Bernese Mountain Dog: A gentle and loyal giant with a big heart

Origin: Switzerland

Lifespan: 6-8 years

Activity level: high

Grooming: the coat requires daily brushing and special care

History

The Bernese Mountain Dog is descended from the large dogs of the Roman legions that were used as fighting, guard and draft dogs. When the Romans invaded Helvetia (present-day Switzerland) about 2,000 years ago, they left behind their dogs, which interbred with local sheepdogs. For centuries, Bernese Mountain Dogs have been used by Swiss farmers as draft, herding and guard dogs. They worked on farms in the Bern region, from where they got their name. These dogs were valued for their strength, endurance and versatility. They could pull heavy carts with milk and other agricultural products, as well as guard herds of cattle.

In 1902, Bernese Mountain Dogs were shown for the first time at a dog show in Burgdorf, which contributed to the increase in their popularity. The breed was recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1937. A breed standard was established and registered, which helped further promote and protect the breed around the world. The Bernese Mountain Dog was recognized by the Polish Kennel Club (ZKwP) in 1960.

Personality

The Bernese Mountain Dog is valued all over the world as a family, show and working dog. His gentle nature, intelligence and devotion make him an ideal companion both in the countryside and in cities. Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their friendly and gentle nature. They are very sociable and get along well with both people and other animals. These dogs are very loyal to their owners and family. They love spending time with their loved ones and are extremely devoted. They are patient and gentle, which makes them great companions for children. Dogs of this breed are very intelligent and eager to learn new things. They pick up commands quickly and are usually easy to train, although they can be a bit stubborn. Despite their large size, Bernese Mountain Dogs have a calm temperament. They are not very noisy and do not tend to be aggressive. Although they enjoy physical activity and need regular walks and play, they are not as demanding in terms of exercise as some other working breeds. They do well both in a house with a large garden and in an apartment, provided that they are provided with the appropriate amount of activity. They have a natural guarding instinct, but are not aggressive. They inform about strangers by barking, but are usually not overly suspicious. Bernese Mountain Dogs are very sensitive to the moods of their owners and can adapt their behavior to the situation. They are empathetic and can act as a therapy dog.

Health

The Bernese Mountain Dog is prone to certain health problems, such as hip dysplasia, gastric torsion, eye problems (cataracts, entropion and progressive retinal atrophy), skin allergies and cancer. Therefore, responsible breeding and regular veterinary examinations are crucial to maintaining the health of the breed.

A balanced diet and avoiding overfeeding and overweight will support your dog's health. Regular walks, play and moderate exercise are recommended, but excessive exercise should be avoided, especially at a young age. Regular brushing helps keep the coat in good condition and prevents matting.