Bernese Mountain Dog (Bernese Mountain Cattle Dog)

Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, friendly and intelligent dogs. They can be the perfect companion for a person of any age. They belong to the herding breeds that have retained their working qualities. This huge dog has a peaceful, calm character. Its remarkable appearance immediately catches your eye: its features include its characteristic color, thick long coat and a good-natured smile on its face. Before getting a Bernese Mountain Dog, it is recommended to study the description of the breed and the features of its maintenance. It is useful to read reviews from owners, from which you can learn about the pros and cons of these dogs.

Description of the Bernese Mountain Dog breed

Popularity 199th place among 263 dog breeds

Lifespan:

8-10 years

Breed group:

Shepherd's

Height:

males: 64-70 cm, females: 58-66 cm

Country of origin:

Switzerland

Average price:

35-50 thousand rubles

Weight:

males: 39-50 kg, females: 36-48 kg
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Appearance Standards

Bernese Shepherds are large dogs with thick, long hair. They look very beautiful, with a harmoniously built body and a spectacular tri-color color. A characteristic feature of its appearance is its smiling face. The Bernese Mountain Dog is above average in height. Males can grow up to 70 cm, with an average height of 66-68 cm. Females are smaller, their size can be 58-66 cm. Bernese Mountain Dogs gain weight and grow actively until the age of two. Adult dogs weigh on average 36-50 kg.

Head

The head is large, but proportional to the body. The skull is wide, with strong bones. The forehead is rounded, the brow ridges and feet stand out well. The muzzle is wide, elongated, wedge-shaped. Length equal to the length of the skull. The bridge of the nose is straight, the lobe is large, and must be black.

The cheekbones are well defined, the lips are thick, but fit tightly and do not form jowls. The mouth is deep; when relaxed, the muscles form a smile characteristic of the breed. The teeth are large, even, scissor bite.

The Bernese Mountain Dog's eyes are small, almond-shaped, and dark in color. The eyelids are close fitting, not everted, and black. The ears are medium in size and set high. They are triangular in shape with rounded ends, hanging.

Frame

The body is rectangular in format, muscular. The neck is of medium thickness, blends smoothly into the withers, the scruff is well defined. The back is straight, wide, the loin is slightly convex and narrowed. The croup is not sloping. The chest is round, deep, the stomach is tucked.

The tail is saber-shaped, thick at the base, tapering to the tip. When the dog is calm, hangs down, reaching the hocks. When excited it rises to the level of the back. Should not be twisted into a ring.

Limbs

The forelimbs are straight, thick, set parallel and wide. The shoulder blades are oblique, elongated, the elbows are directed back and pressed to the chest. The hind limbs are also parallel, with pronounced muscles. The thighs are long and muscular. The angles of the joints are sharply expressed. The paws are round and large. The Bernese Mountain Dog runs at a trot, movements are free.

Coat and color

The coat is double and thick. The guard hair is long, shiny, silky to the touch. Usually straight, but may be slightly wavy. It is shorter on the head and front of the legs. Long feathering on the ears, neck, back of the limbs, and tail. The undercoat is soft and dense, protecting the dog from any weather. There is no seasonal shedding, the coat changes little by little all the time.

The Bernese Mountain Dog can only have one color. The main color is black. There is bright red tan on the cheeks, chest, belly and limbs. Characteristic are the red markings above the eyes, for which in ancient times these dogs were considered sacred. Starting from the forehead, a white stripe runs along the nose and chest. There are also socks on the paws and a white tip on the tail. All colors should be bright, with clear boundaries.

Disqualifying faults

The breed standard defines exactly what the appearance should be. If there are any deviations, dogs are not allowed for exhibitions and breeding. There may be the following disadvantages:

• light frame;
• height below or above normal;
• too curly coat;
• very few or many white areas;
• asymmetrical arrangement of the tan;
• curled tail;
• everted eyelids;
• short hair.

Photos complement the description of the appearance:

Key facts

Berns belong to the category of giants. These huge animals are completely devoid of aggression and are very friendly, intelligent and easy to raise and train. This characteristic of the Bernese Mountain Dog breed has made the Swiss dog extremely popular.

The Mountain Dog's country of origin is Switzerland. It was there that breeding work with the breed began. The name is made up of two words, zennen and hund, which literally means herding dog.

Like any large dog, Mountain Dogs are fully developed by the age of two, which means that in the first two years, owners need to pay attention to the development of the pet and not give stress inappropriate for its age.

