Bernese Mountain Dogs

Are you planning to get a pet and you are bent on getting a dog this time and you already have a cat? So you need to get a dog that can coexist with your cat since seldom can these two pets live under the same roof. But there is one species of dog that you can get which scores high for being a very sociable creature especially with other pets in the house. Yes I am talking about the Bernese Mountain dogs that have a spectacular appearance and a very amicable temperament. These dogs were initially used for carrying loads, as they are very hardworking. Here we would discuss about the appearance, temperament, sociability, health risks and breeders of Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Bernese Mountain Dogs: Appearance

The Bernese mountain dogs are of Swiss origin, probably that is the reason they have a thick and long fur coat with three warm colors on it. The thickness of the coat definitely adds to the weather resistance but it is also believed that the colors also add to it. The fur is in extensive black with streaks of russet and white at places. There are smudges of white on the chest, on the toes and on the head. Similarly it has streaks of russet on the toes, under the tail, on the sides of the chest and on the cheeks. The ears are triangular in shape and hang down along the face of this beautiful dog. There is a furrow on the forehead of the dog. They have a strong and well muscled chest and the brisket extends up to the elbow of the dog. The muzzle of the dog is long and straight.

Bernese Mountain Dogs: Temperament and Behavior

As stated earlier Bernese Mountain Dogs are extremely friendly and social dogs and they can be great companions for the other pets that you have and this is really a remarkable aspect of these dogs. They are also very friendly with the children in the family and believe me within a day or two the dog would be your child’s favorite pet though their looks are deceiving. In spite of being huge, these dogs hardly harm others. These dogs are not aggressive at all and need people around them. They are intelligent, hardworking, robust yet very sensitive. These dogs can be groomed so that they can find better ways to vent their pent up energy and the grooming of these dogs has to be tactful since they are sensitive to harsh treatment. Though very friendly and sociable these dogs shy away from strangers and they like to be in the protective environment of familiar people. It is advised most of the time that the dogs should be brought at an young age since once they know a person and form and allegiance with that person it is difficult for them to shift their loyalty.

These dogs hardly have a behavioral problem if you can give them enough companionship and can include physical exercises in their daily routine. They can be watchdogs but not guard dogs. They have to be allowed inside the house. These dogs can be really good walking companions but it should be always remembered that the endurance level of these dogs are low. You might have problems in training these dogs in regards to their immature puppy like behavior but have patience and you would make a fine pet out of your rambunctious and massive dog.

Bernese Mountain Dogs: Breeding and Mortality

Apparently Romans were the original Bernese Mountain dog breeders who got the breed to Switzerland after which the Swiss also realized the qualities of the breed and started breeding them. From the early 20th century breeders have been showcasing the qualities of this dog and they have been trying to enhance the qualities of the dog by crossbreeding it with various other breeds. You can definitely check out a local breeder with the help of people who already have a Bernese Mountain dog or you can also go online and get to know about the breeders who can provide you with a Bernese mountain dog puppy of a good lineage.

It is observed that the life span of a Bernese Mountain dog is much lesser than that of other dogs that are of the same kind and most of these dogs are dying of Cancer and the most common types of which are Histiocytosis, Lymphosarcoma, Fibrosarcoma and Osteosarcoma.