Websites / Breed Rescue – Rehome. If you can no longer care for your Bernese Mountain Dog or you are considering adoption of a 'rescued' Berner, contact a Regional Bernese Mountain Dog Club. The Regional Clubs' Rescue-Rehome programs goal is to place 'rescued' Bernese Mountain Dogs with families that are a good match for the dog. Ongoing support for owners of adopted rescue dogs is available ...
General information on the Bernese Mountain Dog Breed, Swiss Mountain Dog breeds.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of four breeds of cattle dogs originating in Switzerland. The Bernese Mountain Dog (Berner Sennenhund, Dürrbächler), the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund), the Appenzell Mountain Dog (Appenzeller Sennenhunde), and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog breeds are appreciated worldwide for their adaptability, working abilities, and as exceptional companion dogs. ...
What are Breed Standards? Breed standards are created by various parent breed clubs and accepted officially by international bodies (AKC & FCI) that govern over purebred dogs matters. Standards describe the ideal specimen of the breed. Breed standards cover topics including a breed's purpose, appearance, temperament, and structure. Standards define qualities that set one breed apart from every other, or the breed's essence, are referred to as breed 'type'...
A selection of past and current BMD Breed Standards along with an illustrated explanation of breed traits defined in breed standards. This section will help breeders and owners interpret concepts outlined in the Breed Standard. Compiled articles from the Breed Standard Committee discussion which appered in the BMDCA's Newsletter during 1977 - 1979.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a very old breed. The ancestors of today's dogs served as all purpose farm dogs in Switzerland long before the time they were recognized as a purebred dog and before dog clubs or clearly defined pedigrees (family trees) were recorded. The breed has gone by several names in its homeland including Gelbbäckler (Yellow Cheeks), Vieräuger (Four Eyes), Dürrbachhunde and the Berner Sennenhund...
Photos of Bernese Mountain Dog breed history and development.
More pictures of Bernese Mountain Dog breed history and development.
Regional Berner Clubs USA, Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue Galleries and stories links, Bernese Breeder Locator Websites links, National Dog Clubs/Events - USA links, Bernese Mountain Dog Health Related links, Canine Genetics links, Behavior Management/Dog Training links, Mailing Lists, Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Education & Resources Sites...
Links. Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America (BMDCA), Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Canada (BMDCC), Swiss Bernese Mountain Dog Club (KBS), Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Great Britain German Club for Swiss Mountain Dogs (SSV) German Club for Bernese Mountain Dogs (DCBS), ...
Bernese Mountain Dog puppy. National Breed Club Websites in North America. Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America (BMDCA); BMDCA Breeder Referral (database - searchable by location); Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Canada. Bernese Mountain Dog Regional Clubs - Websites / Breeder Referral Contacts. Regional Bernese Mountain Dog Clubs are the place to start your search for a breeder if you want to ...
Find out if the Bernese Mountain Dog breed will be a good fit for your family. Shopper tips. How to find the best breeder for your new puppy.
Have you thought about these things? Bernese are big, hairy dogs. Male BMD's typically range in weight from 85 - 120 pounds; females from approximately 70 - 100 pounds. Ask yourself... Does your schedule and lifestyle allow you to spend quality time with your dog? **Considerations** Before getting a Bernese ask yourself if you have a dog friendly lifestyle and are willing to spend ...
Breeders have different objectives and reasons for owning dogs and producing litters of puppies. At this time it is possible to obtain a Berner from a wide array of breeders. Please don't hit the panic button. It is not necessarily wise to get a dog from the first breeder you find with a puppy available. Thoroughly familiarize yourself with the differences that exist in breeders' policies, their focus and reasons for owning and breeding Bernese. The manner in which breeders transact the business of breeding and selling pups will be important for you to consider. Be clear about breeder services offered before and after the sale...
Costs to a Breeder: Elbow & Hip x-rays $150 - $450. CERF (eye test) $35. Heart test $40 - $300. von Willebrand's test $99. DNA profiling $40. Championship $500 - $3000. Cost per litter $1500 - $5000+. Planning a breeding and raising litters includes many other real costs, and costs in time and emotional efforts. Cost to raise pups kept for ...
It's easy to find Bernese breeder websites, breed information websites and pictures of beautiful Bernese. Just what are you buying? You think you are buying a puppy that will become a wonderful pet. Will you be that lucky? Did the breeder seem to...
A lawyer reviews important aspects of breeder contracts - for puppy buyers and breeders...
Substance or flash? What's in an ad? Big beautiful Berner pictures. Gorgeous fluffy puppy pictures. Check out THE BAIT. ???????????? puppy. What kind of information do you find on breeders' websites? The pictures are soooo cute, nice dogs. The text you found on the website says... "Big Beautiful Berner puppies ready soon. These dogs are our pets. The puppies will have the original Bernese Mountain Dog "look". ...
