What is a Bernese Mt Dog?

Size: Big, powerful, and built for hard work, the Bernese Mountain Dog is also strikingly beautiful and blessed with a sweet, affectionate nature. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, sturdy worker who can stand over 27 inches at the shoulder. Males 80-115lbs Females 70-90lbs

Coat: The Bernese Mountain Dog has a double coat, with a longer outer coat and a wooly undercoat. Berners shed a fair amount, even more so during shedding season, which occurs twice a year. Weekly brushing'¿daily during shedding season'¿will help to remove loose hair and keep the dog looking his best. Any tangles can be worked out with a slicker brush or metal comb. As with all breeds, the nails should be trimmed regularly, as overly long nails can cause the dog pain and structural problems.

Character: Bernese are extremely smart, loyal, and good in nature. They can be wary around strangers so it is important to socialize them as early in life as possible.Berners are generally placid but are always up for a romp with the owner, whom they live to please.

Temperament: Big, powerful, and built for hard work, the Bernese Mountain Dog is also strikingly beautiful and blessed with a sweet, affectionate nature. Berners are generally placid but are always up for a romp with the owner, whom they live to please. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, sturdy worker who can stand over 27 inches at the shoulder. The thick, silky, and moderately long coat is tricolored: jet black, clear white, and rust. The distinctive markings on the coat and face are breed hallmarks and, combined with the intelligent gleam in the dark eyes, add to the Berner's aura of majestic nobility. A hardy dog who thrives in cold weather, the Berner's brain and brawn helped him multitask on the farms and pastures of Switzerland. Berners get along with the entire family and are particularly gentle with children, but they will often become more attached to one lucky human. Berners are imposing but not threatening, and they maintain an aloof dignity with strangers.

Care: Bernese require moderate maintenance. Because the Bernese parent contributes constant and seasonal shedding of all of the coat types, brushing your Bernese a couple times a week is recommended. Bathing is recommended as needed. Bernese have a moderate shedding rate . Routine teeth cleaning, eye exams, and ear cleaning should be built into your regimen.

Training: When they are still young, Bernese can be a little bit headstrong. Therefore, it is important that you start your Bernese puppy with socialization and training early. Use a clear, strong voice with a kind, positive tone to train your Bernese. They are very intelligent with an eager-to-please nature that makes it easier for them to be trained. It might take a few repeats of your instruction, but these pups are usually quick to comply with commands. Reward good behavior and obedience with meaty, bite-sized treats and lots of praise and encouragement. Bernese are extra-sensitive to your tone and mood, so harshness will scare them into shying away from you.

Activity: Bernese Mountain Dogs need at least a half-hour of moderate exercise every day to stay healthy and happy. While they are definitely meant to live indoors with their human family, Berners enjoy outdoor activities and make great companions on long walks or hikes. Outdoorsy owners often take their canine companions camping and backpacking. Berners enjoy pulling young children in a cart, and some even participate in carting and drafting competitions. Other canine sports in which Berners participate and excel include agility, herding, obedience, rally, and tracking.

Life Expectancy: 7-10 Years