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The Bernese Mountain Dog's temperament is a strong point of the breed. Affectionate, loyal, faithful, stable and intelligent, Bernese Mountain Dogs make wonderful family pets. They are very trainable provided the owner is patient and consistent in training; Berners need time to think things through.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a farm dog of ancestral origin which was used as a guard and draught dog and for driving cattle in the prealpine regions and in the midland areas around Bern.
 Originally he was named "Dürrbächler" according to the name of the hamlet and of the inn of Dürrbach, near Riggisberg, where this longhaired tricoloured farm dog was especially appreciated.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are a large, lovable breed of dogs. While the Bernese Mountain Dog is very large and attentive, they are also very gentle and friendly. They are very good around children as they are minimally aggressive. Because of their size, the Bernese Mountain Dog requires regular, but not overly stressful exercise.
These dogs need lots of human companionship and must be allowed inside the house. Berners are outdoor dogs at heart, though well-behaved in the house; they need activity and exercise, but do not have a great deal of endurance. They can move with amazing bursts of speed for their size when motivated; stray cats and similar intruders must beware of the Berner!
Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Outline
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Country of Origin: | Switzerland |
| FCI Classification: |
Group 2: Molossian type and Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs; Section 3: Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs |
| Utilization: |
Originally used as a guard and draught dog and for driving cattle in the Kanton Bern; today also multi purpose, companion and family dog
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| AKC Classification: |
Working Group |
| Personality: | Self-confident, attentive, vigilant, fearless in situations of every day life, good- natured and devoted to his own people, friendly towards strangers. |
| Size: | Large |
| Height: | 23-26 inches at shoulders |
| Colors: |
Jet black with rich tan markings on cheeks, over the eyes, on all four legs and on the chest, and with white markings. |
| Other Names: | Berner |
| Average Litter Size: | 8 |
| Life Span: | 10-12 years |
| Grooming Requirements: |
These dogs are natural and need only occasional brushing. |
| Shedding: | Heavy seasonal or year round. |
| Social skills: |
Berners must be socialized with other small animals at an early age. |
| Suitability for Children: | Berners are very patient with children of all ages and are usually protective of them.
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| Exercise Needs: | Bernese Mountain Dogs are strong and powerful dogs and need daily exercise for at least 60 minutes. |
| Train Ability: | These dogs are very intelligent and extremely trainable, although training must be approached with a gentle approach. |
| Health Issues: | Brain disorders, inflammation in blood vessels, cancers. |
| Negative Characteristics: | The Berner truly suffers from separation anxiety which is expressed in destructiveness. |
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