Bernese Mountain Dogs: all you need to know

Bernese Mountain Dogs: all you need to know

Are you brooding about getting a Bernese Mountain Dog? Then you would like to think about the quantity of shedding and be ready for normal grooming and brushing.

History of Bernese Mountain Dogs

One ancient breed, also known as the  Molosser, stands out as of the foremost versatile, well-travelled, and influential within the development of a spread of Mastiff-type dogs, including Berners.

It’s thought that the four Swiss Sennenhund breeds (Appenzell Sennenhund, Entlebucher Sennenhund, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and Berner Sennenhund) developed as crosses between farm dogs from Swiss Alps and therefore the Molosser or Mastiff-type dogs that the Romans brought with them once they invaded Alps within the first century B.C.

It’s likely that the Berners has been performing on Swiss farms for quite 2,000 years, quietly tucked away on smallholdings within the Alps, where they have been pulling carts, accompanying livestock, standing watch, and providing owners with loyal companionship.

It is known that by 1888, only 36 per cent of the Swiss population worked in agriculture, and wish dwindled for a robust dog who could herd cattle and pull a cart crammed with goods. In 1899, however, Swiss took an interest in preserving their native breeds and founded a dog club called Berne. Members included breeders of a spread of purebred dogs.

In 1902, Swiss dog club sponsored a show at Ostermundigen that drew attention to Swiss mountain breeds. Two years later, the breeds took an enormous breakthrough through several events: At a world show held in Bern, Swiss dog club sponsored a category for Swiss “shepherd dogs,” including the Mountain dogs. This was also the primary year that these dogs were mentioned as “Bernese.” And therein same year, Swiss Kennel Club recognized the Bernese Mountain Dog as a breed.

During the war, I, dog shows and breeding took a backseat to war efforts. But after the war, the primary Bernese Mountain Dogs were exported, first to Holland then to the United States—although the breed wasn’t yet recognized by the American Kennel Club.

In 1936, two British breeders began importing Berners, and therefore the first litter of Berners pups was born in England. Also in 1936, the Glen Shadow kennel in Louisiana imported a female and a male Berners from Switzerland. By early 1937, the AKC sent Glen Shadow a letter saying that the Bernese Mountain Dog had been accepted as a replacement breed within the labour.

World War II again interrupted the progress of the breed outside its hometown, but after 1945, importation and registration resumed within us.

In 1968, the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America was founded, with 62 members and 43 registered Berners. Three years later, there have been quite 100 members within the club. Meanwhile, the breed, which had died call at England during war II, was reintroduced in Great Britain.

The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America became a member club of the AKC in 1981. In 1990, the AKC adopted its current Bernese Mountain Dog standard.

1. Size of Bernese Mountain Dogs

Males, on the average, stand 25 to twenty-eight inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 80 to 115 pounds. the females of Bernese Mountain Dogs can have a weight of 71- 96 pounds and height more like  24 up to 26 inches tall

Individuals of the breed could also be smaller or larger.

2. The personality of Bernese Mountain Dogs

The Berners is an affectionate, intelligent, and alert dog. They’re also gentle, calm, and tolerant. They wish to be with family and thrive when included in family activities. Their large size is one among his most notable features, and in fact, early training is important to show them the way to behave properly within the house and with people. Slow to mature, they reach adult size long before they reached mental maturity.

The Berners is protective of family, though aren’t usually aggressive. they will be aloof with strangers and usually a touch shy, so exposing the Berners puppy to a good sort of people, animals, and situations is vital.

Temperament is suffering from a variety of things, including heredity, training, and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them.

Always meet and spend time with a dog you plan to adopt to make sure that they need nice temperaments that you’re comfortable with. Meeting siblings or other relatives of the oldsters is additionally helpful for evaluating what a puppy are going to be like once they get older, though that may not always an option if you adopt from a shelter or rescue.

Like every dog, the Berners needs early socialization—exposure to several different people, sights, sounds, and experiences—when they’re young. Socialization helps make sure that your Berners puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog.

3. The health of Bernese Mountain Dogs

Berners sometimes have health issues thanks to irresponsible breeding. Not all Berners will get any or all of those diseases, but it is vital to remember of them if you’re considering this breed.

With Berners, you ought to ask your vet about checking for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand’s disease. Here’s more info a few conditions to seem out for.

1 Cancer: Various sorts of cancer afflict an outsized number of Bernese Mountain Dogs and may cause early death. Symptoms include abnormal swelling of a sore or bump, sores that do not heal, bleeding from any body opening, and difficulty with breathing or elimination. Treatments for cancer include chemotherapy, surgery, and medications.