A pedigree represents a family. The names contained in pedigrees represent real dogs. How the dogs in your puppy's family tree lived, their temperaments, their physical capabilities and how and at what age they died has a bearing on your puppy's health, structure, soundness and temperament. All puppies are cute. What you see in a 7 or 8 week old puppy doesn't tell you too much about the genes the puppy carries. The pup inherited its genes from its family...
You will find that most Bernese breeders are very inquisitive about prospective purchasers. Expect to be asked lots of questions about your family, your home, your lifestyle, your job and your schedule. Any reputable breeder will want to make sure that potential owners are knowledgeable and committed, and that a Bernese Mountain Dog is a suitable choice under the circumstances. Answer honestly...its not a test. And remember, just as you have ...
This is not intended to be a questionnaire for you to give a breeder to fill out. It is designed to give people who have never bought a dog a basis for evaluating different breeders. All breeders are not alike, and they will each emphasize different priorities in their breeding programs. What you will want to do is to find a breeder that you are comfortable with, someone who won't change her phone number after you buy the puppy...
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs shed? THEY SHED A LOT!!!!! IT IS TRUE. ALL this hair came from one 85# Berner! Bernese SHED! Berners are a double coated breed; they have an undercoat and topcoat. Combine their large size (80-110 pounds average) with an abundance of thick, long hair. Then try to imagine just how much coat a Berner carries and what it will be like when the hair isn't on the dog anymore and is floating around all over the place in your...
The First Eight Weeks – The Life and Times of Bouncing, Biting, Baby Berners by Mary-Ann Bowman, Ph.D. Most of us get our puppies at approximately eight weeks of age. Arriving with their sweet faces and sharp teeth, they rearrange our entire lives. But a puppy existed before she lived with us – she did not simply arrive on the earth at eight weeks, after all! Those first eight weeks are so important and eventful, and yet few of us get to participate in that time period. The purpose of this article is to give you a glimpse into the whelping box ...
The First Eight Weeks – The Life and Times of Bouncing, Biting, Baby Berners by Mary-Ann Bowman, Ph.D. Puppies enter their second week of life still blind and deaf, but with some powerful jaws! There is a reason that puppies have big heads – the most important thing they do is eat, so the part of the puppy that is most developed is their jaws/head...
The First Eight Weeks – The Life and Times of Bouncing, Biting, Baby Berners by Mary-Ann Bowman, Ph.D. Puppies begin the third week with at least partially opened eyes. They are usually good little walkers but are prone to being "milk drunk," so there is a lot of staggering and just falling down and going to sleep. They continue to enjoy interacting with people by mouthing hands and face and are very cuddly and content to be held and loved...
The First Eight Weeks – The Life and Times of Bouncing, Biting, Baby Berners by Mary-Ann Bowman, Ph.D. The fourth week puppies are getting teeth – first the top ones arrive and then the bottom ones follow. Their jaw strength is not initially hard enough to hurt as they bite, but that comes quickly. This is an important time for a puppy to learn bite inhibition. In other words, we let the puppies bite, but communicate when the biting is too hard, so the puppies learn to have a soft mouth and are not frustrated by constant reprimands to stop doing something they developmentally need to do...
The First Eight Weeks – The Life and Times of Bouncing, Biting, Baby Berners by Mary-Ann Bowman, Ph.D. Puppies in the fifth week have increased jaw strength, and when they bite it is getting uncomfortable. By the end of the week they will be capable of drawing blood. They have perfected scampering and added twirling to their behavioral repertoire, although they still sometimes tip over. This week is likely to bring the start of real barking, which is very, very cute. And puppies at this age are getting better and better at using the designated potty zone – it is a time of incredible development in lots of ways...
The First Eight Weeks – The Life and Times of Bouncing, Biting, Baby Berners by Mary-Ann Bowman, Ph.D. The puppies' incredible growth continues into the sixth week, and it is in this week that one can begin to see some of the puppies' structure, although a good evaluation of structure needs to wait until at least next week. Temperament is also becoming more and more apparent during this week, as the breeder can observe how the puppies are interacting with each other, people and their environment...
The First Eight Weeks – The Life and Times of Bouncing, Biting, Baby Berners by Mary-Ann Bowman, Ph.D. The puppies seem to have most of the skills they need and work on perfecting them during the seventh week. They continue to grow and change each day, but the changes are less dramatic than in the early weeks. They remain adorable and cuddly, which is a good thing because then we are more forgiving when one has launched and bitten the end of our nose, as they are prone to do...
The First Eight Weeks – The Life and Times of Bouncing, Biting, Baby Berners by Mary-Ann Bowman, Ph.D. This is a bittersweet time for a breeder. The puppies are a great deal of work because they are so active and busy, and they are eating three to four meals a day, with the corresponding pooping! The puppies' mom has pretty well checked out, although she may still be nursing them and like to play with them. All the work - and it is a lot - falls to the breeder, and so this makes it a little easier to say 'farewell' to the little sweet lives that have been so tenderly nurtured for almost eight weeks...
