetics.

Indicators of recent selection were shown in many of these genomic regions, highlighting the ongoing impact of human selection on dog breeds.

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Bernese mountain dogs are naturally good-natured, self-assured, and docile, making them a great breed for families.

They may be aloof with strangers, but tend to bond strongly with one owner or family.

These dogs are excellent guardians and work well with other pets and around strangers.

However, they can be protective of their family and territory, so early socialization and training are key.

Bernese mountain dogs are very affectionate and patient, making them a great match for families with children.

They take well to children climbing over them, but may not have the endurance for high-energy play.

With regular exercise and training, Bernese mountain dogs can thrive and be happy companions.

In fact, they were originally bred to be working dogs, so they need mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

If they don't get enough exercise, they may become restless and start barking or harassing.

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Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to a range of medical problems that can affect their quality of life and lifespan. Cancer is a leading cause of death in the breed, with nearly half of Bernese Mountain Dogs dying from cancer, compared to about 27% of all dogs.

The breed has a high frequency of neoplasia, with one study finding 55% of deaths to be attributable to cancer. This is a much higher rate than other breeds.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are also at risk of developing histiocytosis, a rare group of disorders that involve a build up of histiocytes in tissue and organs. Malignant histiocytosis is a rapidly progressive multisystem cancerous disease that affects the breed.

Arthritis, hip dysplasia, and cruciate ligament rupture are common causes of death in Bernese Mountain Dogs, with a mortality rate of 6% in one UK study. This is significantly higher than the mortality rate for pure-bred dogs in general.

The breed is also prone to inherited medical problems such as malignant histiocytosis, hypomyelinogenesis, and progressive retinal atrophy. Hereditary eye diseases are common among larger dogs, including Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Life expectancy is a crucial factor to consider when thinking about bringing a Bernese Mountain Dog into your family. On average, a Bernese Mountain Dog lives for around 7 to 8 years.

Unfortunately, this is relatively short compared to other breeds of similar size, which can live up to 10-11 years. For example, in a 2004 UK survey, the longest-lived of 394 deceased Bernese Mountain Dogs died at the age of 15.2 years, although this is extremely rare.

A 2016 Swiss study found that 72% of Bernese Mountain Dogs die before reaching 10 years of age, which highlights the importance of regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy lifestyle.

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The Bernese Mountain Dog requires a spacious home and regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. This breed needs at least an hour of walking or playing during the cool parts of the day.

They also need access to soft bedding to prevent callouses and bursitis, which can be caused by hard surfaces. Regular brushing is a must to prevent shedding and reduce the amount of fur on the floor and furniture.

Bernese Mountain Dogs shed year-round, with the heaviest shedding during seasonal changes. They'll require daily brushing during these periods to keep their coat neat.

Their ears are prone to trapping bacteria, dirt, and liquid, which can lead to ear infections. Regular ear cleanings using a veterinarian-recommended cleanser can help prevent this.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large breed that requires a spacious home and transportation to accommodate its size without being forced into cramped spaces. It's essential to provide your Bernese with soft bedding to prevent callouses and bursitis.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to shedding and drooling, making them a less-than-ideal choice for fastidious housekeepers. They also need regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling of their coats.

A daily brushing is necessary during seasonal shedding, which occurs in the spring and fall, to manage the amount of fur on the floor and furniture. This breed loves the snow and is vulnerable to heatstroke, so it's crucial to keep them cool in warm climates.

Expand your knowledge: Bernese Mountain Dog Shed

Bernese Mountain Dogs require no more than an hour of walking or playing during the cool parts of the day. They enjoy activities like tug, swimming, nose work, and trick training, and some even compete in weight pulling.

Coat care consists of weekly brushing and occasional bathing, with a bath needed about once every couple of months depending on their activity level and dirt exposure. The breed is also prone to ear infections, so it's essential to clean their ears weekly with a veterinarian-recommended cleanser.

The Bernese Mountain Dog's average lifespan is 7-10 years, making it essential to prioritize their health and well-being. They are prone to gastric dilatation-volvulus, a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate veterinary intervention.

