|
Sennenhunds. Similiar to the other Sennenhunds, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a big, heavy dog with a characteristic tricolored coat, black with white chest and rust colored markings above eyes, sides of mouth, front of legs, and a small quantity around the white chest. The ideal of a perfectly-marked distinctive gives theimpression of a white horse shoe shape around the nose and a white "Swiss cross" on the chest, when viewed from the front. A Swiss Kiss is a white mark located typically behind the neck, but may be a part of the neck. Both males and females possess a broad head with smallish, v-shaped drooping ears. Height at the withers is 23-27.5 in (58-70 cm). The standard does not acknowledge weight. On average, one must expect 40-55 kg (88-120 lb). Females are slightly shorter than males. The AKC breed standard lists, as rejection for participation, Blue eye color, and any ground color other than black. Exact color and pattern of the coat are also described as distinctive. Four Breeds. The four breeds of Sennenhund, with the original breed name followed by the most popular English version of the breed name. Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Berner Sennenhund, Bernese Mountain Dog Appenzeller Sennenhund, Appenzeller Entlebucher Sennenhund, Entlebucher Mountain Dog. Health Surveys Health surveys of Bernese Mountain across Europe, the United States, and Canada demonstrate that this breed is very short-lived compared to breeds of similar size and pure-blooded dogs in across-the-board. Bernese Mountain Dogs have a median longevity of seven years in Denmark, the U.S., and Canada and eight years in the UK surveys. By comparability, most other breeds of similar size have median longevities of 10 to 11 years. The longest lived of 394 deceased Bernese Mountain Dogs in a 2004 UK survey died at 15.2 years. Cancer is the leading reason of death for dogs in general, but Bernese Mountain Dogs have a much greater rate of fatal cancer than other breeds; in both U.S./Canada and UK surveys, almost half of Bernese Mountain Dogs died of cancer,correlated to about 27% of all dogs. Bernese Mountain Dogs are killed by a collection of various types of cancer, including malignant histiocytosis, mast cell tumor, lymphosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, and osteosarcoma. Bernese Mountain Dogs also have an unusually high mortality due to musculoskeletal causes. Arthritis, hip dysplasia, and cruciate ligament rupture were reported as the cause of death in 6% of Bernese Mountain Dogs in the UK study; for analysis, mortality due to musculoskeletal ailments was reported to be less than 2% for purebred dogs in general. Bernese Mountain Dogs Owners. Owners of Bernese Mountain Dogs are nearly three times as likely as owners of other breeds to report musculoskeletal problems in their dogs. The most frequently reported musculoskeletal issues are cruciate ligament rupture, arthritis (especially in shoulders and elbows), hip dysplasia, and osteochondritis. The age at onset for musculoskeletal problems is also unusually low. For example, in the U.S./Canada study, 11% of living dogs had arthritis at an average age of 4.3 years. Most other common, non-musculoskeletal morbidity issues strike Berners at rates related or connected to other breeds. In short, prospective Bernese Mountain Dog owners should be prepared to contend with a large dog that may have mobility problems at a young age. Options to help mobility-impaired dogs mayinvolve ramps for car or house access, lifting harnesses and slings, and dog wheelchairs (ex: Walkin` Wheels). Comfortable bedding may help help joint pain. Standard Guideline. The breed standard for the Bernese Mountain Dog advises that dogs should not be "belligerent, worried or distinctly shy," but rather should be "good natured," "self-assured," "calm towards strangers," and "docile." Temperament of individual dogs may vary, and not all examples of the breed have been astutely bred to follow the Standard. All large dogs should be well socialized when young, and given regulartraining and activities all through their lives. I like to write about this wonderful animal the Bernese Mountain Dog. Find out more on this family pet here.
Related Articles -
bernese, bernese training tips, train a bernese, bernese mountain dog,
|
