Bernese Mountain Dog

[Troy]

The Bernese Mountain Dog

ANKC Standard

(from http://www.ankc.org.au/home/breeds_details.asp?bid=159 )

Group: Group 6 (Utility)

General Appearance: Strong, sturdy working dog, active, alert, well boned, of striking colour.

Characteristics: A multi purpose farm dog capable of draught work. A kind and devoted family dog. Slow to mature.

Temperament: Self-confident, good natured, friendly and fearless. Aggressiveness not to be tolerated.

Head And Skull: Strong with flat skull, very slight furrow, well defined stop; strong straight muzzle. Lips slightly developed.

Eyes: Dark brown, almond shaped, well fitting eyelids.

Ears: Medium sized; set high, triangular shaped, lying flat in repose, when alert brought slightly forward and raised at base.

Mouth: Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck: Strong, muscular and medium length.

Forequarters: Shoulders long, strong and sloping, with upper arm forming a distinct angle, flat lying, well muscled. Forelegs straight from all sides. Pasterns flexing slightly.

Body: Compact rather than long. Height to length 9:10. Broad chest, good depth of brisket reaching at least to elbow. Well ribbed; strong loins. Firm, straight back. Rump smoothly rounded.

Hindquarters: Broad, strong and well muscled. Stifles well bent. Hock strong, well let down and turning neither in nor out. Dewclaws to be removed.

Feet: Short, round and compact.

Tail: Bushy, reaching just below hock. Raised when alert or moving but never curled or carried over back.

Gait/Movement: Stride reaching out well in front, following well through behind, balanced stride in all gaits.

Coat: Soft, silky with bright natural sheen, long, slightly wavy but should not curl when mature.

Colour: Jet black, with rich reddish brown on cheeks, over eyes, on all four legs and on chest. Slight to medium sized symmetrical white head marking (blaze) and white chest marking (cross) are essential. Preferred but not essential, white paws, white not reaching higher than pastern, white tip to tail. A few white hairs at nape of neck, and white anal patch undesirable but tolerated.

Sizes: Height:

Dogs 64-70 cms (25-27.5 ins)

Bitches 58-66 cms (23-26 ins)

Faults: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Notes: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

See Photos of the Bernese Mountain Dog

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

3. How common is it in Australia?

4. What is the average lifespan?

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

9. How much grooming is required?

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

If you wish to contribute to the knowledge about this breed, please answer the above questions. (Copy and paste them into a new post).

• Please only answer if you breed or own a pedigree example of this breed.
  
• You do not have to answer all questions
  
• Please keep posts limited to answering questions or for asking further questions if you require more (or expanded) information.
  

See Photos of the Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dog Breeders

Bernese Mountain Dog Puppies For Sale

[mino]

Hi all,

Have found these forums really useful in the past for info, so when I saw that the Bernese Mountain Dog questions were unanswered I thought I'd chip in and help!

Cheers.

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

First time owner -- we have an 8-month old purebred bitch named Phoebe.

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

They were bred in Switzerland, as general purpose farm dogs -- looking after livestock, helping around the farm, and occasionally pulling carts etc.

3. How common is it in Australia?

Not overly common, but not unheard of! We've seen 3 or 4 locally in the 6 months since we've had her, and that's having socialised a lot with a lot of dogs. Only a few people recognize the breed if you're out somewhere, so they're not well-known. You'll get asked a lot if it's a Saint Bernard or a Newfoundland (even though they don't look much like either!)

4. What is the average lifespan?

Sadly, not very long. Figures of 7-9 years are commonly quoted; this is primarily because they very commonly get cancer (one statistic is that half of all Bernese die of cancer). From our research prior to getting a Bernese, we did hear that breeders are increasingly confident they have the most common cancers under control and reports are coming through that it's much more common for Bernese to live longer now, it's just that statistics obviously lag behind the current breed status. The breeders we spoke to seemed to think that it's likely most current pups will well outlive that 7-9 year mark.

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

I can only really speak about ours, though we've met several others and heard second-hand reports. Phoebe is a brilliant family dog -- we have 3 young kids and she's gentle and protective with them, almost Golden Retriever-like in her protective but playful personality. They seem to be very docile -- not agressive at all, and very calm and friendly. I've heard they can commonly be 'aloof' with strangers but we regularly take Phoebe to the local market and she loves meeting new people and getting pats + treats. Bernese aren't overly active -- they'll run and play but seem to be happiest just sitting inside with the family, snuggling up if they're allowed. Get used to having 40 kilos of dog laying on your feet! Not a 'leave outside alone' dog -- they really need to be part of the family. Phoebe is extremely easy to train -- most things we've taught her (sit, stay, drop, etc) have taken literally 3 minutes to teach to 'word and gesture' level and a quick reminder every now and then is all that's needed for her to do it on command.

