Bernese Mountain Dog Overview

Introduction

• Known for being the bounding, burly, and lovable Bernese Mountain Dog.
• Bred with an innate desire to work, making it perfect for farm chores.

Purpose and Abilities

• Historically used for pulling carts and engaging in farmwork.
• Can pull up to 1,000 lbs (10 times their body weight); exceptional cases recorded at pulling 2,200 lbs.
• Owners should ensure not to overwork them, requiring proper equipment and assessing the dog's capability.

Origin and History

• Named after Bern Canton in Switzerland, their place of origin.
• Believed to be up to 2,000 years old, with ancestry tied to Roman Mastiffs and herding dogs in the lower Alps.
• Became crucial to Swiss farm life for drafting (cart-pulling) and companionship.
• Nearly disappeared due to the Industrial Revolution but was revived in the late 19th century by Professor Albert Heim and concerned breeders.

Characteristics

• Known for tricolor markings: black, white, and rust.
• Part of the greater Swiss Mountain Dogs group (includes Appenzeller Sennenhund, Entlebucher Sennenhund, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog).
• Unique for its long, silky coat among the group.
• Built for cold temperatures and mountainous terrain with thick muscles and powerful legs.
• Heavier than Labrador Retrievers by approximately 30% but stands about the same height.

Health Concerns

• Short lifespan, averaging around 8 years.
• Prone to health issues like hip dysplasia, bloat, various cancers, and osteochondritis.
• Osteochondritis affects younger dogs, leading to arthritis or permanent lameness; checking with breeders for puppy health is crucial.

Temperament and Care

• People-oriented and family-friendly, great with children.
• Long coat requires regular grooming due to heavy shedding but is not high maintenance.
• Easy to train but requires patience and consistency; mature mentally slower than some breeds.

Living Environment

• Best suited for large areas of land.
• Requires consistent training and care due to health concerns.
• Affectionate nature makes them excellent family pets.