2 Hip Dysplasia: this is often an inherited condition during which the thighbone doesn’t fit snugly into the hip. (X-ray screening is that the most certain thanks to diagnosing the matter.) Either way, arthritis can develop because of the dog ages. Dogs with hip dysplasia shouldn’t be bored.

3 Elbow Dysplasia: almost like hip dysplasia, this is often also a condition common to large-breed dogs. It’s believed to be caused by abnormal growth and development, which ends up during a malformed and weakened joint. Treatment includes surgery, weight management, medical management, and anti-inflammatory medication.

4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): this is often a family of eye diseases that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina. Early within the disease, affected dogs become night-blind; they lose sight during the day because the disease progresses. Many affected dogs adapt well to their limited or lost vision, as long as their surroundings remain an equivalent.

5 Portosystemic Shunt (PSS): this is often a birth defect during which blood vessels allow blood to bypass the liver. As a result, the blood isn’t cleansed by the liver because it should be. Symptoms, which usually appear before two years aged, can include but aren’t limited to neurobehavioral abnormalities, lack of appetite, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), intermittent gastrointestinal issues, tract problems, drug intolerance, and stunted growth. Surgery is typically the simplest option.

6 Von Willebrand’s Disease: Found in both dogs and humans, this is often a blood disease that affects the clotting process. An affected dog will have symptoms like nosebleeds, bleeding gums, prolonged bleeding from a surgery, prolonged bleeding during heat cycles or after whelping, and infrequently blood within the stool. This disorder is typically diagnosed between three and five years aged, and it cannot be cured. However, it is often managed with treatments that include cauterizing or suturing injuries, transfusions before surgery, and avoidance of specific medications.

7 Panosteitis: Commonly called pano, this condition causes self-limiting lameness. At about five to 12 months aged, the dog may start to limp first on one leg, then on another—then the limping will stop. There are usually no long-term effects. Rest and restricted activity could also be necessary for a short time if the dog is in pain. the simplest thing that you simply can do for your Berners is to feed them a high-quality pet food that does not have an excessive amount of calcium or too high a percentage of protein, which some belief may cause pano. Ask your vet for his recommendations.

8 Gastric Torsion: Also called bloat, this is often a life-threatening condition which will affect large, deep-chested dogs like Bernese Mountain Dogs. this is often very true if they’re fed one large meal each day, eat rapidly, drink large volumes of water after eating, and exercise vigorously after eating. Bloat is more common among older dogs. It occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air then twists (torsion).

The dog is unable to belch or vomit to expel the surplus air within the stomach, and therefore the normal return of blood to the guts is impeded. vital sign drops and therefore the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog features a distended abdomen and is salivating excessively and retching without throwing up. They also could also be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak, with a rapid pulse. it is vital to urge your dog to the vet as soon as possible if you see these signs.

4. Care of Bernese Mountain Dogs

Berners aren’t suited to apartment or condo life. A home with an outsized, securely fenced yard is the most suitable option. Because the Berners may be a dog, they need many energies. additionally, to yard play, they have a minimum of half-hour of vigorous exercise every day; 3 times that quantity keeps this sturdy dog in top condition.

With their thick, handsome coat, the Berners may be a natural fit cold climate. They like to play in the snow. Conversely, together with his black coat and enormous size, they’re susceptible to heatstroke. Don’t allow them to exercise strenuously when it’s extremely hot; limit exercise to early mornings or evenings, when it’s cooler. Keep them cool during the warmth of the day, either inside with fans or air-conditioning or outside within the shade.

You’ll need to require special care if you’re raising a Berners puppy. Like many large-breed dogs, Berners grow rapidly between the ages of 4 and 7 months, making them vulnerable to bone disorders and injury. they are doing well on a high-quality, reducing diet that keeps them from growing too fast.

Additionally, don’t let the Berners puppy run and play on hard surfaces (such as pavement), jump excessively, or pull heavy loads until they’re a minimum of two years old and their joints are fully formed. Normal play on grass is ok, then are puppy agility classes, with their one-inch jumps.

5. Feeding of Bernese Mountain Dogs

A Bernese Mountain Dog diet should be formulated for a large-sized breed with high energy and exercise needs. you ought to consult your veterinarian or professional nutritionist for advice on what to feed your Bernese Mountain Dog and therefore the correct portion sizes. Their dietary needs will change as they grow from puppyhood to adulthood and senior age. stay top of those nutritional requirements.

6. Coat Color and Grooming of Bernese Mountain Dogs

The Berners coat is gorgeous: a thick double coat with an extended outer coat and a woolly undercoat. Characteristically tricoloured, the bulk of the Burner’s body is roofed with jet-black hair with rich rust and bright white. There’s usually a white marking on the chest that appears like an inverted cross, a white blaze between the eyes, and white on the tip of the tail.