The decision has been made - a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy will be or has become part of your family! Now what? Your puppy is counting on you to raise him. The rest of the story is ready to be written. Bernese puppy drink. To make your life with your dog easier and rewarding, keep your pup on the right track. Make a plan for care, feeding and management. ...
New to dogs? First recommendation - purchase a book on veterinary care. Be your dog's best friend. Aids for health management advocates are great tools for any Berner owner. Veterinary Care Books Dr. Nancy Kay – "Speaking for Spot" http://www.speakingforspot.com/ "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" (at amazon.com or other booksellers) "The Merck / Merial Manual for Pet Health" ...
1)PUPPY PROOFING. Before the puppy is ready to come into your home, there are some things you can do to prepare. Please take the time to 'puppy proof' your home. Puppies are curious and can get into all sorts of mischief, much the same as human toddlers. ? Inside the home - Use baby gates to block open doorways for rooms that the puppy will not be permitted access on a regular basis. ...
Climate & Bernese Mountain Dogs. Avoid Heatstroke. Berners love snow Berners are big, heavily built dogs with black, thick, double coats. The breed was developed by the Swiss to live in the Alps where temperatures rarely reach 75°, even in the hottest months. Most Bernese Mountain Dogs love cold weather and snow. The dogs' black coats absorb heat from the sun; many dogs seek shade, even on cool days. It is not uncommon for Bernese to be less energetic and ...
Fencing - its about responsible owner management of Bernese. When weather permits, Berners benefit from spending several hours a day outside in the fresh air - a fenced yard can be a perfect place for Berners to rest or play and experience the stimulating sights and sounds of nature. Many breeders prefer to place pups in homes with a fenced yard. There are some breeders who will not consider selling a Berner puppy to a buyer ...
People frequently choose a Bernese Mountain Dog because they have read or heard the breed is great with kids. Generally speaking, most Berners are gentle and nurturing; and most have the tendency to interact well with children. As a parent or owner please understand that you will need to spend time teaching children and your dog how to conduct themselves. Young children and puppies and even adult dogs ...
A well balanced diet provides quality nutrition and in turn keeps the cells, tissues and organs healthy. This enables a Berner's immune system to stay in top condition to fight any invaders. The food you feed can help your dog to remain fit or it can cause problems with ears, skin, overall health and behavior. Observation of your dog's physical condition, coat quality, condition of the eyes ...
A common question new Berner owners ask: "Is my puppy the 'right' size for how old he/she is? The answer is: size of adult Berners varies; so naturally the size of Berner pups at any given point in their development will vary. If your puppy looks smaller or larger, is taller or shorter, has heavier or lighter bones or a slighter or bulkier build, a longer or shorter coat than a Berner puppy of the same age ...
This slide presentation accompanied the scholarly article were presented at the the International Working Group's 2009 Symposium held in Padenghe sul Garda, Italy. Topics include: Stress and Anxiety - Signs - Consequences; Causes; Treatment; Prevention
The breed standard identifies traits of the BMD. This commentary on the official Standard of the BMD is written to identify the traits of the BMD which distinguish it from other breeds. In order to preserve the distinguishing traits of the BMD, it is necessary to identify what they are...
Some early dog pictures. In the area surrounding the canton of Bern, Switzerland, dogs that came to be known as Bernese Mountain Dogs were required to be versatile companions. Farm families living in remote areas made good use of dogs large enough to be respected by strangers and reliable when working with livestock. Dogs served as watchdogs around farms, cattle drovers, draft dogs, and companions for the alpine herdsmen...
Artist's impressions of Berners from the past - Farms, mountains and the people who lived there is what the breed knew. The dogs were developed to fit into such a place and lifestyle...
Common terms & skeletal anatomy, withers, croup, tibia, femur, cervical vertibrae, lumbar vertibrae, tarsus, stifle, pastern, thigh...
Measured at the withers, dogs are 25 to 27 1/2 inches; bitches are 23 to 26 inches. The Bernese Mountain Dog is sturdy and balanced. He is intelligent, strong and agile enough to do the draft and droving work for which he was used in the mountainous regions of his origin. Dogs appear masculine, while bitches are distinctly feminine...
The outline we see when looking at a dog is often a reflection of underlying structure and physical condition. Bernese carry heavy coats which may mask structure. Long furnishings, heavy hair on the legs, and differing lengths of hair occurring on various parts of the body can result in incorrect structure appearing more correct than it actually is. The studies below explain a few basic structural aspects of Bernese...
