Did you know that despite their size, Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their puckish sense of humor and their unflinching loyalty to their families? Yes, it’s true. These big, loveable dogs take joy in making you chuckle with their goofy antics and goofy smiles. But, did you know that there’s more to these gentle giants than just their playful personalities?
In fact, the intelligence of Bernese Mountain Dogs is often underestimated, owing to their easy-going and laid-back nature. On the contrary, these canines are equipped with an enviable intellect that is reflected in their quick learning abilities and exceptional problem-solving skills, making them apt learners and responsive listeners.
Often touted for their strength and ability to work in varied terrains, the Bernese Mountain Dog was originally bred in Switzerland to pull carts, herd livestock, and serve as watchdogs on farms. So, one could rightly expect these dogs to carry an impressive amount of smartness and adaptability running in their genes.
However, before we jump into the specifics of how intelligent Bernese Mountain Dogs are, it is worthwhile to understand what intelligence in dogs truly means.
We usually measure a dog’s intelligence based on three different types: Instinctive Intelligence, referring to what the breed was initially developed for; Adaptive Intelligence, reflecting a dog’s ability to solve problems and learn from past experiences; and Training Intelligence, assessing the dog’s ability to learn and follow commands.
In terms of instinctive intelligence, Bernese Mountain Dogs score fairly high. As mentioned earlier, their history as working dogs indicates that they are naturally adept at tasks like guarding, carting, and herding. They have an instinctive understanding of their role and can carry out tasks with little human intervention once they are trained.
Regarding adaptive intelligence, Bernese Mountain Dogs showcase substantial problem-solving abilities. They are known to quickly assess situations and adapt their behavior accordingly. Their smartness shines through in the ways they navigate complex environments and adjust to new families, situations, or routines.
Training intelligence is where the Bernese Mountain Dogs really shine. They are among the top dogs when it comes to understanding new commands and learning from their experiences. They are very easy to train and have been known to learn complex tasks with amazing speed and accuracy.
But how do Bernese Mountain Dogs compare to other breeds in terms of intelligence? According to Stanley Coren’s widely accepted dog intelligence ranking, the Bernese Mountain Dog stands at 27th position in a list of 138 dog breeds, placing them in the “Above Average Working Intelligence” category.
What does this mean? They are capable of understanding new commands after just 15 to 25 repetitions and will obey a known command on the first request about 70% of the time. Pretty impressive, right?
While these rankings and ratings can be valuable in understanding how dogs rank in terms of intelligence, it’s good to remember that each dog is unique, and individual temperaments can affect a dog’s display of intelligence. One Bernese Mountain Dog might excel at problem-solving while another might be a champion at following commands.
Additionally, it’s important to note that a dog’s intelligence corresponds directly to the amount of interaction and stimulation it receives. Regular mental and physical stimulation is key to maintaining and enhancing their brain function. You can do this through puzzle toys, obedience training, and daily walks or playtime, which will not only stimulate their mental capacities but also keep them in great shape.
So, if you’re considering adopting a Bernese Mountain Dog, you’re not only bringing home a loveable and loyal companion but also a really smart one, ready to amaze you with its intellect and charm. Remember, their intelligence makes them quick learners, but their friendly and cheerful disposition make them an absolute joy to live with.
In conclusion, Are Bernese Mountain Dogs smart? Absolutely! They perfectly embody the phrase “brains and brawn” with their power-packed physique and their admirable intellectual capabilities. A well-socialized and trained Bernese Mountain dog can indeed be a wonderfully smart and engaging family companion.
