History and Origin
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a native Switzerland dog. These dogs are also known as the Berner Sennenhund (Bernese Alpine Herdsman's dog). The breed descends from Swiss peasants' dogs which were used for centuries as shepherd dogs, draft dogs and watchdogs. Some breeders believe that they have some blood of ancient Molossian. The recorded history of the Bernese Mountain Dog was started in the end of the 19th century.
Appearance
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a tri-colored large dog. The height is about 23-27 inches, the weight is 80-110 pounds. The coat is black with symmetrical markings of rust and white; white blaze on the chest being required by the breed standard. The coat is thick, moderately long and slightly wavy.
Temperament and Personality
The Berner Sennenhund is a good-natured, friendly, master-devoted dog with natural watchdog abilities. These dogs are intellegent and easy trained. They are very agile and even boisterous in young age till they are about three years old but later get the poise for which this breed is famous.
Care
The coat needs daily brushing. This breed sheds heavy.
Starzhy Kennel, Kharkov, Ukraine. German Shepherd Dog
History and Origin
The German Shepherd Dog (GSD) is a rather recent breed, the breeding being started in the 19th century in Germany. There were a lot of different shepherd dogs in Germany, but there was not any recognized breed of these dogs. In the 1890s, Captain Max von Stephanitz, a young German cavalry officer, decided to develop a national breed of shepherd dogs. Max von Stephanitz was a very educated man, fond of shepherd dogs and appreciated very high their working abilities. He is known as the father of the breed. April 3, 1899 is considered to be the birthday of The German Shepherd Dog. On that day Max von Stephanitz purchased a herding dog on a dog show. The dog's name was Hektor Linksrhein (later named Horand von Grafrath) and it became a forefather for present German Shepherd Dogs and the first registered GSDs. Horand von Grafrath won the first German Shepherd Dog show that was held by Max von Stephanitz. He founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde, the German Shepherd Dog breeders' organization and was named its first president. His efforts were not in vain. The German Shepherd Dog quickly became popular. They proved to be very diversified dogs. GSDs are widely used in police and military work. They earned the reputation as good family companion as well. The German Shepherd Dog became the first dogs used as Guide Dogs for the blind. Temperament and Personality
The German Shepherd Dog is intelligent, agile, loyal, self-confident, protective of his home and property. They are fearless, but not hostile. These dogs are active, quick to learn and fond of training and challenges. German Shepherds should be trained and socialized from an early age. They are very sociable and need attention. The German Shepherd does well in an apartment living provided they have a plenty of exercise.
Size and Appearance
The German Shepherd Dog is of middle size, strong, well muscled and elegant looking. Height is 22-26 inches, weight is 75-95 pounds. Colors are black and tan, black and red, black and cream, black and silver, solid black, sable, and white. White is considered to be a fault in the US and white shepherds cannot enter breed classes at shows.
Care
The German Shepherd Dog needs require regular combing and occasional baths. The life expectancy is around 13 years.
Registries
The breed is recognized by CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, GSDCA
Common mispelling: German Sheperd