The shoulders are moderately laid back, flat-lying, well-muscled and never loose. The legs are straight and strong and the elbows are well under the shoulder when the dog is standing. The pasterns slope very slightly. but are never weak. Dewclaws may he removed. The feet are round and compact with well-arched toes. Front and rear legs on each side follow through in the same plane. At increased speed, legs tend to converge toward the center line. Good front showing elbows well under shoulder...
The thighs are broad, strong and muscular. The stifles are moderately bent and taper smoothly into the hocks. The hocks are well let down and straight as viewed from the rear. At increased speeds the legs converge to the center line. This is a correct gait. Notice the straight column of support from hip to foot...
The natural working gait of the Bernese Mountain Dog is a slow trot. However in keeping with his draft and droving work, he is capable of speed and agility. There is good reach in front. Powerful drive from the rear is transmitted through a level back...
The skull is flat on top and broad, with a slight furrow and a well defined but no exaggerated stop. The muzzle is strong and straight. The nose is always black. The lips are clean, as the Bernese Mountain Dog is a dry-mouthed breed, the flews are only slightly developed.Berner head types differ. The bones in the skull affect the shape of the head...
Scissors bite. Teeth. Puppy milk teeth. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. An overshot or undershot bite is a serious fault. Dentition is complete. Molars. Premolars...
The eyes are dark brown and slightly oval in shape with ...
The ears are medium sized, set high, triangular in shape. gently rounded at the tip, and hang close to the head when in repose. When the Bernese Mountain Dog is alert, the ears are brought forward and raised at the base; the top of the ear is level with the top of the skull. Notice the placement at the top of the skull. Large ears and low set ears are undesirable...
The breed standard describes the Bernese Mountain dog as tri-colored. The ground color is jet black. The markings are rich rust and clear white. Symmetry of markings is desired. Rust appears over each eye, on the cheeks reaching to at least the corner of the mouth, on each side of the chest, on all four legs, and under the tail...
Symmetry of Markings is desired. Rust appears over each eye, on the cheeks reaching at least to the corner of the mouth. There is a white blaze and muzzle band. Berner facial markings can deviate from the 'ideal' ...
The coat is thick, moderately long and wavy or straight. It has a bright natural sheen. The Bernese has a double coat. The breed was developed to work in the alpine meadows and snowy mountainous regions of Switzerland. The Bernese required a coat that would protect them from the cold and snow. The coat color is mainly is black, so it absorbs the sun's warmth. Coats vary, not only from dog to dog, but depending on diet, age, the dog's environment, and general health...
Individual Bernese Mountain Dogs can be affected by a variety of ailments that affect longevity and quality of life. Among the most common problems are cancer, autoimmune disorders, hip and elbow dysplasia, allergies, thyroid disorders, bowel disorders, torsion and bloat, eye disorders including PRA, cataracts and entropion. It is always best to inquire with individual breeders as to which health problems may be more or less prevalent in the families of dogs from which their breeding stock come...
Berner Garde logo. "The Mission of Berner Garde is to ensure all Bernese Mountain Dogs (BMD) have a long and healthy lifespan of twelve to fourteen years. To accomplish this goal the incidence of several serious inherited diseases must be decreased and, over time, eliminated. It is the hope of all who know and love a Berner that the work of BGF will lead not only to an understanding of genetic disease(s)in ...
By Nancy Kay, DVM, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. You may not have realized it at the time, but when you adopted your Berner, you "signed" an unwritten contract whereby you accepted "power of attorney" to make medical decisions on his behalf. Making such decisions can be challenging. For starters, there is often the need to comprehend and sort through a good amount of technical/medical information...
By Nancy Kay, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM. As your Berner's medical advocate, your goal is to make well-informed choices that result not only in the best outcome for your dog but for your peace of mind as well...
A - V terms commonly used to describe system wide canine diseases, health conditions, anatomical terms used by veterinarians, genetic terms...
Hip and elbow x-ray. Structural defects in joints can limit mobility and cause pain for some Berners. Hip dysplasia (HD) is a progressive, degenerative disease involving malformation of the hip socket joint. HD ranges from very mild with no apparent effects, to severe requiring surgical correction or euthanasia. Hip dysplasia appears to have both genetic and ...
Hip photos - x-rays, registries. Hip dysplasia appears to have both genetic and environmental...
Multiple countries and evaluation systems listing... imports
This article is about osteoarthritis (OA), rather than immune mediated forms of arthritis such as inflammatory or rheumatoid arthritis. OA is not a disease in and of itself, but is a degenerative condition caused by other joint problems. The two types of problems that are commonly associated with OA are trauma (abnormal force on a normal joint) or congenital (normal force on an abnormal joint, such as from OCD, ED, CHD, HOD, or canine patella luxation). About Joints & Degenerative Joint Disease...
