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Archive-name: dogs-faq/breeds/berners Posting-frequency: 30 days Last-modified: 09 Nov 1994 This is a regularly posted faq and appears every thirty days in rec.pets.dogs and news.answers. The latest version of this file is a hypertext document available via the Web at http://io.com/user/tittle/dogs-faq/breeds/homepage.html The most recently posted ASCII version of this file is available via anonymous ftp to rtfm.mit.edu in the directory pub/usenet/news.answers/dogs-faq/breeds It is also available via email: check the weekly posting Cindy Tittle Moore (tittle@netcom.com) puts out entitled "Complete List of rec.pets.dogs FAQs" for details. BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOGS Author There is a wide variety of dog breeds available today. Carefully examining the choices will give you a better chance of finding a dog that fits into your home and family. The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of the Rockies has prepared this FAQ to help you decide if a Berner is right for you. Created October 15, 1994. Copyright 1995 by Philip Shaffer. _________________________________________________________________ Table of Contents * Summary + Temperament and Behavior + Expenses + Health and Fitness + Miscellaneous * Origins of the Breed * Hips and Elbows * Cancer * Working * Clubs * References * Breed Standard _________________________________________________________________ Summary TEMPERAMENT AND BEHAVIOR * needs lots of human companionship; must be a full member of the family; a dog that must be allowed inside the house * gentle, calm, affectionate, and faithful to their owners * very good with children and other animals * intelligent, but needs patient, consistent training * seldom nuisance barkers * good watch dogs but not guard dogs * reserved around strangers but not shy or fearful if given proper socialization when young * moderate activity level, a fine walking companion but lacking the endurance of lighter boned breeds * a working breed that was originally used for draft work and light duty cattle herding (see below) EXPENSES * purchase cost varies widely around the country * males and females should cost the same * $120 for first year routine vet care * $50 per year for routine adult vet care * $120 per year for miscellaneous vet care * $20 to $30 per month in food * $180 for 20 hours of basic puppy and obedience classes * home and yard improvements such as fencing or a run HEALTH AND FITNESS * typical lifetime is only 6 to 7 years * cancers are a serious problem and common cause of early death (see below) * joint problems are common (see below) * serious autoimmune problems and kidney problems are known * the Berner-Garde data base tracks many health problems and can be accessed by breeders and potential owners. MISCELLANEOUS * 65 to 95 pounds for females; 80 to 115 pounds for males * males 25-27-1/2 inches at the withers, bitches 23-26 inches * heavy shedding once or twice a year and for some dogs throughout the year * coat naturally repels dirt; regular brushing but only occasional bathing is required. * very few are prone to drooling * not a natural retriever * not naturally inclined to hunting, though some chase squirrels, etc. * not naturally a water dog but some take to swimming for fun * some have a tendency to dig holes * fun to travel with if properly trained Origins of the Breed The name Bernese Mountain Dog is a rough translation of the German "Berner Sennenhund," which literally means Bernese Alpine Herdsman's Dog. The breed's original name was Durrbachler, after an inn where these farm dogs were bought and sold. The modern breed was developed from dogs found in the countryside around Bern, Switzerland. The original Berner Sennenhund was an all-around farm dog, used to guard the farm, drive the cows to and from their mountain pastures, and pull carts loaded with milk cans to the dairy; modern Berners retain some, although not necessarily all, of these instincts. The breed was rescued from near extinction by Professor Albert Heim around the turn of the century and has developed slowly since then. In 1948 there was a significant outcrossing to a Newfoundland dog, with a resulting improvement in temperament and increase in size. Berners are known to have first come to America in 1926, and possibly even earlier, but the breed was not recognized by the AKC even after intervention by the Swiss Kennel Club. A decade later, two more were imported from Switzerland; these dogs became the first of the breed to be registered with the AKC, in 1937. By the 1960s, a small group of loyal Berner owners and breeders was developing in the United States. In 1993 there were 1458 Berners registered with the AKC, making the breed the 71st most popular out of 137 AKC-recognized breeds. The breed's popularity has been rising steadily and is now at the point where "backyard breeding" is becoming a problem. Hips and Elbows Hip and elbow dysplasias are common conditions in Bernese Mountain Dogs. These are structural defects in the joints that can cause mild to crippling arthritis. * Dysplasia is inherited, but many genes are involved. * It is possible for normal parents to produce dysplastic puppies; however, the chance of a particular puppy's having dysplasia is reduced if both parents are normal, and even more greatly reduced if other close relatives (parents' parents, parents' littermates, and other puppies produced by the parents) are also free from dysplasia. * Environmental factors--overly rapid puppy growth, improper diet, and strenuous exercise--may act to worsen dysplasia. * X-rays of mature dogs are the definitive way to diagnose dysplasia. X-rays may be done of younger dogs who are exhibiting clinical symptoms (e.g., lameness), but they may not accurately predict how bad the final effects will be. Because both hip and elbow dysplasias often are not apparent at birth but develop over time, mild or moderate dysplasia often cannot be diagnosed in young dogs. * The Institute for Genetic Disease Control in Animals (GDC) evaluates dogs at 1 year of age by X-ray. