Bernhardiner Dog Breed Guide and Description

The Bernhardiner is a rare and majestic dog breed that originated in the Swiss Alps. They are a large and powerful breed, with males weighing up to 150 pounds.

Bernhardiners are known for their distinctive appearance, with a thick, coarse coat that's often black or dark brown in color. Their broad heads and strong jaws give them a rugged, imposing look.

These gentle giants are naturally protective of their families and can make great companions for active owners.

The Bernhardiner's origin is a fascinating story that dates back to the 11th century. The breed originated in the Swiss canton of Bern, where it was bred on the Great St. Bernard Pass.

The Great St. Bernard Pass was a crucial route for travelers between Switzerland and Italy, but it was also a treacherous one, especially during winter months. The conditions on the pass were often extreme, with snowstorms and avalanche risks.

To help the monks at the Great St. Bernard Hospice with their rescue work, they began breeding large dogs that could navigate through the snow and find lost travelers. These dogs, later known as Bernhardiners, were bred for their strength, size, and ability to work in challenging terrain.

The Bernhardiner's early history is not well-documented, but it's believed that they were first bred in the 17th century. The breed wasn't officially recognized as a distinct type until 1887 in Switzerland.

The Bernhardiner's name comes from the Great St. Bernard Hospice, which was founded by St. Bernard de Menthon in 980. The hospice was a refuge for travelers crossing the treacherous pass between Italy and Switzerland.

One of the most famous Bernhardiners was a dog named Barry, who allegedly saved over 40 people from avalanches. Barry's story has become legendary, and he's still remembered today as a hero of the breed.

Today, the Bernhardiner is a beloved companion dog and a symbol of Switzerland, having been recognized as the country's national dog in 1884.

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The Bernhardiner is a massive dog breed, with males reaching a height of up to 90 cm, making them almost as tall as their owners.

Their size is quite impressive, with a weight range of 64 to 120 kg, depending on their build. This means they're not exactly the kind of dog you can pick up and carry around.

One interesting fact is that the original Bernhardiner was much smaller, weighing around 40 to 50 kg, a far cry from the massive dogs we see today.

The breed comes in two varieties: Kurzhaar-Bernhardiner and Langhaar-Bernhardiner, with the latter being the more common of the two.

The Bernese Mountain Dog character is truly one of a kind. They are known for being gentle giants, with a calm and gentle nature that makes them a joy to be around.

They are extremely loyal and loving, often forming strong bonds with their family members. This loyalty is unwavering, and they will defend their family and territory if necessary.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are not typically aggressive, but they are naturally protective of their loved ones. They have a strong instinct to defend and will alert their family to potential threats.

One of the most remarkable things about Bernese Mountain Dogs is their ability to remain calm and composed in stressful situations. They are not easily ruffled and will provide a sense of stability and comfort to their family.

Their gentle nature makes them an excellent choice for families with children, as they are patient and understanding. However, they do require consistent training and socialization from an early age to ensure they grow into well-behaved adult dogs.

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Their size can be intimidating, but they are also incredibly affectionate and love to be close to their family members. They thrive on attention and will often seek out physical contact and cuddles.

In fact, Bernese Mountain Dogs are often described as " Velcro dogs" because of their tendency to stick close to their people. They are not suited for households where they will be left alone for long periods of time, as they require regular interaction and attention.

Overall, the Bernese Mountain Dog character is a unique blend of loyalty, love, and protectiveness. With the right care and attention, they make wonderful companions for families and individuals alike.

The Bernhardiner's coat is a lot to handle, but it's not a problem if you're up for the task. There are two types of coats: Kurzhaar (Stockhaar) and Langhaar.

You'll need to brush or comb your Bernhardiner multiple times a week to remove dead hair. It's a lot of hair, so be prepared!

The ears need regular cleaning, and the eyes should be checked regularly, especially if your Bernhardiner has hanging eyelids.

The Bernhardiner is a breed that's prone to health issues due to its large size and rapid growth rate. This can lead to joint problems, such as hip dysplasia.

It's essential to consider a health insurance plan for your Bernhardiner to ensure their well-being. The breed has a history of extreme breeding, which can cause coordination problems and epilepsy.

