Bernese Mountain Cattleman: everything you need to know about the large breed

 Bernese Mountain Cattleman: everything you need to know about the large breed

Tracy Wilkins

The Bernese Mountain is a large dog with an irresistible charm. In Brazil, he is also known as Boiadeiro de Berna, Boiadeiro Bernês or just Bernese, for the intimate. Although not one of the most popular, this little dog has several qualities: he is very agile, athletic, companionable and has been widely used as a herding dog in the past. As the Bernese breed originated in Switzerland, it is also very popular in Switzerland.has high resistance to low temperatures.

The docile and calm personality of the Bernese Cattle Dog is another characteristic that usually draws the attention of the owners. For this reason, many people choose the Bernese Cattle Dog as a companion dog. How about knowing a little more about the history of the Bernese Mountain Dog? Price, physical characteristics, personality and pet health care: we have separated everything you need to know below.

The origin of the Bernese Mountain Dog (or Bernese Cattle Dog)

This is a breed of dog that is known by different names: Bernese Mountain Dog, Bernese Cattleman, Bernese Cattleman or Berner Sennenhund (original nomenclature of the breed). Originally from the Bern region, the dog appeared around 1900, more specifically in the Alps of the interior of Switzerland.

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Originally, the Bernese Mountain breed was used as a guard and herding dog (or drover); that is, the animal was used to care for and protect specific places from possible predators or intruders, and also helped in driving cattle. For this reason, many people also refer to it as a Bernese shepherd, as this is a working dog that was used for many years in the field.

Over time, the Bernese Cattleman began to win the hearts of many people and was gaining space within families, becoming a companion dog. In 1907, he gained even more visibility around the world, which is when the Bernese Cattleman began to participate in dog shows. Shortly thereafter, in 1937, the American Kennel Club officially registered the breed. amongdogs of Swiss origin, the Bernese Mountain Dog is the most popular dog in existence.

Bernese Mountain: learn about the breed's most striking physical characteristics

The Boiadeiro de Berne is a large dog, weighing between 35 and 50 kg. The height of the breed is also surprising: females usually measure between 58 cm and 64 cm, while the male Boiadeiro de Berne dog can reach an average height of up to 70 cm. They are muscular and quite strong dogs, with a slightly rounded head and medium-sized drooping ears with a triangular shape. A trait that is quite strikingattention is that the Bernese always seems to be smiling and its expression is usually very serene.

The Bernese dog has excellent physical condition and lots of energy

One of the most amazing characteristics is the physical condition of the Boiadeiro. The dog has a well-developed and very strong body, which is totally consistent with his job as a "Bernese Shepherd". Also because of his past, the Boiadeiro Bernese dog knows how to deal with the cold and can perform various activities with mastery.

The Bernese Cattle Dog breed is quite active and energetic, so it needs to exercise daily - about 30 minutes of walks or physical activity is enough for that. While walks are a good way to burn off energy, environments with a yard or spaces for it to run and play are the most suitable for the Bernese. Dogs like this definitely don't do itlikes to feel confined and therefore does not do well in apartments or other small, enclosed spaces. In addition to running around outdoors, Boiadeiro dog breeds love interactive play and can learn tricks and commands with ease.

The temperament and personality of the Bernese Mountain

  • Coexistence

Even though the Bernese Cattle Dog is a big guy, he is calm and gentle. The breed is also known for its tranquility and companionship, so if you are looking for a loyal and faithful puppy, you will not be disappointed with the Bernese Cattle Dog. Family for him is the most important thing! The only thing to be aware of, however, is that dogs of this breed do not like to feel too tied up,especially if they need to be left alone for part of the time, then ideally they should have a little space to vent their energy in the meantime.

In any case, the Boiadeiro dog breed needs a harmonious coexistence with its humans and also some attention. Play and activities that help strengthen the emotional bonds are more than welcome! As much as they seem independent, the truth is that the Bernese Mountain dog simply cannot stand to be alone for long.

  • Socialization

In addition to being calm on a daily basis, Bernese puppies are super friendly. It is not for nothing that this dog is recommended for any family with children or with other animals, as this little dog is super docile and peaceful. Socializing is up to him! What can happen is that, in an environment with many people he does not know, the Bernese Cattleman becomes a little more shy andreserved than normal, but it's only a matter of time before he gets used to new people. Still, our tip is to start socialization from the Bernese puppy.

  • Training

The Bernese Mountain is intelligent and has an easy time learning various commands, which makes training a lot easier. With an enormous desire to please, the Bernese Mountain breed tends to be very obedient and disciplined around their guardians. Therefore, it is good to take advantage of the dog's behavior to teach him various tricks and other commands that you find necessary. As well as the process ofsocialization, it is recommended to start training with the puppy. Bernese cattle learn even faster at this stage!

5 curiosities about the Bernese drover

1) A curiosity that few people know about the Bernese: the breed was almost extinct before it was officially registered. This was because, before winning the world with competitions and its enormous charisma, the Bernese Cattleman was used for field work. With technological advances, however, this work was eventually replaced by machines.

2) The Boiadeiro dog does not usually bark a lot, but he is always on the lookout, so when a visitor arrives or something wrong happens, it is normal for this little dog to emit some barks and other sounds.

3) There is a sport typical of the Boiadeiro dog breeds, whose name is "carting". In practice, this activity consists of pulling transport carts and is great for further strengthening the muscles of the puppy.

4) Believe it or not, the Boiadeiro breed has saved many people's lives! In 2013, a Boiadeiro pup named Bella rescued her owner from a fire in Canada and earned recognition in the Purina Hall of Fame. In 2015, a Boiadeiro dog from Bern named Nico was able to save a couple who had been swept away in California.

