Amazingly aristocratic, the Bernese mountain dog is one of the most attractive types of working dogs from Switzerland. Its physical aspect is majestic considering its large size, black, shiny coat and adorable features.
The beauty of this dog breed can charm any person who likes strong dogs with imposing statures. Not the kind of dog that barks at any stranger, the Bernese mountain dog is brave and very loving.
It loves its whole family and likes to be present in the middle of the action, whichever that is. Recently bred just for companionship, the Bernese mountain dog has many useful qualities.
Breed Characteristics
| Dog Breed Group: |
Working Dogs |
| Height: |
Generally 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight: |
Generally 70 to 115 pounds |
| Life Span: |
6 to 8 years |
The name of this dog breed comes from Bern, which is a town in the Swiss Alps. It was created by mating shepherd dogs with
mastiff dogs. They are very adaptable when it comes to doing various chores. In the past, some of them used to carry trolleys that were loaded with milk, cheese, and other products. Others were making themselves useful by guarding herds or flocks.
The Bernese mountain dog’s appearance can be easily distinguished from other dog breeds in Switzerland thanks to its long and slightly wavy coat. The colors of this dog type’s coat are arranged in a very unique way.
It has rusty stains around its eyes and a white spot between its forehead and snout. Its paws are white and a part of its chest too, in the shape of a cross. This dog breed inspires strength thanks to its muscular and well-proportioned body. Its chest is wide and its legs are long.
This dog’s personality shines thanks to its patience and its tolerant character. It is a
perfect family dog because it is devoted, it behaves nicely with children and doesn’t get bored even if they tend to exhaust it with the same demands. Training such dog is done easily at young age, so there is no reason not to love it!
Main Highlights
- The Bernese mountain dog originates in Switzerland, namely in Bern.
- This dog breed is very old, dating back 2000 years ago during the Roman Empire.
- It was bred as farm dog, helping with gathering and guarding cattle and sheep.
- It used to carry carts loaded with groceries or fabrics from one village to another.
- The Bernese mountain dog is very agile despite its massive bone structure, waist and size.
- It can be described as a dog with a special personality that stands out by protectiveness towards its owners and intelligence.
- This dog type is very alert and has a lively temperament.
- It has an excellent personality and loves to learn new things
- It is very easy to train because it wants to please its owner.
- Ideal family dog, the Bernese mountain dog is very good with children and it can be shy with strangers.
- Not aggressive unless it has a very good reason, this dog breed is alert, confident, fearless and reserved with strangers.
- The Bernese mountain dog is strong, sturdy and solid with a balanced walking style.
- Some specimens exhibit a white spot at the base and behind their necks, called “Sweet Kiss”.
- It doesn’t like heat, so it should be kept in cool places.
- It shouldn’t be fed with foods rich in proteins because it might become bloated.
- It was voted “the most beautiful dog” by the Americans during the 1980s as a result of a pool organized on TV.
- It is most loved, esteemed and spread dog in Switzerland. It is also popular in Germany, Holland, Scandinavia, France, Italy, Canada and the US.
- Swiss dog expert named Heim said about the Bernese mountain dog that is “the most beautiful dog in the world”, statement which is entitled.
Breed History
Although there are 4 distinct Swiss shepherd dog breeds, they were all called by the same name until the end of the nineteenth century, namely “Sennenhund”, which means drover dog. These 4 dog breeds were developed in different regions and named after them. The thing they have in common is the fact that all have tri-colored coats.
Swiss Shepherds’ origins date back 2000 years ago when the Romans invaded Switzerland, also known as Helvetia. They were used as guard dogs and to guide cattle. Those that were strongest used to carry carts filled with milk, cheese and other foods and fabrics from one location to the other. At first, these dogs were known as Gelbbackler, which means “yellow cheeks”, Vierauger, which means “four eyes” or, more commonly, Durrbachler.
In the second half of the nineteenth century, dog experts began to be more and more interested in the Swiss shepherd dogs. At that time, the Swiss recognized the Saint Bernard dog breed officially, but not the other shepherd dogs.
Albert Heim, the breeder of Newfoundland, was the first to see the difference between these shepherd dogs used for various purposes. Under the guidance of a group of 30 amateurs, he began to handle the selection of cattle dogs from the canton of Bern. Among the most successful were those specimens grown in Durrbach, so the first official name of this dog breed was Durrbachler.
