Understanding Old Bernese Mountain Dogs as Pets

Old Bernese Mountain Dogs make wonderful pets, especially for experienced dog owners who understand their needs. They originated from Switzerland and were originally bred to pull carts and herd cattle.

Their thick coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. This breed sheds heavily, so be prepared for regular brushing sessions.

Old Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally calm and gentle, but they can be protective of their family. They are naturally wary of strangers and may take time to warm up to new people.

They are relatively large dogs, with adults weighing between 80-120 pounds. Their size requires plenty of space to move around and exercise.

Two thousand years ago, dogs resembling Mastiffs were enlisted by Roman soldiers crossing the Alps.

The Romans relied on these dogs to help them control the route from Italy to Spain, using their enormous strength and intelligence to pull carts loaded with supplies, move cattle, and act as watchdogs.

Eventually, crosses between the Mastiff type and black-and-tan dogs produced the Bernese Mountain Dog breed we know today.

The Berner was named for the midland region of Switzerland near Bern, and is one of four Sennenhund breeds, which include the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, the Appenzeller Sennenhund, and Entlebucher.

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a unique tricolor coat, and is the only breed of the four Sennenhund with a moderately long and silky coat.

The city of Bern evolved into a vast agricultural area of dairy production, with farmers and basket weavers depending on Berners to pull milk carts and wagons piled high with textiles.

The breed helped herd small groups of cattle, but industrial farming soon replaced canine labor, leading to a decline in the number of Bernese Mountain Dogs.

The Saint Bernard eventually became known as the Swiss national breed, while the Bernese Mountain Dog's popularity continued to decline.

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The Bernese Mountain Dog is a gentle giant, weighing between 70 and 115 pounds, depending on its sex.

They are calm and affectionate family dogs, eager to please their humans and desire to be part of the family.

Berners are good-natured, making them an excellent choice for people of all ages, but their size and strength can make them challenging for children or the elderly to manage.

Here are some key facts about the breed's size and health:

As a breed, Bernese Mountain Dogs are more susceptible to hereditary conditions such as Von Willebrand disease. Regular vet visits and preventative care can help ensure a happy and healthy life for your Bernese Mountain Dog.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a calm and affectionate breed, making them an excellent choice for families. They are good-natured and eager to please their humans.

Their calm nature is a result of their easy-going temperament, which makes them an excellent choice for people of all ages. They are generally friendly toward strangers, other dogs, and other pets.

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Bernese Mountain Dogs love to cuddle with their humans and are perfect for those who desire a large, fluffy, tricolored companion. They are affectionate and demonstrative, always eager to show their love and affection.

Their calm nature also makes them a great match for families with children, as they are gentle and patient. However, their size and strength can make them challenging for children or the elderly to manage.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their impressive size, with males weighing between 80 and 115 pounds and females weighing between 70 and 95 pounds.

Their height can range from 23 to 27.5 inches at the withers, making them a sturdy breed.

These dogs are generally healthy, but they can be susceptible to hereditary conditions such as Von Willebrand disease.

They have a relatively short lifespan of 7-10 years, which is something to keep in mind if you're considering bringing one home.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are also known for their heroic nature, with some even being recognized for their bravery in saving human lives.

Here's a quick rundown of their vital statistics:

The thick tricolored coat of an old Bernese Mountain Dog is one of its most distinctive features, with black being the predominant color on the body. This coat is also incredibly thick, which helps the dog withstand harsh, cold climates.

Their coat typically features white chests, white on the face, and brown around the legs and above the eyes, nose, and mouth.

These dogs can grow to be quite large, with adult males weighing between 80 and 115 pounds and standing over two feet tall, measuring 23 to 27.5 inches from the floor to the shoulder.

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The Berner's coat is thick and tricolored with white, black, and brown colors.

Black is the predominant color on the body, giving them a distinctive look.

White chests and faces are a common feature of the Berner breed.

Brown can be seen around the legs and above the eyes, nose, and mouth.

This tricolored coat helps them withstand harsh, cold climates.

The thickness of the coat is especially useful in their native Switzerland.

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Full-grown Bernese Mountain Dogs can weigh anywhere from 80 to 115 pounds in adult males and 70 to 95 pounds in adult females. The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognizes these weight ranges.

At full height, these dogs often stand over two feet tall, measuring 23 to 27.5 inches from the floor to the shoulder. This impressive stature is one of the breed's defining characteristics.

Here's a rough idea of how much Bernese Mountain Dogs can weigh at different ages:

Keep in mind that every puppy grows at its own rate, and these numbers are only estimates. If your Bernese Mountain Dog puppy is significantly behind or ahead of these numbers, it's always best to consult with your veterinarian.

The Bernese Mountain Dog's thick, double coat is a remarkable feature that protects them from the cold climate of the Swiss Alps. This coat is made up of two layers: a soft undercoat and a longer, coarser outer coat.

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Shedding is a year-round process for Bernese Mountain Dogs, with more intense shedding occurring in the spring and fall. This means that Bernese owners can expect to see a lot of loose hair around the house.

The amount of shedding can be overwhelming, with some owners reporting that vacuuming becomes a daily chore. Brushing the thick coat at least twice a week is also a must to prevent matting and tangling.

During shedding season, the amount of loose hair can be staggering, making regular grooming a necessity.

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