Historical information about the breed, the appearance of the Bernese Mountain Dog, character and health, advice on care and training, interesting facts. Purchasing a puppy. The closest relatives of these dogs are Newfoundlands. They say that a true friend is one with whom there is something to be silent about. They are very soulful and peaceful animals. With them, you can definitely do it. Like all molossians, these are dogs of late development. Psychologically, only males can be considered adults by the age of two, and females by one and a half years.
One of the ancient Greek philosophers, imagined an ideal, yard dog in this way: “Not very large, but impressive in size to drive away uninvited guests. With a loud deep voice, not nervous, black color. Not too attached to a person, but with great love for her master."
Probably, this is all written about them. Kindness is expressed in every movement of the dog. These amazing animals attract people like a magnet. They say about them that they were already born trained, you just need to help them remember what and how to do. And few can compare with the beauty of these pets.
Historical data on the breed Bernese Mountain Dog
The word "mountain dog" in the name of the species comes from the German "xene" - alpine pasture, and "hund" is a dog. And they were brought to the canton of Bern. In 1907, a club for lovers of these dogs was established. Since that time, the breed began to be called - Bernese Mountain Dog. By the centenary of their occurrence, in 2007, a commemorative stamp was issued with the image of this dog.
It was expensive to buy a horse or donkey, and the peasants used dogs to facilitate their work. They had many responsibilities: herding cattle, looking after children, guarding the house. And if necessary, do whatever is ordered. In medieval cities, canines became small "trucks". Pets delivered subsistence products to nearby shops and small markets. Mainly milk and cheese.
The indigenous Bernese dogs are fundamentally different from their thoroughbred brethren, to which we are accustomed to in Russia. We associate them with St. Bernards or dogs, who are always ready to make a person happy and show all kinds of friendly feelings towards him. In Switzerland, they are completely different, completely and completely focused on the owner. How did the Mountain Dog appear on the territory of this country?
This question was partially answered by archaeologist Hermann Kremer. He was excavating not far from Zurich and came across a camp of people who called themselves the Helvetians. The country, before the arrival of the Romans, was called Helvetia. While excavating, he came across the skulls of huge dogs that looked like pets of Roman legionaries. The researcher suggested that these were the first Mountain Dogs.
They, like all Molossians, are related to the Tibetan Mastiffs. Helvetians - a Celian tribe of Switzerland, just like the people of Tibet, considered their dogs to be intermediaries between the world of gods and people. They said that these animals have one more pair of eyes (their markings), which allow them to see through a person. And when communicating, to determine whether he is good or bad - to look into his soul.
Sennenhunds are directly related to the oldest military formation in Europe, which is still active. The thing is that in 1506 Pope Julius II wanted to acquire his own army. In the 16th century, the Swiss were considered the best fighters.
The Pope decided that these soldiers should protect him. Of course, along with the Swiss, it was such dogs that served until the end of the 18th century to protect the Holy See. This was the only fighting page in the history of the breed. The rest of their existence, the dogs did not go into politics, but were engaged in their usual peasant business.
At the end of the 15th century, they could have disappeared altogether. In 1489, the burgomaster of Zurich issued a decree. He commanded the local villagers to exterminate all their big dogs, because they allegedly trampled down the vineyards of the feudal lords. The peasants were outraged and revolted. Instead of destroying their pets, they executed the official.
In the middle of the 19th century, St. Bernards came into fashion throughout Europe. But how exactly they looked, the foreigners had no idea. Imagine the surprise of the local peasants when rich foreigners came to them and offered insane money for puppies of the Bernese Mountain Dog, absolutely not suspecting that this was not what they needed.
Until the end of the 19th century, they were not divided for some reason. And there are four types of such dogs in Switzerland: entelbucher (the smallest), apenzeller (more rare), a large mountain shepherd dog (very strong) and, finally, the Bernese mountain dog (beautiful and fluffy). They were given nicknames based on their external qualities. If there was a white coat around the neck, it was called "ring", in translation - a ring. There was a white mark on the forehead, it was called an asterisk. Monochromatic individuals were called "barri" - a bear.
Until the beginning of the 20th century, the purposeful breeding of Bernese Mountain Dogs was not thought of. It is not surprising, because then only rich people could afford to buy a dog, for their own pleasure. They were ready to buy, for example, an already trained hunting dog.
