Making a little history the Bernese Mountain has its origins placed in the beautiful Swiss valleys and mountains where it was bred specifically for herding, tracking and watching over the cattle activities around the eighteenth century or later. It was used in the farms and among shepherds, becoming their most loyal and faithful companion. This is not a very popular dog breed nowadays but that is exactly what makes it more unique and interesting.
Bernese Mountains are large dogs: the average measures should be around 23 to 28 inches tall and 80 to 110 pounds of weight. These dogs are recognizable for their tri-color coat. This feature makes them truly elegant specimens.
The colors of the coat include black, white and tan or reddish in different parts such as legs or chest. You should find a white section in the chest and toes. The coat is thick, soft and straight, and the hair’s length is intermediate. It is weather and dirt resistant so it is great if you need this breed for outdoors activities. In this sense, it is preferable to have one of these in cool weathers due to the thickness of the coat.
The grooming should be daily or weekly to avoid any hair problems since this dog is a heavy shedder. The eyes are oval shaped and must be dark or black, never blue or green. The ears are triangular and fall at the sides of the top head. The skull is flat and broad while the nose should be black.
Something to take into account are this breed’s health issues: they are varied and tend to be hereditary diseases, kidney problems, cancer, hip and elbow dysplasia and aortic stenosis in the most serious cases. Provided that you give your dog the best veterinary assistance through his life all of these issues will be harder to take place.
