AKC Height: Dogs are ideally 25 to 27-1/2 inches; bitches are 23 to 26 inches.  Color: 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.

 

Basic Requirements: Bernese Mountain Dogs require an average-sized yard for exercise. They are not extremely active dogs, and do well in the house with moderate exercise. Twice weekly brushing is needed to help control shedding. Gentle, consistent training is required.

 

Temperament Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle, devoted family dogs. They are good with children. Although they usually bark when a stranger comes to the door, they aren't aggressive guard dogs.

 

Health: (Health Dictionary click here) Average lifespan is 7-8 years. Watch for Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, Hereditary Eye Disorders, Seizures, Autoimmune Disorders, Hypothyroidism, Cancer

 

Bernese Mountain Dog breeders/rescue links

Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America, Inc., www.bmd.org/bmdca.html

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