St Bernese Mountain Dog as Family Pets and Working Dogs

The St Bernese Mountain Dog is a beloved breed that excels as both a family pet and a working dog. They originated in Switzerland as rescue dogs, helping travelers cross the treacherous Alps.

Their gentle nature makes them an excellent choice for families with children. With proper training, they can be a great companion for kids.

St Bernese Mountain Dogs are highly intelligent and trainable. They were originally used to pull carts and assist with search and rescue operations.

Their thick coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are also crucial for their overall well-being.

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The St Bernese Mountain Dog is a sturdy breed with a strong, wide back and highly muscular build. Its weight ranges from 80 to 115 pounds in adult males and 70 to 95 pounds in adult females.

This breed is slightly longer than it is tall, with a flat top head and moderate stop. Its ears are medium-sized and triangular, set high and rounded at the top.

The St Bernese Mountain Dog's legs are straight and strong, with round, arched toes. Its bushy tail is carried low.

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The Bernese Mountain Dog is a sturdy breed with a distinctive appearance. They are slightly longer than they are tall, which gives them a muscular build.

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

The legs of the Bernese are straight and strong, with round, arched toes. Dewclaws are often removed, but it's worth noting that this is a common practice, not a requirement.

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

Here's a breakdown of the average weight range for Bernese Mountain Dogs:

Notable Bernese Mountain Dogs have impressive physical characteristics that make them stand out. Hercules, owned by Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, is a prime example of a Bernese Mountain Dog's strength and endurance.

Some notable Bernese Mountain Dogs have been featured in popular culture. Smelly and Harvey Milkbone, from the TV series The New Normal, showcase the breed's gentle and loving nature.

These dogs are often associated with impressive physical feats. Ohly, a Bernese Mountain Dog from Canada, was rescued from a treacherous mountain area, demonstrating the breed's resilience and courage.

Here are some notable Bernese Mountain Dogs:

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a breed that requires regular exercise to stay healthy, but be mindful of their weight, as nearly 60% of dogs in America are obese, which can lead to serious health complications.

Their large size means they need a home and transportation that can accommodate them, and they should have access to soft bedding to prevent callouses and bursitis.

The breed is prone to shedding and drooling, so they may not be a good choice for fastidious housekeepers, and they're vulnerable to heatstroke in warm climates.

Regular brushing is essential, especially during seasonal shedding, which can be profuse in the spring and fall, requiring daily brushing.

To ensure your Bernese Mountain Dog stays healthy, monitor their weight and diet, and consider enrolling in a pet insurance plan to cover veterinary bills.

The breed is prone to genetic diseases, including hip dysplasia, eye cataracts, and Von Willebrand disease, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.

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As a Bernese Mountain Dog owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your furry friend. Nearly 60% of dogs in America are obese, which can lead to serious secondary health complications like diabetes and arthritis, so it's crucial to monitor your Bernese Mountain Dog's weight from a young age.

To ensure your Bernese Mountain Dog stays healthy, keep in mind that they are prone to hip dysplasia, eye cataracts, and Von Willebrand disease. Von Willebrand disease occurs when there is a lack of a particular protein, called the Von Willebrand factor, which helps platelets clump together and form blood clots. In severe cases left untreated, a minor cut could cause a dog to bleed to death.

A Bernese Mountain Dog's diet and exercise play a significant role in their weight and overall health. To monitor your puppy's weight, you can use a Bernese Mountain Dog growth chart, which is available online. These charts can help you track your puppy's weight and confirm it falls within a vet-approved range.

Here's a rough estimate of a Bernese Mountain Dog's weight at different ages:

It's also essential to remember that Bernese Mountain Dogs grow for about one year, but most dogs in this breed will require up to two years to completely fill out their chest.

The health of your Bernese Mountain Dog is a top priority, and with good reason. This breed is prone to a range of health issues, including hip dysplasia, eye cataracts, and Von Willebrand disease.

With an average life expectancy of just 7-10 years, it's essential to be mindful of your dog's diet and exercise from an early age. In fact, nearly 60% of dogs in America are obese, which can lead to serious secondary health complications like diabetes and arthritis.

Obesity can also exacerbate existing health issues, so it's crucial to monitor your dog's weight closely. A Bernese Mountain Dog growth chart can be a helpful tool in tracking your puppy's weight and ensuring it stays within a healthy range.

Some genetic diseases that affect Bernese Mountain Dogs include hip dysplasia, eye cataracts, and Von Willebrand disease. Von Willebrand disease occurs when there is a lack of a particular protein that helps platelets clump together and form blood clots. In severe cases, this can lead to life-threatening bleeding.

According to the Veterinary Centers of America (VCA), treatment for Von Willebrand disease typically involves blood transfusions and medications that increase the Von Willebrand factor protein in the bloodstream.

Here are some key statistics on the life expectancy of Bernese Mountain Dogs:

Regular grooming is also essential for maintaining your Bernese Mountain Dog's health. They shed year-round, with the heaviest shedding occurring during seasonal changes.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are perfect family companions. They thrive in active families who enjoy outdoor activities like surfing and soccer.

In fact, they're known to be friendly and gentle, similar to a Leonberger. They're not as demanding as some other breeds, requiring only moderate exercise.

They love going on long walks, especially in cold weather, and can adapt to the family's busy schedule. They're happy with short exercise sessions on summer mornings or longer walks in the mountains.

Take a look at this: How Much Exercise Does a Bernese Mountain Dog Need

In the 1920s, a Kansas farmer named Isaac Schliess is believed to have been the first to import Bernese Mountain Dogs to the United States.

Their goal was to gain recognition for the breed from the American Kennel Club.

A few years later, in 1936, Glen Shadow of Ruston, Louisiana, imported a pair of Berners called “Felix” and “Fridy” to try and gain the same recognition.

Felix and Fridy proved themselves to be valuable companions, as they saved their owner's life by chasing away a 350-pound buck that had attacked him.

Their bravery helped to increase the breed's popularity in the United States, and it wasn't long before the American Kennel Club recognized the Bernese Mountain Dog as an official breed in 1937.

The formation of the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America in 1968 further solidified the breed's place in American dog culture.

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Bernese Mountain Dogs are perfect for families who want a loyal companion. They're so photogenic, you'll see images of them all over the place.

Their large size commands respect, but they're friendly in personality and attitude. They'll stand around 25 to 27-1/2 inches tall for males and 23 to 26 inches for females.

Berners are adaptable to family social activities and don't require as much exercise as some other breeds. They'll run along the soccer field or be content with little bits of exercise on summer mornings.

A 6-month-old Bernese Mountain Dog will weigh around 50 to 70 pounds for males and 45 to 65 pounds for females. They'll stand around 19 to 23 inches tall, with males being on the taller end of the range.

Their weather-resistant coats require some grooming, but they shed less when regularly brushed and maintained.

If you're looking to get into dog sports, there are several options to consider. Intro to Dog Sports is a great place to start, where you can learn the basics and get a feel for what's involved.

Some dog sports are perfect for families with mixed-breed dogs. Canine Partners is a program that allows mixed-breed dogs to participate in dog sports, and Enroll Mixed Breed is a great resource to get started.

If you're not sure which sport to try with your dog, Which Sport Should You Do With Your Dog? is a great resource to help you decide. Consider your dog's breed, age, and energy level, and choose a sport that's a good fit.

To get started in dog training, check out Get Started in Dog Training. This section provides tips and resources to help you and your dog get started on your training journey.

If you're interested in virtual dog sports and events, Virtual Dog Sports & Events is a great place to explore. Many organizations offer virtual events and competitions, making it easy to participate from the comfort of your own home.

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