Beauty features a price, though, and during this case, it’s that the Berners may be a shedder. They shed moderately all year and heavily within the spring and fall. Brushing several times every week helps reduce the quantity of hair around the house and keeps the coat clean and tangle-free. Periodic bathing, every three months approximately, will maintain their neat appearance.

Brush your Burner’s teeth a minimum of two or 3 times every week to get rid of tartar buildup and therefore the bacteria that lurk inside it. Daily brushing is even better if you would like to stop gum disease and bad breath.

Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Shed a Lot?

Bernese Mountain dogs shed tons because they need thick fur and that they are big dogs. you’ll get to brush it daily and through the most shedding seasons, you’ll use a de-shedding brush to scale back the quantity of fur within the undercoat.

Here are some more tips and facts about shedding in Bernese Mountain dogs.

How Much Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Shed?

The shedding level of Bernese Mountain dogs is pretty high compared to other dogs for several reasons:

1. it’s tons of hair
2. it’s a reasonably big dog
3. it’s double-coated

When you combine these three facts you’ll understand why the Bernese Mountain dogs shed tons.

You will have got to brush the dog daily within the main shedding periods. you’ll also get to use it de-shedding brush so as to urge into the underlying coat.

Bernese Mountain dogs are double-coated which suggests they need two layers of hair. The undercoat will grow within the weeks leading up to the winter months.

When spring arrives, the dog will shed extensively to urge obviate a number of the nice and cosy winter coat before the hotter summer period. this is often normal for all dogs with double-layered coats and particularly for bigger dogs like this breed.

You will need a very good vacuumed that doesn’t get the long hairs stuck within the brush roller.

Here are some vacuum cleaners we will fully recommend. There’s also a handheld vacuumed that’s great for stepping into the corners of your furniture or once you got to get obviate the dog hairs in your vehicle.

Great Ways to scale back Shedding Indoor

There are several ways to scale back this shedding from a Bernese Mountain dog. It’s a rather big dog with an undercoat so we’d like to use two brushes to urge the work done.

1) Use anti-itch shampoo

If your dog is shedding quite usual it’s an excellent idea to use anti-itch shampoo. this manner you’ll limit the quantity of hair that finishes up on your sofas and floors.

Checkout: Havanese Dogs

Use an honest de-shedding tool (more below) to urge the hairs off outdoors or within the shower. then you’ll use this shampoo to form sure the dog doesn’t scratch itself an excessive amount of indoor.

Here’s a link to some great anti-itch shampoo options. you’ll also find it on our helpful list of must-haves for dog owners here. It’s an excellent checklist to run through!

2) Reduce the undercoat with a de-shedding brush

The best thanks to reducing shedding are by using proper de-shedding tools (brushes).

You have to comb the coat of this particular dog with a curry brush first

This is a brush that it only works with the highest layer of the coat. we would like to straighten the hairs and obtain obviate any tangles and knots within the fur. you’ll do that with a curry brush.

When you have done this it’s time to use the de-shedding brush.

The de-shedding brush maybe a brush with long teeth that goes deeper into the coat so as to grab the undercoat. we would like to urge obviate a number of the fluffy old hair within the undercoat so as to scale back the quantity of shedding.

This tool is great and you’ll find a link thereto on our page with recommendations for brushes and de-shedding tools.

When does use this de-shedding tool you get deep into the fur so you would like to take care to not re-evaluate an equivalent area for the coat too repeatedly.

Read also: How Strong Is a Pit Bull

You should only use this tool a few times per week otherwise you’ll remove an excessive amount of just undercoat.

3) Use copra oil for Healthy Hair

You can also use copra oil so as to make a far better moisture balance within the skin and fur.

This is very easy to try to.

You just take 1 tablespoon of copra oil and you’re blended with 0.2 gallons (around one litre) of water. confirm to shake it rather well whenever you employ it because said two substances won’t mix.

You put the water and oil blend into a sprig bottle which you’ll get at the pet store or within the pharmacy store. Now you’ll spray the substance directly onto the skin of the dog.

You can also give the copra oil orally with a tablespoon. Here you would like to form sure the dog can handle it so you ought to start with the little amount the primary few times.

You can read far more tips here on the way to reduce shedding in dogs.

Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Shed All Year?

As we’ll show below (next section) most dogs shed much within the spring and fall seasons than within the winter and summer seasons.

But you ought to also expect some shedding all year round due to the thick fur. New hair will grow out regularly to exchange the old hair and when that happens the old hair will fall off.

The life cycle of the hair on the Bernese Mountain dogs isn’t very long.

