Owning a Bernese Mountain Dog can be a dream come true, but it requires a lot of work and dedication. They need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, and at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day is recommended.
Their thick coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Daily brushing is a must, especially during shedding season.
A well-balanced diet is crucial for their overall health, and feeding them high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional needs is essential. Bernese Mountain Dogs can weigh up to 120 pounds, so they need plenty of food to maintain their weight.
Their calm and gentle nature makes them a great family pet, but they do require early socialization to prevent any behavioral issues. With proper training and care, they can grow into well-behaved and loving companions.
For another approach, see: How Much Exercise Does a Bernese Mountain Dog Need
Your Health
Your Bernese Mountain Dog's health is a top priority, and knowing what to watch for can help prevent or manage potential issues.
Brushing your dog's teeth daily is a simple yet effective way to prevent periodontal disease, which can lead to painful dental problems and even affect your dog's overall health.
Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus, also known as "bloat", is a serious condition that can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Many diseases and health conditions are genetic, meaning they are related to your pet's breed, so it's essential to be aware of the potential risks.
Some common health issues seen in Bernese Mountain Dogs include cancer, eye disease, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and vascular disease.
Here's a list of some of the most common health problems to watch for in your Bernese Mountain Dog:
- Cancer
- Eye disease
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Gastric dilatation and volvulus (“bloat”)
- Von Willebrand disease (a blood clotting disorder)
- Vascular disease
Care and Lifestyle
Caring for a Bernese Mountain Dog requires attention to her diet and exercise routine.
Supervising your pet as you would a toddler is crucial. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary to keep her out of trouble and away from objects she shouldn’t put in her mouth.
A thorough brushing at least weekly is necessary for her coat, and daily brushing is recommended during shedding season. Brushing her teeth at least twice a week will keep them perfect. Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy, to prevent infections.
Here are some key care tips to keep in mind:
- Supervise your pet as you would a toddler.
- Brush her coat at least weekly, and daily during shedding season.
- Brush her teeth at least twice a week.
- Clean her ears weekly.
- Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age.
- Exercise her regularly, but don’t overdo it at first.
Consistency is key when it comes to your dog's diet. Keep her diet consistent and avoid giving her people food to prevent digestive issues.
The Breed Is Versatile
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a true farm dog at heart, bred in an agricultural region of Switzerland to handle a variety of tasks.
They're good at droving, which means they can help move herds of animals from one place to another. This is just one of the many skills they possess.
Berners are also skilled drafters, capable of pulling carts and other heavy loads with ease. Their strength and agility make them a valuable asset on the farm.
In addition to their physical abilities, Bernese Mountain Dogs are wonderful family companions. They're natural protectors of the farmyard, always keeping a watchful eye out for potential threats.
Their gentle nature makes them a great fit for families with children, and their intelligence means they're relatively easy to train.
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They Will Be Their Constant Companion
The Bernese Mountain Dog is known for being particularly gentle and affectionate with children.
They may even take it upon themselves to watch over the children, and they're not rambunctious with them.
Given their size, they may be too big for very young kids.
As a companion, they'll be a loyal friend to your little ones, always there to offer a comforting presence.
Their calm and gentle nature makes them an excellent choice for families with children, providing a sense of security and stability.
Care and Lifestyle
As a Bernese Mountain Dog owner, you know that these gentle giants require a lot of care and attention. They shed a lot, so be prepared to brush their coats regularly, especially during shedding season.
To keep your Berner happy and healthy, it's essential to establish a routine care schedule. This includes supervising your pet as you would a toddler, keeping doors closed, and blocking off rooms as necessary. You should also clean their ears weekly, even as a puppy, and brush their teeth at least twice a week.
Additional reading: Bernese Mountain Dog Care
A high-quality diet is crucial for your Berner's overall health. Feed them a consistent, age-appropriate diet, and avoid giving them people food. Regular exercise is also vital, but be careful not to overdo it at first.
Here are some key things to keep in mind when caring for your Bernese Mountain Dog:
Remember, your Berner needs mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and naughty behavior. Engage their mind and body with activities that challenge them and keep them active. With proper care and attention, your Bernese Mountain Dog can live a long, happy life as your loyal companion.
Health Issues
Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Many diseases and health conditions are genetic, meaning they are related to your pet's breed.
Some common health issues seen in Bernese Mountain Dogs include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and osteochondritis dissecans of the shoulder joint. These conditions can cause stiffness, lameness, and arthritis in your dog's joints.
Recommended read: Hip Dysplasia Bernese Mountain Dog
Brushing your dog's teeth daily can help prevent periodontal disease. Regular check-ups with your vet can also help identify any potential health issues early on.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are also at risk for gastric dilatation and volvulus, also known as "bloat", which can be a life-threatening condition.
Here are some health issues to watch out for in your Bernese Mountain Dog:
- Cancer
- Eye disease
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Gastric dilatation and volvulus
- Von Willebrand disease
- Vascular disease
Overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering. To prevent this, make sure to feed your Bernese Mountain Dog a large-breed puppy diet and avoid overfeeding.
Home Care
Taking care of your Bernese Mountain Dog at home requires some common sense and attention to detail. Watch her diet and make sure she gets plenty of exercise.
Regular brushing is essential to keep her coat clean and healthy. Brush her teeth at least twice a week to prevent dental problems. Clean her ears weekly to prevent infections.
A consistent diet is crucial for her overall health. Feed her a high-quality diet appropriate for her age, and avoid giving her people food.
To keep her mind and body active, exercise her regularly, but don't overdo it at first. She needs a thorough brushing at least weekly most of the year, and daily brushing during shedding season.
Here's a quick rundown of her routine care needs:
- Brush her teeth at least twice a week
- Clean her ears weekly
- Brush her coat at least weekly, daily during shedding season
- Exercise her regularly, but not too much at first
- Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Bernese Mountain Dog a good watch dog?
Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs make good watchdogs due to their natural guarding instincts. Their protective nature also makes them a great addition to families seeking a loyal companion.
What two breeds make a Bernese Mountain Dog?
The Bernese Mountain Dog was developed from crosses between the Mastiff type and black-and-tan dogs. This unique heritage combines strength and intelligence to create a remarkable breed.
Sources
- Watch Dog Shows (akc.tv)
- Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Info – Pet Health Clinic (thepethealthclinic.com)
- Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Info – Parkview Animal Hospital (pvahnj.com)
- Bernese Mountain Dog - Canine (newhorizonanimalhospital.com)
- 8 Bernese Mountain Dog Health Problems to ... (dogster.com)
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