Misplaced Pages

#888111

34-508: Historically, in some locales at least, the breed was called a Dürrbachhund or Dürrbächler , for a small town (Dürrbach) where the large dogs were especially frequent. The dogs have roots in the Roman mastiffs . The breed was used as an all-purpose farm dog for guarding property and to drive dairy cattle long distances from the farm to the alpine pastures. The farmers used the dogs to transport their carts of milk and cheese and were known by

68-494: A Bernese will also be happy with a calm evening. Bernese work well with other pets and around strangers. They are excellent guardians. They tend to bond with one owner or family, and are somewhat aloof and standoffish towards strangers. Bernese Mountain Dogs have a high frequency of neoplasia . One study found 55% of deaths to be attributable to cancer. The breed has a high prevalence of elbow dysplasia , with studies ranging from

102-446: A DNA saliva test to screen for the mutated gene that has been seen in dogs with degenerative myelopathy. Now that a test is available the disease can be bred out of breeds with a high preponderance. The test is only recommended for predisposed breeds, but can be performed on DNA from any dog on samples collected through swabbing the inside of the animal's cheek with a sterile cotton swab or through venipuncture. The test determines whether

136-408: A belly sling or hand-held harness allows the handler the ability to support the dog's hind legs for exercising or going up and down stairs. A 2-wheel dog cart, or "dog wheelchair" can allow the dog to remain active and maintain its quality of life once signs of weakness or paralysis of the hind limbs is detected. The prognosis for the disease is generally poor. Aggressive therapy may be used to combat

170-633: A parade, such as the Conway, New Hampshire holiday parade. Regional Bernese clubs often offer carting workshops. Carting competitions are held for the breed. On July 1, 2010, the Bernese Mountain Dog became eligible to compete in AKC Herding Events. Herding instincts and trainability can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests. Berners exhibiting basic herding instincts can be trained to compete in herding trials. The breed

204-441: A potentially useful animal model of ALS. Known causes of spinal cord dysfunction should be excluded before accepting the diagnosis of degenerative myelopathy; disc disease (protrusions) or spinal cord tumors can cause compression of the spinal cord with similar signs to degenerative myelopathy. Degenerative myelopathy is an irreversible, progressive disease that cannot currently be cured. There are no treatments to currently stop

238-601: A prevalence of 13.91% to 26%. An allele of the SOD1 gene: SOD1:c.52T has only been found in the Bernese Mountain Dog with 3.5% of Bernese Mountain Dogs having this allele. This mutation is associated with canine degenerative myelopathy . Another mutation associated with the condition — although not exclusive to the breed — has a prevalence of 38% in the Bernese Mountain Dog. The Bernese Mountain Dog has an increased prevalence of immune-mediated glomerulonephritis . A Swiss study found both

272-597: A scissors bite. The legs of the Bernese are straight and strong, with round, arched toes. The dewclaws of the Bernese are often removed. Its bushy tail is carried low. The breed standard for the Bernese mountain dog states that dogs should not be "aggressive, anxious or distinctly shy", but rather should be "good-natured", "self-assured", and "docile". They may be aloof with strangers, and often attach themselves to one favorite person. The temperament of individual dogs may vary, as with all breeds. Bernese can be calm inside

306-411: A staggering effect that may appear to be arthritis . The dog may drag one or both rear paws when it walks. This dragging can cause the nails of one foot to be worn down. The condition may lead to extensive paralysis of the back legs . As the disease progresses, the animal may display symptoms such as incontinence and has considerable difficulties with both balance and walking. If allowed to progress,

340-826: A working Bernese Mountain Dog, dated 1905 at the Fumee Fall rest area in Quinnesec, Michigan . In 1937, the American Kennel Club recognized the breed. Today, the club classifies it as a member of the Working Group . In the US the Bernese Mountain Dog is growing in popularity, ranking in 22nd place by the American Kennel Club in 2017. These dogs are very popular as family dogs in German-speaking countries. The German Association of Dog Breeders listed

374-551: Is "energetic, attentive, impetuous," but indisposed to biting. They tend to attach to one person, and have an inherent suspicion of strangers. And Switzerland they excel at herd guardianship, especially in the Holy Regions. They are untiring, often unruly, resistant to the coldest winters, and excellent defenders of stable or home. They have been used by the police in Switzerland. Bernese Mountain Dogs shed year-round, and

