| Bernese
Mountain Dog Details
Height: Dogs 64-70 cms (25-27½
ins) Bitches 58-66 cms (23-26 ins)
Colour:
Jet black, with rich reddish brown on cheeks, over eyes, on
all four legs and on chest. Slight to medium sized symmetrical white
head marking (blaze) and white chest marking (cross) are essential.
Preferred but not essential, white paws, white not reaching higher
than pastern, white tip to tail. A few white hairs at nape of neck,
and white anal patch undesirable but tolerated.
Coat:
Soft, silky with bright natural sheen, long, slightly wavy but
should not curl when mature.
General
Appearance: Large, Strong, Working dog, active, alert,
well boned, of striking colour. Almond shaped dark eyes, triangular
highset ears hang to the side of the head. Long bushy tail, may
be raised when running.
|
|
Dog
Facts
Price:
$900 - $1500
Temperament:
Self-confident, good natured, friendly and fearless. Aggressiveness
not to be tolerated.
Characteristics:
A multi purpose farm dog capable of draught work. A kind and
devoted family dog. Slow to mature.
Lifespan:
8 - 10 yrs some longer
Recommended
for: Active people & families.
Be Aware
# Adapts well to all climates
|
The Bernese Mountain Dog can be
traced back 2000 years, originally known as the Sennehund. They
were used for herding cattle and guarding farms. The Swiss also
used them as draught dogs, pulling small carts. During the 1800's
the breed had very nearly disappeared due to the interest in the
St Bernard, and the lack of concentrated breeding programmes and
it was not until the turn of this century that a Swiss cynologist,
Herr Franz Schertenlieb, combed the countryside to find the last
of these dogs. He did have some success around the Durrbach district
of Berne and then a Zurich professor, Albert Heim joined up with
him. Thanks to them, the Bernese Mountain Dog made a comeback.
They are a very handsome dog, lovely cheerful natures and gentle.
They are very loyal to their families and love children. If they
are not socialized with other people can very much become a one-person/family
dog. It is advisable to socialize them, if for some reason they
have to be re-homed; they will be able to adjust.
Grooming-
Daily grooming is a must to keep them tangle-free and to reduce
the amount of shedding. The hair between the pads should be trimmed
regularly.
Exercise-
for the first 12 months Bernese should be exercised as little as
possible as their bones are growing and developing, but they do
need to be taken out to socialized, after this regular walks are
good, they tend to be on the lazy side.
Health-
This breed is generally healthy but some can be prone to hip and
elbow dysplasia, also hereditary eye disease and cancer. For Diet
and other general dog health information Health/Nutrition
|