Today’s article is in honor of the passing of Brod, owned by President Higgins of Ireland.
Brod was a Bernese Mountain Dog known for their friendly and gentle disposition. Higgins adopted Brod in 2015, and he quickly became a beloved figure in Irish politics.
Brod has accompanied Higgins on many official visits and featured in several public events, including the President’s annual Christmas message.
Unfortunately, Brod passed away in March 2023 – at the astounding age of 15! The news was met with an outpouring of sympathy from people all over Ireland and abroad.
Is a Bernese Mountain Dog a good family dog?
Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally considered to be excellent family dogs. They are known for their affectionate, gentle nature and are great with children.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are also highly social and love to be around people, so they thrive in households where they can be part of the family.
They can be pretty large, so it’s essential to make sure you have enough space for them to move around comfortably, both inside and outside.
Bernese Mountain Dogs also require regular exercise and grooming, so be prepared to invest time and energy into caring for your pet if you adopt one.
Overall, if you’re looking for a loyal, friendly, and gentle companion for your family, a Bernese Mountain Dog could be a great choice.
Can Bernese mountain dogs be left alone?
While Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for being friendly and social, they can also generally tolerate being left alone for short periods. However, like all dogs, they require human interaction and companionship, and regularly leaving them alone for long periods can lead to boredom, anxiety, and destructive behavior.
Therefore, providing your Bernese Mountain Dog with plenty of attention, exercise, and mental stimulation is crucial to help keep them happy and healthy.
If you need to be away from home for an extended period, consider hiring a dog walker or pet sitter to visit your dog and provide some companionship and exercise while you’re away.
Ultimately, the amount of time a Bernese Mountain Dog can be left alone will depend on the individual dog’s personality and temperament, as well as their training and socialization.
Do Bernese mountain dogs bark a lot?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are not generally known to be excessive barkers, but like all dogs, they will bark when they feel it is necessary.
Bernese Mountain Dogs were originally bred as working dogs in Switzerland and were often used to guard and protect livestock.
As such, they have the instinct to bark when they perceive a threat or are trying to alert their owners to something unusual or unexpected.
However, with proper training and socialization, Bernese Mountain Dogs can learn to control their barking and bark only when appropriate.
It’s important to note that every dog is different, and some Bernese Mountain Dogs may be more prone to barking than others, depending on their temperament and personality.
What is unique about Bernese Mountain Dog?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are a special breed of dog for several reasons:
1. Loyal and Affectionate: Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their loyalty and affectionate nature. They are often called “gentle giants” because they are large dogs that are also very loving and cuddly with their owners.
2. Good with Children: Bernese Mountain Dogs are great with children and are known for their patience and gentleness. They can be a great addition to families with young kids.
3. Intelligent: Bernese Mountain Dogs are intelligent dogs eager to please their owners. They are quick learners and can be trained to perform a variety of tasks, from basic obedience to more advanced tricks.
4. Versatile: Bernese Mountain Dogs were originally bred as working dogs in Switzerland, where they were used for herding, guarding, and pulling carts. They are still used for various purposes, including therapy, search and rescue, and even show dogs.
5. Beautiful Coat: Bernese Mountain Dogs have a thick black coat with distinctive rust and white markings. While they do shed quite a bit, their coat is also hypoallergenic, which means they may be a good choice for people with allergies.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are an excellent dog breed that makes great pets for families and individuals.
Do Bernese mountain dogs like to cuddle?
Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs are known to be very affectionate and love to cuddle with their owners. They are often called “gentle giants” because of their large size and affectionate nature.
They crave attention and love from their human family members and often lean against their owners or lay their heads in their lap for a good snuggle.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are especially known for their love of physical contact and often seek close physical proximity to their owners.
So, a Bernese Mountain Dog could be a great choice if you’re looking for a dog that loves to cuddle. However, remember that their large size means they will take up a lot of space on the couch or bed!
What two breeds make a Bernese Mountain Dog?
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a breed believed to have been developed in Switzerland.
The species is thought to have been created by crossing two different types of dogs: the Molosser, a large and powerful breed used for guarding and protecting livestock, and the Alpine Mastiff, a breed used for herding and pulling carts.
Over time, the breed was refined to create the Bernese Mountain Dog we know today. The breed is known for its striking black, white, and rust-colored coat and its friendly and affectionate nature.
Do Bernese mountain dogs like to walk?
Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs generally enjoy going for walks and getting exercise. They were originally bred as working dogs in the Swiss Alps, where they were used for herding and pulling carts, so they had an instinct for activity and movement.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are also fairly energetic and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy.
Taking your Bernese Mountain Dog for a walk or hike is a great way to give them the workout they need and to provide them with mental stimulation as they explore their surroundings.
Remember that Bernese Mountain Dogs are a large breed, so you must ensure you can handle their size and strength when walking them, especially if they have yet to be well-trained or socialized.
Why do Bernese mountain dogs sit on your feet?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are known to be very loyal and affectionate towards their owners, and sitting on their owner’s feet is a way to show that loyalty and affection.
When a Bernese Mountain Dog sits on your feet, they claim you as their own and show they are willing to protect and guard you.
Additionally, Bernese Mountain Dogs are a breed that thrives on physical contact and enjoy being close to their owners at all times.
Therefore, sitting on their owner’s feet is a way to maintain physical contact and feel connected to their human family members.
If your Bernese Mountain Dog sits on your feet, it’s a good sign that they feel comfortable and secure around you and that they view you as an important member of their pack.
Why do Bernese mountain dogs howl?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are not particularly known for howling, but like most dogs, they may howl in response to certain stimuli or situations. Here are some reasons why a Bernese Mountain Dog may howl:
1. Communication: Howling is a way for dogs to communicate with each other, especially over long distances. Sometimes, a Bernese Mountain Dog may howl to communicate with other dogs or signal their location to their owner.
2. Boredom or Loneliness: If a Bernese Mountain Dog is bored or lonely, it may howl to express its frustration or get its owner’s attention.
3. Response to Sounds: Bernese Mountain Dogs have a keen sense of hearing and may howl in response to certain sounds, such as sirens or musical instruments.
4. Separation Anxiety: Some Bernese Mountain Dogs may howl when experiencing separation anxiety or feeling stressed about being left alone.
5. Breed Instincts: Finally, it’s worth noting that howling is standard behavior in some breeds of dogs, such as Huskies and Beagles.
While Bernese Mountain Dogs are not known for howling as much as these breeds, they may still have some innate instincts that drive them to howl under certain circumstances.
