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Bernese Mountain Dog

Overview

Overview of Bernese Mountain Dog

If you want a dog who will happily do farm chores all day, you’ll love the Bernese Mountain Dog! Originally bred to herd cattle and pull carts in the Swiss Alps, Bernese Mountain Dogs, or Berners for short, are known to pull up to 1000 lbs (that's ten times their body weight!) One big Berner even pulled 2200 lbs - the weight of a car! Hailing from Berne, Switzerland, Bernese Mountain Dogs have worked alongside humans for at least 2,000 years. They are believed to be a cross between a Swiss mountain dog and Mastiff-like dog brought over by Roman soldiers. Their beautiful wooly tricolor coat is well-suited for the cold mountain climate, but not in hot weather because Bernese Mountain Dog puppies are prone to heatstroke. Their coat sheds heavily in the spring and fall, so brushing them out several times a week keeps them free of tangles and loose fur. It is a good idea to bathe your Bernese Mountain Dog every 3 months. These undeniably good-looking dogs excel at almost any dog sport and are happiest when they have a job to do. Bernese Mountain Dogs are popular competitors for obedience, tracking, herding, and carting competitions.

Common Health Conditions & Recommendations for Bernese Mountain

Arthritis in dogs:

Is a fairly common issue in Bernese Mountain dogs and many other large and giant breed dogs. Berners are prone to inheriting conditions like hip dysplasia and osteochondritis which may lead to arthritis and mobility issues.

Recommendations for Arthritis in dogs in Bernese Mountain Dogs:

Common Health Conditions & Recommendations for Bernese Mountain

Separation anxiety in dogs:

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a working breed that is highly energetic and does not do well if left alone for too long. They form strong bonds with their human family and need sufficient mental and physical stimulation or they may become destructive.

Recommendations for Separation anxiety in dogs in Bernese Mountain Dogs:

Common Health Conditions & Recommendations for Bernese Mountain

Cancer in dogs:

Like many giant breed dogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs may develop cancer in their senior years. The most common types of cancer to affect dogs are mast cell tumors, melanomas, and lymphomas.

Recommendations for Cancer in dogs in Bernese Mountain Dogs:

Personality

Personality

Bernese Mountain Dogs are loyal, intelligent working dogs who love being included in family activities and are great with children. Eager to please and easily trainable, Berners may become aloof and shy if they are not properly socialized, so you should start young. The sheer size of a Bernese Mountain Dog may be a lot to handle, so they are not recommended for first-time owners. Due to their energetic temperament and sturdy build, Bernese Mountain Dogs may not be suitable for apartment living. Their bark is loud and intimidating, so keep that in mind if you'll be living somewhere with noise restrictions. And for any neat freaks out there, you may not like the drool factor with these dogs! But for anyone on the market for a hardworking pup that can pull carts across mountain ranges and loves to be by your side, the Bernese Mountain Dog may be your ideal pet!

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