Bernese Mountain Dog - breed description and character of a dog

Bernese Mountain Dog - a legendary dog ​​originally from Switzerland. For a long time, representatives of this breed helped their owners to graze cattle. The duties of a dog greatly affected their intellectual abilities. Sennenhundi belong to those members of the dog family who are smarter than their owners.

They are very sociable and not aggressive, they always find a way out of non-standard situations. However, an amazing peacefulness allows you to fully protect your own territory and owners from the encroachments of outsiders. Genetically, they are endowed with heroism, because they are descendants of ancient Roman fighting dogs.

From the history of the breed

Sennenhundy - true Swiss.They were partners to a man in a farm, their missions were cattle grazing, farm guarding, and even babysitting. Their homeland is Switzerland, namely the Bern Canton, the name of the breed originated directly from here. The population of Bern has long been - mostly peasants, it was for the household that they needed this helper - a companion in the form of a four-footed friend.

A long time Sennenhund called peasant pomeranian or cow dog. Representatives of this breed of that time were very different in their red or brown color from today's standards.

How did this breed appear in the Alps? Today, no one can say for sure. The most commonly supported version is that the Mountain Dogs are the descendants of the classic Molloss, who hailed from Greece and were brought to Switzerland by Caesar's soldiers.

For many years, no one intentionally selected dogs of this breed. Their habitat was peasant farms, where their breed qualities were improved in a natural way. Living together with people and helping them around the house were the main tasks of these animals, which gave their results, genetically laying their love for people and impressive intellect in the Sennenhund.The nature of these pets has become softer and accommodating, giving them the ideal qualities of true friends of man.

Purposefully, they began to breed and select in the early 90s of the 19th century. Their natural acumen and mobility allowed them to compete with the St. Bernards, more popular at that time friends of the people. At the same time, the breed got its name Bernese Mountain Dog. Prior to this, they called all yellow-blunt dogs.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the first Sennenhund fans club was organized, and at the same time the breed received its current official name. In the 14th year of the same century, breed standards and characteristic breed colors were approved. After just a few years, they have already met at every step in France and from farms migrated to big cities.

Due to their breed characteristics of character and intelligence: beauty, endurance, lack of aggressiveness and friendliness, Bernese mountain dogs are extremely popular in all European countries. Breeders and breeders made every effort to preserve the natural character of the dogs of this breed.Sennenhund in urban conditions remained human companions and were used to rescue people and help firefighters, followed the safety of holidaymakers in ski resorts.

The development of this breed continues today, the selection aims to consolidate the positive qualities and increase the gene pool. They are common not only in America and European countries, but also in Asian countries, as well as Russia and Ukraine. In the countries of the post-Soviet space, the doggies appeared in the 89th year of the last century.

This breed is quite young, it was officially registered in 1892. But in fact, its history began even before our era — from the moment when their ancestors — the Molossians were brought by Roman soldiers to the territory of Switzerland.

Mental capacity

Representatives of this breed are distinguished by outstanding intellectual abilities and perfectly amenable to training. In abnormal situations, the doggies are not lost and are well oriented. They tend to make surprisingly correct decisions on their own.

Their natural instincts and mental abilities are acquired in a genetic way and in the literal sense of the word are found in the blood of their dogs. They are endowed with a sense of territory, excellent adaptability and good protective instincts.

The alpine shepherd dogs learnability is simply amazing. You can be sure that one-year-old puppies of puppies carefully capture the characteristics of the character of the owner and his daily needs. From a young age they are trying in various ways to please their owners. Dogs of this breed will provide any possible help with the housework, for example, feeding household items or clothing. The main task of the owner is to encourage and thank the pet in every possible way for his efforts. They like to hear praise and communicate with their “older” friend.

A pet dog breed will be a very long time to please its owners with its puppy spontaneity, since they grow up very long. These animals reach their absolute maturity at about 4 years of age. Then they become calmer and less active. Nevertheless, they retain their playfulness and emotionality.

In the training of pets of this breed, it is important to set them complex tasks that require enhanced mental activity. Their education requires a thoughtful approach and creative ideas.

Character traits

Bernese Mountain Dog - the perfect pet. They show their love and devotion towards all members of the family of their happy owner. They like to help house owners. They are genuinely worried about all family members and may feel uneasy in the absence of one of them. Separation from the owners is very difficult for them, because the dogs of this breed are very attached to them and loyal.

Representatives of this breed are inherently resistant temperament, cheerful disposition and lively intellect. They like to be close to their master, to give him support and help. Before reaching maturity, the dogs can be distinguished by their special activity and desire to play, but they cannot be called intrusive. They use their hyperactivity while walking, so they should be maximally saturated with motor activity and impressions.

Their owners, like other dogs, Sennenhundy consider the leaders in the pack.For this reason, they are very obedient, this is their genetic feature. However, it is not worthwhile for the owners of puppies to exaggerate their powers; a sensitive dog may react to the prejudiced attitude very painfully. Excessive cruelty and bullying on the part of a person can provoke stress in representatives of this breed and can cause deep depression.

It is necessary to build a trusting partnership with sennenhunds, gently treat and love your pet, then he will reciprocate.

