The Bernese Mountain Dog is a very sweet and intelligent large dog that has become one of the favorite dog breeds of families. Affectionate, sensitive, loyal: the Bernese Mountain Dog is a dog with many qualities, which makes him a very endearing animal and allows him to quickly find his place within a family.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large dog that is both gentle and intelligent. This breed of dog is known to be very affectionate and cuddly. The Bernese Mountain Dog has a great devotion to his master and the members of his family and is the ideal life companion for a home, since he will appeal to children, adults and the elderly alike.
This dog is so endearing that it is often compared to a big teddy bear. In addition to being kind and loyal, this dog has multiple qualities, which make him one of the favorite breeds of dogs for families.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is an imposing dog since it can measure up to 70 cm. Its tricolor coat, made up of black, white and red, makes it a majestic dog that is recognized for its beauty. It has long V-shaped droopy ears that hang down the sides of its head. His belly, the tips of his legs and his forehead are white in color and he also has red spots above his eyes, legs and cheeks.
If you want to adopt a pet and your choice is the Bernese Mountain Dog, here are 8 things to know about this majestic and faithful dog.
8 things to know about the Bernese Mountain Dog
1. The Bernese Mountain Dog comes from Switzerland
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a very old breed, which appeared near the city of Bern in Switzerland. It is one of the “molossoid” breeds, which include the large guard dogs. The ancestor of the Bernese Mountain Dog is the Tibetan Mastiff.
During the Roman period, the Bernese Mountain Dog was mainly used as a herdsman and draft dog, since he transported milk cans to cheese factories. He was also sometimes used as a guard dog. The breed was officially recognized in 1913. Today, Bernese Mountain Dogs are primarily companion dogs and are not well known for keeping guard, since they are not aggressive.
2. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a very affectionate dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the most affectionate dog breeds. His unfailing loyalty and fidelity demonstrate a strong attachment to his family. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a very cuddly dog and loves being with members of his household. This is a breed that is not at all aggressive and barks very little.
Its long hair, imposing size and very endearing character are the reasons why the Bernese Mountain Dog is often compared to a big stuffed animal. In exchange for all the love he gives, this dog needs a lot of attention and affection. He usually has a lot of trouble changing owners because he gets attached very quickly.
Very tender, the Bernese Mountain Dog is the ideal companion for children and the elderly. As he is very affectionate and not at all aggressive, he has no problem being with children. However, as it is a big dog, it will have to be taught to control the movement of its body in space from an early age, to prevent it from jostling the youngest.
Finally, the Bernese Mountain Dog will bring a sense of security to older people and will be perfect for keeping them company.
3. The Bernese Mountain Dog cannot stand loneliness
As the Bernese Mountain Dog is a very affectionate dog, he loves being alongside his master and his family. In return for this great tenderness, this dog cannot stand loneliness and above all hates being separated from his master.
Although he ideally needs a large space to move around and to let off steam, the Bernese Mountain Dog is ready to live anywhere, as long as he is with his master. This dog can’t stand loneliness.
His great devotion earned him the nickname “the glue pot” in the canine sphere. So be careful not to leave him alone for too long, which could quickly make him unhappy.
4. The training of the Bernese Mountain dog must be done gently
The Bernese Mountain Dog does not need any particular training, but a good education is essential from an early age. As a child, he will have to be taught to socialize with the world around him, to prevent him from becoming too fearful and aggressive with strangers. It will also be necessary to teach him quickly not to pull on the leash, because his body is imposing and walks can quickly turn into a nightmare if the dog does not obey.
If you still want to train your dog, you should know that the Bernese Mountain Dog is a slow breed to mature. Indeed, this dog reaches behavioral maturity between 18 months and 2 years, so training it can take time.
To train a Bernese Mountain Dog, you will need to be patient and calm. This dog is very sensitive and hates violence and brutality. Even if he has a good memory, he needs a lot of praise when he succeeds and must be reassured at all times, so that he does not lose confidence in himself and become suspicious or fearful.
5. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a not very sporty dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large dog that is not very sporty but still needs to move. Thus, it is best to avoid adopting this breed of dog when you live in an apartment. The Bernese Mountain Dog needs space to let off steam.
This large dog is not the ideal companion for jogging or long bike rides. A daily walk and a few hikes are enough for him.
It is also important not to exercise him before and after meals. The Bernese Mountain Dog does not support the heat, it is essential to make sure to bring him freshness during the summer and the long walks.
6. The Bernese Mountain Dog must have a healthy diet
Imposing, the Bernese Mountain Dog needs a large amount of food to fill up on energy. This large dog can weigh between 40 to 45 kg for females, and 50 to 60 kg for males. Thus, it is important to feed it well and to offer it a healthy, complete diet, and adapted to its species.
If you adopt a very young Bernese Mountain Dog, it is advisable to give it breeding food during the first 20 months of its life. With this method, the young puppy will be able to fill up with vitamins and this will allow him to strengthen his body and his bones. This first step is important so that the dog does not grow too quickly and develop health problems.
As the dog grows, it will be necessary to increase the amount of food and gradually mix it with other food.
To choose the right food for the Bernese Mountain Dog, you must select foods rich in vitamins, minerals and nutrients, and avoid those that contain dyes, flavors and preservatives. As this breed of dog can be easily prone to intestinal problems, it is best to opt for a diet that is easily digested.
7. The hair of the Bernese Mountain dog must be maintained
If he has a self-cleaning coat, the Bernese Mountain Dog needs to be brushed regularly. In general, one bath per year is enough. The hair must be brushed two to three times a week, and every day during the moulting periods, which take place in spring and autumn.
Regarding the overall hygiene of the Bernese Mountain Dog, it is necessary to regularly check his ear canals because this dog has long droopy ears, which can cause the accumulation of dirt and bacteria.
Finally, the dog’s pads should also be checked regularly, ideally after each walk.
8. The Bernese Mountain Dog can be a guide dog for the blind
In addition to being affectionate, this dog is very protective of his master and his family. He is not very afraid and will not hesitate to defend his owner in case of danger or to accompany him if he needs him. For these reasons, the Bernese Mountain Dog is perfect as a guide dog for the blind or as a companion for the visually impaired.
Thanks to its great intelligence and kindness, the Bernese Mountain Dog can also serve as an assistance dog or therapy dog, to help people in difficulty. Finally, his robustness and his taste for cold temperatures make him an excellent mountain rescue dog. In Switzerland, the Bernese Mountain Dog is used in particular as a search dog to find skiers buried under the snow.
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