Despite their impressive dimensions, Bernese live well in apartments without feeling any constraint. However, they get along well with other pets.

The description of the Bernese Mountain Dog breed says that dogs love to walk a lot, for a long time and actively. Pets happily walk on a leash, but cannot live in enclosures or kennels on a chain.

Berns are excellent learners, picking up new knowledge on the fly. But sometimes representatives of this breed can be stubborn and, before executing a new command, they can sit and think whether it is worth doing what is asked.

The average lifespan of a Bernese Mountain Dog is only 8-10 years, which is typical for many large species.

How to buy a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy

To buy a purebred puppy, it is better to contact a nursery. You can find out about conscientious breeders at dog shows or websites. In Moscow, the cost of such a dog is on average 50 thousand rubles. If the parents are champions, the price increases to 80-100 thousand rubles. It is better not to buy a puppy on the market or through an advertisement. Although it will cost less, it is possible to purchase a non-pedigreed dog or one with hereditary diseases.

Before choosing a puppy, you need to study the living conditions of the animals and get to know the mother. It is important to check the pedigree and all veterinary certificates. Pedigree puppies have a strong build and a tricolor color. They should be curious, not cowardly, and sociable.

It is better to immediately decide on the gender of the puppy. Males are stronger and more resilient. They look impressive and look better at exhibitions. But more often they are stubborn and can run away on the street after a bitch. Girls are more flexible and calm. They learn commands more easily.

The photo shows what the puppies look like:

The video complements the description of the breed:

Video: Bernese Mountain Dog - all about the breed. Interesting facts about the Bernese Mountain Dog

Video: Bernese Mountain Dog. Pros and cons, price, how to choose, facts, care, history

Video: Bernese Mountain Dog. Everything you wanted to know about this breed

Bernese Mountain Dogs are popular family dogs with amazing qualities. They are obedient and easy to train, even for an inexperienced owner. You just need to pay attention to the dog and love it. This dog is not suitable only as a guard, since it is completely devoid of aggression towards humans.

History of the origin of the Bernese Mountain Dog

It is believed that the origin of this breed was given by the Molossians, which were bred by the Ancient Roman Empire. They were universal dogs that combined all the qualities: guard, hunting, herding, search. They accompanied the troops on campaigns.

That's how they ended up in the Swiss Alps, where the cultivation of the breed began. The peasants liked the nature of the animals, and they began to use berns in their daily working life. All this time, Sennenhunds were considered street dogs, and the breed did not have a standard.

The second version says that the dogs originated from Tibetan mastiffs as a result of crossing them with various herding dogs.

In 1907, the first standard was formulated and proposed, but most animals did not have pedigrees or identification numbers. By the end of the 80s of the last century, the popularity of dogs increased sharply both in Europe and America. The first representatives of the breed came to Russia from Hungary, Germany and Czechoslovakia.

Interesting fact: representatives of this breed do an excellent job in search and rescue teams.

Bernese Mountain Dog Kennel “MY LOVELY BERN”

If you don’t have a pet, then you don’t have a home – that’s what one dog handler once joked. Looking back into the modern world of worries, you realize that he was right. A kind and calm dog can become your joy and your faithful friend. But you should always remember that a pet is, first of all, responsible for its upbringing and development, for the safety of the residents of the house.

Bernese Mountain Dog

- This is a descendant of peasant dogs that were bred in Switzerland to protect the house and help shepherds. He has a calm, balanced character. Puppies of this breed grow into friendly, extremely loyal and devoted dogs to their owner. If you have a small child, the Bernese Mountain Dog will become his play and development partner. The main thing is to pay due attention to raising the dog.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is not only a guard dog, but also a real favorite for the whole family!

Our kennel is not just a place where you can buy a puppy of a certain breed. This is the place where systematic work is being carried out to improve this breed, through consolidating particularly important qualities through the competent selection of breeding pairs, namely: the exterior and character of the dog, the outstanding characteristics of its ancestors.

The breeding nursery “MY LOVELY BERN” offers you to purchase healthy puppies for the soul, for sports, for exhibitions.

