Did you know that the Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the few breeds that can completely turn their lives and work around due to their sharp intelligence?
Despite their huge size and sometimes, laid-back demeanor, these dogs have proven themselves to be one of the smartest breeds around. For ages, they’ve been relied upon in farmsteads and rural areas in Switzerland, their homeland, to perform tasks that require both brawn and brain.
Certain factors greatly contribute to intelligence in dogs. These include their trainability, instinctive intelligence, and adaptive intelligence. And when we examine these factors in relation to the Bernese Mountain Dog, there is much to uncover about this massively appealing and intelligent breed.
But to paint a holistic picture, one must not ignore the temperament of these dogs. Smartness in dogs can be subjective, depending on what ways you are considering. If it’s the quick understanding and execution of orders, the Border Collies may lead the pack. If it’s by instinctive behavior, like herding, the Belgian Tervuren is unbeatable. But, when it comes to a balanced amalgamation of quick learning, natural instincts, adaptability, and obedience, the Bernese Mountain Dog ticks off all boxes.
Often, the perception that a dog is smart derives not only from its pure learning ability, but also from its willingness to cooperate. And, Bernese Mountain Dogs are renowned for their eagerness to please their human companions.
But that’s just half the story. Their intelligence is also rooted in their history.
Historically, Bernese Mountain Dogs were Swiss farm dogs. They were multipurpose dogs which guarded livestock, pulled carts of dairy and meat to the local village, and even acted as loving companions to farmers amidst their hard work. All these tasks required them to make quick, smart decisions, adapt to varied situations and follow commands skillfully, honing their intelligence over generations.
One of the many instances of their intelligence lies in their cart-pulling abilities. They were responsible for taking products from the Swiss dairy farms to the local markets, navigating through the difficult mountainous terrains of the Swiss Alps. A Bernese Mountain Dog had to show not just strength, but also excellent problem-solving skills to find the safest routes through these uneven landscapes. Thus, they are a breed that was practically born to be smart.
You would think that such a hardworking breed would be rough and unmanageable, right? Well, not the Bernese Mountain Dog. This breed is known for its balanced temperament and sweet nature. This duality of hard-working brain and gentle heart make them an ideal family pet.
However, their intelligence does come with some requirements and challenges. These dogs crave for mental stimulation and without that, they can often turn destructive out of boredom. So, if you are planning on bringing a Bernese Mountain Dog into your life, remember to keep them engaged with challenging dog toys, obedience training, and regular exercise.
Another thing to keep in mind is that while their intelligence means they can quickly learn commands, it also implies that they can pick up bad habits just as fast. This means that while training your Bernese, you need to be consistent, positive, and above all patient.
In conclusion, the Bernese Mountain Dog might not be the record holder for learning commands in the least repetitions or herding the biggest flock, but their all-round smartness makes them an extraordinary breed. Coupled with their affectionate nature and loyalty, their intelligence serves as another feather in their cap, making them a fantastic choice for families, farmers, and even as therapy or service dogs.
So, is the Bernese Mountain Dog the smartest dog? Well, intelligence in dogs can often be as diverse as the human spectrum of intelligence. Today, we’ve learned that the Bernese Mountain Dog doesn’t fall short in any of the factors that are considered while gauging a dog’s intelligence. They’re smart, loving, adaptable, and capable, which indeed makes them incredibly smart, by any yardstick you choose to measure.
Just remember, owning and training such an intelligent breed can be a commitment – but one that is worth every bit of the effort, given the love and loyalty you’ll receive in return. So, is a Bernese Mountain Dog for you? If you’re looking for a smart, loyal and friendly companion that fills your life with joy and purpose, the answer is a resounding yes!