In 1907, Dr. Heim has established the first standard of the breed and, a year later, he proposed the “Berner Sennenhund” name. These dogs looked quite different back then, so breeders had to bring homogeneity among these dogs. 1907 is also the year when the Bernese mountain dog’s club was founded.
As a curiosity, there was a whole dispute between breeders regarding the shape of the Bernese mountain dog’s nose. It was noted that 2 of the 8 specimens presented at Lucerne during the first official exhibition had an anatomical peculiarity.
The top line of the nose was basically split into 2 symmetric parts. Some breeders part of the official Club were excited considering that it was an unseen character that should’ve been preserved. Dr. Heim convinced them that, in reality, it was not an original feature of the breed, but on the contrary, a congenital abnormality.
After World War II, the situation was very precarious for the Bernese mountain dog. There were only a few copies left and almost not enough purebreds to mate and
give birth to healthy new dogs. On top of that, not all were worthy of mating because they were behaving atypically or they were too afraid in general.
The modern Bernese mountain dog was actually created by a male Newfoundland and a Bernese female. Alex, the male resulting from the 3rd generation is considered the prototype of the modern Bernese mountain dog. Alex was mated with no less than 51 females.
Size
The Bernese mountain dog is a large-sized dog. As usual, male copies are taller and heavier than female copies, as it follows: between 25 to 27.5 inches tall, male Bernese mountain dogs may weigh between 80 to 115 pounds, while females weigh between 70 to 95 pounds and stand 23 to 26 inches tall.
Personality and Character
The Bernese mountain dog is very fond and devoted to its owners and constantly wants to be helpful. Loyalty is the basic trait of this dog breed along with the urge to please their owners, which is inoculated at genetic level. For this reason, they are excellent for auxiliary therapy in case of people with mental disabilities or impairments.
Also because of this dog breed’s gentleness and intelligence, it is increasingly used as a guide for the blind, especially in the US. Moreover, there are few copies trained for
mountain rescue activities. Even if all these tasks are joyfully met by the Bernese mountain dog, it is the happiest when it is surrounded by people who love it, not that frustrate it.
The Bernese mountain dog is not fitted for a monotonous and boring life. It likes to go to different places and accompany its owners on vacation or on trips. It likes to play a lot, being very affectionate and responsive. In addition, it is known to be an emphatic dog that is able to sense when something is wrong with its owner. This type of dog is easy to distress and relax if engaged in a fetch game.
This dog breed instinctively defends its territory and its owner without being trained to do so. It is very determined and fearless when it comes to facing strangers and taking care of its owners. Furthermore, it is a working dog, always ready to do tasks, strong and docile. Even so, it is gentle, very curious and sometimes shy, attaching itself to the most sensitive member of the family.
At maturity, this type of dog might seem slow and heavy, but it is in fact like a highlander that rushes to do its job. Dominant by nature, it is not very tolerant with other animals since it was first used to guard and guide cattle.
Separation anxiety is a real problem when it comes to the Bernese mountain dog. It is accustomed to be in the company of people, so it needs someone around almost all the time. It reacts negativ
Health and Potential Problems
The Bernese American Club undertook a study on the health of this dog breed on a total of 1332 dogs. Their average lifespan was 7.2 years. Cancer is one of the main reasons why these dogs die, usually at an early age of 3 to 4 years.
They suffer from several health problems, so screening is mandatory for puppies. Susceptibility to disease is also high. There are a fairly large number of genetic diseases that affect these dogs, as it follows:
- Hip dysplasia: This is one of the most popular and discussed disease. In some cases, it can manifest mildly without lameness, but in other cases it can completely debilitate the dog. Studies have shown that, unfortunately, dogs with dysplasia can produce dysplastic offspring. Hip dysplasia can be diagnosed by performing pelvic radiographs by a veterinarian.
- Shoulder dysplasia: This disease describes disorders that affect the dog’s shoulder joint. Among its clinical signs is lameness of varying degrees that can occur from the age of 5 months, or even during adulthood. Diagnosis is also based on radiological examination.
- Osteochondritis dissecans: This is a disease of the cartilage, which can lead to arthritic changes in the joints of these dogs.
- Panosteitis: It is a disease of the long bones of the limbs, which usually affects puppies from 5-8 months to 2 years. The disease causes pain and lameness, which can be intermittent, chronic and can move from one foot to another. Diagnosis is based on radiological examination too.
