The Bernese Mountain Dog is a working dog with a wide range of abilities. They are an attentive, good-natured breed that is eager to please. They were created to herd livestock, pull carts, and serve as devoted companions and watchdogs.
The Bernese Mountain Dog excels at herding and draft duties. They’re a huge and robust canine breed with a kind and calm demeanor, excelling in obedience, tracking, confrontation, and carting contests.
Even though they are extremely gentle once they are adults and properly taught, they may like to pursue tiny animals and play rough.
This breed is known for its unwavering devotion and commitment. They are wonderful companions and they will love the entire family.
They adore children and will even cheerfully welcome newcomers to the family if they’ve had proper socialization training.
Origination of Bernese Mountain Dog:
The original Bernese Mountain dog was a farm dog who herded cattle, guarded the land, and pulled milk carts to the local dairy.
The Bernese mountain dog is named after the Canton of Bern in Switzerland, where it originated. Its forefathers were brought by The Romans to Switzerland 2,000 years ago. They are descended from mainly Roman mastiffs and other breeds of dogs.
There are four types of Swiss mountain dogs today and The Bernese Mountain is one of them. They are distinguished by their extended and smoother coat. They used to work nonstop on ranches until the mid-nineteenth century.
At the time, other working dogs were being traded in Switzerland. The breeding of Bernese slowed down to the point where they were nearly extinct. Around the turn of the century, Professor Albert Heim saved the breed from extinction. He continued to fine-tune the breed by crossing it with a Newfoundland dog.
The appearance of Bernese Mountain Dog :
Bernese Mountain dogs are quite large-sized dogs. Male Bernese Mountain dogs weigh about 90-120 lbs. and females weigh about 70-100 lbs. Male Bernese Mountain dogs are about 26 inches in height and females are about 25 inches in height.
Their head is powerful but not overbearing, and it is proportionate to the dog’s size. Bernese Mountain dogs naturally have frontward triangular and medium-sized droopy ears. They have a full set of strong and white teeth. They commonly have energetic close-fitting dark brown eyes and their eyes are oval.
Bernese Mountain Dogs have thick and straight coats. They have an exceptional tri-colored coat, is black with rust-colored marks above the eyes, sides of the mouth, front of the legs and chest is white.
They have Dudley’s noses, pink in color when they are puppies. It slowly turns black when they are adults. They have bushy and carry low tails, but they have a rising twirl when the dog is alert.
The personality of Bernese Mountain Dog :
Bernese Mountain dogs are known for their friendly demeanor. Their compassionate attitude and drive to please are characteristics of their personality.
Their temperament is usually calm and even-tempered. They are lively and fun, but not overly so, and they can be defensive but not violent.
Their peaceful demeanor and inclination to lounge around do not, however, imply that he can remain pent up without getting some exercise.
Some Bernese males, on the other hand, are violent against other male dogs. These dogs can be devoted and caring companions, and they are usually gentle with kids and other pets.
They might be open to meeting people with proper socialization and are quite affectionate with their families. Excessive coyness, occasionally toward everyone or toward a specific group of people, is their most common nature.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are naturally watchful due to their working ancestry. If a dog is bored, untrained, or unsupervised, he can acquire annoying levels of barking, digging, counter surfing, and other unwanted characteristics.
Club recognition:
On April 13, 1937, the Bernese Mountain dog got recognized by The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognition. In 1968, the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America (BMDCA) was formed. In November of 1973, the American Kennel Club approved the authorized status to the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America.
Living environment:
The majority of Bernese Mountain dogs enjoy the cold and snow. They are heat sensitive due to their thick coats which is why they have less energy in the summer. The breed was created by the Swiss to survive in the Alps, where the warmest months, temperatures rarely exceed 75°(24°C), if the temperature rises above 75°F (24°C), even a strong and healthy grownup Bernese may get uncomfortable.
Bernese Mountain Dogs have a considerable amount of energy and enjoy spending time with their owners in the great outdoors.
Though they are mostly indoor dogs, apartment living is not recommended for Bernese Mountain dogs. Even though they are mostly indoors, they require at least a large, fenced-in yard to thrive.