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) evaluates dogs at 2 years of age by X-ray. Dogs found to be free of dysplasia are issued a certificate and a registration number. * Of all the breeds evaluated by the OFA, Bernese have the eighth highest incidence of hip dysplasia. 28% of the Berners whose hip X-rays are submitted are rated as dysplastic, but in reality the overall incidence in the breed is probably considerably higher, since many owners do not submit the X-rays if dysplasia is suspected. * Surgery to correct dysplasia in puppies can be helpful but costs $400.00 to $1,800.00 per joint. Hip surgery is usually more successful than elbow surgery. * Recommendations Both the GDC and OFA recommend that: 1. breeding dogs be free of dysplasia 2. breeding dogs' parents and grandparents be free of dysplasia 3. 75% or more of any siblings or half siblings of breeding dogsbe free of dysplasia Cancer Cancers are a serious problem in the Bernese. An ongoing study of these diseases in the breed, sponsored by the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America, indicates the following: * Approximately 9.7% of Berners get cancer. * The average age at which cancer is diagnosed is 6.21 years; however, this varies widely. * The most common types of cancer found in Berners are: + histiocytosis (24.0% of cases): these tumors are inherited, but probably through the action of many genes (polygenic) acting together + mast cell tumors: also inherited + lymphosarcoma: not inherited + fibrosarcoma: not inherited + osteosarcoma: no conclusions yet as to heritability. A tumor registry has been established which is continuing to collect and analyze tissue samples from affected dogs. It is hoped that additional data will enable researchers to reach further conclusions about the incidence and heritability of other types of cancer in the Bernese Mountain Dog. Working Coming from a working background, Berners enjoy the challenges of learning new things. Most Berners are eager to please their owners and can be trained quite readily in a variety of areas. Because of the breed's eventual large size, it is to the owner's advantage to begin obedience training (household manners and basic obedience commands) at a young age. However, since Berners as a breed are slow to mature, both physically and mentally, owners should not push puppies in training too rapidly; these dogs are definitely not obedience "child prodigies." The training of a Berner puppy requires firmness, consistency, and lots of patience, and is most successfully accomplished with many brief, fun training sessions. Despite their large size, the majority of Berners are "soft" dogs and do not do well with harsh corrections. To avoid the possibility of orthopedic injury, a Berner should not be asked to jump or pull loads before the age of two. A hundred years ago, Bernese Mountain Dogs worked at guarding the farm, herding cattle, and hauling milk cans to the dairy. The guarding ability is greatly diminished these days (although Berners still make good watch dogs), but the herding instinct and draft capabilities remain intact in many dogs. Although at this time Berners are not permitted to compete in AKC herding events, the majority of Bernese will pass a herding instinct certification test, and some owners actively train their dogs in this area. Berners are eligible to compete in trials offered by the Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) and the American Herding Breed Association. However, it is draft work that receives the most attention Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America, the national breed club, offers two titles in draft work: NDD (Novice Draft Dog) and DD (Draft Dog). The trials for these titles require a dog to demonstrate both control of the cart and strength and endurance to pull a load. Many Berners participate in AKC obedience and tracking tests, as well as agility competition. They have also been quite successful as therapy dogs and, to a limited extent, as search and rescue dogs. Clubs The national breed club in the United States is the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America (BMDCA). There are also breed clubs in Canada, many European nations, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries. In the United States, for information about the breed in general, contact BMDCA Public Education Coordinator Ruth Reynolds at 5265 E. Fort Rd., Greenwood FL 32443, telephone (904) 594-4636. For information about membership in the BMDCA, contact Membership Chair Jane Mielke, 156 Hillview Drive, Sullivan, WI 53178, telephone (414) 593-5371. On the local level, there are over 20 regional clubs, located in various parts of the United States. These clubs sponsor a variety of social and educational activities for Berner fanciers. New Berner owners, as well as people considering the purchase of a Berner, are welcome to attend these events. For information about a club in your area, contact the BMDCA Regional Club Council Coordinator, Deborah Wilkins, 20560 Huntington Way, Prior Lake, MN 55372, telephone (612) 440-5040. References There are currently three informative breed books available in English. The Cochrane and Simonds books focus on the breed in England; the just-published Russ and Rogers book deals primarily with the breed in the United States. Cochrane, Diana. The Bernese Mountain Dog. Diana Cochrane, Westgrove House, Haselor Hill Nr. Alcester, Warwickshire B49 6ND, Great Britain (1987) Russ, Diane, and Rogers, Shirle. The Beautiful Bernese Mountain Dogs. Alpine Publications, P.O. Box 7027, Loveland, CO 80537 (1993) Simonds, Jude. The Complete Bernese Mountain Dog. Howell Book House, 866 Third Ave., New York, NY 10022 (1989) The Alpenhorn is a magazine published six times a year by the BMDCA. It contains articles on all