- Ectropion and entropion: The eyelid turns inward or outward and it is an ophthalmic condition that is transmitted genetically.
- Dilation and gastric torsion: These occur frequently in this type of dog due to its conformation.
- Allergies: The Bernese mountain dog is prone to developing food allergies.
- Hypothyroidism can occur relatively frequently, as well as the Von Willebrand disease, aortic stenosis and autoimmune diseases.
- Cancer: It is perhaps the biggest challenge for both veterinarians and breeders. A study conducted in year 2000 showed that half of all Bernese mountain dogs die because of it.
Care Features
The Bernese mountain dog is not indicated for those people living in apartments, because it cannot accommodate unless it is taken out for walks often. It needs at least one hour of exercise per day and when it is little, it has to be
walked in a yard or on a leash because of the way its bones are forming. After 1 year of age, it can be left playing and running without a leash.
Easy to train, the Bernese mountain dog is eager to please throughout its life, but it is the most obedient when it is young. If it is not trained when it is young, it may become violent, unmanageable and think it can do whatever it wants.
Since this dog type is characterized by sensitivity, training should be done gently and it should be permissive. Even when it responds slowly to certain commands, its trainer must be patient and understand the higher degree of complexity. Obedience training is not really necessary for the Bernese mountain dog, except a few copies.
Feeding Schedule
A Bernese mountain dog should eat around 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into 2 meals. In general, this type of dog should eat between 22 and 24% proteins and between 12 to 15% fats per day. Since it has recorded a slow growth rate, it is very important not to allow the sudden accumulation of weight regardless of its appetite.
Coat, Color and Grooming
The Bernese mountain dog’s coat is of medium length, straight or slightly wavy, silky, soft and made of 2 layers. Its color is shiny black with shades of reddish brown and white in the following areas: legs, cheeks, eyebrows and under the tail area
. Because of its abundant coat it must be brushed daily, especially during its shedding periods. Bathing or cleaning it with dry shampoo is necessary.
In those places where its hair gets tangled easy, namely back legs, neck, lower links of the legs and behind the ears, one should pay more attention and brush it more often. When necessary, the hair between this dog’s paws should be carefully removed.
Children And Other Pets Compatibility
These dogs are affectionate, patient and very good with children, towards which they have a protective attitude. They tolerate children’s insolence, but children shouldn’t be left alone with such large dogs because accidents can happen even if the animal has good intentions.
The Bernese mountain dog requires early socialization with other pets. When it stays away from other animals for a long time, it may become dominant with them, especially with other dogs. This dog needs repeated interactions with other animals. It needs to be around people too and be given attention.
Conclusion
The Bernese mountain dogs have a pleasant personality and they like to be included in all aspects of family life. They are among the most appreciated companion dogs considering their size and they don’t cause too much trouble since they should be kept in a yard, not in a small apartment being highly resistant to low temperatures and quite sensitive to high temperatures.
Emphatic and quite friendly, the Bernese mountain dogs have many health issues that are usually transmitted from their parents, not acquired during their life because of improper care. Both Americans and Swiss people considered at some point during the past that this dog type is the most beautiful of all.
When it comes to exercise, you’re going to have to do more than just a walk around the block. His physical needs also require there to be some kind of mental challenge. If he doesn’t have a job to do, he will become quite bored and destructive in the process. He will bark for hours on end until he receives the attention he believes he deserves, or he will invent jobs of his own to do. Don’t be surprised if he starts herding the members of your family around the house, chasing cards, other animals, or simply ripping your house apart. The Australian Shepherd is not the breed for you if you don’t have the time and energy to dedicate to train and exercise him on a daily basis.
If dog competitions are your thing, however, then you won’t find a more successful dog breed than the Australian Shepherd. He’s a top contender for all levels of obedience, agility, flyball, and herding tests. This dedication to completing any task given to him has expanded his abilities to other jobs, such as assistance dog, hearing dog, guide dog, police dog, and search and rescue work. You can even teach him to help you with chores around the house, such as picking up laundry from the floor.
In terms of looks, he really stands out from a crowd, with his attractive, medium-length coat that comes in a variety of colors. His lineage as a working dog also makes him a good protector of the home, and he can be quite aloof with strangers. He can definitely make your life an adventure, and will play from sunrise to sunset if he could. He’s quite versatile, but only if you have the energy to deal with his needs. Lying around the house most of the day just isn’t going to cut it for the Australian Shepherd.