The nursery is registered FCI-RKF

, certificate No. 23332.
Owner of the kennel:
Cynologist - Yulia Anatolyevna Kulikova Telephone:
+7 (916) 942-19-60 Our address: Kolomna district, Moscow region

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Nursery

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Content:

• Origin and history of the Bernese Mountain Dog
• Bernese Mountain Dog - description of the breed
• Exterior
• Popular Bernese colors
• Character and habits
• Facts about Bernese Mountain Dogs
• Pros and cons of Bernese Mountain Dogs
• Keeping Bernese Mountain Dogs
• Care and maintenance
• Bernese Mountain Dog diet
• Diseases and health problems
• Table - increase in height and weight of Bernese Mountain Dog puppies by month
• Bernese Mountain Dog - price and how to buy correctly

Origin and history of the Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dog

, or Bernese Alpine (Swiss) Shepherd, is one of the most popular and desirable dog breeds, thanks to its calm and easy-going disposition, endurance and sincere devotion to its owners. According to the observations of dog handlers, the Bern has a sharp mind, as well as the nobility and courage of a lion. In the blood of this breed are the genes of Great Danes and Molossian dogs, Great Danes and Newfoundlands, from which the Bernese inherited a calm, balanced character.

The earliest references to assistance dogs in the Swiss Alps range in the first century AD. Later, these animals, distinguished by their tireless hard work and endurance, were used to help in farming, and were called Dürrbachlers after the name of the Dürrbach inn in the Swiss canton of Bern.

At first, the breed had no value, being identified with ordinary yard dogs, and in the first half of the 15th century, “four-legged shepherds” were on the verge of extinction. Only in the 19th century did the Bernese Shepherd become the object of attention of dog breeders, which was marked by the beginning of breeding of the breed. In 1907, enthusiasts from the Bungdorf district founded the Swiss Dürrbachler Club. As a result, the first official standard for Sennenhunds was developed and approved, but for many years the dogs participating in exhibitions did not have registration numbers and pedigree.

The genealogy of the Bernese Shepherd, whose ancestors worked diligently in the pastures, guarding herds of cattle, is based on sociability and getting along with other animals. It is noteworthy that Berns quickly became popular outside their native Switzerland, where owners appreciated their beauty and friendliness. The universal recognition of representatives of this breed is due to the ability to easily adapt to any conditions, contact, loyalty and selfless readiness to always be close to the owner.

In the middle of the 20th century, in order to improve the breed, herding dogs were crossed with Newfoundland, this made it possible to “refresh” the blood of Swiss shepherds and strengthen the genotype. In the 1980s, Swiss Shepherds became one of the most sought-after breeds throughout the world.

Bernese Mountain Dog - description of the breed

Berns

- large animals with long, straight, sometimes slightly wavy, hair. The predominant color is black, diluted with red-brown markings and white spots located on the face, paws and chest. The standard height at the withers varies from 64 to 70 cm in males and 58-66 cm in females, with a corresponding body weight of 39-50 kg and 36-48 kg.

Bernese Mountain Dog

has a large proportional round head with a weakly defined frontal furrow, medium-sized almond-shaped eyes, a large nose, triangular, high hanging ears, rounded at the edges. Large teeth are placed on the same line, the bite is correct, although the upper and lower incisors may rest against each other (pincer bite).

The dogs are distinguished by a strong, harmonious body, a muscular neck with pronounced withers and scruff. The portrait of a mountain dog is completed by powerful straight limbs and a massive saber-shaped tail.

Exterior

There is a list of defects due to which individuals are rejected from the exhibition category. These include:

• Overdeveloped lower jaw bone (progenia)
• Hooked tail
• Split nose
• Failure to meet the lower limits of the growth standard
• Insufficiently long or double coat.
• Testicular pathology (cryptochism)
• Cowardly and evil character
• Entropion century

Popular Bernese colors

The Mountain Dog's coat is thick and silky. This breed sheds regardless of the season. Three-color coloring suggests the following features:

• The base color is anthracite black.
• There are reddish tan marks above the eyes, under the tail, in the cheek area, on the paws and on the chest, occupying no more than 10% of the area.
• White spots on the head and tip of the tail and limbs do not intersect with the fawn zones.
• Possible white markings at the back of the head
• The white stripe on the muzzle does not border the corners of the mouth.
• The shirtfront is white.
• Black nose

As an exception, deviations are allowed in the form of:

• Grayish tint with white markings
• Asymmetries in coloring
• Brown or red shade of black
• Unusual number of white spots on the head
• Pronounced wavy coat

Character and habits

Bernese Mountain Dog

characterized by cheerfulness, peacefulness and goodwill, distinguishing it from the entire category of large breed dogs. At the same time, the Alpine Shepherd's favor is expressed not only towards members of the household, but also towards strangers, including other animals, including cats. The Sennenhund gets along well with children, treating them with caution and being protective. The animal experiences separation from its owners very hard, so leaving the dog in temporary care is extremely undesirable. Once in the wrong hands, the animal becomes sad and ceases to obey. Adults need short runs without serious physical exertion.