Very playful, though, so sometimes (if she's been outside for a while and is excited to come in) she gets rather overexcited and forgets to listen sometimes.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

A daily walk is considered sufficient if they have enough room to run about at home. They shouldn't be run very hard when they're young (or, by some reports, as an adult) -- think a long slow walk, or gentle jog, not a fast run.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

Borderline. We're first time dog owners as a family (my wife and I had dogs as kids) and the size can be a challenge. Grooming and exercise requirements aren't too strenuous and we've found her easy to train, as mentioned above. If you're comfortable dealing with a 40-50 kilo dog, you'll be fine.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

No. Ours, at least, has never got destructive etc on the occasions she has been left alone, but she does get a bit upset. They're really companion dogs, they want to be with you as much as possible.

9. How much grooming is required?

For a fairly long-haired dog, not too much. They don't shed a lot, and their coat is fairly low-maintenance -- a good brush once a week seems to be enough for Phoebe.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

Like a lot of big friendly dogs, they can forget their own strength. Our 2-year-old gets knocked over once a day probably but he's pretty robust and doesn't care. She can pull a bit on the lead -- one great piece of advice we had was not to use a neck or chest harness, as they are bred to (among other things) pull carts so as soon as they feel neck/chest pressure they pull harder. We were advised to get a Sporn harness (pulls under the arms rather than on the chest) and it works a treat, but realistically unless they're very well-trained a 40+ kilo dog can be a challenge for small people -- or even for me, sometimes!

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

As with all big dogs, hips + elbows! Make sure you get scores for the parents etc. As mentioned above, cancer is a big problem so you kind of have to be prepared to deal with that.

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

As above. I'm not really an expert to be honest so I'll defer answering things like specific scores to look for to such an expert, if one wants to chip in!

Anyway, hope that's helpful to potential Bernese owners. Phoebe fit right into our family, and within days became 'one of us' -- she's a brilliant dog, couldn't ask for a better one. We heartily recommend a Bernese to anyone looking for a bigger dog, they're smart, personable, and truly gorgeous (one word of warning -- take a Bernese out in public and be prepared for your walk, shopping, etc, to take a very long time. You will get stopped every 30 seconds by someone who wants to admire your dog!).

[KitKat]

Bump

How much would a person expect to pay for a Berner these days? (from a responsible breeder of course )

As i wrote in the breed thread...

Met two beautiful Berners today...18month old boy and 12month old girl - just fabulous dogs! The young girl was sooo well behaved, and the boy was cheeky as all get out - so guess who was my fav?? ;) At one point the boy was sitting in front of me, leaning his head back in to me so that i could kiss him on the top of his muzzle and nose ;)

I so need more room, more time and more $$

Edited February 21, 2010 by KitKat

[Poppyx]

i was quoted well over $1000 from a breeder =)

bigger and rarer the dog the more expensive they get X

[cassie]

$1000? That's cheap, I'd almost be wary of that price.

$1500 is about standard, up to maybe $1800. These are pet prices

[KitKat]

Hehe if i go down the track of a Berner it will be part of like a 5yr plan So price isn't an issue as such as i'd have heaps of time to save I'd be after a boy with show potential so i'm guessing perhaps around $2000 perhaps less or more depending on breeder arrangements - i did like the dabling in the show ring but i can't show the GSD coat type i prefer

ETA - seems the next Show with all the groups at Durack is the 14/3 so i might pop down there if i'm not working

Edited February 22, 2010 by KitKat

[Kraigoaks]

Hi all.

Just a reminder to everyone about this show. The BMDCV is hoping to get over 100 entries for this show.

Our judge Satu Yla- Mononen from Finland has an impressive resume, which includes judging specialties in:

Denmark (2000 & 2002), Hungary (2001), Italy (2002), Russia (2002 & 2005), Austria (2003), Sweden (2003), Germany (2004), Finland (2004),

Norway (2005) and France (2005). Her career highlight was judging the prestigious Bernese Mountain Dog Club 100th Jubilee Specialty Show in Switzerland in 2007.

Satu is also due to judge the American National in May.

Satu has agreed to critique our dogs, which will be very educational for everyone interested in Bernese.

Further details can be found at http://bmdcv.com.au/event.html

Providing we can get the support of the Australian Bernese community, and we can keep it close to cost neutral, we will be looking at contracting other overseas specialist judges for our future shows.

I hope to see you all there.

Craig.

Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Victoria Inc

10th Anniversary Championship Show

This year's show is particularly exciting as the committee has contracted a Bernese Specialist Judge

from Finland - Satu Yla- Mononen.

Download the PDF's below for the schedule for details and you can read all about our judge as well.

