Posts tagged "bernese mountain dog"

A couple in Canada is offering a highly unconventional reward to whoever finds their lost Bernese mountain dog -- a reward that may help shape a person's identity. According to CNews, Dan and Sara Cannon have agreed to name their first-born child (due in three weeks) after the person who rescues their beloved pup Molly Jane.

A Possible Dognapping
The Cannons let Molly Jane out into their yard in Richmond, Ontario, on the evening of Jan. 4, and never saw her again. After learning of a failed abduction plot involving a male Bernese in a nearby town only hours before Molly's disappearance, the Cannons fear that Molly was the victim of a dognapping.

After going through all the usual steps to find their lost pup -- a police report, Facebook page, cash reward, and 3,000 lost dog fliers -- the Cannons have upped the ante. After carefully considering the potential ramifications, the Cannons announced a new and unusual reward offering: Bring Molly home safely and they'll name their new baby boy or girl (they've opted to let it be a surprise) after you!

With so many puppy videos and so little time, we've gone the extra mile and begun cataloging some of the finest YouTube offerings, separating each collection by breed in a feature called Puppy Party!

Today's funny dog video round-up features the brave Bernese Mountain Dog!

Name: Bernese Mountain Dog

Personality: The breed is renowned for being calm, placid and docile. Some attribute this to its original purpose as a drafting (i.e., cart-pulling) dog in Switzerland, work that requires a patient, even temperament. Other descriptions used in the American Kennel Club's breed standard of the Bernese include self-confident, alert, good-natured and steady. DogBreedInfo.com calls the Bernese mountain dog "a friend for life."

Grooming: Though it's a year-round shedder, the Bernese mountain dog doesn't require a particularly extensive grooming regimen. Its double coat should be treated regularly (some say every week, or every two if you can get away with it) with both an undercoat rake and a topcoat brush.

Common Health Issues: Compared to other purebreeds of its size, the Bernese tends not to live a long life; recent studies assess an average lifespan of seven or eight years. According to BMDInfo.org, an old Swiss saying goes, "Three years a young dog, three years a good dog, three years an old dog... All else a gift from God." It's also been found that Bernese mountain dogs experience a rate of fatal cancers about twice as high as the average dog, and that their musculoskeletal problems, such as dysplasia and arthritis, present at an earlier age and to a more acute degree. In other words, a Bernese owner should prepare for what are often considered geriatric health issues starting at a less-than-geriatric age.

The Westminster Kennel Club 134th Annual Dog Show (Feb. 15–16) is like Oscar night for dogs... so let's meet the stars! Paw Nation spoke with some of the Westminster show dog's owners to give you a sneak peek at the adorable contestants you'll see prancing around the ring on the big day.

Dog Breed: Bernese Mountain Dog

Group: Working

Dog's Full Registered Name: Ch Glenmegan's Flanders Fire

Dog's Nickname: Mac

Owner's Name: Megan McTavish

Hometown: Colebrook, Conn.

Bernese Mountain Dog owner and breeder Megan McTavish says that the story of how she traveled all the way to Belgium for the litter that produced Mac is an "incredibly crazy" one. And she should know about crazy storylines -- McTavish is a former head writer at soap operas All My Children, General Hospital, One Life to Live and Guiding Light! This next chapter, however, is being written at Westminster by her dog Mac.

Tell me about your dog's personality.
Mac is a mushy mama's boy! He has to be at my feet, or Michelle's [his handler]. Or in our laps. On the other hand, when someone drives into my driveway, he is on guard as a good Berner should be, until I say all is OK. Then he's all over whoever comes to visit, wanting to be petted. He never runs away, only towards someone he loves. He is also extremely smart -- and knows what you're going to do almost before you do.

What is Mac's favorite treat?
Almost any treat will do. It's the fact that you're paying attention and giving him the treat that he loves.