The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, beautiful dog breed of Swiss origin, known for its affectionate and affectionate nature. If you're considering adopting a Bernese Mountain Dog, look for a responsible and reputable breeder. A good breeder will perform all necessary health checks on their dogs, provide you with transparent information about the health of the parents and puppies, and ensure the puppies are kept in a healthy and active environment.
Raising Bernese mountain dog at home
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a lovable and friendly breed that can be raised successfully at home if its basic needs are met. Here is detailed information about raising this dog at home:
Space:
Large size: Bernese Mountain Dogs are large dogs (males weigh between 40-54 kg and females between 36-45 kg), so they need enough space to move freely around the house.
Not suitable for small apartments: Although some sources indicate that they can adapt to apartments if provided with adequate exercise, a home with a large garden is ideal for this breed.
Not preferring crates: They are not suitable for prolonged confinement.
Family bonding:
Family companions: Bernese Mountain Dogs thrive in human company and love being part of family life.
Not liking isolation: They do not like being left alone for long periods and can develop separation anxiety, leading to unwanted behaviors such as excessive chewing or barking. It is recommended not to leave them alone for more than 3 hours at a time.
Affectionate and Patient: They are characterized by their gentle and patient nature, making them excellent companions for children and other pets (if introduced to them from a young age).
Can Be Dominant: They can be dominant toward other dogs and may view other pets as competition.
Activity and Exercise:
Moderate Energy Level: Despite their large size, Bernese Mountain Dogs are not high-energy dogs. They require moderate exercise daily.
Daily Walks: They need at least one hour of daily exercise, preferably divided into several short sessions (such as 6-8 short 10-minute walks per day).
Mental Stimulation: In addition to physical exercise, they need mental stimulation through interactive games and training to keep them active and happy.
Low Endurance: They do not have a high tolerance for strenuous activities for long periods.
Heat Sensitivity:
Thick Coat: They have a thick, double coat, making them sensitive to heat and easily susceptible to heat exhaustion. Prefers cold weather: They prefer cold conditions and enjoy snow.
Precautions in hot weather: In hot weather, they should be provided with a cool environment (such as a cool floor in the house or a shaded area outside with air conditioning), and avoid exercise during peak heat periods. Ensure they receive adequate water.
Care and Grooming:
Shedding: They shed a significant amount of hair, especially during seasonal shedding periods (females may shed more during breeding cycles).
Daily Grooming: They require frequent brushing (preferably daily) to prevent matting and control shedding.
Regular Bathing: They require regular baths.
Ear, Teeth, and Nail Hygiene: Their ears and teeth should be cleaned regularly, and their nails trimmed.
Training and Behavior:
Intelligent and Easy to Train: Bernese Mountain Dogs are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train.
Early Training: Due to their large size and sociable nature, it is essential to begin training and socializing them at an early age.
Patience and Consistency: Positive training and consistency are essential for raising a well-behaved adult dog.
Barking: They may bark to alert their owners to any unusual occurrences, but they are not known for excessive barking.
Health:
Health Issues: Large breeds generally suffer from some health problems, including hip and elbow dysplasia (joint disease), bloat (gastric torsion), and some cancers.
Reliable Source: When purchasing a puppy, make sure to buy from a reliable source and check their health history.
Slow Maturation: They mature slowly and maintain puppy-like behavior until about two years of age.
