Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Discover Bernese Mountain Dog Breeders California

By Harriett Crosby


If you purchase a puppy from reputable Bernese Mountain Dog breeders California, you'll get a quality puppy from someone who loves the breed. Be sure you're able to care for a dog bred for working, a dog with high exercise and companionship needs but a short lifetime. You must be able to financially, emotionally, and physically enjoy this breed, and continue to care for an aging extra large dog when it develops age related mobility problems.

In the mountains of Switzerland, this large heavy coated dog was used to herd cattle from the farm to the meadows, and as a draft animal to pull carts. Bernese Mountain dogs were established as a unique breed around 1907. The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1937.

In the mountains of Switzerland, there's lots of snow and very little heat, rarely over 75 degrees. The black coat absorbs heat, adding to the heat sensitivity of this breed. When outdoors make sure this dog always has access to shade and plenty of water. If you live in a hot climate, your Bernese Mountain dog should be indoors on very hot days. Daily walks should be in the cool of the morning or evening only.

They enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and carting, but most never develop an enjoyment for games of fetch. They enjoy play time in the yard, but aren't really happy until they've had at least a half hour hike daily. With the right amount of exercise, this breed is a serene and sociable house pet.

The coat is tricolor, black with a white blaze, and rust markings. The heavy, double coat sheds minimally all year round. Brush weekly. Spring and fall they shed a lot and need a daily brushing. Prone to ear infections, the ears should be cleaned weekly. Males weigh up to 110 pounds, females weigh 80-105 pounds.

This breed suffers a high mortality rate from cancer that has reduced the once respectable lifespan of 10-12 years to an average lifespan of 6-8 years. Breeders are working with researchers to turn this trend around. For the time being, owners should be prepared for the high likelihood of a cancer diagnosis. Like all large breeds, they're susceptible to bloat, hip dysplasia, arthritis, and hereditary eye diseases.

Mountain dogs were bred to be intelligent, calm, self-assured, and obedient. They're excellent watchdogs, reserved towards strangers but not aggressive. They're devoted to family members, loving and patient with children. Most are good with other medium to large dogs. Some have a strong prey drive that might be aroused by smaller pets.

Keep your dog health and happy with exercises including hiking, tracking, herding, search and rescue, competitive obedience, and/or carting. This is a great cart pulling parade dog. Or let them pull a wagon full of children around the block. Check regional Bernese clubs for carting classes. Enter your dog in drafting trials with the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America.

Ask Bernese Mountain Dog breeders California what health testing has been done on the puppies and their parents. If possible, visit the home and meet the parent dogs. Ask the breeder about their experience with the breed and their club affiliations. Ask what socialization has been done. If you have other pets, especially smaller pets, let the breeder help you choose a puppy with less prey drive. Ask about the health guarantee and any buyback policies.




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