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Bernese Mountain Dog - Top 10 Interesting Facts

11/4/2017

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The Bernese Mountain Dog is an extremely versatile working dog from the farmlands of Switzerland.
There are TOP 10 interesting facts about Bernese Mountain Dog.

1) Origin

Since the breed is so old, the details about its creation are a little slim. Some believe they came about when Romans brought mastiff-like dogs to Switzerland 2000 years ago. Others contest this theory, as the remains of large dogs have been found in Switzerland dating to before the Romans crossed the Alps. Unfortunately, there is very little art or literature to help shed any light. Berners are working dogs, and artists generally chose to put more glamorous hunting and lap dogs on the canvas.

2) Working Dogs

This powerful breed was developed to have strong legs to endure the rocky terrain of the mountains. Originally they were used as herding and guard dogs for farm families. Their friendly and calm personality makes them great companions as well. 

3) Climate

However, his calmness and willingness to laze about doesn't mean he can be cooped up without exercise. Indeed, the Bernese loves getting out, especially in cool weather. With his thick black coat, he doesn't do well in hot climates. Romping in the snow is a favorite form of recreation for this Alpine breed, and pulling carts and sleds is a wonderful source of exercise, especially if it involves children.

4) Around Strangers

His attitude toward strangers varies from friendly to aloof, but a good Bernese should remain poised and hold his ground. The most common temperament fault is excessive shyness, sometimes toward everyone, sometimes focused on one group of people, such as men with beards. A Bernese Mountain Dog puppy needs lots of socialization so that his natural caution does not become timidity.

5) They are Funny

These floppy dogs love making their owners happy and often respond well to laughter. If they find a particular antic or action will make their owners laugh, they’re sure to repeat it. One book refers to this as the “Berner chuckle.” 

6) Strong Breed

These dogs are well muscled and eager to please. They can haul up to 1000 pounds—10 times their own weight. 

7) Training

Responsive to obedience training in a slow, good-natured way, this sensitive breed should be handled kindly, with much praise and encouragement. However, they're not complete pushovers to train. Some can be a little bit hardheaded and dominant, especially males, and especially during adolescence when they're "feeling their hormones."

8) Temperament

Some Bernese Mountain Dogs, particularly young males, are willful and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. Some Bernese males are also dominant or aggressive toward other male dogs.

9) Excercise

Bernese Mountain Dogs definitely don't need or want jogging exercise. But they do need a decent-sized fenced yard where they can romp about at will.

10) Almost Extinct

In the late 1800s, the St. Bernard was the ‘It’ dog of Switzerland. As popularity for the big dog rose, people began to forget about the Swiss mountain dogs. Fanciers loved the St. Bernard’s uniform coloration and distinct origin. The Swiss Kennel Club started in 1883 and chose not to recognize any of the mountain dogs, opting to showcase instead the St. Bernard and other hounds of the region. Soon, only farmers in remote areas had use for the Bernese mountain dog and others of its kind. The breed would have been wiped out entirely if not for an innkeeper named Franz Schertenleib, who as a child had heard stories about the dog. He popularized the breed by promoting it across Switzerland and Europe.

Source:
http://mentalfloss.com/article/68225/10-stocky-facts-about-bernese-mountain-dogs
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/bernesemountaindogs.html

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