aspects of the breed: showing, breeding, training, health issues, etc. A subscription is included with membership in the BMDCA. Non-BMDCA members may subscribe by contacting: Jack Lytle, 1338 W. Park St., Arlington Heights, IL 60005, USA. A subscription costs $15.00 per year. For first-class mailing, add $7.00. All Canadian and Mexican members and subscribers add $2.00 per year; overseas members and subscribers, add $15.00 per year for airmail, $5.00 for surface mail. Foreign subscriptions are payable in US funds (money order or cashier's check, not personal check). Make checks payable to "BMDCA." The Illustrated Standard of the Bernese Mountain Dog is available from the BMDCA Ways and Means Chair, Deborah Godfrey, 131 Winters Rd., Butler PA 16001. Consie Powell. Newfoundland Draft Work - a Guide for Training. Consie and Roger Powell, Ottawa Newfoundlands, 5208 Olive Road, Raleigh, NC 27606 Breed Standard For every breed recognized by the AKC, there is a breed standard which defines the ideal dog of that breed, physically and temperamentally. The standard is written by the parent club for the breed - in this case, the BMDCA. Because the breed club in each country where Berners are recognized--Canada, Great Britain, Switzerland, Germany, etc.-- formulates its own standard, there may be some minor difference between the AKC standard and the standard in other countries. Standard, as approved 2/10/90 by the AKC: GENERAL APPEARANCE - The Bernese Mountain Dog is a striking tri-colored large dog. He is sturdy and balanced. He is intelligent, strong and agile enough to do the draft and droving work for which he was used in the mountainous regions of his origin. Dogs appear masculine, while bitches are distinctly feminine. SIZE, PROPORTION, SUBSTANCE - Measured at the withers dogs are 25 to 27-1/2 inches, bitches are 23 to 26 inches. Though appearing square, Bernese Mountain Dogs are slightly longer in body than they are tall. Sturdy bone is of great importance. The body is full. HEAD - EXPRESSION is intelligent, animated, and gentle. The eyes are dark brown and slightly oval in shape with close fitting eyelids. Inverted or everted eyelids are serious faults. Blue eye color is a disqualification. The ears are medium sized, set high, triangular in shape, gently rounded at the tip, and hang close to the head when in repose. When the Bernese Mountain Dog is alert, the ears are brought forward and raised at the base, the top of the ear is level with the top of the skull. The skull is flat on top and broad, with a slight furrow and a well-defined but not exaggerated stop. The muzzle is strong and straight. The nose is always black. The lips are clean and as the Bernese Mountain Dog is a dry-mouthed breed the flews are only slightly developed. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. An overshot or undershot bite is a serious fault. Dentition is complete. NECK, TOPLINE, BODY - the neck is strong, muscular and of medium length. The topline is level from the withers to the croup. The chest is deep and capacious with well-sprung but not barrel shaped ribs and brisket reaching at least to the elbows. The back is broad and firm. The loin is strong. The croup is broad and smoothly rounded to the tail insertion. The tail is bushy. It should be carried low when in repose. An upward swirl is permissible when the dog is alert but the tail may never curl or be carried over the back. The bones in the tail should feel straight and should reach to the hock joint or below. A kink in the tail is a fault. FOREQUARTERS - the shoulders are moderately laid back, flat\lying, well muscledand never loose. The legs are straight and strong and the elbows are wellunder the shoulder when the dog is standing. The pasterns slope very slightly but are never weak. Dew claws may be removed. The feet are round and compact with well-arched toes. HINDQUARTERS - the thighs are broad, strong and muscular. The stifles are moderately bent and taper smoothly into the hocks. The hocks are well let down and straight as viewed from the rear. Dew claws should be removed. feet are compact and turned neither in nor out. COAT - the coat is thick, moderately long and slightly wavy or straight. It has a bright natural sheen. Extremely curly or extremely dull-looking coats are undesirable. The Bernese Mountain Dog is shown in natural coat and undue trimming is to be discouraged. COLOR AND MARKINGS - The Bernese Mountain Dog is tri-colored. The ground color is jet black. The markings are rich rust and clear white. Symmetry of markings is desired. Rust appears over each eye, on the cheeks reaching to at least the corner of the mouth, on each side of the chest, on all four legs, and under the tail. There is a white blaze and muzzle band. A white marking on the chest typically forms an inverted cross. The tip of the tail is white. White on the feet is desired but must not extend higher than the pasterns. Markings other than described are to be faulted in direct relationship to the extent of the deviation. White legs or a white color are serious faults. Any ground color other than black is a disqualification. GAIT - the natural working gait of the Bernese Mountain Dog is a slow trot. However in keeping with his use in draft and droving work, he is capable of speed and agility. There is good reach in front. Powerful drive from the rear is transmitted through a level back. There is no wasted action. Front and rear legs on each side follow through in the same plane. At increased speed, legs tend to converge toward the center line. TEMPERAMENT - the temperament is self-confident, alert and good natured, never sharp or shy. The Bernese Mountain Dog should stand steady, though may remain aloof to the attentions of strangers. DISQUALlFICATIONS - blue eye color; any ground color other than black. _________________________________________________________________ Bernese Mountain Dog FAQ Philip Shaffer, pshaffer@csn.org Bernese Mountain Dog Club of the Rockies