Due to their constant need for affection, Vizslas are best for people who can spend a great deal of time with them. Otherwise they end up lonely and bored. This can result in destructive behavior such as excessive chewing and barking.
Nevertheless, they’re extremely diligent dogs. They love having a purpose and are great companions for people who need a loyal, furry friend.
If an Australian Cattle dog has nothing to do all day, he will find some means of entertainment you may not agree with, like chewing the furniture, digging in the trash or back yard, and so on. Always make sure you keep him busy.
Of course, he also needs a lot of space, a home with a large yard will be best for him, as long as he is allowed indoors to stay with his human as much as he wants. The Cattle Dog is very devoted to his family, also known as a Velcro dog, which loves to stay with one member of the family in particular.
The first product that we have is Gonramedo lint rollers. You will get 2 rollers in this set with a total of 8 rolls. Every single roll has a total of 100 sheets. So you are getting 800 sheets in this package. Furthermore, every sheet offers a straight cut just like a toilet paper cut. So you can use it and cut the sheet when it is no longer useful.
Furthermore, these lint rollers have extra stickiness so they will also get rid of dust particles along with the lint. So now you can keep your clothes clean. Furthermore, you can also use it on your furniture too. Keep things tidy so that your guests won’t get irritated by the pet hair on their clothes.
But the best part is yet to come. The most interesting thing about this is its handle. It is similar to a cat leg and comfortable to hold. On the top of it, you will see the shape of a cat paw. This cat paw not only makes the handle look prettier but it will be easy to identify if you are looking for it. Furthermore, the paw has protruding outward. So you can use it to massage your cat. Thus, you will have a double effect with a single product.
If you want something bigger in size, you will love this. Getting rid of hair from sofas is a time taking process with a smaller roller. Furthermore, if you are in a hurry, a smaller roller will make you feel agitated and frustrated. Therefore, having a big one would be a good choice. You can keep both sizes and use them according to your needs.
In this package, you will get one handle with a total of 6 refills. And all sheets are 7.5 inches in size which is quite a large one. Furthermore, every roll has 360 sheets. You can change the sheet after it is no longer used. You can easily peel off the used sheet and remove it. So you do not have to go through any hassle to change the sheets.
The handle comes with its case. So you can keep the roller safely in its case so that it does not get dirty and you can use it multiple times. Furthermore, it is easy to handle and store. You can hang it on a nail or any hook. No need to look for it in drawers when you need it.
If you prefer brand names then here we have the rollers from Scotch Brite. They work best on pet hair because of their super adhesive material. Furthermore, you will have a total of three rollers in this package. Three handles with their rollers no refills. However, you can always find their refills from the market so no need to worry about that.
Every single roll has a total of 100 sheets. So you will get a total of 300 sheets and they will last for a long time. This roller is very easy to use on yourself. Just like others, it offers 360 degrees rotation. So it won’t get stuck or make you return it to its position or anything like that. You can comfortably use it on your clothes before going out.
The handle has an ergonomic design which makes it comfortable to hold. Furthermore, the roll gives a straight line cut just like in toilet paper. So you will have a completely clean top layer for every new sheet. You can use it to clean your clothes, your furniture, and 
This is one of the hot sellers because of its long-lasting and easy use. Unlike other lint rollers, it does not have any adhesive tape. So you won’t need to change it or get refills when they finish off. Instead, it will collect all the hair just like a vacuum cleaner. So you will have a clean and tidy home.
It is quite easy to use. All you have to do is to roll it over the hair and it will gather all of them inside the chamber. Now press the button on the handle and it will open the chamber. You will see all the collected hair in the chamber. Remove them and throw them in the bin and the roller is ready to use again.
This roller makes it easy for you to collect all the pet hair from your clothes and furniture without snagging the fabric. So it is super easy to use and super-fast in its action. And it is super effective too because it works best on multiple surfaces.
When venturing into the great outdoors, your dog’s safety should be your top priority. Before embarking on your camping trip, ensure that your dog is up to date on 
Having the appropriate gear for your dog is essential to keep them comfortable and secure during your camping adventure.
Here are some must-have camping items for dogs:
Camping is a great opportunity for your dog to 
When you select the kind of pitbull that you desire, you will need to choose if you are mosting likely to see a dog breeder or search for cost-free pitbull young puppies. It can be tough to discover pups of some pet dog breeds, however that is not the situation with pitbulls. 