Bernies are highly trainable. But you may have to put a lot of patience and effort into training, spending quite a lot of time. Effective learning is possible with the correct approach to education. The Alpine Shepherd does not tolerate rough treatment, refusing to follow commands when it is shown.

Facts about Bernese Mountain Dogs

As guard dogs, Bernese are only suitable for intimidating strangers.
It does not go further than the loud barking with which they greet strangers, since the breed is not characterized by hostility towards others. In some areas of Switzerland, Alpine Shepherds were considered guides to God, thanks to the tricolor in the color of the dogs and the tan around the eyes, which was interpreted as second sight.

Bernese Mountain Dog fully lives up to the expression “a dog is man’s friend.” During the war, the Berns helped transport artillery pieces. To compensate for their weak hunting instinct, these animals can become wonderful helpers.

Dogs reach maturity by one and a half to two years, therefore, despite the size of an adult, until this time the Bernese Shepherd remains a puppy.

Pros and cons of Bernese Mountain Dogs

When you decide to get a Bernese Shepherd puppy, it is important to carefully study all the features of the breed, comparing them with your own capabilities and wishes. The Bernese Mountain Dog is sociable and requires a lot of attention from its owner. If you are short of time and do not have the opportunity to regularly walk and play with an animal, it is better to give preference to another breed.

The main advantages of the Alpine Shepherd are:

• Good-natured disposition and lack of aggression
• Love and attention to children
• Friendly towards other pets
• The desire to please the owner, obedience
• Unpretentiousness in nutrition
• Visual appeal
• Cold tolerance

Like any breed, Berns have their own shortcomings that must be taken into account before taking a puppy into your care:

• There may be a tendency to constant shedding and the need for conscientious grooming
• Short lifespan on average 8-10 years
• Need for long daily walks

Separately, I would like to note that Bernese Shepherds

Having thick, long hair, they cannot stand the heat, so in the hot summer you should walk with them early in the morning or late in the evening. If the dog is kept in an enclosure, a shelter from the sun should be provided. It is strictly not recommended to keep Bernese in a confined space or on a leash for a long time - the dog becomes despondent and may die.

Keeping Bernese Mountain Dogs

As mentioned above, for the Bernese Mountain Dog

cool conditions are needed, so if the dog is kept in a kennel, it is important to install an insulated kennel for it. In an apartment, provided they take daily walks, Bernese feel quite comfortable.

Serious physical activity is not recommended for the dog. Calm walking and light jogging will completely satisfy the dog’s need for movement. Sennenhunds love to play in the snow, so a walk in a winter park or in a forest covered with snowdrifts will delight your pet. But active running and jumping are contraindicated, since they are fraught with dysplasia of the limbs.

Bernese Shepherd puppies are playful and playful, so when you get a dog at home, you need to be prepared for mischief. It is impossible to seriously punish for minor offenses.

Dogs of this breed are extremely loyal and attached to humans. The Sennenhund will be an excellent companion on walks and family trips, willingly accompanying its owners even over long distances.

Care and maintenance

The Bernese's long coat requires regular grooming.
To avoid the formation of tangles, dogs are combed with a special comb, removing dirt and insects two to three times a week. It is recommended to wash your dog at least once every 4 months. Puppies have to be washed more often. Nails should be trimmed twice a month. The dog's teeth also need regular cleaning with tooth powder or special dog paste. After a walk, you need to pay attention to your ears, preventing the introduction of ticks or other parasitic insects. Earwax and accumulated dirt are carefully removed with a moistened cotton swab once a week with a special lotion. Dogs of this breed do not have eye discharge. If they are detected, you must immediately contact a veterinarian.

Bernese Mountain Dog diet

With natural feeding, approximately two-thirds of the diet consists of offal and stringy meat without fat.
About 10-15% are cereal porridges with water. You should also include fruits, vegetables and dairy products in your diet. With a week's break, the dog can be fed with sea fish and a couple of raw chicken eggs. Super-premium dry food for the Bernese Mountain Dog would also be a good solution, but food from the master’s table is contraindicated for the Bernese Shepherd, especially if the dishes contain smoked meats and sweets. After eating, it is important to provide the animal with rest, which will eliminate complications in the digestive tract. In general, from the first days, puppies must be taught to always rest after eating, allowing physical activity no earlier than after 2 hours.