Upbringing

Bernese Mountain Dogs are one of the most sociable representatives of herding dogs. They are genuinely attached to people and have a need for constant communication with them.

Dogs of this breed get along well with small children; they feel responsibility and heightened sense of duty towards the little ones. They are very patient with childish pranks, such as pulling ears and tail. It is known that there were facts when dogs of this breed found children lost in the Alps. These playful and good-natured animals enjoy playing with children, protecting them and can provide babysitting services.

Sennenhund like no one else will protect the host territory from detractors, but will never show aggression to the host guests. With the help of selection, only the most good-natured representatives of this breed were selected. Thus, aggressive and conflict individuals were excluded. At the level of intuition, they are able to distinguish between well-wishers and enemies, so they will never be allowed into the territory of intruders.

Training

These are very intelligent animals with high ability to remember information. They are endowed with ideal professional qualities in the field of agriculture and protection of the territory. To reveal their natural potential is possible with the help of education and training.
Starting classes is necessary from a young age, but not earlier than 5 months. More focused training is carried out when the animal reaches the age of the year.

Training brings them pleasure, and they relate to this process very positively. The owner, for his part, must show maximum patience and perseverance. Usually, learning Swiss Shepherd dogs is not a problem, but it is important to exercise sufficient rigor for the animal to see the owner of the owner of the situation.It is important to bear in mind that it is absolutely unacceptable to show cruelty and aggression, to raise a voice in relation to dogs of this breed.

Sennenhundy do not like to be bored, the same type of activity does not bring them pleasure. Classes with them need to diversify as much as possible. Training in the form of a game - the perfect approach. Swiss Shepherd Dogs enjoy challenging tasks that require mental activity rather than discipline. If the owner is an adherent of complicated specialized training, then it is important to pay attention to the pedigree qualities of character.

Physical activity

Bernese Mountain Dog can live in the city as a pet, but regular walks and exercise are extremely important. You need to walk with them every day for at least an hour and a half. Walking should be full of physical activity and interesting events. Different places are suitable for walking: parks and landings, and not just shopping for shopping or visiting friends.

It should be noted that periodically you need to give the animal to move freely, removing the leash. Giving your pet a free run is necessary in places without a large crowd of people.It is better if it is in the forest or in a remote park area. Swiss Shepherd Dogs enjoy the feeling of freedom and being in nature.

It is necessary to choose several days a week for active walks. Sennenhund can make a host company in sports. In general, they are excellent companions in all spheres of life.

Peculiarities of care

Dogs of this breed, as a rule, do not require increased attention from the owners in terms of care. However, their long and silky wool needs to be constantly combed to avoid the appearance of tubers throughout the house during moulting periods.

It needs to be brushed daily with a metal comb that has rounded and thick teeth. It is worth paying close attention that the wool does not form mats. If they appear, then you can get rid of them using a comb.

It is required to bathe a Swiss shepherd dog about once a quarter. You can do this as needed, using special or children's shampoos and water of about 36 degrees. For a start, it is worthwhile to wash the main areas of the dog’s body, then pay close attention to less accessible areas.

To care for your teeth and eyes does not require much effort. Eyes and ears should be inspected every 7-10 days and wiped with a cotton pad and warm boiled water. If there is an increased amount of discharge in the area of ​​the eyes and ears, it is imperative that the animal be shown to a veterinarian. Teeth, like all other pets, need to be cleaned using special toothpastes and brushes. To keep the gums in good shape, you need to give the dog bones and special toys.

Care of claws and claws is also necessary for the Dogs. If the length of the claws is not removed in a natural way, by grinding off during walks, it should be removed with the help of a claw cutter as it grows. The first few times is to cut the claws in a special salon or with the help of a veterinarian, carefully watching the process. Then it can be done independently, taking into account the recommendations of experts.

Pads can be injured during walks or dry up, after which they have cracks. In such cases, they must be treated with antiseptics, and then moistened with creams and cosmetic oils.

Nutrition

Sennenhundy do not belong to those breeds that tend to gain extra pounds due to overeating. However, they have a fairly good appetite because of their excessive physical activity. When feeding, be sure to follow a strict regimen to avoid gaining excess weight.

In order to avoid problems with the health of the dog in the future it is necessary to adhere to some rules in the selection of food. Namely, it is required to completely eliminate the following from the pet's diet:

• corned beef, smoked meats, sweets;
• chocolate;
• spices;
• fat meat;
• baking baking.

Health and life expectancy

The Dogs cannot be considered painful or weak animals, however, their lifespan is short, about 8 years. Over the increase in the life expectancy of dogs of this breed work breeders in almost all countries. 10 years ago she rarely made up more than 8 years. Today there are individuals that live much longer than before.

Genetic Bernese Mountain Dogs are subject to the following diseases:

• malignant processes;
• epilepsy;
• hypothyroidism;
• muscular dystrophy;
• cataract;
• retinal dystrophy.

To a considerable extent, the situation is complicated by unscrupulous breeders who pay little attention to obtaining quality offspring, sell pets without documents, and knit with representatives of other breeds.

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