What are the signs of ED? Limping on a front leg, tiring or resting more than other dogs, stiffness after rest, stilted, awkward gait, What can an owner do to help a Berner with ED? Fragmentation of the medial coronoid process (FCP), Ununited anconeal process (UAP), Osteochondrosis dessicans (OCD)...
Created - June, 2009. Websites to Bookmark: Dog knee injury (blog) http://dogkneeinjury.com. Cruciate Ligament Rupture and Associated Injuries. Steven P. Arnoczky http://cal.vet.upenn.edu/projects/saortho/chapter_80/80mast.htm#sect1. Allegheny Veterinary Associates SURGICAL FORUM (video, pictures, discussion) http://www.alleghenyvet.com/surgical_forum_case4.html ...
By Patricia Long September, 1997. Updated: April, 2009. Edited by Dr. Kathy Berge, DVM. Websites to bookmark: Fred Lanting article, HYPERTROPHIC OSTEODYSTROPHY (HOD) http://www.workingdogs.com/doc0018.htm. Mississippi State University, Canine Lameness Caused by Developmental Orthopedic Diseases: Panosteitis, Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease, and Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy ...
Osteochondritis Dessicans is caused by an abnormality in the cartilage-to-bone transformation involving the failure of articular cartilage to be replaced with bone as the dog grows. This failure causes a little section of cartilage to remain where bone should be. In a young dog sometimes a piece of the articular cartilage will tear away from the epiphysis and form a flap. The flap may reattach to the bone on its own; or it may tear away, becoming a joint mouse in the joint cavity...
Gastric dilatation-volvulus is an acute, life-threatening situation. Gastric dilatation-volvulus requires immediate medical and surgical attention. What is Gastric dilatation? Gastric dilatation means stomach distention or enlargement. This may or may not be accompanied by volvulus, or torsion, or twisting of the stomach on its long axis. Once the stomach twists, the stomach contents are trapped in place as the gas continues to build...
Information on Degenerative Myelopathy in BMD's - Berner-Garde Stats (At-Risk, diagnosed, symptomatic) - How many At Risk BMD's have developed this disease? See the BG numbers compiled by Pat Long as of October 25, 2017. Also see article links and a video from the AKC-CHF from 2010 - on management.
From an explanation of what degenerative myelopathy is (symptoms, diagnosis), a clear overview of the genetics of the disease (what we know and do not yet know), through recommendations for how to use test results to make informed breeding decisions, in August of 2017 Pat Long put together this informative article on "Breeding Bernese Mountain Dogs to Avoid Degenerative Myelopathy without Negatively Impacting the Gene Pool".
Like any area of study, cancer has its own vocabulary, which can be very confusing to someone who is already stressed and scared. Learning to understand what the experts are saying is the first step of the treatment determination and decision process...
In Bernese, we have both systemic and malignant histiocytosis. So what is histiocytosis? Systemic histiocytosis was first described as being separate and distinct from malignant histiocytosis; later it was defined as a variation of malignant histiocytosis; and most recently it is back to being considered a separate and distinct form of histiocytosis. Malignant histiocytosis (MH) is a very aggressive form of cancer that is usually already widespread before any symptoms are noted. Symptoms usually include loss of appetite (anorexia), weight loss, lethargy, weakness, and poor general condition...
Many of us have heard the name, but what is a mast cell? The skin is made up of two layers, the thin outer layer, the epidermis, and the thicker tissue called the dermis. This is all attached to the underlying tissues and organs by the subcutis. Within the dermis one finds the hair follicles, nerve endings, sweat glands, and mast cells. The mast cells are what control many of the body's allergic reactions. When the body comes into contact with an allergen, the mast cells release histamine-containing granules. A series of events unfold, ultimately causing swelling...
By Toby Erlichman, VMD, and Carol Lundquist, DVM. When we are blessed with a Bernese Mountain Dog that lives beyond its seven to nine-year predicted lifespan, we may be confronted with a multitude of other chronic health-related problems. In this article, we address the conditions of degenerative myelopathy, urinary incontinence, hypothyroidism, cognitive dysfunction ...
Management of Common Musculoskeletal and Neurological Problems in Senior Dogs. By Toby Erlichman, VMD, and Carol Lundquist, DVM. Bernese sunset Aging Bernese Mountain Dogs, just as any aging large-breed dog, may be faced with one or more conditions that may affect their ability to get around comfortably in their environment. Often these issues are musculoskeletal, such as arthritis, or neurologic, such as lumbosacral stenosis, but may also be ...
Ask ten veterinarians their opinion on nutrition, and you are likely to get ten different answers. It is an area that is, at best, barely touched in most veterinary school curricula; and when taught, it is often presented in the context of herbivore nutrition. In general, the Maintenance Energy Requirements (MER) decrease by 20-25% in most geriatric dogs...