Diseases and health problems

Unfortunately, Bernese dogs do not have good health, and even with good care, the life expectancy of these dogs is about 10 years. The Bernese Mountain Dog's weak spot is the digestive system, and the most common problem inherent in animals is volvulus. Improper nutrition can cause bloating, as well as physical activity of the dog immediately after feeding. In this case, only urgent surgery can save the animal from death.

Large dogs are susceptible to joint diseases. Dysplasia, osteochondrosis, and arthritis are often diagnosed, causing lameness and excruciating pain. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to give animals dosed physical activity that does not cause fatigue.

Another disease inherent in the Bernese Shepherd is entropion of the eyelids, which is expressed in irritation of the eyeball by eyelashes. From this, by middle age, the animal may develop cataracts and retinal rejection, and, as a result, complete blindness.

Table - increase in height and weight of Bernese Mountain Dog puppies by month

Bernese Mountain Dog - price and how to buy correctly

When you decide to buy a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy
from a kennel, you can count on a clean pedigree, vaccinations and full compliance with standards. The cost of young animals is 45-60 thousand rubles. The offspring of individuals who have won prizes at exhibitions cost one and a half to two times more. If the puppy is rejected due to the presence of defects in the exterior, the price decreases sharply. In this case, the amount requested by the breeder will depend on the severity of the defect and its impact on the well-being, activity and behavior of the animal.

When choosing a baby in a nursery, you should first observe the behavior of the cubs. Curiosity, activity and contact are encouraged, which indicates intelligence and amenability to education. Mobility, as well as clear eyes and shiny coat are indicators of good animal health.

Bernese puppies for sale in Moscow are the specialization of the Bernese Mountain Dog kennel “MY LOVELY BERN” . You can get detailed information about prices and the procedure for concluding a transaction by calling +7 (916) 942-19-60 . You can see all our puppies by following the link.

Appearance of the Bernese Mountain Dog

General impressions

Berne belongs to the category of stocky dogs. Height is above average. The ratio of height and length is 9:10, as can be seen from the photo of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Animals are distinguished by confident behavior, vigilance and a high level of sociability.

Head

Wide, massive, the bones of the skull and muzzle are thick and powerful, the skull is flat in shape. The forehead is large and wide, the shape is rounded, the brow ridges stand out above the eyes. Cheekbones are emphasized. The line of transition from the forehead to the muzzle is smooth and well defined. The length of the muzzle fully corresponds to the length of the skull. The shape is wedge-shaped.

The nose is large and black; other shades are unacceptable and are considered a defect. The lips are large, thick, and fit tightly to the teeth and gums. There is no shine.

The ears have a hanging position, are triangular in shape, and are located high on the skull.

The eyes are oval or almond-shaped, small, dark brown in color, the whites of the eyes are not visible when the head is in a free position.

Scissor bite, 6x6. The teeth are large, even, white.

Neck

Strong, has well-developed, strong muscles. The transition to the withers and back line is smooth.

Torso

The back is wide, strong, has well-developed muscles, straight. Convexity and concavity are considered defects. The loin is wide and has a slight convexity, which provides spring-like movements of the body when walking and running.

The chest is set deep and has a round shape. The belly line is significantly pronounced.

The croup is strong, strong, has a rounded shape, smoothly blends into the base of the tail. Skewness is a disqualifying defect.

Forelegs

The shoulder blades are set obliquely. The front legs, when viewed from the front, are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the surface. The humeroscapular angle is one hundred degrees. The elbows look straight back and are close to the chest. The pasterns are well developed.

Hind limbs

When viewed from the tail, the hind legs are parallel to each other and set straight. The knee and hock joints have a slightly turned angle.

Tail

In a free position, it reaches the hock joint or goes down just below it. It has a saber shape. Thickened at the base, tapering towards the tip. In a calm state it is lowered, in a state of excitement or tension it rises to the level of the back line. Curling the tail into a ring is considered a breed defect and deprives the dog of admission to breeding.

Movements

Natural gait - rhythmic trot. Movements are confident and free, there is no stiffness. Slight swaying of the back is acceptable due to the shift in the center of gravity while running.

Wool

The coat is long, straight or slightly wavy, smooth, shiny. It is characterized by a thick, dense undercoat that is renewed throughout the year. On the face, skull, and in the area of ​​the paw joints, the hair is much shorter.

Color

According to the breed standard, one color of the Bernese Mountain Dog is allowed. This is the tricolor. Base color is anthracite black. Tan has a rich reddish-brown color. Areas with it are located on the cheeks, on both sides of the chest, on the legs and under the hips. The white areas are located symmetrically to each other. The appearance of freckles is acceptable.