The history of the development of the species began at the end of the middle of the 19th century, when the winemaker Franz Schertenleib began to buy up the best Bernese dogs and engage in their selection. In 1899, the first mention of them appeared in the newspaper.
The Newfoundlands are also considered relatives of these dogs. In the middle of the 20th century, the variety had serious problems, that's when new blood helped. The most interesting thing is that after two generations, the signs of new genes from the breed disappear.
Description of the appearance of the Bernese Mountain Dog
Males are always larger, with more powerful bones and a massive head. Bitches are smaller, from 58 to 60 cm, lighter in build. They are alert, obedient, harmoniously built animals. Smartly dressed dogs, with an aristocratic appearance and a Maltese cross on a wide chest. They have harmonious, balanced movements that give good endurance.
- Head slightly massive, in good proportion to the body. The frontal part is in profile, slightly rounded, and the occipital part is not pronounced.
- Muzzle pretty impressive. The bridge of the nose is straight, wide and flat. The flews are well filled, overlapping the upper jaw. Lips dry, black pigmentation. Scissor or pincer bite.
- Nose harmonious with the muzzle, well developed, black.
- Eyes Mountain dog of medium landing, oval in shape, the outer edge of the eye is slightly raised. The eyelids are dry, well-fitting, black. Corneal coloration should be brown or dark brown.
- Ears set high, slightly more than middle, triangular. At the ends they are rounded and close to the head. The wide part of the cartilage is raised.
- Neck muscular, medium.
- Frame mesomorphic build, strong, slightly elongated. The rib cage is developed, widened and voluminous, the dense lower back is slightly narrower in comparison with it. The back is wide and straight. Ribs are oval, slightly displaced back. The belly is tucked up.
- Tail Bernese dog is not located high. May be below the hock in length. At rest, it goes down; when moving, it is raised above the back. Covered with a beautiful, thick coat that gives a dressy look.
- Limbs strong bones, parallel to each other, straight and wide-standing. The shoulders are muscular, the shoulder blades are long, oblique, the elbows are directed back.
- Paws short, tightly packed, feline-like, with dense pads, straight. The nails are black and strong.
- Coat dense, long, slightly wavy, with a thick undercoat, lush and shiny.
- Color the main coat is jet black. Marks of a bright brown-red color above the brow ridges, in the cheeks, on all limbs and in the chest area. The pearl white coat grows: in the form of a narrow strip on the forehead, on the front of the chest in the form of a fairly wide cross, on the legs and tip of the tail. All colors should be clean, without any admixture of hair of other colors.
Character features of the Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are hardy, peaceful and sensitive dogs. They are very obedient and cheerful. One of the distinguishing features of pets is their tolerance. They are absolutely calm about their fellows, showing leadership qualities in only exceptional moments. They get along well with other animals, although they are self-confident.
They're very kind. For a child, it is better to find a friend and nanny. The Mountain Dog is a little lazy. He will definitely not run after the bike next to you - he will get tired. But you can swim with him in a race. They love cool water because they overheat quickly in the heat. They learn with a bang and are easy to manage.
However, for all their qualities as a cute little dog, these dogs are excellent shepherds and guards. They are wary of strangers, loyal to the owner and will protect not only him, but also the house where they live. Although not aggressive by nature, dogs will guard the home where they are in a very close relationship with their owners. Bernese Mountain Dogs should be treated with warmth and love. In no case should they be planted in an aviary or in a booth. They really need human interaction. If these animals are left alone for a long time, they can become nervous, timid or unbalanced. They are not pets of one person, but give their affection to all family members.
Bernese Mountain Dog health
Large dogs live no longer than eight years, this also applies to "Bernese". Since they are large, loose dogs, dysplasia of the joints is in the first place of the possible problems. It can be both hereditary and acquired. It is very important to keep track of your pet's weight. This will help: long walks in the fresh air and a balanced diet. A therapeutic treatment is prescribed, but most often, everything ends with an operation. Injuries are undesirable: dislocations, fractures, because everything is very hard to overgrow.