If you are planning to breed your Bernese Mountain Dog, we understand that you have the best intentions & we'd like to help you think through your decision. Puppy buyers are thrilled when they own a healthy, happy Berner. As a breeder you will get great satisfaction from being a part of their joy. First things first. Berner breeders are well served to take seriously their responsibility to ensure the dogs used for breeding are in excellent health and have the potential to produce sound healthy pups...
Sylvia Howison's "Pine Trees, Pails, and Parts" So (I asked myself), what advice on breeding can you possibly give to a group of people who, for the most, are doing such a creditable job with the breed they love? Then I sat down to watch the "Interviews" tape, and inspiration came from Julia Crawford's grandfather. Which reminded me of advice from my grandfather and from another old friend whom I knew long before there was a BMDCA. So I bring you advice that is not about the science of breeding but, rather, on how to set and achieve goals...
By Elaine Gunn-Johnson. The importance of pedigree research and analysis... Links to Pedigree software. It is estimated that a dog's visible characteristics represent about 30% of his or her genetic makeup. Pedigree research and analysis can give some clues about those genes not visibly apparent when we look at a dog. This provides breeders with more information and improves their ability to make informed breeding decisions...
Draft or carting with Bernese - a breed tradition and heritage - a working dog sport.
Written by Gale Werth, originally published in the BMDCA's Newletter, 'The Alpenhorn', in October 1986. Carting commands are normal obedience commands used along with a few added ones. Prior to harnessing your dog to the cart you would put your dog or pup on a "stand-stay" so you could either harness him and drop the shafts over him or so that you could draw the cart up to him. You would also use "stand-stay" when finished as well so you could unharness the dog without him fidgeting...
"A 3 month old puppy who play bites is a NORMAL puppy. This is what all puppies do, they will mouth you and each other inplay. You stated that you "correct her continuously" for this. Sounds like it isnt working!! No surprise...
This article appeared in the BMDCA's Newsletter, 'The Alpenhorn', in December 1989, authored by Ruth Reynolds. Proper socialization of puppies is, perhaps, the most significant contribution breeders can make to a successful life for each pup they produce. Without it, odds are that a pup will have more difficulty in dealing with change and new obstacles throughout life. With it, the chances are greater ...
By Brenda Sanders. Originally published in The BMDCA's Newsletter, 'The Alpenhorn', February 2006. You recently or soon will add a new puppy to your life! This new little soul is going to be your first (or next) star in obedience, drafting, agility, or rally. But it's such a long wait until Star is 2 and physically ready for the demands of real training. Is there something more than puppy kindergarten class you can do if performance is your goal? Yes!!! Teaching a puppy words is a very easy and fun game and can reap huge rewards later on. Remember that your puppy is constantly learning, whether you think you are teaching or not!...
By Vilma Kistner Briggs, M.D. So you think you might want to put a few obedience titles on your Berner? Great! What do you think is the hardest exercise to teach? Is it those amazing out-of-sight, sit and down stays, the mysterious scent discrimination tasks, or that silent signal exercise in Utility, 50 feet away from the dog? No. The hardest exercise to teach - and teach well - is teaching your dog to heel! ...
Bernese Mountain Dogs are big dogs that require training so that they become manageable, reliable, predictable companions both in the home and in public places. Attending a Canine Good Citizen class to learn ways to train dogs is a great way for Bernese Mountain Dog owners to help their Berner learn how to behave appropriately towards other people, dogs and in situations the dogs find themselves in during the course of their lifetimes. ...
Article contributed by Brenda Sanders, Certified Evaluator, Therapy Dog Intl. Brenda has actively pursued training her own and other's dogs to do therapy work. In so doing she has provided inspiration for Bernese Mountain Dog owners as well as an invaluable service to the public and canine communities at large. Therapy dogs, as opposed to Service Dogs, provide short-term emotional support. ...
By Helen Hollander. CPDT, The Educated Pup, LLC, Lawrence, L I, NY, Nationally Certified Member Certification Council of Pet Dog Trainers. They're adorable. They trip all over themselves. They are little clowns in fur costumes. They melt your heart. They stop strangers with a single glance. Puppies! Are they great or what? Months go by. What happened? Puppy is now a teen. Their behavior is not so adorable. They are not clumsy but rather nimble. They are no longer funny, and instead of melting your heart, they are ripping out your heart. They no longer stop strangers with a single glance but, rather, bark and charge at them faster than a speeding bullet!
Barney's story is a heartwarming walk through caring, patience, and finding solutions to management of countersurfing tendencies. The Butter Boy's journey from Nashoba Valley Bernese Mountain Dog Club's Rescue program to life with Michelle and Jay Larson is one sure to delight and inform everyone who sees it.
Ruth Reynolds, October 21, 2008. Originally published in The BMDCA's Newsletter, 'The Alpenhorn', December, 2008. How we avoid confrontations between dogs in the multi-dog household and in the household whose population is changing on an irregular basis varies from home to home. Peacekeeping techniques are abundant and as different between successfully peaceful households as are their inhabitants...