Size

The height of a male dog at the withers must be no lower than 64 cm and not exceed 70 cm. The optimal height of the Bernese Mountain Dog is 66-68 cm. The female must be no lower than 58 cm, but not exceed 66 cm. The weight of the Bernese Mountain Dog in males should not fall below 40 kg, females - below 35 kg.

Any deviation from the official breed standard may reduce the show score. Disqualifying faults, including inappropriate size of the Bernese Mountain Dog, do not give the dog the right to participate in national and foreign exhibitions.

Breed standard

Sennenhunds are one of the few breeds for which there are no strict color requirements. The standard stipulates only three-color coat coloring and strictly black as the main color. The pattern is almost always asymmetrical; torn edges of the white color are allowed, but due to the length of the hair this is almost never noticeable to the eye.

When choosing a puppy, instead of color, the main attention should be paid to the dog’s physique and other features that determine the breed standard:

1. Head. Massive and wide. Almost complete absence of a frontal groove on the skull. Moderately long muzzle, in harmony with the size of the head. The transition from skull to muzzle is smooth.

2. Eyes. They have an almond shape, the planting is not deep. The color is almost always brown, closer to a dark shade.

3. Ears. Not too massive, have a triangular shape. They always hang down, except for the period when the dog is excited - the back of the ears rises slightly.

Bernese Mountain Dog family

4. Jaw. Powerful, but slightly smaller than those of the related Molosser Schnauzer. The bite can be scissor- or pincer-like.

5. Body. Very strong and externally voluminous. The chest, when viewed from the front, descends just below the elbows of the forelegs. Ribs with good rounding. The back is almost perfectly horizontal, only the transition from the neck is rounded.

6. Silhouette. A somewhat disproportionate length of the body is noticeable to the eye, the ratio to the height at the withers is 10:8.

7. Movement. When running, the paw span is wide, and a mincing manner of movement is not encouraged.

8 Tail. Length just below the hock. Always straight out, hangs down when calm, parallel to the ground when the dog moves.

9. Paws. The front ones are almost perfectly straight; due to the thick fur on the chest, they look short. The hind legs have well-developed thigh muscles and pronounced angles. The presence of profitable fingers is prohibited.

10. Testes – well developed, descend into the scrotum no later than the age of 18 months.

11. Color – only tri-color, with a black main background, white chest, muzzle and feet, red markings on the muzzle, paws and neck. The black color often has characteristic tan marks - a characteristic feature of the breed.

One of the main standards of the breed is its fearless character. The Bernese Mountain Dog perceives strangers calmly, but warily. Fearlessness should be evident even in puppies. When choosing an animal, it is recommended to pay attention to its behavior - the puppy should not be afraid of a stranger and should not be given into his hands.

Disqualifying defects include the following:

• The light shade of the eyes is usually blue.
• The shape of the tail is “broken” or rolled up.
• Lack of a third color in the color, excessively frequent pigmentation, asymmetry of color on the face.
• Aggressive character.

It is impossible to assess the color of a future pet until it reaches puberty. Bernese Mountain Dog puppies have a soft coat instead of a hard one during the first six months of life. The dog matures at the age of 1.5 years.

Personality of the Bernese Mountain Dog

This breed is suitable, without exception, for everyone. Bern is a full-fledged family member, companion and guard. Young individuals are very active and inquisitive; with age, calmness and prudence come to them.

The character of the Bernese Mountain Dog is unique. They are very friendly, intelligent, and easy to get along with. At the same time, they remain calm in any situation, without giving in to emotions. Bernese are rightly called family dogs, being ideal companions for adults and nannies for younger family members.

Pets will gladly support any game, will not give the child offense and will patiently endure all violent manifestations of children's love, without even trying to snap back.

Dogs love to work: both mentally and physically. They will be happy to take a training course and run around in a large open area in the company of their fellow tribesmen. Berns get along well with all breeds and never get into conflicts. The exception is situations that require the protection of their owners.

They are quite wary of strangers, but do not show aggression, carefully observing the reaction of their owner. If he is relaxed and calm, then the dog itself will show interest in the stranger.

Education and training

You need to start socializing and raising your puppy as early as possible. After the new family member gets comfortable in the apartment and begins to behave confidently, you can begin to learn the first commands. These include “Sit!”, “Lie down!”, “No!”, “Place!”.

