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| Breed: Bernese Mountain Dog |
| Also Called: Berner Sennenhund, Bernese Cattle Dog |
| Height: The Bernese Mountain Dog is about 23-27.5 inches tall. |
| Weight: The Bernese Mountain Dog weighs between 87-90 lbs. |
| Colors: The Bernese Mountain Dog can be tri-colored. The ground color is jet black. The markings are rich rust and clear white. Symmetry of markings is desired. Rust appears over each eye, on the cheeks reaching to at least the corner of the mouth, on each side of the chest, on all four legs, and under the tail. There is a white blaze and muzzle band. A white marking on the chest typically forms an inverted cross. The tip of the tail is white. White on the feet is desired but must not extend higher than the pasterns. |
| General Appearance: The Bernese Mountain Dog is a striking. tri-colored, large dog. He is sturdy and balanced. He is intelligent, strong and agile enough to do the draft and droving work for which he was used in the mountainous regions of his origin. Dogs appear masculine, while bitches are distinctly feminine. |
| Temperment: The Bernese Mountain Dog is self-confident, alert and good-natured, never sharp or shy. The Bernese Mountain Dog should stand steady, though may remain aloof to the attentions of strangers. |
| Care: The Bernese Mountain Dogs needs daily brushing of their long silky coat. Extra care should be taken when it is shedding. Bathe or dry shampoo only when necessary. Regular nail and teeth care. |
| Health Concerns: |
| Training: The Bernese Mountain Dog is a quick learner and requires a consistent and loving approach to training. |
| Activity: The Bernese Mountain Dog requires regular daily exercise but should not be taken on long tiring walks until full grown. |
| Life Span: The Bernese Mountain Dog lives an average life of 8-10 years. |
| Litter Size: The Bernese Mountain Dog has an average litter of 4-10 puppies. |
| Country of Origin: The Bernese Mountain Dog originated in Switzerland. |
| Brief History: They can trace their ancestry to the Roman invasion of Switzerland over 2,000 years ago. The Mastiffs of Rome were crossed with the native flock-guarding dogs, this produced a breed that was able to withstand the severe weather. In the 1800's the breed almost became extinct if it was not for Herr Franz Schertenleib and Albert Heim who worked with the breed. Their name is taken from the canton of Bern in the central farmlands of Switzerland. Today the Bernese Mountain Dog's popularity is increasing. |
| Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 2), KC (GB), UKC |