The genetic makeup of the Bernhardiner isn't suited for such large size, and this can lead to problems like epilepsy and a shorter lifespan. Züchter are now focusing on breeding smaller Bernhardiners to minimize these issues.

The breed's large size can also cause eye problems, such as the hängeauge or hängelid, which can lead to lifelong issues.

Common health issues in Bernhardiners include bone cancers, epilepsy, and heart problems. Regular check-ups and a balanced diet can help prevent these issues.

It's crucial to research the breeder and their breeding practices to ensure you're not supporting extreme breeding methods. This can help prevent inherited health problems.

The average lifespan of a Bernhardiner is 8-10 years. Regular check-ups, vaccinations, and a high-quality diet can help ensure your Bernhardiner lives a long and healthy life.

To care for your Bernhardiner's coat, regular brushing and grooming are essential. This can take some time, but it's a great way to bond with your dog.

The Bernhardiner is a rare and ancient breed of dog that originated in Switzerland. They are a mix of Bernese Mountain Dog and Rottweiler.

Their thick coats can be a variety of colors, including black, white, and tan.

They are known for being friendly and outgoing, making them great family pets.

On average, Bernhardiners can weigh between 80-120 pounds.

Bernhardiners need a diet that's high in quality and suitable for their size. They have a big appetite and require balanced nutrient intake to support their joints and cartilage.

A well-balanced diet is crucial for Bernhardiners, as they can be prone to bloating and stomach problems. This is especially true for larger dogs, which is why it's essential to monitor their food intake.

Smaller, more frequent meals can help reduce the risk of stomach problems in Bernhardiners. This is because they can be susceptible to a condition called gastric torsion.

Good quality food is essential for Bernhardiners, especially for growing puppies and young dogs that need to grow rapidly. They require a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs.

Not overfeeding or underfeeding Bernhardiners is crucial, as this can lead to stomach problems. It's also essential to ensure they get regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight.

The Bernhardiner's suitability as a breed has been shaped by its history as a working dog. It was the main breeding location for the breed until 2005.

The breed's popularity as a tourist attraction on the Great St. Bernard Pass is a result of its historical use as a working dog. This is why the Augustiner-Chorherren required that half of the dogs be kept on the hospice during the summer months.

The breed's marketing efforts have been successful, with a large number of souvenirs featuring the legendary dogs being sold. The Fondation Barry du Grand-St-Bernard, the organization that now oversees the breed's breeding, likely plays a role in this marketing effort.

Bernies sind für Familien sehr beliebt, aber sie sind nicht für Anfänger geeignet.

Für die Haltung eines Bernhardiners ist die Größe zu beachten, eine kleine Wohnung wird den riesigen Tieren nicht gerecht.

Ein Haus mit reichlich Platz und einem eingezäumten Garten ist ideal für die Rasse, da sie gerne einen Überblick über ihr Zuhause haben.

Bewegung für die Hunde ist wichtig, aber es sollte in angemessener Form betrieben werden, da die Größe und das Gewicht es nicht zulassen, dass sie sich übermäßig anstrengen.

Ein schattiger Ort mit kühlem Boden ist der richtige Ort, um die heiße Zeit abzuwarten, da das lange Fell und der massige Körper den Tieren schnell zu warm werden lassen.

Der Bernhardiner benötigt willensstarke Besitzer, die sich durchsetzen, da er eigene Entscheidungen treffen kann, wenn Herrchen oder Frauchen unsicher sind.

The St. Bernard breed has a rich history, and its marketing strategy is a fascinating aspect of its story. The breed was the main breeding location on the Great St. Bernard Pass until 2005.

In that year, the Augustiner-Chorherren sold the breeding rights to the Fondation Barry du Grand-St-Bernard, a foundation that continues to breed the St. Bernard. The foundation retained a condition that about half of the dogs would remain at the hospice during the summer months.

The hospice's location on the pass makes the dogs a significant tourist attraction. As a result, a large number of souvenirs featuring the legendary dogs are sold.

A museum was opened in 2006 in an old military arsenal in Martigny, showcasing the St. Bernard breed and its history. The museum features living examples of the breed, as well as various exhibits related to the breed, such as stamps and pictures.

Many stories about the St. Bernard breed are likely fictional, but they have been retold and rewritten so often that it's difficult to separate fact from legend.