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Bernese Mountain Dog
(Swiss Mountain Dog, Berner
Sennenhund, Bouvier Bernois)
Of
the four varieties of the Swiss Mountain Dog, the Bernese
Mountain Dog is the only long-haired one. The Greater Swiss
Mountain Dog is, as its name suggests, the largest variety;
the Appenzell is curly-tailed and the Entlebuch is the
smallest variety. The Bernese Mountain Dog may often be seen
pulling small wagons in Switzerland.
History:
All the four varieties of the
Swiss Mountain Dog most probably descended from the Mastiff.
The Mastiffs came from Asia and were later imported into the
European region by the Phoenicians and Greeks. When the Roman
Legions invaded Gaul, the Mastiffs were brought with them to
guard the flocks of sheep. The Swiss Mountain Dog was then
selectively bred to suit the local conditions.
Physical
characteristics:
The Bernese Mountain Dog is
very solidly built and moves with a powerful gait. Height:
24.5 - 27.5 in (62 - 70 cm) for the dog and 22.75 - 26 in (58
- 66 cm) for the bitch under Canadian standards; elsewhere 25
- 27 in (64 - 70 cm) for the dog and 23 - 26 in (58 - 66 cm)
for the bitch. Weight: 88 lb (40 kg) under FCI standards,
elsewhere proportionate to height. The dark brown
almond-shaped eyes are well-set in a broad flat head with a
slight furrow. The medium-size triangular-shaped ears hang
flat at rest and are lifted slightly when alert. The neck is
of medium length, whereas the body is compact and
broad-chested. The tail is bushy with a slight curve. The coat
is colored black with brownish-red markings above the eyes, on
the cheeks, at the side of the chest, and on the legs. There
should be white markings on the face, chest, and the tips of
the paws.
Behavior:
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a
large, usually placid and confident animal. This dog's alert
nature makes it a good watch-dog. Its large size provides a
wonderful deterrent to would-be intruders and so the Bernese
Mountain Dog is excellent in its role as a guard dog. When it
has been given the opportunity to socialize with others as a
puppy, the Bernese Mountain Dog will get along very well with
other dogs as an adult.
Although
the Bernese Mountain Dog has a rather cute appearance, owners
should be aware that this animal used to be a working dog.
This dog can sometimes become extremely dominant with members
of its human family. It is wise to start off with assertive
dominance training and regularly remind the Bernese Mountain
Dog of its junior position in the family. Children should not
be left unsupervised with this dog, and tug-o-war and chasing
games should not be played. If well-controlled and regularly
exercised, this truly magnificent dog can become a wonderful
companion.
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