SECTION 10

#1732773053889

408-409: Is 80–120 lb (35–55 kg) for males, while it is 75–100 lb (35–45 kg) for females. Considered a dry-mouthed breed, the Bernese mountain dog is slightly longer than it is tall, highly muscular, with a strong, wide back. The head of a Bernese mountain dog is flat on the top with a moderate stop, and the ears are medium-sized, triangular, set high, and rounded at the top. The teeth have

442-511: Is a rare group of disorders that involve a build up of histiocytes in tissue and organs, causing damage to the tissue or organ. It may be benign or malignant. Malignant histiocytosis is a rapidly progressive multisystem cancerous disease that affects the Bernese Mountain Dog. It's a familial disease with a heritability value of 0.298 and accounts for a quarter of all tumours in the breed. Other histiocytosis conditions such as systemic histiocytosis and cutaneous histiocytosis are also more prevalent in

476-519: Is typically after the age of 7 years and it is seen most frequently in the German shepherd dog, Pembroke Welsh corgi , and boxer dog , though the disorder is strongly associated with a gene mutation in SOD1 that has been found in 43 breeds as of 2008, including the wire fox terrier , Chesapeake Bay retriever , Rhodesian ridgeback , and Cardigan Welsh corgi . Progressive weakness and incoordination of

510-511: Is unknown. Recent research has shown that a mutation in the SOD1 gene is a risk factor for developing degenerative myelopathy in several breeds. Mutations in SOD1 are also associated with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease) in people. More than 100 SOD1 gene mutations are involved in human familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and the pathologic spinal lesions of ALS are similar to those of canine DM, making canine DM

544-544: The Belgian Mastiff , have the word "mastiff" in their name, but are not considered true mastiffs. Many older English sources refer to mastiffs as bandogs or bandogges, although technically the term "bandog" meant a dog that was tethered by a chain (or "bande") that would be released at night; the terms "mastiff" and "bandog" were often used interchangeably. One of the most famous "bandog" programs in England, led to

578-512: The "bandog" breeds. In the twentieth century the term "bandog" was revived to describe some large fighting mastiff type dogs crossed with any bulldog in the United States. Canine degenerative myelopathy Canine degenerative myelopathy , also known as chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy , is an incurable, progressive disease of the canine spinal cord that is similar in many ways to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Onset

612-416: The Bernese at the 11th rank per live births in 2014. Like the other Sennenhund, the Bernese mountain dog is a large, heavy dog with a distinctive tri-coloured coat , black with white chest and rust-coloured markings above eyes, sides of the mouth, front of legs, and out around the white chest. However, it is the only breed of Sennenhund dogs with a long coat. The ideal of a perfectly marked individual gives

646-403: The animal will show front limb involvement and extensive muscle atrophy and paralysis. Eventually cranial nerve or respiratory muscle involvement necessitates euthanasia or long term palliative care . Progression of the disease is generally slow but highly variable. The animal could be crippled within a few months, or may survive as long as three years or more. The etiology of this disease

680-465: The breed. Mutations have been identified that are believed to play a role in this are mutations to genes that help suppress tumours, including: CDKN2A/B , PTEN , and RB1 . Another related mutation is to the PTPN11 gene, which is known to be related to histiocytosis and cancer in humans. The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the more commonly affected breeds for type I von Willebrand's disease . Despite

714-483: The disease, but even this puts the life expectancy at only around 14 months. It is recommended to put the dog to sleep at around 12 months, to prevent unnecessary suffering that comes from the disease. Some dogs have lived for many years with the disease, with one female boxer even living for 11 years. Without treatment, survival is around 3 months. The disease progresses rapidly without treatment, but this option arguably comes with less suffering. The dog begins to realize it

SECTION 20

#1732773053889

748-518: The disease. Recent studies suggest that laser therapy can slow the progression of disease. More studies are needed, however, it may help alone with rehabilitation and acupuncture. https://www.dvm360.com/view/degenerative-myelopathy-does-laser-therapy-offer-new-hope Exercise has been recommended to maintain the dog's ability to walk. Physiotherapy may prolong the length of time that the dog remains mobile and increase survival time. Canine hydrotherapy (swimming) may be more useful than walking. Use of