Please don't hesitate to contact me for further information by reply email [email protected]

KCC Park, Westernport Highway, Skye

Sunday June 13, 2010

Schedule of classes

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, & 12 dogs

1a, 2a, 3a, 4a, 5a, 10a, 11a & 12a bitches



Entries to the Show Secretary,

56 Reynolds Road, Upper Pakenham 3810

Cheques made payable to

Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Victoria Inc.

Enquiries - Ph: 03 87948108 or [email protected]



Entries Close WEDNESDAY 12 MAY 2010

(PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO EXPECTED LARGE ENTRY,

LATE ENTRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED)

Edited April 17, 2010 by Kraigoaks

[KitKat]

No Berner clubs in QLD?

[Kraigoaks]

The BMDCV is holding an Auction to raise funds for our upcoming show.

We have a small but impressive selection of items that will be available.

You can access the auction from the clubs website www.bmdcv.com.au

It "should" work along similar lines to an ebay auction so go register now.

Hopefully there wont be to many bugs.

Thanks for your support.

Please feel free to cross post this.

Craig Phillips

President BMDCV

[africandreams]

Hello

I have a question relating to Bernese:

What products (shampoos, sprays) do people recommend for berners?

[*Lolapalooza*]

Hello

I have a question relating to Bernese:

What products (shampoos, sprays) do people recommend for berners?

For a show dog?

I use PP moisturisting shampoo (cant remember the name but its green) or Isle of Dogs Royal Jelly both smell delish and add moisture to the coat.

I love seabreeze oil as well as a final rinse.

[africandreams]

Yep for show dogs Thanks for ur info!

[africandreams]

Yep for show dogs Thanks for ur info!

[Lhok]

Do they drool a lot? They look lovely though

--Lhok

[GbDb]

Do they drool a lot? They look lovely though

--Lhok

The short answer is "no".

A bit more technical, and about the exceptions:

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a dry-mouthed breed.

The flews should only be slightly developed - "the lips are clean", according to the AKC Standard.

The FCI (Swiss Standard) states that "the lips are close fitting".

Unlike in the giant breeds (Saint Bernard or Newfoundland, for example), the "above medium size" Bernese Mountain Dog's head should never be "too massive".

Massive heads with pendulous lips will result in sloppier mouths, and therefore increased drooling.

Looking at the earliest detailed breed description (Heim, 1914), it is clear that the Bernese Mountain Dog was meant to be a very balanced dog, with no exaggeration in anything - "he is not particularly small nor particularly large, all the parts of his body are in harmony. The muzzle has not been shortened or lengthened..."

But, as with many other breeds, the idea about what is desirable conformation-wise keeps changing.

Fortunately, most Bernese will still not drool. Unless they have to watch you eat a piece of cheese, that is.

But there are some magnificent looking individuals out there that will.

The good thing is that even then, for some reason, the drool will usually be more liquidy and therefore much less sticky than that of the giant breeds.

Edited March 21, 2011 by mmb*

[Jordan Windebank]

Hi all, I'll be getting my Berner boy in January and wanted to ask advice from other owners. Is there any Bernese specific advice you can provide for when I first get my pup home?

[oneteaspoon]

I have no contact with the Bernese however I fell in love with them when I was watching dogs 101 on foxtel and they had this breed on. What a beautiful animal, great nature and just soo damn adorable, regardless of size. At the moment I house no dogs (only turltes & fish) but due to living in a unit with a courtyard I believe my chances are slim for making this animal happy. I am on the path of getting a lab but that is a different story. I am starting to see more of the breed down on the MOrnington Peninusla, VIC.

[t a i l s.]

I have no contact with the Bernese however I fell in love with them when I was watching dogs 101 on foxtel and they had this breed on. What a beautiful animal, great nature and just soo damn adorable, regardless of size. At the moment I house no dogs (only turltes & fish) but due to living in a unit with a courtyard I believe my chances are slim for making this animal happy. I am on the path of getting a lab but that is a different story. I am starting to see more of the breed down on the MOrnington Peninusla, VIC.

Hi oneteaspoon! I worked in a well known show and breeding kennel a few years ago now but it was a Bernese kennel :) and I can tell you from the dogs I know I would choose a Bernese over a Labrador to be suited as an apartment dog. My current boy enjoyed being my running/hiking buddy back when he was able to, but he is completely more than happy to laze around under the airconditioner all day I assure you :) each dog is different though, but the hundreds I've met over the years would suit just fine :)

[sandgrubber]

There are 700+ BMD lifespan reports in the Finnish Kennel Club's database. I've attached the cause of death statistics. Unfortunately, cancer looks like it's still a very big concern. Average lifespan, 7 yrs. Otherwise, they seem like a lovely breed.

[Bernie22]

Hello there, I was just wondering if I could have some suggestion on when is the best age to desex a Bernese mountain dog bitch as I have read very mixed review and am left feeling very confused to when is the best time for my girl. Also what people think about the operation on bloat, yes or no and why?

Thanks in advance everyone :-)