Beginning your search for free 
Consistency is key when it comes to home cleanliness, especially in a household with multiple dogs. Establishing a daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning routine can significantly mitigate the mess.
Daily tasks should include sweeping or vacuuming high-traffic areas to manage pet hair and dirt. Weekly chores might involve thoroughly cleaning floors, washing dog bedding, and checking for any hidden messes under furniture.
Monthly routines could focus on deep-cleaning tasks such as shampooing carpets and cleaning windows and walls.
Sticking to a schedule will prevent messes from becoming overwhelming and maintain a healthier environment for both pets and humans.
Pet hair and dander are among the top concerns for pet owners when it comes to indoor cleanliness. Investing in a 
To streamline the cleaning process and maintain order, allocating specific zones in your home for your dogs’ activities is essential. These designated areas for eating, sleeping, and playing help confine messes to manageable spots, making cleanup easier.
For instance, setting up a feeding station in a tiled or easily wipeable area can simplify cleaning up after meals. Similarly, dedicating a play area with durable, easy-to-clean flooring can minimize the spread of toys and debris throughout the house.
Providing a comfortable, designated sleeping area with washable beds and blankets ensures that fur and dander are contained. Implementing these areas not only aids in keeping your home clean but also instills a sense of routine and security in your pets.
Keeping a home clean with multiple dogs is a challenge that requires a strategic approach and consistent effort. You can significantly ease the burden of maintaining a clean home by establishing a regular cleaning routine, creating designated areas for your pets, using washable materials, and ensuring your dogs are well-trained.
The goal is to create a living space that is comfortable and clean for both you and your pets. You can achieve a harmonious balance between pet ownership and a tidy, welcoming home environment through diligence and applying these strategies. 
The Doberman Pinscher is a dog breed that is easily trained and that is largely due to the fact that he is extremely intelligent dog. Obedience and mental training should be started as soon as possible and as long as you teach your dog via positive reinforcement, rewards and games, you will have no problems. As with most dogs, an owner should have patience and strong will in order to grow a puppy into a well-mannered and strong adult dog that won’t pose any threat to others or be self-destructive.
Playing and training will influence you positively as well. You should know that the Doberman Pinscher does not have a prey drive or a tendency to bark and howl too much. He is also not a breed that develops a wanderlust potential or the potential for mouthiness. That can be the result of his mixed genes of various breeds.
When it comes to exercising, the Doberman Pinscher is a high-energy dog breed that needs a lot of running, walking, playing and training (both physical and mental). The intensity of his exercises should be medium and as he already has a huge potential for playfulness, it would not be difficult to engage him in most games. This dog loves to learn and please his owner, so you should give him as much your free time as you can.
Speaking of grooming and health, the Doberman Pinscher that is easy to groom because of his thin and short coat; however, he sheds a lot. He also has a drooling potential and needs to be brushed daily and cleaned after due to his large size. Speaking of general health, the Doberman Pinscher is not considered a healthy dog.
He can be affected by numerous diseases, which can be also the result of his mixed heritage. One of the most known diseases is dilated cardiomyopathy which is also the major cause of death in this breed. The average lifespan is around 10 years, which is a bit shorter than in the most dog breeds.
The Doberman Pinscher is a very friendly dog, even though he is often portrayed as an aggressive breed. He might had been bred for the purpose of protecting and being ferocious, but if trained properly, nowadays he can be a great family dog who behaves well around children.
He is very affectionate towards family members and loves to be neat them and protect them. A study has shown that the Doberman Pinscher is not friendly towards strangers and he can be very aggressive towards unfamiliar people if he has not been trained to tolerate them.
He is even less friendly towards other, unfamiliar dogs, especially the ones of his kind. This kind of suspicious or even 
To sum up, we have covered the most important characterizes of a dog breed called the Doberman Pinscher or Dobie. You are now familiar with their physical traits, personality quirks and most importantly – their basic needs.
If you are an active person who has time for spending time outdoors and lives in a cozy and spacious house or an apartment – then this dog breed might be for you. The Doberman also need an owner who is strong-willed and patient because he can easily turn into an alpha dog and start controlling you instead of being controlled. Giving him proper love and meeting his needs will make not only him happy, but you as well.