At the age of 4 to 8 months, the pet changes its milk teeth to molars, which leads to the fact that the little Bernese begins to chew everything that comes in its way. During this period, it is worth buying more specialized toys and treats made from bovine veins, and try to put your shoes higher up, so that the dog cannot reach them.

Sennenhunds are classified as easily trainable breeds. Raising and training a Bernese Mountain Dog requires 10-15 minutes a day: this is a repetition of what has been learned and learning new material. Do not try to teach your pet everything in a few days - he may lose interest from a large amount of information.

After the baby has been given the latest vaccinations and quarantine has been completed, you can begin to carry out the “Near” and “Come” commands during walks. Knowing them is mandatory for any dog, because they ensure the safety of the pet.

Toilet training must be systematic. Every day at the same time you need to take the puppy for a walk. As they get older, the number of walks is reduced to two or three.

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Bernese Mountain Dog Health and Diseases

Possible diseases

Despite the strong format and good health, the life expectancy of representatives of this breed is very short and amounts to 8-10 years. Typical diseases characteristic of this species include:

• hip dysplasia;
• diseases of the organs of vision;
• dermatitis and eczema.

It is the Bernese that are more often than others susceptible to sun and heat stroke, which is due to the thickness and thickness of the coat. For the same reason, dogs suffer from dermatitis and eczema. After swimming or rain, moisture remains on the skin, under a dense layer of undercoat and cannot dry out on its own. This provokes the development of foci of inflammation, which can develop into areas of suppuration and baldness.

Eye diseases include glaucoma, cataracts and retinal detachment. They are passed down from generation to generation.

Hip dysplasia is a 21st century “disease” in the dog industry, affecting a huge number of breeds. Experienced breeders, when choosing a pair for mating, always request the results of special tests in order to protect future puppies from birth defects.

The breed is not prone to food allergies, so the pet's diet can include a large amount of varied food.

Reproductive health

Individuals older than 12 months are allowed for breeding in the RKF system. The optimal age for the first mating for a male is 10-12 months, for a female – 18-24 months, since before this age the process of body formation is still underway.

Estrus occurs twice a year and lasts 24-28 days. With this length, mating is carried out on the 11th day, control – on the 13th. Males can be used for breeding no more than 8 times a year.

In most cases, provided a healthy pregnancy lasts 56-63 days, childbirth is easy, without human intervention. During the first pregnancy, 2-4 puppies appear in the litter, with subsequent ones – 4-7. Females have an innate maternal instinct, providing their offspring with warmth and food.

If the dog is completely healthy, sterilization is not recommended. Surgery is permissible only if there are medical indications.

Possible diseases

As a rule, large breeds are more susceptible to genetic, especially inherent diseases. But this species is an exception; it has good health and a long lifespan - the Bernese Mountain Dog in the photo and at the age of 12 years is indistinguishable from a young individual.

Until recently, animals especially often suffered from joint dysplasia. Over the past two decades, the incidence of its manifestations has decreased by an order of magnitude. This was achieved thanks to the genetic, recessive inheritance of the disease - breeders took a more careful approach to the selection of individuals for the production of offspring.

Mountain Dogs are also prone to heart disease and vision problems (cataracts, retinal atrophy, corneal clouding). With improper nutrition, hypothyroidism can develop - a disorder of the thyroid gland.

Features of feeding and diet

There are two types of diet - dry food and natural food. It is impossible to say which is better - the owner decides this delicate issue himself. When determining the type of food, it is worth taking into account the digestive characteristics and taste preferences of your pet.

It is strictly forbidden to give your dog sweet, salty, fatty, spicy and smoked food. You should avoid flour.

If you decide to feed your puppy “natural”, then you should use lean meats and poultry, and avoid bones, especially tubular ones. The diet must include fruits and vegetables, cottage cheese and a chicken egg, if there is no allergy to it.

It is recommended that dogs with thick hair be given fish rich in omega acids 1-2 times a week. The ridges and heads of salmon breeds are excellent for these purposes.

You also need to remember about vitamins; your veterinarian will recommend them. There are currently a large number of dietary supplements for animals on the market, among which you can choose special multivitamins for babies. Particular attention should be paid to supplements that contain glucosamine, which is necessary for the proper formation of joints.

From 3 to 4 months, the number of feedings is 6 times a day. From 4 to 6 months - 5 times, then gradually decreases to 3 times, and from 18 months, dogs are fed twice. In order to calculate the daily amount of natural food, you can use the standard formula: up to 6 months, food should be 6-7% of the dog’s weight, over 6 months - 3-3.5%. When feeding “dry”, the rate is usually indicated on the package.