They can also hurt meningitis. Although this is a rare disease, oddly enough, it most often affects the Bernese breed. At the same time, the membranes of the brain and spinal cord become inflamed, the dog cannot move. Taking steroid medications can help reduce symptoms. But you also need to change the power system. The path to recovery can be a thorny one. They have bloating, this is another incentive to organize proper pet nutrition.
Bernese Mountain Dog grooming tips
It would seem that Mountain Dogs are very woolly and difficult to care for, but this is far from the case. They are said to have a self-cleaning fur coat.
- Wool do not wash frequently. Firstly, it can upset the pH balance and the pet will develop skin problems such as itching and dandruff. Of course, show dogs need to be bathed before the competition. To do this, use a special shampoo and conditioner. The Bernese pet needs to be combed out often, especially during the molting period. Manipulation is carried out using a slicker or trimmer. It is best to do this outdoors to avoid unnecessary cleaning at home.
- Ears pets are hanging and poorly ventilated, so they are checked and cleaned regularly. If they are not given proper attention, there may be otitis media.
- Eyes do not need special care. If necessary, rub them towards the inner corner.
- Teeth Bernese Mountain Dog is best taught to clean from an early age. So you will save your pet from diseases of the oral cavity - stones and periodontal disease. To prevent troubles, he is pampered with various delicacies: special chewing bones and toys.
- Claws cut regularly, about once every two weeks, or once a month.
- Feeding can be natural, ready-made concentrates or blended. With the latter option, never mix dry food with meat or porridge. The animal may have problems - bad bowel movements, indigestion. You give a one-time portion of feed, and in another feed, meat with porridge. Concentrates are selected from well-known manufacturers and premium class. With natural feeding, the weight of meat should be at least 600-750 grams. The Bernese Mountain Dogs have a brutal appetite, but never give your dog more than its intended norm. After all, they are massive and overweight, can seriously harm your health.
- Walking animals living in apartments should be longer in time than those individuals who live in the country houses of the owners. And so they walk at least twice a day. Try to work with your pet on the dog playground, such loads will only benefit him.
Bernese Mountain Dog training
There are two types of training, this is "handling" - an exhibition career, and a general course of obedience. Show dog can be trained from four months. Persistence should be exercised, but without pressure. Each dog will try to obey if you show affection to him and cause him an incentive to practice. You can interest them not only with affection, but with rewards and games. They are very hard at work. Bernese dogs can lose their abilities if not trained.
Interesting facts about the breed Bernese Mountain Dog
These dogs carried carts and carts with a variety of goods, from farmers' crops to dairy products. When needed, during the war years, the Mountain Dogs carried even light artillery.
In Switzerland, special qualifying contests are held to help dogs not lose their skills. They pull the cart over rough terrain, weighing close to their own, from 25 to 40 kilograms. This is not a competition, but an honor to be earned. The Sennenhund is an affectionate breed that cannot stand harsh words. The host must be able to sweeten the pill if it fails. These are very serious tests, which only a third of all pets pass. There are tricky obstacles on the track. For example, narrow paths or a lot of distractions that are part of the "iron dogs" test.
In the United States, about two thousand Bernese pets are registered, but they are still not enough for everyone. In America, it is easier to adopt a child than to become the owner of a dog of this breed. Breeders are very closely watching their offspring. In fact, they go through all the ins and outs of future owners to make sure people are right for the dog.
First of all, it is necessary to fill out a seven-page questionnaire, and only then comes the turn of an individual interview. Breeders are partial owners of puppies and have the right to check the conditions of their keeping. After all, they are responsible for improving the breed. Breeding permission is also given only by them.
Purchase of a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy, price
Dog breeding is a very serious business. First, you need to be able to choose the right pair. Check all documents, trace the pedigree, so that there is no close inbreeding. View the exterior of the animals. It is important that it is mutually beneficial for future puppies. What will happen as a result, no one can guess.
There are pad-class puppies: breeding marriage or the wrong color. Show-class assumes animals without flaw, for exhibitions and breeding. If grown improperly, even the best individuals can be ruined. And vice versa, it would seem, from the most ordinary-looking puppy, you can raise a worthy specimen. Let him not be the first at exhibitions, but the second places will be his.
In order to choose a dog, you need to decide for what purposes you need it, and who will deal with it. The approximate price can range from $ 1200 to $ 1900.
More details about the Bernese Mountain Dog in this video:
