If you are considering adopting a Bernese Mountain Dog there are some things you absolutely must know before welcoming him into the family such as his peculiar characteristics that will help you to fully understand the character and needs of this breed.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a dog that with its thick coat and its size certainly does not go unnoticed. This breed enchants any child, but is also much loved by adults for its sweet and sensitive nature that reflects the strict sense of family.
Behind those 50-60 kg hides a boundless love, but also many peculiar characteristics that distinguish this breed or, in general, this type of dog. Here's what they are:
Index
It is very sensitive
He may seem like a real tough guy because of his large size and imposing make-up, but behind such an appearance hides a very tender heart with a soul to be discovered. A loyal life partner with a very sensitive and profound nature.
He does not know moderation
The meaning of the word 'moderation' is absent in the vocabulary of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Because? Simple, this dog will overwhelm you with his energy and his affection, showing you this trait of his very accentuated character always and in any case. It doesn't matter where and how, but the how much because being moderated just doesn't belong to him. A Bernese Mountain Dog is extremely outgoing with everyone, and if you decide to adopt one, you should know this.
He barks a lot, but he is not aggressive
Being a shepherd dog this breed tends to bark a lot; sometimes because he has identified a danger, other times to play and get noticed. One thing is certain: there is no aggression in his frequent barking because a Bernese Mountain Dog is a perfect example of a gentle giant.
It is perfect for children
A Bernese Mountain Dog is a very tolerant, intelligent dog and learns new commands with ease. He loves to play and loves children, to whom he reserves the same infinite attention, but proves to be extremely patient in games. But he is careful not to overdo it because he is still a dog and not a rather huge puppet.
It is a delicate breed
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a delicate breed, whose health must be kept under control (as indeed should always be done with that of any animal) and which needs a lot of attention. One of these is the care of the coat that must be brushed regularly since the thick hair tends to knot very easily and should not be neglected at all, as you can find everything inside.
It has a short lifespan
It is always bad to say and read, but we already know it: medium-large dogs have a shorter lifespan and not only due to the onset of specific pathologies of a breed. For the Bernese Mountain Dog the average life span is around 8-10 years, unfortunately not infrequently some specimens do not exceed six years of age.
Its strength is not indifferent
Its well-developed musculature must have told us something and in fact the Bernese Mountain Dog precisely because of its size and its undisputed strength has long been used in the Bernese Prealps to pull milk or fodder carts.
It is said to be the progenitor of the San Bernardo
It could be just a rumor, yet the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Saint Bernard look alike in some ways and not just for being the dogs of Switzerland. It seems that in some Roman villas vases and other decorative elements have been found that would represent a cattle dog.
He is a good watchdog
The Bernese Mountain Dog was born as a shepherd dog and, having to look after the flock, is naturally used to guarding. Protecting the flock and the farm has always been his job, a job that he does very well even in the city or in other places.
It needs a lot of physical activity
Having a large dog like a Bernese Mountain Dog requires a lot of time available to make him do an adequate physical activity or an accessible place for the animal where there is the possibility to run and move as it should. Although a dog does not need a palace and is happy with any arrangement, this breed requires a lot of space. The Bernese Mountain Dog is indeed an energetic and playful dog, but also an excellent fork and will tend to gain weight very easily if he does not move enough.
To learn more about other dog breeds, read also:
- Weimaraner
- Jack Russell
- Hound
- German Shepherd
- Rottweiler
- French Bulldog
- Cane Corso
- Pitbull
- border collie
- Beagle
- Yorkshire
- Carlino
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador
- Shih Tzu
- Boston Terrier
- Pekingese
- Newfoundland
