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Discover the Magic: Top 12 Fun Facts About Bernese Mountain Dogs You Didn't Know!

illustration of bernese-mountain-dogs
Dive into the delightful world of Bernese Mountain Dogs, where you'll discover their fluffy charm, fascinating history, and some tail-wagging surprises along the way.

1. Fuzzy Blanket Twins

What do Bernese Mountain dogs and your favorite fuzzy blanket have in common? Surprisingly, they both give you a shedding problem and a warm hug on a cold, winter night: Bernese Mountain dogs possess a substantial double coat that not only calls for frequent grooming - including weekly brushing and nail trimming - but also begets noticeable shedding, especially during their peak shedding seasons.
Source => neaterpets.com

2. Canine Swiss Army Knives

Like canine Swiss Army knives with fur instead of plastic, Bernese Mountain Dogs can do it all, just don't ask them to open a bottle of wine: These multi-talented dogs excel in obedience, carting, tracking, herding, and they even warm hearts as therapy dogs, given proper training and socialization to ensure their larger-than-life personalities don't let them become monstrous mischief-makers.
Source => bmdca.org

3. Yodeling Dairy Dogs

Who let the dogs yodel? Swiss Alpine dairymen, that's who! In the land of fine chocolate and fancy cheese, the Bernese Mountain Dog and its Sennenhund siblings have been putting their paws to work since time immemorial: These furry multitaskers, bred for their herding, guarding, and cart-pulling skills, were originally employed by Swiss herdsmen, with the four different Sennenhund breeds (including the Berner) all hailing from the Swiss Alps as esteemed members of the canine workforce.
Source => appenzellers.org

4. Winter Bark-lympians

Has your Bernese Mountain Dog been secretly training for the Winter Bark-lympics? It turns out, they might just have a natural affinity for frosty escapades: Bernese Mountain Dogs are perfectly adapted to cold temperatures thanks to their thick double coats, providing ample warmth, although not being completely snow-resistant, making them ideal companions for chilly adventures.
Source => news.orvis.com

Fragile Gentle Giants

5. Fragile Gentle Giants

Don't be fooled by their Herculean appearance, these gentle giants are actually as fragile as snowflakes in a summer sun: Bernese Mountain Dogs have a lifespan of only 6 to 8 years, primarily due to health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and cancer, which means that maintaining a wholesome lifestyle filled with proper nutrition and regular exercise is crucial for these furry companions to live long and prosper.
Source => barkercise.com

6. Disney Dog Doppelgangers

The perfect blend of giant teddy bear and canine Einsteins, Bernese Mountain Dogs look as if they tumbled out of a Walt Disney animation, ready to grace the family living room with Nobel Prize-worthy canine intelligence and fluff: These lovable giants are known for their sweet temperament, high intelligence levels, and affection towards family members, but sadly, they're prone to serious health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand's disease – so make sure you pick a reliable breeder and vet to keep your fairy tale pooch in tip-top shape.
Source => balancedlifepet.com.au

7. Dairy Disposition Origins

You might think Bernese Mountain Dogs spend their days yodeling in the Alps and rescuing damsels from avalanches, but they've really got a more "dairy disposition": Originally bred for Swiss farm life, these tricolor cuties played the roles of bovine babysitters and cheese chauffeurs, guiding cattle to greener pastures and carting milk and cheese to market.
Source => akc.org

8. Stilt-Artist Growth Spurts

These lanky Berners moonlight as canine stilt artists, showcasing a peculiar version of the downward dog: Bernese Mountain Dogs take three to four years to reach full size, during which time they experience uneven growth spurts, leaving their rear end higher than the front for days at a time, requiring patience, proper nutrition, and conditioning from their owners as they continue to gain size well into their middle years.
Source => bmdinfo.org

9. Tragic Fountain of Youth

If you thought Bernese Mountain Dogs were barking up the Fountain of Youth, think again: these lovable fluff balls have an average lifespan of only seven years, often succumbing to Histiocytic Sarcoma, a deadly canine cancer.
Source => showsightmagazine.com

Bovine BFFs and Milk Haulers

10. Bovine BFFs and Milk Haulers

You might think Bernese Mountain Dogs have traded their humble farming roots for a glamorous career in search and rescue, but nay! These gentle giants still have bovine BFFs and milk canisters on speed dial: Although their guarding duties have dwindled, Bernese Mountain Dogs remain passionate about herding cattle and hauling milk, often participating in draft work competitions to showcase their historical strengths.
Source => bmd.org

11. Medieval Comedians

Why did the Bernese Mountain Dog make great medieval comedians? They were experts in "cart"-omime: These gentle giants were originally bred as versatile farm dogs with mighty frames, perfect for pulling carts, driving dairy cattle, and participating in a wide array of activities such as conformation, obedience, carting, agility, tracking, herding, and therapy work – all while keeping their cool and charming demeanor intact!
Source => espree.com

12. Oversized Teddy Bear Pals

If you're looking for a gentle giant to snuggle with, look no further than the Bernese Mountain Dog – these furry behemoths are essentially oversized teddy bears with real dog privileges: Despite their formidable size, they're known for their calm and easygoing demeanor, making them ideal family pets who are deeply devoted to their loved ones.
Source => petside.com

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