ម៉ារី អាឡិន
Among the Swiss Mountain Dogs, the powerfully built Bernese Mountain Dog is the world’s best-known and most popular dog breed. It has also been successfully bred in Germany since 1910. The farm dogs are also suitable as family dogs in densely built-up areas, provided owners allow them enough exercise. Unfortunately, representatives of the breed do not live very long – the quality of life of the dogs should be improved with special breeding programs.
Tricolor and Strong: This Is How Bernese Mountain Dogs can be Recognized
Like all Swiss Mountain Dogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs have a distinctive three-colored pattern, which is described in detail in the FCI breed standard. Externally, the four Sennenhund breeds are similar in many respects. Along with the Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, the Bernese Mountain Dogs are the larger representatives of this group and the only mountain dog breed with long fur all over the body. What characterizes the imposing Bernese Mountain Dog is shown in a small overview based on the specifications of the FCI.
The Dog Breed with the Unmistakable Coat
The long, three-colored coat of the Bernese Mountain Dog is its trademark. Only dogs whose fur markings do not deviate at all or hardly at all from the uniform breed standard are suitable for breeding. The deep black and shiny base coat are clearly distinguished from the reddish-brown and white brand.
Red-brown markings
- over the eyes
- នៅលើថ្ពាល់
- On the neck and abdomen (to the side of the white markings)
- On all four runs, also running over the entire inner thigh
White badges
- Symmetrical blaze and white muzzle
- Centered on the throat, chest, and belly
- White paws and knuckles
- Rare: White tip on the tail, nose patch, or specular markings on the anus
The Bernese Mountain Dog from Head to Tail
- The dog’s head is broad with soft lips and a gently inset furrow. The bite is strong scissors or pincer bite. The triangular floppy ears are set high on the head.
- The eyes are dark brown and almond-shaped, with a friend to a serious expression. Light blue or white birch eyes are disease-related and exclude affected dogs from breeding. The body slopes slightly from the head at the top line, while the back and hips remain straight.
- The chest is broad and reaches down to the elbows. Shoulders and legs are straight and strong.
- The tail is bushy and hangs down long.
The Brief History of the Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs were known as Dürrbächler in the Swiss Alps until the beginning of the 20th century and have only been bred specifically according to certain external standards since 1907. Previously, mountain dogs were selected for breeding based on their behavior and health and wore many different coat variations. Yellow and brown Bernese Mountain Dogs are only found in exceptional cases today. Due to the strict selection and the originally very small stock of dogs with the desired tricolor, the dog breed is very susceptible to disease and the average life expectancy has dropped significantly to around 7 years within the last 100 years.
Already knew? Historical facts about Bernese Mountain Dogs at a glance
- Rumor has it that the Molossians are related to Roman fighting dogs that were brought to Switzerland across the Alps.
- The large mountain dogs were formerly used for herd protection and as watchdogs on farms.
- A new hybrid breed is the Swissydog mountain dog, which is crossed in by some breeders to breed healthy mountain dogs.
Nature and Character: Gentle Protectors
Bernese Mountain Dogs have little hunting instinct and are patient and friendly towards other creatures. They also remain calm with children, dogs under stress, and other animals. Strangers and unfamiliar situations do not upset a well-socialized Bernese Mountain Dog. The dogs are attentive students and enjoy carrying out their work tasks. Because of their impressive appearance and their fine noses, the dogs are still used today as tracking dogs and as disaster dogs in cool regions.
What Makes Bernese Mountain Dogs Special?
- Bernese Mountain Dogs are considered to be sluggish – in warm temperatures, they actually quickly get circulatory problems and save as much energy as possible.
- In snow and cold, on the other hand, they feel comfortable.
- Their guard instinct runs deep and they bark loudly when they spot anything suspicious.
- Children and other dogs quickly take them to their hearts.
- Strangers don’t see them as a threat.
- The family dogs form a close bond with their owners.
From Watchdog to a Family Friend
Bernese Mountain Dogs are loved around the world as family dogs for their self-confident and well-balanced nature. Strangers who meet the owner in a friendly manner are immediately greeted in a friendly manner and without suspicion. The close bond to humans has a high priority for dogs: they show great patience towards children, they are also quite affectionate with human and animal friends and remain loyal to them for a lifetime. Changes of location and changing social circles are therefore only moderately tolerated by Bernese Mountain Dogs – if possible, the dogs should spend their entire lives with the same close caregivers after being handed over to the breeder.