Get ready for a lovable bundle of fluff, joy, and a whole lot of loyalty! That’s what you’ll be signing up for when you choose a Bernese Mountain Dog as a pet. Now let’s delve into the intriguing world of these beautiful canines and discover if a Bernese Mountain Dog is the right match for you.
Born and bred in the Swiss mountains, Bernese Mountain Dogs were designed to survive and thrive in tough conditions. The ability to pull carts on the steep and slippery slopes of Bern, Switzerland made them a favorite amongst Swiss farmers. But, there is bit more to these dogs that meet the eye.
Of course, you don’t need a cart-pulling dog, what you are looking for is a great pet. The good news is, despite their strong and burly physique, Bernese Mountain Dogs are actually gentle giants. A well-socialized Bernese Mountain Dog makes for an excellent family dog thanks to its gentle nature. They thrive in the company of their ‘hoomans’ and possess incredible amounts of love and loyalty for their family.
One of the more charming aspects of the Bernese Mountain Dog is their infectious cheerfulness. With a built-in smile and twinkling eyes, their positivity can make even the cloudiest of days bright. Crazy enough, even though they reach a hefty size of 70 to 115 pounds, they still think they are lap dogs and love to snuggle up with their owners.
Trainable and intelligent, these dogs have a high learning capacity. They can quickly understand commands and perform tasks with relative ease. However, they do have a gentle heart and cannot be rushed or treated harshly. Patience and positive reinforcement go a long way when training a Bernese Mountain Dog. This makes them an excellent fit for a home with kids, as they tolerate the noise and chaos pretty well.
Being a large breed, Bernese Mountain Dogs need a moderate level of exercise to maintain a healthy weight. A good hour of exercise every day should suffice, but remember – these dogs love the cold! Their thick double coat was designed to withstand the harsh Swiss winters, so they’re most comfortable in cooler climates.
One thing to keep in mind when considering a Bernese Mountain Dog as a pet is their life span, which tends to be short for dog standards, typically between 6 to 8 years. This can be a challenging aspect for many dog lovers to come to terms with, especially given these dogs become such an integral part of the family.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are also prone to a few health issues, including hip and elbow dysplasia, along with certain types of cancer. Before adopting one, make sure to do a thorough check of their family health history and ensure they come from a reputable breeder who focuses on healthy breeding practices.
Now, what about grooming these luscious furballs? Well, expect a fair deal of grooming work. Their gorgeous, silky, tri-colored fur needs regular brushing to prevent mats and keep it looking its best. Plus, they are seasonal shedders, which means you might find yourself in a fur flurry during the shedding seasons of spring and fall.
Bringing a Bernese Mountain Dog into your home means welcoming a flurry of fluff, a river of love, and a splash of silliness. They are the epitome of loyal friends, jovial playmates, and gentle guardians. They will love you unconditionally, cheer you up when you’re sad, and stand by you, come what may.
Despite the potential challenges they present in terms of grooming and shorter lifespan, a Bernese Mountain Dog might just be the perfect fit for a pet if you’re looking for an affectionate, easy-going, and dependable companion. Just make sure you’re ready for the commitment and have a suitable environment for this big, lovable furball to thrive.
Who knew there was so much behind that cheerful, droopy face and fluffy exterior of the Bernese Mountain Dog? They can prove to be more than you could ever wish for in a pet; all they need in return is your care, love, and loyalty. Here’s to happy, dog-filled days ahead!