5) Boiadeiro de Bernese has already participated in a national Havaianas commercial alongside actor Cauã Reymond in 2012. This puppy was called Bolota, and he was a big slipper eater.

Bernese puppy: what to expect from the puppy and how to care for it?

The Boiadeiro de Berna puppy is very affectionate, but needs a lot of attention - especially in the first weeks of adaptation in his new home. Therefore, it is good to separate a suitable corner to accommodate your new little friend with everything he needs: a cozy bed, several dog toys, feeder, drinker and other hygiene items. This is an essential phase for bondingIt is also the best time to start training and socialization.

Intelligent, the Boiadeiro de Berna puppy will have no trouble learning where to go, for example. However, walks and interactions with other pets (other than residents) should only begin after the Boiadeiro de Bernese has a full vaccination schedule, as well as deworming. The first veterinary consultations are also very importantto follow the growth phases of the Bernese puppy.

It is also worth remembering that, in addition to its price, Boiadeiro de Berna will require several other costs that must be taken into account when buying. Having a puppy at home requires a lot of responsibility. Expenses for food, baths, grooming and other care - such as veterinary check-ups - will be part of the guardian's life for many years.

Boiadeiro dog coat requires some attention

The hair of the Bernese Cattle Dog is another highlight. The breed has a very characteristic tricolor coat: most of the dog is black, with small white and reddish brown spots distributed around the body. In addition, the long double coat can vary between smooth or slightly wavy, bringing great charm to the Bernese.

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Being a typical dog of colder regions, the Bernese Boiadeiro can lose a lot of hair in more tropical countries, such as Brazil. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain a daily brushing routine with these dogs. In addition, bathing and grooming are also other important care to keep the Bernese dog's coat always healthy and beautiful.

Necessary care for the Bernese cattle drover's routine

  • Bathing and brushing:

Unlike other dog breeds, the Bernese Mountain Dog does not need to be bathed every month, as long as their hair is brushed frequently (the recommendation is that this happens daily). By keeping up with brushing, you can bathe your Bernese Mountain Dog every 3 months. Always remember to use specific dog products at these times.

  • Nails, teeth and ear:

The size of the nails can interfere with the well-being of your friend, so the ideal is to trim them at least once a month. Thus it is possible to avoid that the Bernese Mountain hurts himself and others unintentionally. Another important point is to dedicate a little time to take care of the pet's oral health, brushing his teeth regularly in order to avoid problems such as caries and tartar. Clean the ears of the breedBernese cattle are also needed, as this helps prevent infections such as canine otitis in the area.

  • Food:

Every dog needs to eat well, and with the Bernese cattle dog this is no different. The guardian must look for a feed that is appropriate for the animal's life stage and size, which will be able to offer all the essential nutrients to keep it strong and healthy. In addition, quality is also something that influences this aspect and, among the various feeds that exist on the market, thePremium and Super Premium are the most recommended. It is worth noting that, as gastric torsion is common in the breed, the ideal is to feed the Bernese Mountain only twice a day and always avoiding physical exercise during the digestion process.

What you need to know about the health of the Bernese Cattle Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog has no genetic predisposition to any specific disease, but that doesn't mean they need any less attention and care. Overall, the pooch is healthy, but needs regular visits to the vet to make sure everything is okay. Problems like hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and gastric torsion are common to occur with the Bernese Mountain Dog.Bern, as well as osteochondritis and muscle problems due to its large size.

Ideally, veterinary appointments should take place at least every six months and it is essential to keep vaccinations up to date and without delay, as well as deworming. Tick medicine is indispensable, since the Bernese Boiadeiro lives exploring different places. Unlike other breeds that have a long life expectancy, the Bernese lives between 6 and 8 years.

Boiadeiro de Berna: price of the breed can reach R$ 5 thousand

For those who have fallen in love with this large dog breed and want to know how much a Bernese Mountain Dog costs, the value usually varies between R $ 2.5 thousand and R $ 5 thousand when puppies. Depending on the quality of the kennel and the lineage of the Bernese Mountain Dog, the value can reach up to R $ 10 thousand. This difference happens because dogs descended from champions tend to be more expensive than those of origincommon; and females also command a higher price.

In any case, the best way to buy a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy is to look for a reliable kennel with good references. If you can visit the place a few times before making the payment, even better! This way you can know if the kennel in question really values the lives of the animals and takes good care of them. Oh, and remember: when adopting or buying a dog, it is important to think about the following thingsalso in the monthly expenses that this may require from your pocket. Having a puppy is all good, but it requires responsibility.

X-ray of the Bernese Cattle Dog

  • Coat: long, shiny, straight or slightly wavy
  • Colors: tricolor, predominantly black and with white and brown spots on the body
  • Temperament: calm, docile, intelligent and sociable
  • Level of intelligence: 22nd in the ranking of canine intelligence
  • Energy level: high
  • Health: coxofemoral dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and gastric torsion are common
  • Life expectancy: 6 to 8 years

Tracy Wilkins

Jeremy Cruz is a passionate animal lover and dedicated pet parent. With a background in veterinary medicine, Jeremy has spent years working alongside veterinarians, gaining invaluable knowledge and experience in caring for dogs and cats. His genuine love for animals and commitment to their well-being led him to create the blog Everything you need to know about dogs and cats, where he shares expert advice from veterinarians, owners, and respected experts in the field, including Tracy Wilkins. By combining his expertise in veterinary medicine with insights from other respected professionals, Jeremy aims to provide a comprehensive resource for pet owners, helping them understand and address their beloved pets' needs. Whether it's training tips, health advice, or simply spreading awareness about animal welfare, Jeremy's blog has become a go-to source for pet enthusiasts seeking reliable and compassionate information. Through his writing, Jeremy hopes to inspire others to become more responsible pet owners and create a world where all animals receive the love, care, and respect they deserve.