Dr. Berner, the Health Watchdog Presents:
Bernese Mountain Dog
Strong, sturdy working dog, active, alert, well boned.
Size is approximately: Male 27.5 ins. to withers and smaller Female 22.8 ins.
Friendly towards strangers, fearless in everyday life.
Low activity indoors.
Not long-lived, averaging six-seven years.
Cancer is major killer of the breed.
Berners want to be where you are.
If you are looking for a jogging partner, consider another breed.
Bathing suggested on rare occasions as frequent baths remove natural protective oils from the skin.
Berners shed a lot.
Active tail wagger!
Berner will appreciate a yard large enough for a good romp.
BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG
The Bernese Mountain Dog (BMD) is a striking, tri-colored, large, friendly dog. He is sturdy and balanced. He is intelligent, strong and agile enough to do the draft and droving work. The BMD was originally developed in Switzerland, to pull cheese and milk carts and to drive cows. They require moderate exercise, making them excellent house dogs. Eager to accompany master and family everywhere, the BMD makes a faithful and devoted friend.
The BMD is known in its native Switzerland as the Berner Sennenhund, which literally translated means Bernese Alpine Herdsmen's Dog. Their ancestors are thought to have been first brought to Switzerland more than 2,000 years ago by invading Roman soldiers. The breed was brought to the United States in 1926 and was recognized by the American KC in 1937.
The BMD's ground color is jet black. The markings are rich rust and clear white. Symmetry of markings is desired. Rust appears over each eye, on the cheeks reaching to at least the corner of the mouth, on each side of the chest, on all four legs, and under the tail. There is a white blaze and muzzle band. A white marking on the chest typically forms an inverted cross. The tip of the tail is white.
The breed's temperament is self-confident, alert and good-natured, never sharp or shy. The BMD should stand steady, though may remain aloof to the attentions of strangers. Although becoming popular as a family dog, due to its kind, good-natured temperment, Berners may not be for everyone. This is a large, assertive animal with long flowing coats that shed continually. Like other large breeds, BMDs are not long-lived, with many not surviving their sixth or seventh year, mainly due to cancer and auto-immune diseases. The Swiss have a saying: "Three years a young dog, three years a good dog, three years an old dog. All else is a gift from God."
However, many of us have had dogs survive well over ten years.