Ruth Reynolds, November 2008. Our dogs are in our lives to teach us, delight us, entertain us and, in my home, to serve us. The latter is often the most elusive concept for many dog owners to grasp. Folks don't want to think of dogs as objects of servitude. Unfortunately, as a result, some dogs are not afforded their rightful partnership in a family. In my search for a method or means of training and understanding canine behavior that fits ALL dogs in ALL situations I became acquainted with Dr. William Meisterfeld...
By Helen Hollander, CPDT, The Educated Pup, LLC. Whether you call it "Nothing In Life Is Free" (NILIF) or "Work to Earn", or "Say Please", the basic premise of these protocols is the same. It is a non threatening behavior program designed to teach your dog that you are the one to make all the important decisions in his life. This is not a one shot quick fix to all behavior issues, but it provides a strong foundation with regard to the dog/human relationship and successful behavior management. If NILIF is started at an early age, unwanted pushy and rowdy behaviors can be avoided and you will have a well mannered happy dog...
By Alison Jaskiewicz. The music begins. You and your partner flow into your choreography. Broadway? Ballroom dancing? No! This is Freestyle and your partner is your dog! Canine Freestyle evolved in the early 90's as an artistic offshoot of obedience training. Add music, creativity, choreography and artistry to dog training and a new sport is born...
By Anne Copeland with the Assistance of Ruth Rechtoris. You will need a non-restrictive harness (nylon will do just fine) with a D ring on the back for the line; a six foot lead to start and a 20 - 30 foot line later on; a cotton work glove or old leather wallet; bright plastic clothespins or wooden ones with a strip of surveyor tape or torn rag attached; a friend or family member for the first 2 or 3 times out (not essential but makes it much easier); an open area with ground cover between ankle height and your knees (if you can)...
In conformation shows, judges evaluate and award placements/ribbons to dogs entered in the show according to how closely a dog conforms to the Breed Standard. For dog breeders, dog shows are about seeing groups of dogs and learning to recognize each dog's strengths and weaknesses with an eye to making breeding decisions that influence the qualities a breed will come to possess...
Regional Clubs ~ Central eastern. Three Rivers Bernese Mountain Dog Club. North Coast Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Ohio. Mason Dixon Bernese Mountain Dog Club. Potomac Valley Bernese Mountain Dog Club. Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Hampton Roads. Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Central Virginia. Regional Clubs ~ Upper Midwest. Bernese Mountain Dog Club of the Greater Twin Cities ...
Smart puppy shoppers buy their pup directly from a breeder ... Can you get a Bernese Mountain Dog? Answer - YES! We want you to have the best possible chance for a positive experience with your. Bernese, an experience that will make you happy to have the dog as a part of your life. It's easy to find Bernese breeder websites, ads in the newspaper, breed information websites and pictures of beautiful Bernese. ...
THEY SHED A LOT!!!!! Berners are a double coated breed; they have an undercoat and topcoat. Combine their large size ...
The initial cost involved in obtaining a Bernese puppy depends on from whom or where you buy your dog. ...
A lawyer reviews important aspects of breeder contracts - for puppy buyers and breeders...
New to dogs? First recommendation - purchase a book on veterinary care. Be your dog's best friend. Aids for health management advocates are great tools for any Berner owner. Find them at http://www.speakingforspot.com/advocacyaids.html. Veterinary Care Books. Dr. Nancy Kay.? Speaking for Spot. (trust us!) http://www.speakingforspot.com/. Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook ...
The following posts appeared on the Berner-l in February, 2009. Biting puppies, how to manage...
A common question new Berner owners ask: "Is my puppy the 'right' size for how old he/she is? ...
A well balanced diet provides quality nutrition and in turn keeps the cells, tissues and organs healthy. This enables a Berner's immune system to stay in top condition to fight any invaders. The food you feed can help your dog to remain fit or it can cause problems with ears, skin, overall health and behavior. Observation of your dog's physical condition, coat quality, condition of the eyes and ears, ...
When weather permits, Berners benefit from spending several hours a day outside in the fresh ...
People frequently choose a Bernese Mountain Dog because they have read or heard the breed is great with kids. ...
Individual Bernese Mountain Dogs can be affected by a variety of ailments that affect longevity and quality of life. Among the most common problems are cancer, autoimmune disorders, hip and elbow dysplasia, allergies, thyroid disorders, bowel disorders, torsion and bloat, eye disorders including PRA, cataracts, droopy eyes, and inverted eyelids. Veterinary treatment of health ...
Vet's Emergency Telephone Number... What Is Happening. What The Dog Does. What You Should Do. Treatment. Stomach function is normal. Gas accumulates in the stomach but the stomach does not empty as it should. Dog behaves as usual. Seems slightly ...