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

With proper training, they can enjoy giving children rides in a cart or participating in a parade. I've seen them do this in the Conway, New Hampshire holiday parade, and it's adorable!

Regional Bernese clubs often offer carting workshops, where you can learn how to train your Bernese to pull a cart.

You can also participate in drafting trials, which are open to all breeds. In these trials, dogs can earn eight different titles, including Novice Draft Dog, Advanced Novice Draft Dog, Draft Dog, and Master Draft Dog.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is also eligible to compete in AKC Herding Events, which can be a fun way to challenge their herding instincts.

Additional reading: Old German Herding Dogs

Breed standards are detailed descriptions of a dog breed's appearance and behavior, including characteristics that are considered desirable or undesirable. Breed clubs create these standards to guide dog breeding and identification.

Kennel clubs, like the American Kennel Club, maintain breed standards and record pedigrees in a breed registry. This helps identify dogs that meet the breed's specific characteristics.

A dog is considered purebred if its parents were purebred and it meets the breed's standards. The American Kennel Club allows mixed-breed dogs to be shown, but under certain conditions.

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Kennel clubs provide recognition of distinct dog breeds, but different clubs may have varying standards and inconsistent recognition. Some clubs, like the New Zealand Kennel Club, recognize multiple varieties of the same breed as distinct breeds.

Identification of a specific breed is not reliable without proof of ancestry, which can be provided through genetic analysis or written records.

If you're considering bringing a Bernese Mountain Dog into your life, it's essential to choose the right breed for you. Choose Your Breed to select the perfect companion.

Prospective owners should also think about why they want a dog in the first place. Why Get a Dog? is a crucial question to answer, as it will help you understand what kind of lifestyle and commitment you're ready to make.

To ensure you're getting a healthy and well-socialized puppy, it's crucial to find a responsible breeder. Finding a Responsible Breeder takes time and research, but it's worth the effort.

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If you're interested in training or competing with your Bernese Mountain Dog, you'll want to learn about getting started in dog sports. Getting Started in Dog Sports can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your dog.

If you do decide to get a puppy, you'll want to know more about the different stages of puppy development. All About Puppies is a great resource to learn about the various milestones your puppy will go through.

Here are the four breeds of Sennenhund, which include the Bernese Mountain Dog:

The Bernese Mountain Dog breed has a rich history that dates back to its origins in Switzerland. Historically, in some locales at least, the breed was called a Dürrbachhund.

The breed was used as an all-purpose farm dog for guarding property and driving dairy cattle long distances from the farm to the alpine pastures. The farmers used the dogs to transport their carts of milk and cheese.

In the early 1900s, fanciers exhibited the few examples of the large dogs at shows in Berne, and in 1907 a few breeders from the Burgdorf region founded the first breed club, the Schweizerische Dürrbach-Klub.

By 1910, there were already 107 registered members of the breed. There is a photo of a working Bernese Mountain Dog, dated 1905 at the Fumee Fall rest area in Quinnesec, Michigan.

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

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Dog types are broad categories of dogs based on form, function, or style of work, lineage, or appearance. These categories are distinct from modern dog breeds, which are specific breed standards with a common set of heritable characteristics.

In a 2010 study, researchers looked at 48,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms across 912 dogs representing 85 breeds. They found distinct genetic clusters within modern dogs that largely corresponded to phenotype or function.

These genetic clusters included spitz-breeds, toy dogs, spaniels, Mastiff-like breeds, small terriers, retrievers, herding dogs, scent-hounds, and sight-hounds. Some breeds, like the Basenji and Saluki, were genetically divergent from modern breeds.

The study also found three well-supported groups that were highly divergent and distinct from modern domestic dogs. These groups were: an Asian group (Dingo, New Guinea singing dog, Chow Chow, Akita, and Shar Pei), a Middle Eastern group (Afghan hound and Saluki), and a northern group (Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky).

Early books, such as "The Art of Venery" (1327) and "The Master of Game" (circa 1406), describe various dog types used for hunting purposes.