It is strictly forbidden to feed dogs of large and giant breeds once a day, giving out the entire daily amount of food at a time. This can provoke intestinal volvulus - a serious condition that often ends in the death of the pet.

If you want to raise a dry dog, then the breeder will give you an answer to the question of what food to feed the puppy. He will tell you which food is best suited for this breed, how many times to feed a one-month-old puppy, how the diet changes as the dog ages, and whether it is possible to give the baby kefir and cottage cheese. In most cases, preference is given to premium, super-premium and holistic food.

For giant breeds, food with a reduced amount of fats and carbohydrates is selected.

Nutrition

Before buying a dog of this breed, future owners should study the nutritional characteristics of dogs of the breed. Owners are required to ensure that the diet is not too plentiful, since the breed is prone to excess weight, which affects the life expectancy of dogs. The optimal food should contain protein within 25%, fat within 15%.

Animals' appetite decreases as they grow older. A growing dog should receive all the nutrients it needs, and the volume of food is proportional to its weight - approximately 10% of its weight per day. When reaching sexual maturity (1.5 years), a feed volume of 5% of the animal’s weight is sufficient. On average, it will take about 2 kg of food per day to maintain a Sennenhund.

Pets equally accept canned, semi-dry and dry food well. Natural food is not forbidden, but not from the master's table. The list of permitted products includes:

• Not fatty raw meat;
• Bird;
• Buckwheat and rice porridges;
• Dairy products;
• Carrots, zucchini - raw or boiled.

The frequency of feeding depends on the age of the animal. You can follow the following rules:

• Up to 6 months – 4 times a day;
• From 4 to 8 months – 3 times a day;
• From 8 to 14 months – 2 times a day;
• It is enough to feed an adult dog 1-2 times a day.

Bernese Mountain Dog and kitten

Sennenhunds accept bait well. As a rule, preference is given to bait containing vitamin C, group B, and glucosamine. The fatty acids contained in fish oil will also benefit the health of the animal.

Care and maintenance

Regular care and maintenance of the Bernese Mountain Dog includes brushing, trimming nails, wiping the area around the eyes and cleaning the ears.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are a unique breed. There is no seasonal shedding, and coat renewal occurs year-round. To remove old, dead hair shafts, you need to comb your pet every day with a fine-toothed comb, and once every three to four weeks with a furminator. It is necessary to monitor the condition of the skin and regularly check it for inflamed areas.

Frequent washing is not recommended. You can bathe your Berna no more than once a month. Thick fur may require additional care in the form of conditioner or spray to make it easier to comb.

Nails must be trimmed with a nail clipper at least once a month, and for dogs attending exhibitions - as they grow.

Many owners are concerned about how to care for their pet's teeth. To prevent the formation of tartar, you can use special products in the form of treats or drops, which should be added to a bowl of water daily to cleanse the mouth of plaque and unpleasant odor. Large breeds can be given knee joint, beef tail or shin bone for the same purpose.

In damp and dirty weather, it is recommended to wear a special overall made of waterproof fabric on your pet in order to minimally stain and wet the pet’s fur.

Tips for choosing a puppy

The first step is to determine the purpose of the acquisition. If you and your family need a huge, reliable companion, you can choose a beautiful, healthy breed-class puppy. If you plan to conquer the rings of all-Russian and international exhibitions and participate in breeding, you need to approach your choice more carefully and take a closer look at show-class kids.

Regardless of your plans, your little Bernie should be healthy, active, and curious. Stiffness, fear or unmotivated aggression are signs of breed behavioral defects; such Bernese Mountain Dog puppies should be culled.

Ask the breeder to show the bitch, evaluate the visual condition of the dog. The dog may be a little thin while nursing puppies, but interest and activity should remain.

Babies should not show signs of an umbilical or inguinal hernia; they should have healthy, clean eyes, a scissor bite and 6x6 teeth. Male dogs should not show signs of cryptorchidism.

Most potential owners are concerned about the question of how to choose a purebred pet. You should purchase a dog from a breeding kennel with a full package of documents - a puppy card and a veterinary passport with vaccination marks. By purchasing a dog from a professional breeder, you receive a guarantee that the dog meets breed standards and is allowed for exhibitions and breeding.

Before buying a baby, you need to consult a breeder who will tell you in detail what points you should pay attention to. You can ask him to make a selection from photographs on the Internet of the most successful dogs according to their constitution. This way you will be visually oriented.