Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Discover Bernese Mountain Dog Breeders California

By Harriett Crosby


Bernese Mountain Dog breeders California want to find quality, lifelong homes for their puppies. Expect to answer questions regarding your understanding of this special dogs needs. Reputable breeders will be a phone call away anytime you need advice. Keep in mind that this is a short lived dog often developing mobility issues as young as 4-5 years old. Can you provide adequate care physically, emotionally, and financially?

Originally from Switzerland, these large working dogs were cart pulling draft animals. They were also drovers, herding cattle to alpine pastures. The breed was first recognized in 1907, and 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.

They enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and carting, but most never develop an enjoyment for games of fetch. They enjoy play time in the yard, but aren't really happy until they've had at least a half hour hike daily. With the right amount of exercise, this breed is a serene and sociable house pet.

The coat is tricolor, black with a white blaze, and rust markings. The heavy, double coat sheds minimally all year round. Brush weekly. Spring and fall they shed a lot and need a daily brushing. Prone to ear infections, the ears should be cleaned weekly. Males weigh up to 110 pounds, females weigh 80-105 pounds.

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.

Working dogs are bred to be be calm, intelligent, obedient, and self assured. They may be reserved and placid towards strangers, but rarely aggressive. They're natural watchdogs but not overly dominant. Mountain dogs are patient with children. They're usually good with other large dogs. Some have a strong prey instinct that puts small pets at risk.

Satisfy your dogs need for a job with hiking, herding, tracking, competitive obedience, search and rescue, and/or carting. Let him carry a pack, pull a cart in a parade, give a child a ride around the block in a wagon. Contact your local Bernese Mountain Dog club for carting workshops. Enter your dog in drafting trials through 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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