Exercise tips for Bernese Mountain :
This breed of dog has a lot of energy and needs at least 30 minutes to an hour of exercise every day. Every day, they need to go for a stroll or exert at least an hour and a half of energy.
Bernese Mountain dogs are indoor dogs but they need to be outdoors at least for a while. Because this breed is prone to obesity, they must regularly be kept mentally and physically active.
You should also think about what you’re feeding your dog to avoid them becoming obese. To keep your dog fit and healthy, they must spend as much energy as they consume.
They also must contribute to activities that keep them mentally healthy, improving monotony and avoiding issues with destructive behavior.
There are many kinds of exercises for Bernese Mountain dogs like – going up and down the stairs, catching the ball, swimming, etc.
Grooming Tips For Bernese Mountain Dog :
Bernese Mountain dogs need less grooming compared to many other breeds, which is fantastic news for Bernese owners. Once a week brushing and regular bathing will suffice for these dogs, while the frequency of baths is entirely up to you.
Bathing a dog too frequently will dry up his skin, but not sufficient bathing can result in an accumulation of dirt, bacteria, and oils. It is good to use conditioner on them after bath. Conditioning helps to keep the coat moisturized and protected.
This breed’s coat sheds a lot and so they’ll naturally get rid of part of the debris. Your Bernese coat should never be shaved or trimmed, with the exception of a little trim all over the ears and paws for an even and clean look.
Health issues of Bernese Mountain Dog :
Bernese Mountain Dogs have a lifespan of almost 6-8 years and are prone to many health problems. Most of the diseases or health issues this breed faces are genetic.
Genetically, teeth problems are more common in Bernese Mountain breeds than in other dogs. Dysplasia, a genetic disorder that causes the joints to develop wrongly and culminates in arthritis, can affect both the hips and elbows.
The same bacterial and viral illnesses that affect all dogs, such as distemper, parvo, and rabies can affect Bernese Mountain dogs. Obesity can be a serious health issue for this dog breed. Obesity is considered to be one of the main reasons of their early deaths. It’s a dangerous condition that can lead to or exacerbate joint pain, metabolic and digestive difficulties, back discomfort, and heart disease.
There are other diseases they might get such as allergies, parasites, bloating, kidney disease, etc.
Nutritional Needs of Bernese Mountain Dog:
Bernese Mountain dogs mature at a very gradual pace. Maintaining a healthy weight is critical for any breed of dog. The best place to begin is with a size-specific method personalized to the dog’s stage of life.
Bernese mountain dogs can take up to two years to achieve full size, so large-breed puppy food and nutrition will help your youngster grow slowly.
3-5 cups of high-quality dry food, split into two meals per day, is the recommended daily feeding amount. Active dogs require more food than those that spend most of their time at home and feeding them twice a day is preferable to prevent them from gaining weight.
However, because the Bernese Mountains are prone to gaining weight, their diet should include biologically adequate proteins, good fats, ground bones, and vegetables – which are high in critical vitamins and minerals – for optimum health and performance.
The Bernese Alps Bloat is a common problem in dogs, and it may be a very unpleasant and deadly stomach condition. Large-breed dog food, which contains additional Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate, is typically advised for these dogs. Unless they have joint difficulties, this is not usually essential, and 1 teaspoon of fish oil per day may be a better option.
Bernese Mountain Dog breeders and owners frequently prescribe a raw diet or a combination of half raw and half dry food. If raw food is beyond your price range, high-quality dry kibble should suffice. Soy and corn are difficult to digest, so stay away from them. They should be fed a high-quality dry diet that has 25-27 percent protein and 15-16 percent fat.
There are many dog foods in the market now. We need to look for certain elements in those packaged foods. Must have things to look for in dog food for Bernese mountain dogs –
The nutritional value of your dog’s food is determined by the quality of the components.
Make sure your dog’s food is composed mostly of whole foods, with no byproducts, fillers, or artificial additives.
Adults and puppies both require a minimum of 22% protein in their diets, preferably from animal sources like meat, chicken, and fish. To maintain lean muscle mass, a big breed like the Bernese mountain dog requires additional protein.
Choose a dog food that contains low-to-moderate amounts of healthy fat to meet your dog’s energy requirements. Look for a lot of Omega-3s to help your dog’s coat stay soft and silky.
