Bernese Mountain Dogs

The Bernese Mountain Dog is also known as: Berner Sennenhund, Bernese Cattle Dog

Fast Facts

Group classification: Working	Country of origin: Switzerland	Date of origin: Antiquity
Weight (M): 90 - 120 lb	Height (M): 25 - 28"	Life expectancy: 7 - 9 years
Weight (F): 70 - 100 lb	Height (F): 23 - 26"

General Description of the Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, beautifully colored working dog. Its head is broad and flat, with a gentle furrow and distinct stop, and a muzzle that is straight and long. Gently oval shaped eyes are brown in color. The ears are triangular, medium in size, set close to the head with softly rounded ends. A long, muscular neck leads to a topline that is even from withers to croup. The chest is deep and well-muscled, and the back firm and wide. The tail is long, bushy and carried low unless the dog is alert, in which case it is lifted slightly. The coat is dense, thick and long, and can be either straight or gently waved. Coloring is always tri-colored, with jet black ground, and symmetrical markings of rust and white.

Bernese Mountain Dog Temperament

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a fantastic pet for families with children. These gentle giants adore children and are protective, loving and gentle. They are loyal and tend to stay that way for life, which is why they should be brought into a home as puppies and ownership should not be changed after the age of 18 months if at all possible. This breed is sociable with other animals and accepting, though a tad reserved, around strangers. They are intelligent and hardworking, but also boisterous and energetic. They enjoy being around people and cannot be left alone for long periods. These dogs are sensitive in nature and need gentle guidance rather than sharp or harsh correction. All in all, the Bernese Mountain Dog makes a great family pet if socialized and trained correctly.

Caring for a Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a working breed, and as such requires a good deal of exercise. The dog enjoys long walks and pulling; tying your dog’s harness to a wagon and having him pull the kids around the driveway is excellent exercise and something the whole family can enjoy. Because the Bernese Mountain Dog has a thick, dense coat, regular brushing is a must. During shedding season, brushing and combing will need to be performed more frequently. Keep the ears clean and the nails clipped. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and opportunities to socialize to keep it healthy and happy. This dog should not be made to live outside, since closeness to its family is so important to its mental development; ideally, the dog should sleep indoors and have easy access to a backyard. Take care that your dog does not get overheated on hot days. The Bernese Mountain Dog is susceptible to canine hip and elbow dysplasia, gastric torsion, mast cell tumor, entropion, ectropion, cataracts and subvalvular aortic stenosis.

Don’t let the name fool you.  The Bernese Mountain Dog, although suitable for living outdoors, can also be a great apartment dog.  I went to the dog park last Saturday and met a gorgeous 2-year old female Bernese named Riley.  She was as sweet as can be…she literally followed me the entire time I was there.  The squeaky KONG tennis ball that I brought with me was an instant hit with many of the dogs at the park, including Riley.  Unfortunately she wasn’t as fast as a feisty Jack Russell I met or even Ollie but she still chased it nonetheless.

Other infor

Bernese Mountain Dogs sort of look like bigger versions of Black Tricolor Australian Shepherds.  You might have seen these dogs on television; they’re the ones who pull the carts and wagons.  Despite all the hard work they put in, these dogs have some of the best temperaments around.  They are affectionate, intelligent, loyal, eager to please and are mostly friendly to people, dogs and other animals.  They can be shy and need time to think things through so it is important to be gentle with them.  They love encouragement and treats though!  They are also great with children.  Sounds like the best dog ever huh?
Unfortunately there is one downside to these beautiful dogs, and that’s their short lifespan which is only 7 years on average   They suffer from a plethora of health problems midway through life and need an owner that is willing to deal with this added responsibility.  For the right owner however, these dogs will make an awesome companion.

Belgian Tervuren dogs

The Belgian Tervuren is also known as: Chien de Berger Belge, Tervuren

Fast Facts

Group classification: Herding	Country of origin: Belgium	Date of origin: 19th century
Weight (M): 55 - 65 lb	Height (M): 24 - 26"	Life expectancy: 10 - 12 years
Weight (F): 40 - 50 lb	Height (F): 22 - 24"

General Description of the Belgian Tervuren

The Belgian Tervuren is a medium-sized dog that is strong, square and well-proportioned. The head is long without being overly so and features dark brown eyes that are slightly almond shaped. The expression is one of alertness, curiosity and intelligence. Ears are set high on the head, triangular and stiff with a height that is equal to the width at the base. The skull top and muzzle are of equal length, giving the head a balanced and proportionate appearance. The muzzle is not overly pointed or overly cheeky, but rather moderately rounded. The nose should be totally black without discoloration with well defined nostrils. The tail is strong and sturdy at the base and slightly curved when the dog is active. Body color ranges from fawn to mahogany with black tipping. As the Belgian Tervuren matures, the coat becomes darker. The chest area of the Tervuren is predominately black or a mixture of dark gray and black. The coat is medium in harshness with long guard hairs to protect against harsh climates. Hair is longer around the collarette area, breeches and tail.

