ORIGIN
Country of origin: Switzerland
How long they live: 6-8 years
Popular nicknames: Jack, Kurt, Diesel, Green, Manny
This breed began breeding not so long ago – at the beginning of the 20th century in Switzerland, in the city of Bern. It is believed that Bernese sennenhounds, as well as all molosses, owes its origin to the Tibetan mastiffs.
The word “sennenhund” in the name of the breed comes from the German “zene” – alpine pasture, and “hund” – dog.
It was originally a herding breed designed primarily to guard sheep. For its strength and endurance, the Bernese Sennenhend was also used as a draft animal.
Today the Bernese Sennenhend has become very popular all over the world not only as a working animal but also as a companion dog. What makes these beauties particularly attractive is their outstanding looks.
SIZES, WEIGHT. EXTERIOR
Bernese Sennenhounds are powerful, well built but harmonious animals. They will not leave anyone indifferent to any dog lover.
Bitches can grow to 58-69cm and males to 61-71cm. Their weight can be from 36 to 48 kg – bitches, from 38 to 50 kg – males.
The breed is characterized by a tricolor with the basic black color, red underpain on the cheekbones, legs and chest. White stripes are on chest, tips of tail and paws, and on muzzle to forehead. Coat is long, straight or slightly wavy. The tail is fluffy.
Symmetry of color is one of the main factors determining the purity of the pedigree.
Popular nicknames Jack, Kurt, Diesel, Green, Manny
Buy purebred puppies should be purchased from professional breeders or kennels. When buying, pay attention to the activity, sociability and general hygiene of the animal. Familiarize yourself with the pedigree, pay attention to the parents of the puppy, because their external data will determine the exterior of your future dog as an adult.
The answer to the question of how much a puppy costs is also best obtained from professional breeders: the price may vary depending on a number of factors, such as the pedigree and sex of your future pet.
Bernese sennenhounds are owners of a balanced character. Loyal to the owner, indifferent to strangers and get along well with other animals. Especially attentive, gentle and affectionate these dogs are to small children. The reason for this – genetic roots and “shepherding” instinct, due to which all those who are younger and smaller, automatically fall under the patronage of this giant.
CHARACTER AND HABITS
Sennenhounds are good-natured, balanced animals. Always welcome their owner and associate themselves with other members of the family. Always come to the rescue. Can adequately serve as a guard, but do not bark for nothing and excessive aggression, as to people, and to other animals are not different. They play well with children, taking care of them in every possible way and protecting them. Playful, sociable and positive.
In short, Bernese Sennenhend is a faithful and optimistic dog that easily joins your family and will be its rightful member for many years.
CARING
These dogs require no special care: regular brushing is enough. You can keep the Bernese Sennenhund in the apartment, in the house or outdoors. The dog should be bathed very rarely, one or two times a year is usually enough. Frequent bathing of the animal can lead to changes in the acidity of the skin and break the natural protective barrier of the skin. Feeding dogs of this breed should be done only after a walk. Next, the animal should be rested. Otherwise the dog can suffer from stomach rupture, one of the most dangerous hereditary diseases of the Bernese Sennenhand, which results in change of the regular position of stomach and death of the animal. Other hereditary diseases of the Bernard’s Kennel Club include: hip or elbow dysplasia; eyelid wrack (entropion); osteochondrosis of the shoulder (congenital); cataracts; and retinal atrophy. Annual visits to a veterinarian for routine exams and vaccinations will help detect developing diseases in a timely manner and provide competent care.
SUSCEPTIBILITY TO DISEASE
Despite the small gene pool and frequent inbreeding, we would like to note the relatively strong health of these dogs. Due to a strict selection in breeding, the frequency of genetic diseases in sennonhunds has been considerably reduced in the last decade. Among genetic diseases we would like to mention hip and elbow dysplasia. Stomach congestion is also not uncommon.
