Want a “chill dude” dog breed who is witty and packed with energy? We introduce you to the Berner Laufhund dog breed. These dogs have so much to know about!
In this 5-minute read, you will be fully prepared to adopt these canine friends and be the best dog mom/dad ever! From their personality traits to everyday needs—we have got it all!
Overview
| Height | 16-23 inches |
| Weight | 30-50 lbs |
| Life span | 10-12 years |
| Exercise needs | 30 mins to 1 hour daily |
| Temperament | Affectionate, Witty, Expressive |
| Grooming | Low maintenance |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Origin | Switzerland |
Origin of the Berner Laufhund
Originating from Switzerland, the Berner Laufhund dog breed got its German name from the translation “tracking hound.” As the name implies, Berner Laufhunds, aka Bernese Hounds, has a rich history of scenting and hunting. To be precise, these working dogs spent years tracking in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland.
People admired them for their excellent scenting skills, and these dogs accompanied them during the hunt. This medium-sized dog breed, the Bernese hound, was a great asset to many families in Switzerland. Not only were they working dogs, but they proved to be loyal companions. Their determination and persona made them more admirable for dog enthusiasts.
Appearance of the Berner Laufhund
Here are all the details you need to know about Berner Laufhund’s appearance and unique physical characteristics:
1. Size and body
The Berner Laufhund is a medium-sized dog breed that may not be perfect for apartments. They can stand tall up to 16-23 inches while weighing around 30-50 pounds. Generally, females are smaller than males. Also, the weight of the breed can be determined by the nutrition and diet they follow.
2. Coat and colors
As the Berner Laufhund dog breed was bred in Switzerland, their bodies are made to protect them from harsh weather conditions. Their tri-color coat is their identification mark, which sets them apart from other dog breeds. These mountain dogs have a short and dense fur coat that is cozy and warm.
They are generally covered in 3 coat colors—white, black, and tan. Berner Laufhunds have a white base with black patches and tan points.
3. Other features
Besides, just like other hound dogs, Bernese hounds also have drooping ears. These ears have an essential relevance, as hanging ears help to store the scents for long periods of time. This helps these canine buddies to track and hunt while following the scent they stored. Moreover, their tail does not have much fur, and it’s short, dense fur with a pointy end.
Personality and Temperament
Every dog barks, eats, cuddles, wags, and smooches, but what makes them different is their personality and temperament. So here are the details about the personality traits of Berner Laufhund:
1. Affectionate
These dogs are known for their friendly and affectionate personality. Bernese hounds have the charisma to attract people and make friends. Their emotional intelligence and “good boy” natures make them excellent family dogs. If you have kids at home—they are going to love the Berner Laufhund!
2. Friends with other pets
The Bernese hound dog breed, aka Berner Laufhund, also can gel well with other pets. BUT—only on one condition! The condition is that you must teach them early socialization. If you do so, these dogs can learn to adapt to other small pets like cats or hamsters under the same roof.
3. Independent and witty
Another personality trait of Berner Laufhund is that they are independent thinkers. Their wittiness or smartness can be really surprising. We recommend that you encourage such dog behaviors as it will make them more curious.
4. Vocal dogs
As the Bernese hound dog breed has strong instincts, they can get a bit wild at times! They are not very aggressive but can wake the whole neighborhood up with their barks. Sometimes, they may bark for no reason to release energy, which can be fixed with proper training.
Berner Laufhunds also have Swiss cousins named—Jura Laufhund, Lucerne Hound, and the Schwyz Hound!
Grooming Needs of the Berner Laufhund
The Berner Laufhund dog breed is a low-maintenance breed. You only need to ensure that they get enough grooming to look clean and be healthy. Here is a guide for Bernese hound grooming:
1. Brushing
As these dogs are not entirely hypoallergenic, they require some amount of brushing. You can brush their short, dense coat once or twice a week. This will ensure that all the loose hair is removed properly. It would be best if you used the correct dog grooming supplies, like a soft bristle brush or a slicker brush.
2. Trimming
If you find some long fur here and there around their ears or paws, you can give it a trim. Although their fur does not get too long, you should NEVER shave them! Shaving can expose Bernese hound’s skin to sun and bacteria. We recommend that you slather your dog with coconut oil as it has anti-oxidant properties to prevent infections and bacteria on the dog’s coat/skin.
3. Cleaning
Lastly, here are the areas that you must clean every now and then for the Berner Laufhund dog breed:
- Clean hanging ears with a damp cloth to remove ear wax and debris.
- Wash and clean the eye boogers, as it can cause or be a sign of infection.
- Remove the dirt from the paws.
- Trim and clean the nails.
Exercise and Training Needs
As Bernese hounds are super active dogs, you don’t have to convince them much to be ready for training. These dogs only require 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise to get through the day! Now, if you want to, you can give them two sessions in a day, too; it’s all yours and your dog’s choice! Here are some “must-to-do” for everyday training:
- Daily walking is a great way to pump your dog’s stamina and prepare them for the day. You can keep the walking sessions as short as 15 minutes or as long as 30 minutes.
- Secondly, you should give your dog early socialization training. If they learn in the puppy stage, they can adjust well in adulthood.
- Lastly, to promote and stimulate their natural instincts, you should make them play interactive games. Such mentally stimulating games like scent and track, hide and seek, track and hunt, etc., will encourage Bernese hounds to be fit.
Final Thoughts
Our final thoughts on the Berner Laufhund dog breed, aka Bernese Hound, is that they are super cool dogs! They can adjust to big families and do not have high demands. So, if you are a working individual who wants to be showered with love as you reach home—these Bernese Hounds are for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The Berner Laufhund dog breed is not hypoallergenic. Even though they have short fur coats, there is a minimal amount of shed. Especially during the shedding seasons, you should take care of their grooming needs.
Yes. The temperament and personality of Berner Laufhunds make them an excellent family dog. With proper socialization and behavior training, these dogs can be adaptable and adjust well with small kids, adults, and different pets.
Absolutely, yes! These dogs have very minimal requirements, which makes them a low-maintenance dog breed. Just ensure to be ready for training and dealing with some tantrums. Rest, if you are willing to give effort, this dog breed is perfect for inexperienced dog owners.
One of the best things about the Berner Laufhund dog breed is their temperament. They are super friendly dogs who can get along with anyone. They may be shy with strangers initially but soon will get comfortable. Proper socialization and training is a key!
