Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Profile
Ancestors of the Bernese Mountain Dogs were brought into Switzerland more than 2000 years ago by forces of invading Roman soldiers, and although they can still to be found on farms of central Switzerland today, by the end of last century the breed had degenerated to such an extent as to be unrecognisable.
The Bernese Mountain Dog was mainly used as a drover's dog and a watchdog in the farmyards in the Canton of Berne. Sufficient dogs of correct type remained for a rehabilitation program to be undertaken by fanciers and by 1907 a breed club was formed, and the breed found favour with many Swiss as a pet and companion.
AVERAGE LIFESPAN
These beautiful dogs can live up to 12 years of age, but fed the right food will usually live up to 14 years.
BREED PERSONALITY, CHARACTERISTICS AND TEMPERAMENT
This is a multi-purpose farm dog capable of draught work as well as being a kind and devoted family dog. It is slow to mature, but it is self-confident, good-natured, friendly and fearless and any aggressive behaviour should be stopped as soon as it starts.
COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS
It is essential that the Bernese Mountain Dog be made part of the family if it is to be kept truly happy. It will get along quite happily with other pets so long as it is brought up with them.
CARE REQUIREMENTS
An extremely hardy dog, strong, sturdy and alert, the Bernese is jet black with rich reddish brown on its legs, cheeks, spots over each eye, and on either side of his white chest markings. Its coat is of medium length and silky with a slight wave and needs daily grooming.
Please take note:
Because of the Bernes Mountain Dog's strong in-built herding instinct can quickly turn into a dangerous chasing habit if not curbed. Because they are tempted to round up any moving object, this can include traffic - so train your dog to understand that "traffic herding" is not allowed.
IN CONCLUSION
If you have decided that the Bernese Mountain Dog is the dog for you and you are prepared to take on a strong and large dog, contact one of the groups listed below:
Recommended Breeders
| Breeder Name | Kennel | State | |
|
Jenny Cugley
|
Makker
|
WA
|
Contact
|
|
Wendy Watts
|
Legacee
|
VIC
|
Contact
|
|
FAY CARVILL
|
DHARMANSK
|
VIC
|
Contact
|
*** We have vetted and approved these independent breeders as meeting, at the time,
our criteria for the reliable breeding, feeding, care and sale of suitable quality
puppies of this breed. This does not mean that other breeders do not meet these
criteria or are not otherwise suitable suppliers. Nor can our vetting and approval
guarantee the quality of a breeder or puppy or that you will be happy with them.
We disclaim any liability for the quality, acts or omissions of these breeders or
their puppies and our approval of breeders is not a substitute for you making all
appropriate enquiries and checks (including veterinary checks) before choosing a
specific breeder or puppy.
Canine Clubs
|
Australian Capital Territory:
|
New South Wales: |
ACT Canine Association Inc
PO Box 815
Dickson, ACT 2602
Tel: 02 6241 4404
Fax: 02 6241 1129
Website: www.actca.asn.au
(Details correct as of 1/08/04) |
Royal New South Wales Canine Council Ltd
PO Box 632
St Marys, NSW 1790
Tel: 02 9834 3022
Fax: 02 9834 3872
Website: www.rnswcc.org.au
(Details current as of 1/08/04) |
|
Northern Terrority : |
Queensland:
|
The North Australian Canine Association Inc
PO Box 37521
Winnellie, NT 0821
Tel: 08 8984 3570
Fax: 08 8984 3409
Website: www.users.bigpond.com/naca1/
(Details correct as of 6/08/04) |
Canine Control Council (Queensland)
PO Box 495
Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006
Tel: 07 3252 2661
Fax: 07 3252 3864
Website: www.cccq.org.au
(Details correct as of 1/08/04) |
|
South Australia : |
Tasmania : |
South Australian Canine Association Inc
PO Box 844
Prospect East, SA 5082
Tel: 08 8349 4797
Fax: 08 8262 5751
Website: www.saca.caninenet.com
(Details correct as of 1/08/04) |
Tasmanian Canine Association Inc
The Rothman Building
PO Box 116
Glenorchy, Tas 7010
Tel: 03 6272 9443
Fax: 03 6273 0844
Website: www.tca.freeservers.com
(Details correct as of 1/08/04) |
|
Victoria: |
Western Australia: |
Victorian Canine Association
Locked Bag K9
Cranbourne, Vic 3977
Tel: 03 9788 2500
Fax: 03 9788 2599
Website: www.vca.org.au
(Details correct as of 1/08/04) |
Canine Association of Western Australia Inc
PO Box 1404
Canning Vale, WA 6970
Tel: 08 9455 1188
Fax: 08 9455 1190
Website: www.cawa.asn.au
(Details correct as of 1/08/04) |