Additional reading: Hound Group

If you're thinking of getting a dog, the first step is to Choose Your Breed. With so many amazing breeds out there, it's essential to research and find one that fits your lifestyle.

You might be wondering, Why Get a Dog? Well, dogs can bring immense joy and companionship to our lives. They can also be great motivators for exercise and outdoor activities.

Finding a responsible breeder is crucial to ensure you're getting a healthy puppy. So, be sure to Find a Responsible Breeder who prioritizes the welfare of their dogs.

If you're interested in training your dog for dog sports, you can start by Getting Started in Dog Sports. This could be agility training, obedience, or even flyball.

If you do decide to bring a new puppy home, be prepared for a lot of love and energy! Puppies need a lot of attention and care, so make sure you're ready for the responsibilities of All About Puppies.

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Notable Bernese Mountain Dogs have made headlines for their incredible stories. Hercules is one such dog, owned by Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who brought him home from Switzerland in 2006.

Some notable Bernese Mountain Dogs include Hercules, a dog owned by Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who brought him home from Switzerland in 2006. Smelly and Harvey Milkbone are two Bernese Mountain Dogs owned by the characters Bryan and David in the TV series The New Normal.

Hercules is not the only famous Bernese Mountain Dog. Smelly and Harvey Milkbone are two Bernese Mountain Dogs owned by the characters Bryan and David in the TV series The New Normal. Buttercup is a Bernese Mountain Dog on the television series 9-1-1: Lone Star.

Buttercup is a Bernese Mountain Dog on the television series 9-1-1: Lone Star. Ohly was a Bernese Mountain Dog in Canada who became known after disappearing and then being found on Mount Seymour in a dangerous area known as "Suicide Gulley."

Ohly was a Bernese Mountain Dog in Canada who became known after disappearing and then being found on Mount Seymour in a dangerous area known as "Suicide Gulley." Quincey von Wiesmadern, has appeared in various videos with Hansi Hinterseer, an Austrian singer, entertainer and former member of the Austrian Ski Team.

Quincey von Wiesmadern, has appeared in various videos with Hansi Hinterseer, an Austrian singer, entertainer and former member of the Austrian Ski Team. Hannah is the real-life inspiration for the protagonist of children's books such as A Beach Day for Hannah and A Snow Day for Hannah by Linda Petrie Bunch.

Hannah is the real-life inspiration for the protagonist of children's books such as A Beach Day for Hannah and A Snow Day for Hannah by Linda Petrie Bunch. Argus and Fiona were two Bernese mountain dogs that were shot and killed when they entered a neighbor's yard.

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Argus and Fiona were two Bernese mountain dogs that were shot and killed when they entered a neighbor's yard. Nico, a recently adopted Bernese mountain dog, became a hero when he saved two people who were being swept out into the ocean by a California rip current.

Here are some notable Bernese Mountain Dogs:

The Sennenhund family consists of four distinct breeds, each with its own unique characteristics.

The Greater Swiss mountain dog, also known as the Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund, is one of the original Sennenhund breeds.

The Bernese mountain dog, known as the Berner Sennenhund, is another popular breed within the Sennenhund family.

The Appenzeller breed, also known as the Appenzeller Sennenhund, is a smaller but no less impressive member of the Sennenhund group.

The Entlebucher mountain dog, or Entlebucher Sennenhund, is the final breed in this remarkable family of dogs.

Here are the four breeds of Sennenhund, listed in a convenient table:

Bernese Mountain Dogs are nearly three times as likely as owners of other breeds to report musculoskeletal problems in their dogs.

Cruciate ligament rupture, arthritis, hip dysplasia, and osteochondritis are the most commonly reported musculoskeletal issues in Bernese Mountain Dogs.

The age at onset for musculoskeletal problems is unusually low, with 11% of living dogs having arthritis at an average age of 4.3 years.

Prospective owners should be prepared to cope with a large dog that may have mobility problems at a young age.

Options to help mobility-impaired dogs include ramps for car or house access, lifting harnesses and slings, and dog wheelchairs like Walkin' Wheels.

Comfortable bedding may help alleviate joint pain in Bernese Mountain Dogs.