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| BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG |
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A Brief History
The Swiss name Berner Sennenhunde, refers to the canton of Berne, where the Bernese were developed, and to the Swiss stockman (the Senn or Senner) who drives the cattle to the Alps for summer mountain grazing. The dogs accompany the Senner on such alpine journeys.
Fossilised remains of dogs, possibly Bernese Mountain Dogs, dating back to 3000 BC have been found in Switzerland. Some history suggests that the Romans brought Mastiff type dogs to the region, which bred with native dogs, and this produced an early Bernese. Seventeenth century paintings depict a farm dog which looks very similar to a Bernese.
Near the end of the nineteenth century, Swiss dog fanciers realised the many good qualities of the old native breeds. The Bernese we know today can be traced to the Durrbach region, south of Berne. The breed progressed steadily in Switzerland, where they have a history of farm work, guarding livestock, driving cattle and pulling carts.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are now valued in many countries as loyal companions, family pets, therapy dogs, watch dogs, and are starting to be seen more frequently in the show ring.
General Description
Bernese Mountain Dogs are striking in appearance with a medium to long shiny black coat. It has characteristic markings including white blaze, chest, feet and tip of the tail. Rich russet brown on the eyebrows, cheeks, between the black & white on the legs and each side of the chest markings. Bernese also vary in height with Dogs standing between 64 -70 cms (25 -27.5 inches) at the shoulder and Bitches standing 58 - 66 cms (23 - 26 inches). Ask your breeder for a copy of the full Breed standard. |
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Temperament
Some Bernese are wary or aloof with strangers, and can take time to respond, whereas other will climb into anyone's lap. Bernese always seem eager to please, although they can have a mind of their own and seem capable of reason. They are natural watchdogs, who will quickly warn you of strangers or unusual happenings around or near the property.
Bernese are instinctively gentle with children and with other pets, and this is one of the qualities which make them a wonderful family pet and companion. Like most dogs, the Bernese will not take kindly to being left in solitary confinement in the backyard or dog run for hours on end.
They are at their happiest when they are serving you, in their eyes you are their God and their life. They are most content when sitting with or lying at your feet, usually with a paw on your lap. Left without personal attention a Bernese is likely to become a very shy and miserable problem dog.
Health
The health and well being of your Bernese are of primary importance. Bernese, like most large, breeds, can develop orthopaedic problems, due to their size, growth rate, genetics and environment. The following conditions are known in the breed: - Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Shoulder problems such as osteochondritis dissecans
It is recommended that a sensible diet and exercise program be followed, particularly through the dog's early development. Your Bernese breeder and vet will be only too willing to help and advise you. The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Victoria and its associated Breeders will require any dogs purchased that may be used for future breeding stock to be hip and elbow scored to ensure the highest possible standards are maintained at all times. Generally breeders will stipulate this as a condition of sale. Be sure to talk with your breeder about this simple and non-invasive procedure. |
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Food & Exercise
It is generally agreed by breeders and vets that environmental factors, including nutrition and exercise, influence a puppy's development. Your puppy will usually be on several small feeds daily when you first bring him or her home. Ask your breeder what the pups have been eating, and make sure the diet includes all the nutrients necessary for a growing puppy. It may be a good idea to check the diet with your vet. It is also important that you don't let your Bernese, whether pup or adult, get too fat. It is not good for their health or fitness.
Exercise is important for adult dogs and puppies alike. However, be careful not to over exercise a youngster as this will put excess stress on muscles and joints, and may cause irreparable damage. As your pup grows increase exercise and play times, and make sure they are supervised. All growing puppies need lots of rest and every effort should be made to ensure this is received.
Training
It is recommended that puppies receive some sort of obedience training, as it is a good way for both dog and owner to develop a working relationship and allows puppies to socialise with other dogs and people. Bernese are generally easy to train if their owner is consistent and fair, as they always seem to want to please.
Grooming
If you groom your Bernese regularly, he or she will always look at his/her best. The Bernese coat doesn't need hours spent on it, just a few minutes each day will do the trick. Make sure to check for matting hair and take care to comb them out gently. Males and speyed bitches shed their coat once a year, while intact bitches shed twice yearly. Extra grooming during these times will help the moulting process. The ears need to be cleaned out weekly to prevent infections. Solutions for this purpose are available at pet shops and vets. Nails will also need to be trimmed, especially if your dog spends a lot of time indoors. |
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Summary
The Bernese is instinctively loyal to his/her owners. They are an excellent choice for families who are willing to give them the time and attention they deserve. As stated earlier, the Bernese does not take well to solitary confinement, so if you are unable to provide regular human interaction you need not consider the Bernese. Remember their favourite resting place is likely to be on your lap or at your feet. The average life span of a Bernese is approximately 10 years and is described aptly by the Swiss expression: "Three years a young dog, Three years a good dog and three years an old dog. All else is a gift from God"
Remember a dog is a long-term commitment, so don't rush into this very important decision. If you have time to commit and a lifestyle to suit, a fully fenced yard and at least 10 years of love and affection to give a canine companion, then a Bernese just might be for you.
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| Bernese Mountain Dog Club Of Victoria |
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| Email: bmdcv@dogs.net.au |
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| Last Update: 25/03/07 08:24 |
Views: 4978 |
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