The Pros and Cons of Owning a Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are beloved breeds known for their large size, fluffy coats, and friendly personalities. Bred as farm dogs in Switzerland for centuries before becoming household pets around the globe. While Bernese Mountain Dogs may make wonderful companions and family pets worldwide, owning one may present certain challenges.
In this article, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of owning a Bernese Mountain Dog. From temperament and health concerns to grooming needs and exercise needs, this piece should provide valuable information that will assist in making an informed decision when considering this breed as a member of your family. So without further ado, let’s dive right in!
Pros of Owning a Bernese Mountain Dog
Faithful and Loyal Partners
Bernese Mountain Dogs are revered for their incredible devotion and affection toward their families. These energetic canines thrive off being close to humans and nothing brings joy like cuddling up on the couch for quality time with loved ones.
Excellent family dogs
Bernese Mountain Dogs make excellent family dogs. These gentle creatures are excellent with children of any age and their size makes them great for playing roughhousing and roughhousing with children.
Protective
Bernese Mountain Dogs have long been prized as guard dogs, offering invaluable protection to family members and strangers. Their size and strength serve to deter intruders as an additional layer of defense.
Beautiful Appearance
Bernese Mountain Dogs have long been beloved breeds among those who appreciate the beauty and seek something with a striking coat, so it should come as no surprise that this breed remains immensely popular today.
Easy Training
Although they might appear intimidating at first glance, Bernese Mountain Dogs can be fairly straightforward to train due to their intelligence and eagerness for obedience – both characteristics which lead them to be quick learners.
Cons of Owning a Bernese Mountain Dog
High maintenance
Bernese Mountain Dogs require high maintenance. Their long, thick coats require regular grooming to look and feel their best, plus they shed heavily. As such, brushing frequently may help control this.
Health Concerns
Bernese Mountain Dogs can suffer from numerous health conditions, including hip dysplasia and cancer. Owners should anticipate costly veterinarian bills – so beware!
Short Lifespan
Unfortunately, Bernese Mountain Dogs tend to live between 6-8 years on average; owners should therefore be prepared for the possibility of their beloved companion passing on at such an early age.
Space Requirements
Bernese Mountain Dogs require ample room to roam freely. Therefore, these large breed dogs should not be kept in apartments without enough outdoor space or homes that lack an appropriate yard space for proper playback and exercise.
Exercise needs
Bernese Mountain Dogs are energetic dogs that require regular physical activities to remain healthy and content, so owners should plan daily walks or runs with them to ensure proper development.
Final Thoughts
Bernese Mountain Dogs make fantastic family pets when given to the right home, boasting loyal, affectionate, playful natures that get along great with children and other animals alike. However, owning one also comes with challenges – these dogs require lots of room, exercise, and grooming as well as possible health concerns that require costly management efforts over time.
Before adopting a Bernese Mountain Dog into your household, it’s essential that you carefully assess both your lifestyle and resources. Are you prepared for training, exercising, and grooming an energetic large breed animal as well as paying potential veterinary costs plus ongoing expenses such as food and grooming supplies? Additionally, will it be easy for you to part with their life after only an estimated 8-12 year lifespan?
If you have carefully evaluated all the advantages and disadvantages, and are committed to giving a Bernese Mountain Dog the home it needs and deserves, they may reward you with many years of love, joy, and companionship in return. With proper care and attention provided regularly, they may become lifelong family companions that bring great pleasure into every family unit they join.
FAQs
- Are Bernese Mountain Dogs good with children?
Bernese Mountain Dogs make ideal family companions and children adore these friendly companions. - Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Shed?
Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs do shed heavily and require regular grooming sessions to control this shedding process. - What physical exercise are Bernese Mountain Dogs required to receive?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are high-energy breeds that require daily activity and stimulation to remain healthy and content. - What health issues do Bernese Mountain Dogs commonly encounter?
Bernese Mountain Dogs can suffer from numerous health conditions, such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and cancer. - How long are Bernese Mountain Dogs expected to live?
Bernese Mountain Dogs typically live between six and eight years.
Leave a Reply