Belgian Tervuren Temperament

The Belgian Tervuren is energetic and highly alert. Though somewhat independent by nature, this dog is nevertheless easy to train. It is crucial to socialize this breed from puppyhood to prevent shyness or aggression. Because the Tervuren is a herding dog, it can sometimes nip at the heels of small children or other pets. You'll find that the Tervuren is a loyal and protective pet and is ideal as a family watchdog. The Belgian Teruven is most content when it has a task to do, so it is very important to work with your dog daily. They require a good bit of exercise and activity and are not the right dog for a sedentary owner. Though totally devoted to its entire family, Belgian Tervuren may "play favorites," gravitating toward one family member above the rest.

Caring for a Belgian Tervuren

The Belgian Tervuren is a highly active dog, and requires regular vigorous exercise. Allow your Tervuren to run free in a park or field, or take it for a long jog every day. This breed is a continual shedder, and will shed quite heavily during the warmer months. This is why it is so important to groom your Tervuren daily, using a sturdy bristled brush as well as a detangling comb. Mats should be trimmed with grooming shears, and you may also need to trim the hair that grows between the toes. When bathing your Belgian Tervuren use a mild dog shampoo and try not to bathe more frequently than once a month. Health concerns of note include seizures, canine hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, allergies, hypothyroidism and progressive retinal atrophy.

Belgian Sheepdog

The Belgian Sheepdog is also known as: Chien de Berger Belge, Groenendael

Fast Facts

Group classification: Herding	Country of origin: Belgium	Date of origin: 19th century
Weight (M): 55 - 75 lb	Height (M): 24 - 26"	Life expectancy: 10 - 12 years
Weight (F): 40 - 60 lb	Height (F): 22 - 24"

General Description of the Belgian Sheepdog

The Belgian Sheepdog is a muscular and sturdy medium-sized dog with a well-proportioned body. This dog sports long, straight guard hairs that are neither wiry nor silky, with a moderately harsh texture. The undercoat is thick and dense, although its density can depend on the climate in which the dog lives. A lush fringe of hair protects the neck, and the ears are protected by tufts of hair as well. The hair on the head and lower part of legs is shorter than on other parts of the body. Coloring is almost always pure black, although on some Belgian Sheepdogs there will be small areas of white on the forechest, toes, muzzle or chin. The head features a flattened skull top rather than a rounded one and triangular ears that are well-proportioned and erect. The muzzle is around the same length as the topskull and pointed moderately. Nose should be black with no discoloration, as should lips. Eyes are dark brown in color and the expression is one of intelligence and curiosity. The tail is sturdy at the base with the bone reaching the hock. When the dog is active the tail is raised with a slight curl close to the tip.

Belgian Sheepdog Temperament

Belgian Sheepdogs are protective and territorial dogs that should be socialized frequently and from a young age. They respond best to firm yet loving discipline and will not do well when reprimanded harshly. They make great family pets and are appropriate for families with children as long as they are raised with children from puppyhood. You'll find that the Belgian Sheepdog is loyal and an ideal watchdog, as well as a playful and energetic companion. This breed needs lots of love and attention and shouldn't be confined to a kennel for long periods of time. It is important to work with your Belgian Sheepdog daily, as this breed thrives on interaction and is always ready to please its master.

Caring for a Belgian Sheepdog

Because of its abundant coat, the Belgian Sheepdog requires attentive grooming. You'll need to brush the coat thoroughly each day, and more than once a day during shedding season. In addition to using a sturdy, firm-bristled brush, you'll want to also comb the coat using a coarse-toothed comb to discourage tangling. If mats form in the coat, simply trim them carefully. The hair between the toes will also need a careful trimming on a regular basis. These dogs shed heavily, especially during the warm weather months. The Belgian Sheepdog is a notably healthy breed, and health problems are rare. The dog is somewhat prone, however, to seizures, skin disorders, allergies, hypothyroidism, canine hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and hemangiosarcoma.