You will need to ignore the fur a minimum of twice per week, outside the shedding season and daily within the main shedding seasons (as we’ll check out below).

Sometimes domesticated dogs just like the Bernese Mountain dogs will start shedding extensively all-year-round. If nothing is physically or mentally wrong, this typically happens when the dogs are being denied access to time outside.

When dogs lose the sense of adjusting seasons and therefore the amount of sunshine and warmth within the air they’re going to often start shedding all the time. Otherwise, they ought to be shedding more within the early spring and late fall so as to vary the winter coat for the summer coat (and vice versa).

Read also: Animals without a Brain 

That there are often a variety of reasons why bigger dogs just like the Bernese Mountain dogs start shedding extensively. Here are some common reasons:

• Poor diets

All dogs should be served food which is based on meat and not corn. confirm to seek out some food which is rich in fatty acids and good nutrients.

• Stress

When docs are being stressed or if they feeling anxiety they’re going to start shedding far more than regularly. confirm your dog isn’t living during a stressful environment with too many of us passing by all the time. Dogs shouldn’t be kept at an open office with new people coming and going constantly.

• During pregnancy

This is closely associated with the strain we mentioned above. it’s always stressful to travel through pregnancy and therefore the female dogs will shed tons more if they’re pregnant. So, this is often something to see also.

• Fleas & Mites

If your dog has been bitten by a parasite it’d get irritated skin and therefore the dog may additionally start scratching itself. you would like to require the doctor a vet immediately to urge the parasites removed. you would possibly even have to treat the dog for infections

They are more common reasons why dogs start shedding extensively.

Here’s an entire list of what to see for including solutions to every problem.

Main Shedding Seasons for Bernese Mountain Dogs

Bernese Mountain dogs will typically shed the foremost during early spring and late fall. These are the most shedding seasons for all dogs and cats alike.

Here you’ll see the shedding seasons for dogs and cats:

Season Amount of Shedding

1. You have to Spring The dog changes  coat to a summer coat which is  (most shedding)
2. Summer Period with the smallest amount shedding
3. You also Fall The dog changes to a winter coat which is (moderate shedding)
4. Winter The coat is thicker (little shedding)

How Much Do the Poppies Shed?

The Bernese Mountain dog puppies only have one layer of coat. All puppies begin with one layer of coat than some breeds eventually develop double-layered coats.

So until the Bernese Mountain puppy has shed the puppy coat it’ll only have one layer of hair. This also means the quantity of shedding isn’t the maximum amount among the puppies us when the dog gets the adult coat.

When the Bernese Mountain dog puppy sheds the puppy coat at the age of 7-9 months it’ll shed extensively. it’ll be got to get obviate that old puppy coat so as to develop the grown-up double-layered coat.

This will take a couple of weeks and you ought to be prepared to point out tons of patience. you’ll get to de-shed the dog daily during this period.

First, you sweep the dog gently with a curry brush then you’ll use a rubber glove. The rubber gloves are great because they allow you to have full control of what you’re doing. you’ll feel exactly what proportion pressure is transferred to the skin and therefore the puppy will enjoy the petting:

You can find a link to the de-shedding gloves here. They work really great on puppies and therefore the other dogs with sensitive skin and dogs that don’t just like the regular de-shedding brushes.

They also work really great’s the most brush type for giant dogs with short hair like Dobermans and similar breeds.

Do Bernese Mountain Dogs shed?

Absolutely Yes, they shed a lot

Berners are a double-coated breed; they need an undercoat and topcoat. you have to Combine their large size (81-110 pounds average) with a long hair and an abundance of thick. Then attempt to imagine just what proportion coat a Berners carries and what it’ll be like when the hair isn’t on the dog anymore and is floating around everywhere the place in your home.

If you’re trying to find a dog that doesn’t shed a Berners isn’t for you.

Bernese ARE BIG HAIRY DOGS!

THEY SHED a lot!

THEY SHED ALL THE TIME. So ask:

1. yourself if you’ve got time to spend grooming your dog to stay hair in your home in check. an important seasonal shedding occurs once or twice a year. Even with consistent grooming, there are times when ‘Berne fur’ is an unavoidable fact of life. It gets on your floors, on furniture and it could even get in your food. If you do not have time, the strength or facilities and equipment needed to groom the dog yourself, be advised; professional grooming services for giant hairy dogs can cost $150.00 or more per session.

2. yourself if allergies to hair could be a drag for your friends or any member of your family. Are you willing to possess a lint brush handy for your use by your guests? do you have the thought of dog hair in your butter bother you? does one have the time to vacuum regularly or maybe daily when your Berners is basically SHEDDING A LOT?