Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog, also known as Berner Sennenhund, is a large and friendly breed that originated in Switzerland. They were originally bred to be working dogs and were used for herding cattle, pulling carts, and guarding their families. Today, Bernese Mountain Dogs are popular as family pets due to their gentle nature and affectionate personality.
Character
Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their gentle, loyal, and affectionate nature. They are intelligent, eager to please, and are generally good with children and other pets. Bernese Mountain Dogs are also known for their calm and composed nature, but they may be reserved with strangers.
Body
Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, sturdy dogs with a thick coat of fur. They have a distinctive tri-colored coat, with a base of black, white, and rust-colored markings on their face, legs, and chest. They have a strong and muscular body, with a broad head and expressive brown eyes. Bernese Mountain Dogs typically weigh between 70-115 pounds and stand 23-28 inches tall at the shoulder.
Health
Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally healthy dogs, but they are prone to some health issues. These include hip and elbow dysplasia, cancer, and bloat. It is important to keep them on a healthy diet and provide regular exercise to prevent obesity, which can contribute to health problems.
History
The Bernese Mountain Dog originated in the Swiss Alps, where they were used as working dogs on farms and to pull carts. They were also used for herding cattle and guarding their families. The breed nearly became extinct in the early 20th century, but a group of enthusiasts worked to revive the breed. The Bernese Mountain Dog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1937.
Related Dog Breeds
- Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large breed that also originated in Switzerland. They were used for herding and guarding, but today they are mostly kept as family pets. They are known for their calm and composed nature and their affectionate personality.
- Appenzeller Sennenhund: The Appenzeller Sennenhund is another breed that originated in Switzerland. They were also used for herding and guarding, and they are known for their high energy and enthusiasm. They are loyal and affectionate with their families, but may be reserved with strangers.
- Entlebucher Mountain Dog: The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is the smallest of the Swiss Mountain Dog breeds. They were also used for herding and guarding, but today they are mostly kept as family pets. They are intelligent, energetic, and loyal, and they are known for their affectionate nature.