Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Contact Bernese Mountain Dog Breeders For Friendly Family Dogs

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.

This breed does not have a long life expectancy. Cancer is a common killer, especially histiocytosis. With this condition, lumps under the skin develop into ulcerated lesions. If picked up in the early stages, some are quite easily treated. Research is being done to try to determine any genetic links.

This is a large, sturdy dog, with males reaching up to 27 inches. They are strong and muscular. Females are slightly shorter and lighter than males. They are compact dogs with a broad back and long bushy tail. Life expectancy is only six to eight years. They are prone to bloat, arthritis, hip and elbow dysplasia and several other musculoskeletal problems.

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.

In the Swiss mountains, the dogs herded cattle out to the mountain pastures and to markets. They were also harnessed to two-wheeled carts to haul milk and other produce. These strong, calm dogs also guarded the farmer's property and livestock. They remain good guard dogs but are not overly aggressive. Because they have had a long and close association with humans, they can demand a lot of attention. With this comes great loyalty and devotion.

The double coat is thick and shiny. It may be wavy or straight. The dogs shed a lot and need regular grooming. During the heaviest shedding period, a bath will help them get rid of their hair. Otherwise regular grooming is recommended. The hair under the belly tends to mat if they get wet and muddy.

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.

Establish a grooming routine. This will enable you to pick up lumps under the skin which may be hidden by the thick coat. Early diagnosis and treatment will give a much greater survival rate should the lump be cancerous. If you want a loyal, family dog, contact Bernese Mountain dog breeders for more information.




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