The Bernese Mountain Dog has conquered a good number of people and all types of families. This large dog indeed has all the necessary qualities, and his character makes him an ideal doggie.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is not the favorite dog of millions of people for nothing. It is, moreover, a pooch well suited as a first dog. Breeders know their puppies well. If you are looking for a dog with a particular character, do not hesitate to ask the breeder for advice so that he can guide you. Know that there are no differences in temperament between males and females.
The Bernese Mountain Dog in brief
- Other names: Berner Sennenhund, Bernese Cattle Dog
- Life expectancy: 8 years
- Weight: 40 to 45 kg for females, up to 60 kg for males
- Size: 55 to 60 cm for females, up to 70 cm for males
- Silhouette: massive
- Hair: long
- Black, white and tan tricolor dress
- Character: cheerful and loyal
- Origin: Switzerland
- Type: Molossoid
- Group 2 : Pinscher and Schnauzer – Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs
Physical Characteristics of the Bernese Mountain Dog Breed
The Bernese Mountain Dog’s built build has changed little since Roman times. He kept the morphology of the draft dog: a deep and wide chest, ahead of a solid and balanced body. It carries its long bushy tail low. Its head is powerful, with a slightly domed skull, a slightly marked stop, an elongated muzzle ending in a black nose. All this gives him the face of a big teddy bear, where dark brown almond-shaped eyes stand out. Its long fine, smooth or wavy hair was originally used to protect it from harsh winters in the high mountains. The Bernese Mountain Dog presents a single coat with:
- A glossy black dominant color;
- Tan spots above the eyes and on the cheeks;
- Fire legs;
- White spots on the head and chest;
- Small white spots on the feet and at the end of the tail (optional).
Character of the Bernese Mountain Dog
Vigilant and courageous, the Bernese Mountain Dog has the reputation of possessing a remarkable memory: it is said that he is able to recognize all the animals in the herd! Very close to the members of his household, he does not like loneliness. Its ancestral qualities as a watchdog make it suspicious of strangers and any intrusion will be signaled by barking. It rarely vocalizes in other situations. He is a friendly and balanced dog who has adapted to family life thanks to his good temperament.
Ideal living conditions for the Bernese Mountain Dog
This not very sporty big dog will be happy to go for a walk, but will be reluctant to follow you for a jog. Despite its mountain origins, it is not a dog for seasoned hikers either, moreover, it does not tolerate high temperatures very well and fears heatstroke. The ideal living conditions for the Bernese Mountain Dog come down to the presence of his master. Whether in an urban or rural setting, he will be happy as long as he stays with you! Behind his imposing appearance, this teddy bear can be very sensitive, so he needs benevolent support and positive education. This peaceful does not like shouting and agitation, a calm environment is necessary for him to feel at ease.
Feeding rules
Feeding the Bernese Mountain Dog is a very important issue, the health of the pet depends on it. The Bernese Mountain Dog can be fed with natural products or dry food. The issue of feeding must be decided even before the dog appears with you. At first, follow the recommendations of the breeder.
Natural feeding of the Bernese Mountain Dog
The natural diet of the Bernese Mountain Dog should include the following foods:
- Raw meat (lean beef is better, lamb or rabbit meat is acceptable) or offal (heart, kidneys, etc.)
- Fillet of ocean or sea frozen fish (instead of meat up to 3 times a week).
- Sour-milk products (low-fat): cottage cheese, curdled milk, kefir.
- Unsweetened fruits or vegetables: carrots, white cabbage, pumpkin, beets, zucchini, cucumbers, unsweetened apples.
- Cereals or bran as a dietary supplement.
- Eggs: raw yolk or boiled whole (2 – 3 times a week, 1 piece).
Dairy products should not be mixed with meat, but vegetables can be given along with meat.
Dry food for Bernese Mountain Dog
Consider your dog’s age, size, and activity level when choosing dry food. It is worth choosing premium and super premium class feeds from trusted manufacturers.
Once you’ve found a food that’s right for your dog, don’t change it without a good reason.
Note: You cannot mindlessly stuff the Bernese Mountain dog with vitamins. This breed develops an allergy with an overdose of vitamins A, C, E. Any complex is agreed with a veterinarian.
Dangerous and prohibited foods for the Bernese Mountain Dog
Given their harmful effects on the health of the Bernese Mountain Dog, certain foods are to be avoided. So be careful not to include these dangerous products in the animal’s diet.
Dairy products
Milk and dairy products are highly inadvisable for your dog’s diet. Indeed, these are very indigestible foods. Consumption of these products in large quantities can cause diarrhea. However, you can occasionally give your canine yogurt. Please don’t abuse it.
Garlic and onion
These products have a very harmful effect on red blood cells. If swallowed, it can lead to digestive upset and vomiting. To make them less toxic, you can cook them. All in all, it is advisable to outlaw these elements in your dog’s eating habits.
Coffee
The body of man and that of the dog sometimes have no common trait. For this, it is important not to confuse certain food uses. Coffee is known for its effects on heart activity. In dogs, it can easily lead to cardiac arrest. Don’t have fun spiking your pet with caffeine. Your dog’s survival depends on it.
Note: Two-month-old burns are fed 5 times a day. As the pet grows older, the number of feedings is reduced, but the portion size is increased. By one year, the dog receives food 2 times a day.
Chocolate products
Despite its unique and beneficial flavors for humans, chocolate can be very dangerous for dogs. Indeed, this food contains theobromine, a substance toxic to the heart and nervous system. If you want to please your canine, choose anything but chocolate.
Flowers
Flowers are plants that curiously attract herdsmen. However, some of them can cause harm when ingested. Among them you can note begonia, crocus, wisteria, honeysuckle and gladiolus. To prevent your pooch from consuming these products, you must constantly monitor him. Even better, it is possible to teach your dog the eating habits that are important to avoid. This exercise is easier during the first few months. Apart from the elements mentioned, note that there are other flowers that should be avoided. Here are a few: hydrangea, laurel, mistletoe, lupine and ivy.
Note: The diet should be adapted to the weight, size and age of the dog. That of the Bernese Mountain dog must take into account, among other things, its age and its activity.
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