The Bernese Mountain Dog is a truly graceful animal and at the same time a popular family dog.
However, this breed is not for everyone. The purchase of such a four-legged friend should therefore be well considered.
You should carefully weigh the pros and cons. This post should help you with that.
Bernese Mountain Dog cons
The downsides lie mostly with the breed characteristics themselves in relation to the opportunities you can or want to give your dog.
Size
A Bernese Mountain Dog is very large and requires a lot of space. It will take up a lot of space in your house, your apartment, in your living room or even in the kitchen.
In order to be mobile with your dog, a small car is no longer enough. Even for a day trip with children, cones and dog, a large station wagon is essential so that the trip does not become a strain.
The four-legged friend can hardly be overlooked because of its size and no matter how well it is brought up, you will become it don’t take it with you everywhere can.
Care
Because of its coat texture, the Bernese Mountain Dog is very high maintenance. Its long, thick fur sheds a lot. This effect is intensified particularly at the time when the fur is changing.
The long coat also tends to bring all sorts of things into your home like dust, dirt, and even ticks.
In addition the long fur matted very quickly. Regular, even daily brushing is therefore a must.
The big Swiss also tends to dig holes all over the garden, which can quickly make it look like a crater landscape.
Old
Dog owners build a very close bond with their four-legged friends. The fur nose is part of the family. Anyone toying with a Bernese Mountain Dog should be aware of the gentle giant’s relatively short life expectancy.
The average life expectancy of the Swiss is around even for healthy dogs 7 to 10 yearsoften only at 6 to 8 yearswhile most other dog breeds live to be 10 to 15 years old.
training and education
Equally intelligent and obedient, the Bernese Mountain Dog wants to please you.
This is not a disadvantage, but it is a long time before your Berner obediently accompanies you every step of the way educational work necessary, the best already in puppyhood begins.
Also is one early socialization necessary to prepare the dog for dealing with children, strangers and other animals.
Bernese Mountain Dog Benefits
Upbringing
A Bernese Mountain Dog is usually easy to train and is characterized by a good leadership out of. One consistent, early and caring upbringing lets him grow into a faithful and loyal partner on four paws.
social behavior
Bernese Mountain Dogs are very affectionate. If you are alone and can organize your time freely, you have a loyal companion who would give his life for you.
In a family, however, the Bernese Mountain Dog will usually only choose one family member with whom it forms a closer bond. The Swiss Dog loves its family and is towards them watchful and protective.
Care
If you accept regular grooming, the Bernese Mountain Dog is otherwise relatively easy to care for. daily short brushing enough and doesn’t take too much time.
Health
Barring hereditary diseases or conditions related to the dog’s mass and size, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a very hardy dog.
However, many diseases can also be prevented with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise.
Is the Bernese Mountain Dog a beginner and family dog?
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a loyal partner to the whole family, with a primary focus on one caregiver.
What the mountain dog needs most when it comes to training is one sincere attention and affectionthat do not require any special expertise.
Here comes another one mild severity and enduring consequence is the Bernese Mountain Dog also for beginners easily trainable.
Reading tip: In this article we present dog breeds that are similar to the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Are there typical diseases in the Bernese Mountain Dog?
Like most heavy dog breeds, the Bernese Mountain Dog is often left behind Hip and elbow dysplasia not spared.
Next are skeletal developmental disorders, too Osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) mentioned, not uncommon. With this hereditary disease, the cartilage tissue of young dogs is not properly ossified.
while a renal insufficiency In other dog breeds, it only becomes an issue in old age, but Bernese Mountain Dogs often develop it at a younger age.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are also quite prone to developing in relation to other breeds tumors and cancers.
Often the cancer form «Malignant histiocytosis» observe. This form affects the skin and is characterized by lumps under the skin, hair loss or plaque formation. However, it can also affect internal organs such as the liver, lungs or lymph nodes.
Experiences with the Bernese Mountain Dog – what do others say about the breed?
If you browse through relevant forums and websites, one thing quickly becomes clear on the subject of Bernese Mountain Dogs: once a Bernese Mountain Dog – always a Bernese Mountain Dog
The owners praise the educability, loyalty and good nature of the Swiss giants. At the same time, however, they regret the short life expectancy of the four-legged friends and their susceptibility to diseases.
Nevertheless, the enthusiasm goes so far that many, despite the size of the animals and their space requirements, buy two or more mountain dogs in order to be able to cope better with the loss of a four-legged friend.
Danger:
As already described, a Bernese Mountain Dog needs a lot of space and exercise. While the idea of owning multiple dogs of this size is a good idea, it should be well thought out. Space and time should definitely be available!
Conclusion
It is completely normal for people to look for a dog as a companion for life. Still, we mostly outlive our dogs. The life expectancy of the Bernese Mountain Dog is particularly short.
Anyone who realizes from the outset that friendship will not last forever will receive a gentle, affectionate and loyal giant who provides variety and momentum.