| The Bernese Mountain Dog is actually an outdoor dog | | | | growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear |
| that can adapt to indoors as long as she is given | | | | feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. |
| plenty of exercise when it is cool outside. Her heavy | | | | Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this |
| coat means that she is comfortable in the cold but | | | | chore and competent instructions to accomplish this |
| suffers in the heat. She has a loving temperament | | | | can be found on the net. *Life Span. The Bernese |
| and has been described as stable, faithful, | | | | Mountain Dog can live between 8 and 10 years with |
| affectionate and intelligent. She is a good watch dog | | | | proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living |
| and good with children. Just as a reminder, never | | | | conditions. *History. The Bernese Mountain Dog came |
| leave young children unsupervised with a puppy or | | | | from the pre alpine regions around Bern, Switzerland. |
| dog for any length of time. | | | | She was used as a cattle dog, draught dog and as a |
| *Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size | | | | cattle driver. The original name of this dog was |
| (two years old or older) of the male Bernese | | | | Durrbachler, because it was so popular in the hamlet |
| Mountain Dog is 24 to 28 inches to the withers | | | | of Durrbach. Around 1910 a standard for this dog |
| (highest point of the shoulder) and 85 to 110 pounds. | | | | was set and she was renamed the Bernese Mountain |
| Females range from 23 to 27 inches to the withers | | | | Dog. She became popular throughout Switzerland and |
| and from 80 to 105 pounds. *Special Health | | | | Southern Germany. From there she became known |
| Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain | | | | throughout the world as a striking family dog. The |
| inherited health problems associated with that specific | | | | American Kennel Association first registered Bernese |
| breed and the Bernese Mountain Dog is no exception. | | | | Mountain Dogs in 1937. Currently she is used as pet |
| Be on the look out for canine hip and elbow dysplasia | | | | and watch dog, for therapy work, agility trials, and |
| (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead | | | | rescue work. |
| to arthritis pain and lameness), gastric torsions, | | | | Some Registries: *BMDCA-The Bernese Mountain Dog |
| metabolic bone disease and hereditary eye disease. | | | | Club of America *UKC United Kennel Club *NKC |
| She should be fed twice a day to lessen the chance | | | | National Kennel Club *CKC Continental Kennel Club |
| of bloat, another negative health consideration. | | | | *APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc. *AKC American |
| Additionally, cancer is a real problem with even young | | | | Kennel Club *FCI Federation Cynologique |
| dogs can contract it. *Grooming. The Bernese | | | | Internationale *NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club |
| Mountain Dog has a long, thick coat so she should be | | | | *KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain *ANKC = |
| brushed as frequently as daily, weekly if time does | | | | Australian National Kennel Club *ACR = American |
| not permit. She is a heavy seasonal shedder and | | | | Canine Registry |
| brushing will help keep your house cleaner. Brushing | | | | Litter Size: 4 to 10 Bernese Mountain Dog puppies |
| will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and | | | | Category: Herding, Mastiff Family |
| also help you keep a closer eye on her health and | | | | Terms To Describe. Devoted, stunning, companion, |
| strengthen your emotional bond with your pet. Her | | | | friendly, devotion. *SPECIAL GOOD POINTS She is |
| teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with | | | | very beautiful. Prefer cool climates. Natural watch |
| toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. | | | | dog. Good with children. She is willing to please. She |
| Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and | | | | loves people. *SPECIAL BAD POINTS Heavy shedder. |
| tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and | | | | Cautious with strangers. Short life span. Major health |
| periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead | | | | problems. May suffer in hot climates. Can become |
| to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious | | | | destructive if bored. |
| disease. Her toenails may need to be examined for | | | | |