Each month, we’ll highlight a popular dog breed at risk for arthritis. We will talk about what we like about them, as well as thinking about how to keep them healthy. This month, we’re focusing on Bernese Mountain Dogs, a member of the World’s Largest Dog Breed. Learn more about this giant dog breed, why we love them and how to keep them healthy.
The Bernese Mountain Dog has historical origins originating from Berne, Switzerland. At that time, this beautiful giant dog was working on a farm in the mountains. Flash forward to today and you can see the Bernese today as part of many families. Here’s what you need to know about the Bernese, also known as “Berner.” Here are a few reasons why we love Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Bernese PUPPIES!
The Bernese loves all weather, including snow!
Bernese love being outdoors.
Bernese loves children.
Etc
We don’t just look around. We know some need more than a beautiful, tri-colored fur coat with big, brown eyes to fall in love with a breed. Here are some points that you may not know about them.
Excellent Manners. The AKC describes the breed as “kind, calm and strong.” The beautiful Bernese is known for being good with families and children.
Highly adaptable. You will find Berners in colder climates such as ice and mountains. But because of their adaptability, they are now in any climate. They enjoy being part of life in a small apartment or on a large farm. No matter what you throw at these lovable dogs, they will adapt and enjoy life with you as the leader of their pack.
Soft and huggable. A Bernie’s fur is thick and soft. They are simply one of the most beautiful tri-color dogs out there. Although they love their active time, you can always count on quality cuddle time with your Bernese.
Versatile Dog. Berners were bred as working dogs on a farm. Because of this work instinct, they love to have an active lifestyle that includes activities with their pet parent such as hiking outdoors, participating in agility contests, pulling small carts, or working as a dog. Guardian. A Berner is intelligent and hardworking at heart.
Read more about how the Bernese Mountain Dog can do almost any job.
Race Standards
- AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 22 of 193
- Height: 25-27.5 inches (male), 23-26 inches (female)
- Weight: 80-115 pounds (male), 70-95 pounds (female)
- Life Expectancy: 7-10 years
- Group: Working Group
World’s Biggest Dog
When thinking of large dogs, the Bernese Mountain Dog often comes to mind. But there are many other giant races. In fact, the AKC recognizes 12 of the largest dog breeds as the largest dogs in the world. Decisions are never easy which giant dog breed to enter your home. There are several compelling reasons to add a Bernese Mountain Dog.
Swiss Dogs are beautiful
The Bernese is not like many dogs, but they are similar to their cousins, who also come from the Swiss Alps. These dogs are called Sennenhund-type dogs which means “Alpine Pasture Dog.” The four dog breeds that originated in the Swiss Alps are: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Bernese Mountain Dog, the rare Appenzeller Sennenhund, which is not a breed ineligible for AKC registration and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog, which is part of herding group. All of these dogs are beautiful, with their trademark tri-color coats. The first two dogs are part of the Giant breed of dogs. The other two are smaller, with similar physical characteristics and are not in the working group. Here is their size difference:
- Bernese Mountain Dog: 25-27.5 inches tall and 80 -115 pounds
- Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: 25.5-28.5 inches tall and 115-140 pounds
- Appenzeller Sennenhund: 19-22 inches tall and 48-70 pounds
- Entlebucher Mountain Dogs: 17-21 inches and 50-65 pounds
Mixed Bernese Mountain Dogs
There are about 15 different breeds that are currently mixed with Bernese Mountain Dogs. As you can imagine, they are beautiful. What seems to be the most common of the breeds is the Bernedoodle, which is a Bernese mixed with a poodle. Many breeds crossbreed with Poodles in hopes of getting the non-shedding gene into the outcome. Since the Bernese is known for having a lot of hair and shedding, a good shedding version of this dog is a welcome change. If you choose to get a mixed breed, make sure you do your research on the breeder you choose.
Top Health Problems of Bernese Mountain Dogs
Others say, the bigger the dog, the bigger the love. But others say that the bigger the dog, the bigger the health problems. With Bernese Mountain Dogs, you will understand that as they age, their health issues will increase due to their size.
The unfortunate fact is that no dog really lives long enough, the Bernese Mountain Dog’s life span is even shorter than that of an average sized dog. Bernie is expected to live only 6-10 years. Their short life span can be attributed to their enormous size. It is very important to make sure to keep your Bernie as healthy as possible with basic preventative measures. But first, here are the main health problems to be aware of when it comes to your Bernie:
- Cancer in Dogs. Sadly, Dogster reports that as high as 50% of Bernese Mountain Dogs die from some form of cancer. Often, the disease is terminal, but not always. Early detection is key.
- Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia. Bernie’s large size can be attributed to most of their joint issues. It is important to constantly monitor their mobility.
- Osteoarthritisor arthritis. Because of the joint problems already mentioned, Bernies are at very high risk for osteoarthritis. It is important to do regular mobility assessments of your dog. Try taking the Arthritis Test every 6 months to help prompt you on what to look for. It’s always a good idea to use joint supplements for Bernies as a preventative measure to keep their joints in as good health as possible.
Arthritis is just as painful for dogs as it is for humans. And like people, you can do something about it. Learn more about arthritis in dogs and see all the risk factors.
Berner’s Key to Health Protection and Prevention
The good news is that Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally active and healthy for most of their lives. The key is to keep them that way. Here are the top ways to keep your Bernese in tip-top health:
Healthy Diet and Exercise:
Bernese Mountain Dogs have great stamina, making them great dogs for active families. They love to be outside and walk long distances. It’s important to keep your Bernese active and busy so they can maintain a good, healthy weight.
Preventive Care:
Since most of Bernie’s health problems are joint related, plan to do what you can to protect and strengthen their joints. safe and natural by adding a combined supplement to their diet. Most dogs need joint supplements at the age of 8. But since the Bernie’s life expectancy is shorter, they should start taking joint supplements even earlier. Joint supplements can promote joint health and cartilage development that keep dogs active and young, longer.
Glyde™ Mobility Chews
Parnell Living Science are the arthritis experts in dogs and cats. As the creators of Glyde Mobility Chews, we’ve developed a unique formula with proven levels of anti-inflammatory ingredients to fight the signs of aging. Glyde uses natural and gluten-free ingredients to promote healthy joints to let your dog do everything he wants. Glyde is the only supplement that contains proven levels of three key components that work to relieve the painful symptoms of arthritis.
Glyde’s proven formula has natural ingredients and high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin, along with Green Lipped Mussel (GLM). Proven levels of these key ingredients are what make the formula unique:
Raising Bernie
As you can imagine, there are tons of beautiful Bernese Mountain Dogs that you can check out on social media. Photogenic dogs are worth following. If you don’t want to have your own Bernese Mountain Dog these pictures, nothing will. But be forewarned: raising your own Bernese means big adventure ahead. If a Bernese isn’t for you, you can enjoy them from the side. Check out some of these photos on Instagram.
At Parnell Living Science, we love all dog breeds. But sure, we love those Bernese Mountain Dogs! Have you read our other race-focused posts? Check them out by going to Pet Health and clicking on the posts. We highlight a new breed every month. Our most popular breed-focused post is our Labrador Retriever post, which isn’t too surprising since that’s the #1 breed in the world. Stay tuned for more new blog posts every week. You can have them delivered to your in-box by signing up as a newsletter subscriber. Just enter your email in the subscriber box below this post!
