Getting to Know the Bernese Mountain Dogs
Known as “Berners” to those who love them, these dogs are calm, easygoing, and wholly devoted to their families. Originating in Switzerland, Berners were helpers for the farms, pulled carts, and acted as guard dogs.
The American Kennel Club labels the Bernese Mountain Dog as “Big, powerful, and built for hard work, the Bernese Mountain Dog is also strikingly beautiful and blessed with a sweet, affectionate nature.” And at the Animal Care Center, we couldn’t agree more.
Suppose you are looking for a family dog that will be calm, loving, and good with children. In that case, the Bernese Mountain Dog may be for you. To learn more about the Berner, Animal Care Center has put together a guide for various dog breeds. So, keep reading, and we are sure you will fall in love with the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Of course, if you have any questions we did not answer here, contact the office to get them all answered by our friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Bernese Mountain Dog Appearance
The Bernese Mountain Dog’s general appearance is that of a large and plush dog. Their coats are moderately long and silky, straight, or wavy, coming in tricolored variations. And their expressive dark eyes are welcoming to all.
Here are a few of the Statistics for Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Average Height:
Males – 23 to 27.5 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 70-115 pounds
Life Span: 7-10 years
Not sure if your rescue fits this description? Give us a call to find out at Animal Care Center.
Bernese Mountain Dog Care
Berners are very trainable and simply live to please their owners. They are both faithful and quick learners. However, they do not like to be alone. So, if you are a gone all-day household, you may not want to try loving a Berner into your life.
They love lazing on the couch, hanging out with the family, and they are very patient. If socialized from a young age, Berners can learn to live with cats and other dogs. And although they have a huge bark, they do not have much of a bite. They are more likely to warn the owner, then go and lie back down.
Living Needs
It should be noted, these dogs are best in colder states. They love the winter and often refuse to come inside when they are lying in the snow. Additionally, it is a good idea to have a large fenced-in yard so the dog can roam and explore. Oh, and they will pull kids in sleds in the yard, and they are great at tracking, agility, and herding. So, you could send the dog out to fetch the kids!
Nutrition
Berners should be fed high-quality dog food that is high quality. A visit to the vet can tell you just how much to feed your dog but know it will be a lot! And remember that treats are great for training, but there can be a point where too many treats are not suitable for dogs. Feed your dog small frequent meals to avoid bloat.
Grooming
Okay, the only way to say it, Berners shed like crazy! Therefore, grooming is essential, as well as a heavy-duty vacuum. They need a good brushing every other day and a trip to the groomer every four to eight weeks.
Exercise
It is essential to give the Bernese Mountain dogs a brisk 30 minute walk each day. They are calm most of the time, but exercise is also critical to their health.
Health
Berners are susceptible to the common ailments other large dogs can get. These large dog issues may include elbow and hip dysplasia, blood disorders, and eye conditions. And they can also fall to “bloat,” which can be fatal in some.
Other health concerns may include the following:
- Mast Cell Tumors and Cancers
- Cardiac Disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Heat Stroke
- Autoimmune diseases
- Von Willebrand’s disease
Furthermore, the best care you can give your Bernese Mountain Dog is to have an excellent veterinarian to rely on. That is what Animal Care Centers is all about, providing the best care for pets and their owners.
Bernese Mountain Dogs Fun Fact
Take directly from Dailypaws.com; here are some interesting, fun facts about Berners.
- This breed is powerful and can pull up to 10 times their own weight, or nearly 1,000 pounds!
- Thanks to their cart-pulling abilities, Bernese Mountain dogs once served as delivery dogs, drawing carts filled with dairy products, bread, and other items from farm to farm.
- Only the Bernese Mountain dog has the long hair of the four Sennenhund breeds, known collectively as Swiss mountain dogs or Swiss cattle dogs.
- Because of the small rust-color markings above Berners’ eyes, they are sometimes known as vieräugler (“four eyes”) dogs.
- Luna the Berner is Insta-famous, with more than 100,000 fans who follow her adventures.
Animal Care Center Loves All Their Furry Family Members
From the moment you enter Animal Care Center, you’ll be among the friendly staff, owners, and pets who prefer Dr. Williams. The total preventative care of your pet is our pleasure. So, you need not worry one bit. What’s more, the team will welcome your pet with open arms putting your loved ones at ease.
The best care for your furry family member is at Animal Care Center. We provide complete care for your pet’s health needs, including dental care, internal medicine, and emergency care. Caring for the total pet is our specialty. From eyes and ears to testing and surgery, the people of Smyrna, Georgia, and the Greater Atlanta Area can count on the fantastic staff at Animal Care Center and our own Dr. Williams.