Wednesday, December 19, 2012

For Friendly Family Dogs Contact Bernese Mountain Dog Breeders

By Brandi Little


Perhaps you're seeking a new dog. If you want a pet to mix well with pets and children, contact Bernese Mountain dog breeders for a large, friendly family pet. Breeders will be keen to show you their beloved dogs. Genuine breeders will take all the precautions they can to ensure that only the healthiest animals are used at stud.

Unfortunately the breed is subject to cancers, especially histiocytosis which appears as ulcerated lesions. Some types can be quite easily treated if detected in the early stages. It is not known if the disease is hereditary or why it occurs so often. This is not a long-lived breed.

Strong and muscular, males of this breed may grow to 27 inches although females are a little shorter and lighter. These compact dogs are large and sturdy with broad backs and long bushy tails. Life expectancy has dropped over the decades and eight years is about the maximum these dogs reach. Other disorders include bloat and musculoskeletal conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, and arthritis.

There are four different types of Swiss Mountain Dog. Only the Bernese has a long, silky coat. Although they are tri-colored, the ground color must be black. There are rich rust patches above the eyes, under the tail and on the cheeks. Tan usually edges the white which is found on the chest, muzzle, tip of tail and feet. There is a white blaze on the face which broadens out to include the muzzle. The feet may have small amounts of white but white extending up the legs is not desirable in the show-ring.

Originally the dogs were used to herd cattle to market and to mountain pastures. Being strong and calm, they were also used for draft work, pulling weavers' supplies, milk and other produce on two-wheeled carts. Although not overly aggressive, they were effective guard dogs. The dogs have been brought up living in close proximity to humans and can demand plenty of attention. They are loyal and devoted companions.

The luxurious double coat may be straight or wavy but is always glossy and thick. These dogs shed quite a lot. Regular grooming will help them get rid of their coat as will an occasional bath during times of heaviest shedding. The hair tends to tangle and mat if they get muddy and wet. This particularly affects the underparts.

Bernese Mountain Dog pups are slow to mature. They were bred to be working dogs so need to burn of energy by being given plenty of exercise. They need obedience training while young. They are very intelligent and enjoy learning new skills. There are now draft trials run for the breed. Pulling loads is second nature to this breed. The tests require pulling a two-wheeled cart loaded with twenty pounds. Only dogs of two or older are allowed to compete. Basic control and negotiating a course are two of the events offered.

Because of the cancer issues, it makes sense to set up a regular routine for grooming. Picking up lumps and abnormalities early will give a much greater chance of survival should these turn out to be cancerous. For more information Bernese Mountain dog breeders will be pleased to assist.




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