782-400: The ears of the Bernese Mountain Dog, as they can trap bacteria, dirt, and liquid. The risk of an ear infection drops with weekly ear cleanings using a veterinarian-recommended cleanser. Mastiffs A mastiff is a large and powerful type of dog . Mastiffs are among the largest dogs, and typically have a short coat , a long low-set tail and large feet; the skull is large and bulky,

816-525: The establishment of a recognized "bandog" breed known today as the Bull Mastiff . The least common "bandog" program in England was funded by Sir Nathanael Dieu-est-Mon'plaisir, the St. Louis Vincent Mastiff or South American Mastiff was named after Vincent Louis who reared plantation dogs originating from St. Louis and other parts of South America. This rare breed is the most expensive mastiff-type dog amongst

850-406: The fact that larger breeds have a lower life expectancy than smaller breeds the life expectancy of the Bernese Mountain Dog is still low even when compared to breeds of similar size. The Bernese's calm temperament makes them a natural for pulling small carts or wagons, a task they originally performed in Switzerland. With proper training they enjoy giving children rides in a cart or participating in

884-426: The heaviest shedding is during seasonal changes. Usually the Bernese will only require a brushing once a week, with more in spring and fall, to keep its coat neat and reduce the amount of fur on the floor and furniture. The Bernese will only require a bath about once every couple of months or so, depending on how high its activity level is and how often it spends its time in the dirt. Special attention should be paid to

918-501: The house and need activity and exercise, but do not have a great deal of endurance. They can move with amazing bursts of speed for their size when motivated. If they are sound (no problems with their hips, elbows, or other joints), they enjoy hiking and generally stick close to their people. Bernese mountain dogs are a breed that generally does well with children, as they are very affectionate. They are patient dogs that take well to children climbing over them. Though they have great energy,

952-505: The impression of a white horseshoe shape around the nose, which is always black. There is a white "Swiss cross" on the chest when viewed from the front. A "Swiss kiss" is a white mark located typically behind the neck, but may be a part of the neck. A full ring would not meet the type standard. The AKC breed standard lists, as disqualifications, blue eye colour and any ground colour other than black. Males are 25–27.5 in (64–70 cm), while females are 23–26 in (58–66 cm). Weight

986-402: The incidence and mortality of renal disease to be higher in this breed than any other — the incidence was 3.2 times higher than the average and the mortality was 8.2 times the average. The breed has a high risk of developing high-grade mastocytoma , with an Austrian study finding Bernese Mountain Dogs being three times as likely to have the condition than the general population. Histiocytosis

1020-593: The locals as "Cheese Dogs." In the early 1900s, fanciers exhibited the few examples of the large dogs at shows in Bern, and in 1907 a few breeders from the Burgdorf region founded the first breed club , the Schweizerische Dürrbach-Klub , and wrote the first Standard which defined the dogs as a separate breed. By 1910, there were already 107 registered members of the breed. There is a photo of

1054-573: The mutated copy of SOD1 is present in the DNA sample submitted. It must be interpreted with caution by a veterinary clinician in combination with the animal's clinical signs and other lab test results. The results reported are: Breeding risks for degenerative myelopathy can be calculated using the Punnett Square : Degenerative myelopathy initially affects the back legs and causes muscle weakness and loss , and lack of coordination . These cause

Bernese Mountain Dog - Misplaced Pages Continue

1088-566: The muzzle broad and short ( brachycephalic ) and the ears drooping and pendant-shaped. European and Asian records dating back 3,000 years show dogs of the mastiff type. Mastiffs have historically been guard dogs , protecting homes and property, although throughout history they have been used as hunting dogs , war dogs and for blood sports , such as fighting each other and other animals, including bulls , bears and even lions . Historical and archaeological evidence suggests that mastiffs have long been distinct in both form and function from

1122-440: The rear limbs are often the first signs seen in affected dogs, with progression over time to complete paralysis. Myelin is an insulating sheath around neurons in the spinal cord. One proposed cause of degenerative myelopathy is that the immune system attacks this sheath, breaking it down. This results in a loss of communication between nerves in lower body of the animal and the brain. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals has

1156-606: The similarly large livestock guardian dogs from which they were most likely developed; they also form separate genetic populations . The Fédération Cynologique Internationale and some kennel clubs group the two types together as molossoid dogs; some modern livestock guardian breeds, such as the Pyrenean Mastiff , the Spanish Mastiff and the Tibetan Mastiff , and an extinct draught dog called

#888111