BERNERGARDE is located on the web at http://www.bernergarde.org/. The BG database is directly available via a web based application. That means at anytime, anyone can the. CURRENT database; the same database that all of BernerGarde site operators update directly. Berner-Garde History. In the late 1960's, Barbara and Martin Packard formulated their dreams for the future of the Bernese Mountain Dog. They ...
If you do not receive copies of an OFA report or OFA Evaluation Cerrtificates... How to interpret information listed on an OFA...
Written by Gale Werth originally published in the BMDCA's Newletter, 'The Alpenhorn', in October 1986 ...
Materials List. * Blueprints are shown at the bottom of the page. 1 - Sheet of 1/2" ABX Plywood. 2 - 20" Wheels. 1 - 3/4" Axle. 2 - 4' lengths of 1" aluminum tubing. 2 - 1' lengths of 3/4" aluminum tubing. 2 - 5/16" eye bolts. 2 - 3/16" eye bolts. 2 - 1" Rubber tips for front of shafts. 14' of 1&1/2" aluminum angle. 10' of 1/2" aluminum "U" channel. 2 - 1/4" X 2" bolts. 2 - 1/4" hex nuts. 40 - 3/16" X 1/2" bolts ...
**Considerations**. Spayed or neutered dogs are not likely to develop health problems known to be associated with reproductive organs such as. Mammary tumors (http://www.vet.osu.edu/1366.htm). Pyometra (http://www.peteducation.com/) *search articles. Prostate diseases (http://www.the-vet.net/documents/information/Canine_prostatic_disease.htm). The 2005 BMDCA Health Survey...
Breeding dogs that grow up to be excellent companions takes a special commitment. A good ...
Enter information in this form and print to provide a new owner with a Pedigree of: Sire. Sire. Dam. Sire. Sire. Dam. Dam. Sire. Sire. Sire. Dam. Dam. Sire. Dam. Dam. Dog. Sire. Sire. Dam. Sire. Sire ...
Enter information in this form to provide a new owner with a record of their pup's Health & Registration Record. Breeder's name: Puppy's Dam. Dam's AKC #: Puppy's Sire. Sire's AKC #: Puppy's Name: ...
The "Berner" breed was developed by Swiss farmers. ...
In the area surrounding the canton of Bern, ...
Artists' Impressions of Berners from the past. Farms, mountains and the people who lived there is what the breed knew. The dogs were developed to fit into such a place and lifestyle...
Common terms & skeletal anatomy... shoulders, pasterns, skull, scapula, muzzle, cervical...
Measured at the withers, dogs are 25 to 27 1/2 inches...depth of chest, length of leg...
The shoulders are moderately laid back, flat-lying, well-muscled ...
The outline we see when looking at a dog is often a reflection of underlying structure and physical condition. Bernese carry heavy coats which may mask structure. ...
Angle of croup affects tailset. Angulation ...
The natural working gait of the Bernese Mountain Dog is a slow trot. ...
The thighs are broad, strong and muscular. The stifles are moderately bent ...
Berner head types differ. The bones in the skull affect the shape of the head. ...
Scissors bite. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. An overshot or undershot bite is a serious fault. Dentition is complete. Molars. Premolars. Premolars. Molars. Canines. Canines. Incisors. Incisors. Even (level) bite causes wearing of incisors ~ other teeth aligned properly. Undershot Lower incisors beyond upper ~ other teeth displaced as well ...
The ears are medium sized, set high, triangular in shape. gently ...
The eyes are dark brown and slightly oval in shape with ... entropion, blue eyes...
The coat is thick, moderately long and wavy or straight. It has a bright natural sheen. The Bernese has a double coat. The breed was developed to work in the alpine meadows and ...
There is a white blaze and muzzle band. A white marking ...
Berner facial markings can deviate from the 'ideal'...rust cheeks, blaze, white ...
By R. Caldwell. Two thousand years ago... This breed, now called the Bernese Mountain Dog, is one of the oldest pure breeds known. Their descendants are to be met in Switzerland to this ...
By MRS. L. EGG LEACH. Questa vom Sumiswald is an excellent specimen of the Bernese Mountain Dog. She is exceedingly fond of. Children, as are all mem- bers of the breed the small wagons, filled with baskets, to the market place, in Berne. EVERTHELESS, they were passed by unnoticed for many years. Their brave deeds were never brought to the notice of the public, at home or abroad. Still these ...
Boll, in December 2006. Margret Bärtschi, 3067 Boll, Switzerland. Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Great Britain & Margret Bärtschi, 2006 ...
It seemed to begin so simply. In the May 1, 1937, Issue of the American. Kennel Gazette there was a brief notice: "New Breed Admitted to Stud Book. ...
Can't find what you are looking for? Try this page to search BMDINFO.ORG + a few of our favorite websites. ► Bernese Mountain Dogs