Carbohydrates give energy and fiber, but they must be obtained from easily digestible sources such as whole grains and vegetables.
Here is a list of the best foods for Bernese mountain dogs that are currently in the market:
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Dog Food:
“Life Protection Formula” by “Blue Buffalo Puppy Dog Food” is composed of the nutrition that Bernese Mountain Dogs require.
A quick scan at the ingredients list reveals that the major ingredient is boneless chicken, which contributes to the food’s minimum crude protein content of 26 percent. It’s high in Omega fatty acids, which support healthy skin and hair in developing canines as well as brain function. Calcium, Manganese, and Phosphorus are present in significant amounts.
Blue Buffalo packed this dish by using whole-food items in the recipe. Corn, soy, and wheat are more difficult for the dogs’ stomachs and so, are not used in their foods.
CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Dog Food:
CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Dry Dog Food is made with a variety of nutritious ingredients.
This dish would have landed in our top three if it had been more reasonably priced. Bison and lamb meal are the first two ingredients.
This dish contains a wide variety of proteins that differ from typical chicken. The Glucosamine and Chondroitin in this meal are included to help keep dogs’ joints healthy as they age, according to the nutrition label.
Natural, whole-food ingredients including sweet potatoes, carrots, bison, and lentils are used to deliver all of those benefits into this blend. Grain-free recipe is gentle on your dog’s stomach and packed with nutrients that are beneficial to large Bernese dogs.
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Large Breed Dry Dog Food:
“The Nutro Wholesome Essentials Large Breed Dry Dog Food” only has 21% protein. However, Glucosamine and Chondroitin are contained within this blend a bit further down the ingredients list.
These nutrients can help your big dog’s joints to stay in good shape as they become older. It’s preferable to have a shorter ingredient list that exclusively comprises non-GMO ingredients. Antioxidants are included to help promote a healthy immune system and it is cooked using the best ingredients from across the world at their facilities in the United States.
Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe Dry Dog Food:
This is another dish that has a lot of elements we like, but it’s too expensive for most people to provide to their Bernese Mountain dog.
Fortunately, each cup contains 508 calories, making it one of the most calorically dense dishes we’ve encountered. Despite this, many people will be unable to afford it due to its exorbitant cost. The Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe Dry Dog Food is made with whole-
food ingredients, starting with chicken, and has a lot of stuff you’d probably consume. This grain-free dish has carrots, apples, cranberries, peas, and other ingredients that are kind to a dog’s digestive tract.
This product contains a minimum of 37 percent crude protein and contains protein from both fish and chicken.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food:
Hill’s Science Diet’s large breed adult dog food is more expensive than most of the competition. Despite its premium price, this product only has a crude protein content of 20 percent. It would require an additional 4-5 percent crude protein to satisfy us.
To be fair, the ingredients list is primarily comprised of whole-food items such as chicken, whole grain wheat, cranberries, and green peas.
However, there are certain unfavorable additives, such as corn gluten meal, which are difficult for dogs to digest.
On the plus side, this meal contains Glucosamine and Chondroitin for healthy joints, as it is specifically developed for large breeds.
However, this blend does not include as much as other recipes that we’ve tried. Overall, we’d pass on this one in favor of something with more protein and a lower price.
Can the Same Dog Food Be Used for both Dachshunds and Bernese Mountain Dogs?
The best dog food for dachshunds may not be suitable for Bernese Mountain Dogs. These breeds have different nutritional needs due to their varying sizes and activity levels. It is crucial to choose a dog food specifically formulated for each breed to ensure they receive the appropriate nutrients and maintain their overall health.
Conclusion
Checking food and exercise is a significant part of care, as Berners can eat a lot. These farm dogs need comparatively more calories and protein to meet their energy needs.
But, they also need essential vitamins and minerals that can protect their joints and large hearts, to keep them healthy and happy family members. Because this breed is prone to a variety of ailments, it necessitates special nutritional precautions.
So, in order to keep these gigantic furballs happy and healthy, you must provide them with the best dog diets that meet their special nutritional needs.
It’s critical to feed your canine companion the correct food that fulfills his individual nutritional needs if you want him to stay fit for as long as possible. Knowing about these foods will help you to choose the best dog Food for Bernese Mountain Dog.
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