Sunday, December 22, 2013

Discover Bernese Mountain Dog Breeders California

By Harriett Crosby


If you purchase a puppy from reputable Bernese Mountain Dog breeders California, you'll get a quality puppy from someone who loves the breed. Be sure you're able to care for a dog bred for working, a dog with high exercise and companionship needs but a short lifetime. You must be able to financially, emotionally, and physically enjoy this breed, and continue to care for an aging extra large dog when it develops age related mobility problems.

In the mountains of Switzerland, this large heavy coated dog was used to herd cattle from the farm to the meadows, and as a draft animal to pull carts. Bernese Mountain dogs were established as a unique breed around 1907. The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1937.

In the mountains of Switzerland, there's lots of snow and very little heat, rarely over 75 degrees. The black coat absorbs heat, adding to the heat sensitivity of this breed. When outdoors make sure this dog always has access to shade and plenty of water. If you live in a hot climate, your Bernese Mountain dog should be indoors on very hot days. Daily walks should be in the cool of the morning or evening only.

With proper exercise, this will be a calm house pet. They need at least a half hour walk daily. Backyard play can relieve boredom, but doesn't replace a hike. Usually this breed refuses to play fetch, so get your walking shoes on. This working breed bonds closely with his human companions. They love outdoor time but will want to be with their family whenever the family is home.

Males weigh as much as 110 pounds, females can be 105 pounds. The heavy double coat should be brushed weekly, daily during fall and spring shedding cycles. The coat is black with a white chest and rust markings. Clean their ears weekly to prevent ear infections.

This breed suffers a high mortality rate from cancer that has reduced the once respectable lifespan of 10-12 years to an average lifespan of 6-8 years. Breeders are working with researchers to turn this trend around. For the time being, owners should be prepared for the high likelihood of a cancer diagnosis. Like all large breeds, they're susceptible to bloat, hip dysplasia, arthritis, and hereditary eye diseases.

Mountain dogs were bred to be intelligent, calm, self-assured, and obedient. They're excellent watchdogs, reserved towards strangers but not aggressive. They're devoted to family members, loving and patient with children. Most are good with other medium to large dogs. Some have a strong prey drive that might be aroused by smaller pets.

Keep your dog health and happy with exercises including hiking, tracking, herding, search and rescue, competitive obedience, and/or carting. This is a great cart pulling parade dog. Or let them pull a wagon full of children around the block. Check regional Bernese clubs for carting classes. Enter your dog in drafting trials with the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America.

Ask Bernese Mountain Dog breeders California what health testing has been done on the puppies and their parents. If possible, visit the home and meet the parent dogs. Ask the breeder about their experience with the breed and their club affiliations. Ask what socialization has been done. If you have other pets, especially smaller pets, let the breeder help you choose a puppy with less prey drive. Ask about the health guarantee and any buyback policies.




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