When we talk about Switzerland and close our eyes, the breathtaking landscapes engulf our imagination. It is indeed paradise on earth in the true sense. A dog breed that hails from this picturesque place thus promises to keep us enchanted with its majestic appearance and its qualities.
We are talking about the Bernese mountain dog that has made a huge name for itself owing to its unmatched strength, intelligence, and loyalty. Over the years, this large breed crossing the Swiss boundaries has become an integral part of many households all around the globe. So, let us explore the reasons that make the Bernese mountain dog such a remarkable breed, which is winning the hearts of the global population.
A Brief Introduction To the Origin of the Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mt dog was originally bred by Swiss farmers for the purpose of herding cattle, pulling carts, guarding the stocks, and, of course, offering companionship. For ages, these dogs have performed their duties responsibly. Later, these dogs were bred with local breeds that eventually gave rise to the large, tri-colored working dogs that are prevalent at present. Here is an interesting fact: the Bernese were almost on the verge of extinction during the 19th century, but thankfully, they got revived, and as mentioned, it is at present one of the most loved dog breeds all over the planet.
The Majestic Appearance
You simply cannot mistake a Bernese mountain dog with any other breed. After all, how many large dogs sport such an eye-catching tri-colored coat? Their appearance itself suggests they are majestic and ready to plunge into action. The large, muscular, and powerful breed can weigh between 70 to 115 pounds and can grow up to 28 inches tall. The natural thick coat is tailor-made to offer them protection from the cold mountainous weather. They also have friendly eyes, which are equally expressive, and these qualities surely add to their charming presence.
The Gentle Giants
Generally, we visualize a dog breed as large as the Bernese mountain dog, we perceive them to be aggressive and violent. Quite contrastingly, these dogs are renowned for their affectionate and calm nature. They are always loyal and tend to form a deep-rooted bond with the family where they stay. Interestingly, Bernese are very fond of children, too. Here are the top qualities that make their temperament vastly different from other large species:
- Calm and steady: Bernese mountain dogs aren’t hyper and demanding, instead, they are calm, which makes them the best choice to incorporate in a family.
- Loyalty: Once trained appropriately, they will never miss a chance to show their loyalty. It is evident when they follow their owners all over the house. Their aim is to remain close to their owners at all times.
- Guardians: Indeed, you can safely rely on the Bernese to safeguard your house when you are not around. Bernese mountain dogs are always watchful but will rarely display aggression. They never fail to alert family members when strangers come to their doors.
- Affectionate and social: Bernese mountain dogs love human interaction. Therefore, it is not a good idea to leave them alone for an extended duration. When it starts feeling lonely, they may turn aggressive.
They are Workaholics
The modern version of the Bernese is markedly different from their predecessors, however, they do carry their “working dog” instincts to date. Therefore, no matter how much you ask it to do, it will never get tired of fulfilling your commands. This is the reason we often come across news such as a Bernese mountain dog participating and winning at dog shows or sports events.
Training a Bernese is not at All Difficult
Bernese mountain dogs are known for their intelligence. Thus, training them isn’t much of an issue. However, Bernese mountain dogs can become sensitive in some cases. In such scenarios, it is best advised to go slow and not force them to learn new things. By pressurizing them to learn, they will most certainly become withdrawn or stubborn. As a trainer, you need to have patience and give commands to the dog in a pleasing tone. If trained accurately, they can socialize particularly well, both with strangers and other pets in the house.
Is a Bernese Mountain Dog Right for You?
Let’s be honest, the Bernese mountain dog is not for everyone. As an owner, you too need to be a good fit to train and upkeep this breed. Most importantly, handling a dog as large as the Bernese can be a challenge. Then again, you have to devote considerable time to training and grooming them.
Final Words
So, we can derive from the above discussion, Bernese Mountain dogs can become a worthwhile companion if you can arrange the provisions to maintain such a large dog. It can test your patience and make you work harder when it comes to getting physical activity. If you can meet these requirements, then go ahead, the Bernese mountain dog is all set to become your companion for the rest of your life.
