The quality of care you give you

Here are some facts about the Bernese Mountain Dog:

Weight can range between 70 and 135 pounds. Females usually weighing less, and males usually weighing more
Considered a talkative breed
Tendency to be obese, so special care is needed with diet, since obesity can cause major health problems with this breed
Bernese's have what's called "dry mouth", therefore, drooling is minimal
The first Bernese to arrive into America was in 1926

The quality of care you give your puppy plays a big role in determining his/her growth rate, development, as well as personality and temperament. Large breed dogs grow as at a tremendous rate while they are young. Picking the right dog food is a great start. Talk to your vet when choosing a food for your BMD. Recent studies have shown that slowing the growth rate of large breed puppies helps to strengthen bones and joints. Also, ask your vet about putting your dog on supplements. All my adult dogs take daily supplements, and greatly benefit from it greatly.

It is no secret that BMD's love the cold weather. Mine are most active when it's below freezing! However, what do you do when summer roles around? BMD's get over-heated very easily. Of course keeping your BMD in an air conditioned house is the answer. Mine love to lay on top of the cooling vents, and then they go out at night after it cools down outside. Living in KY., it can get pretty hot for them, even if they are in the house. What I have found to help tremendously, is having them groomed in mid-May. Have your groomer cut your BMD's hair no longer than 2 inches all around. Have the tummy shaved, and most importantly, have it thinned out!! BMD's hair is very dense, so by thinning out all the hair, air will be able to get to the skin, which is essential in the summer months. By October it will be grown out again, and he/she will be ready for the winter. Everyone likes BMD's most when they have a full, long, thick coat, but your dog will be much more comfortable if you have this done.

Please contact me if you have any questions about the care of your BMD.