Page 75 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

WORKING DOGS

Bernese Mountain Dog

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN
23–28in 71–120lb Under 10 years CART DOGS
(58–70cm) (32–54kg)
In the past, people who couldn’t afford a horse
would use dogs to pull carts, leading to the
A beautifully marked, versatile breed with an attractive development of breeds such as the Bernese
Mountain Dog. This breed was used in the
personality and kind nature, this dog enjoys family life summer to transport milk, and later cheese,
from the mountains where the cattle grazed
This lovely dog takes its name from the and has become popular as a family dog.
to the valleys below. Because of this practice,
Swiss canton of Berne, where it traditionally Slow to mature, these dogs keep their dogs were sometimes referred to locally as
worked as an all-purpose farm dog; it was puppyish tendencies for longer than other Cheese Dogs. When not working as a draft
also used to pull carts to transport goods breeds. Although large and strong, the dogs animal, the Bernese Mountain Dog was used
such as milk and cheese to market. The breed are not overly dominant. They enjoy human to control stock and guard property.
began to decline in the 19th century as other company and need to spend a lot of time
types of dog were imported to Switzerland. around people, rather than be confined
Initial work on restoring the breed was done to a kennel or yard. The breed is affectionate
by Franz Schertenlieb who traveled all over and reliable with children. In recent years it
Switzerland looking for dogs and, later, has become popular as a therapy dog for
a Swiss professor called Albert Heim began older people, sick children, or those with
working to preserve and promote the breed special needs. It is also still used for farm
too. A breed club was formed in 1907, and work as well as search and rescue work.
during the 20th century the breed became The eye-catching tricolor coat needs
popular worldwide. plenty of grooming to maintain its silky
The Bernese Mountain texture and characteristic soft sheen. The
Dog is attractive in coat is heavy, so this dog is not suited to
both looks and nature, extremely warm climates.

White Broad head with
Triangular, blaze well-defined stop
drop ears on head
PUPPY
Tricolor

Broad, deep
chest with
white markings

Long, bushy,
jet-black tail
Long, silky, Reddish brown
slightly wavy coat markings extend
down to feet

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