PetzloverBernese Mountain Dog is originated from Switzerland but Walker Hound is originated from United States. Both Bernese Mountain Dog and Walker Hound are having almost same height. Bernese Mountain Dog may weigh 23 kg / 51 pounds more than Walker Hound. Bernese Mountain Dog may live 5 years less than Walker Hound. Bernese Mountain Dog may have more litter size than Walker Hound. Bernese Mountain Dog requires Moderate Maintenance. But Walker Hound requires Low Maintenance
The Bernese Mountain Dog comes from the Swiss Alps and is one of four separate breeds called Sennenhund or “Alpine pasture dog”. The Name Bernese Mountain Dog indicates the area of Switzerland that the dogs come from – the canton of Bern. These groups of dogs accompanied the dairymen and herders and they were farm dogs. They pulled carts, delivered goods from village to village. The Bernese Mountain Dog was part of this group along with: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Appenzeller,Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Bernese Mountain Dog. It is probably true that the Bernese Mountain Dog has been a part of farm life in the Alps for over 2000 years.
In some regions of the Alps, these dogs were called Durrbachhund after a small town named Durrbah and are said to be rooted in the Molosser breeds. Tin 1902 the Swiss Kennel Club recognized the Bernese Mountain Dog as a separate breed and the first breed club was founded in 1907 in the region of Burgdorf. The first standard for the breed was written and separated the 4 dogs into their own breeds. The Molosser is an ancient breed whose versatility and travels made it expressly influential in the developing of Mastiff dogs like St. Bernards, Great Pyranees, Mastiffs and Swiss Mountain Dogs like the Bernese.
However at the end of the 19th century famers and shepherds began to import other breeds of working dogs, while at the same time automated modes of transportation began to replace the farm dogs. Under these circumstances the number of Bernese Mountain Dog began to decline and the breed faced potential extinction. A group of people were gathered together to save the Berner, including Franz Schertenleib and Albert Heim. Still today the Bernese are in short supply and because of the need and desire to increase the numbers, some breeding practices have not been as good as they should have been. However, today’s Berner is a great family dog and he still loves to work. He is good at carting, herding, search and rescue, watch dog, tracking, and competitive obedience.
The Bernese Mountain Dog came to the US after World War I and was imported to Britain in the 1930’s. The AKC accepted the Berner as a new Working-Class breed in 1937. It was not until 1968 that the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America was formed. In 1981, the AKC accepted the club as a member and in 1990 they (AKC) adopted the standard used today to judge the Bernese Mountain Dog.
The Walker Hound is actually two different breeds today both descendant from the original Walker. They are the Running Walker Hound and the Treeing Walker Coonhound and mark their ancestors as the American Foxhound and the English Foxhound. The Treeing Walker is a breed developed in the United States when a “Tennessee Lead Dog” was crossed with a Walker Hound. The Running Walker is considered a Foxhound not a coonhound. They Running Walker does not have a treeing instinct and is not as common in hunting in the southern US as the Treeing Walker Coonhound.
In 1945 the United Kennel Club (UKC) recognized the Treeing Walker Coonhound and by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 2012. They were developed to hunt and “tree” racoons – so the coonhound label. They also are capable of hunting bears, deer, bobcats and mountain lions. Their baying voice is distinctive that even at a great distance a hunter can recognize the voice of his dog.
Both types of Walkers are calm, gentle and friendly family dogs. The original Walker Hounds were bred in Kentucky by John Walker and George Maupin. The Walker Coonhound, Treeing was recognized as part of the English Coonhound breed by the UKC in 1905. In 1945, they were then recognized as their own breed by the UKC.
They have become the most popular hound competitor in coon hunt competitions. They are known for speed and an ability to catch more racoons in a shorter period of time than any other coonhound. They also tree squirrels, cougars. Opossums, roof rats and skunks.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, lovable clown. He has a heavy build with a tri color- mostly black – coat. He should have a white chest and rust coloring on the front of his legs, the sides of his mouth, and above his eyes. His eyes should be dark and blue eyes are a disqualification. His coat is silky, thick and long. He has medium sized triangle shaped ears and a scissors bite. He has round toes and strong, straight legs, He is well suited to cold weather. His skull is broad and flat, his muzzle is straight and strong, his nose must be black, and he does not usually drool.
He is an imposing sight, but he is also as non-aggressive as any breed. He is strong, intelligent, and agile. He should have his dew claws removed. This breed should be self-assured, yet good natured and calm. He is welcoming to strangers and loyal to his people. He needs his people.
This working dog is tall and lean with the males being somewhat larger than the females. They have broad skulls and hanging, long ears with a long muzzle. They have a soft expression in their dark eyes, straight legs and compact cat-like feet. The coat is smooth, glossy and fine. The traditional color is a tricolor or a bi-color in white with black and tan markings. The bicolors are white and tan or white and black. Their speed comes from the long , powerful and muscled legs and hindquarters along with the frame that is lean and streamlined.
When reading the AKC standard for the Bernese Mountain Dog you will find that the breed is good natured and self-assured. They are not aggressive, shy or anxious. These are gentle, loving dogs. At the same time, they should be socialized to all kinds of animals, people and children when they are puppies. They are happy outside but need to live in the house with their people. They need exercise and play, and because they are so large, they need this outside. But when it comes to cuddling and sleeping they need to be indoors.
They love children though you should be careful with small children because of the Berner’s size and their not being aware of their size at times. They are extremely loyal to their people and want to be with people. They are intelligent, and they want to please their people. At the same time, they are sensitive. They do not respond well to punishment or harshness. They are imposing but they are lovers at heart.
2.Special talents Walkers are capable of covering a lot of ground in a hurry. Speed and treeing instinct.
Even though it is well known that cancer is the leading cause of dog deaths across the globe, the Bernese Mountain Dog is particularly prone to die of cancer. Half of all Berners compared with 27% of all dogs, die from cancer. The Berner’s life span is also shorter than most dogs his size. IT is also not just one cancer that attacks the Bernese Mountain Dog but rather at least 6 or more including mast cell, osteosarcoma, malignant histiocytosis, fibrosarcoma, and lymphosarcoma.
They can also suffer from PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), hypoadrenocorticism, cataracts and histiocytic sarcoma. Another issue that plaques the Berner more than other breeds is musculoskeletal issues that cause mortality. This can include issues such as cruciate ligament rupture, arthritis and hip dysplasia. These types of aliments cause death in 6% of the breed while they are usually the cause of mortality in only 2% of all other dogs.
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a fairly healthy breed needing to watch out for accidents on the hunting trail from shrubs, brush and tree limbs. They can become tick infested if you are not careful, especially in their long ears that flop on the side of their head. Clean their ears weekly and check them after every run in the woods.
They are also prone to hip dysplasia and eye issues. Hip dysplasia can cause lameness and/or arthritis. Before to keep the ear clear of debris and wax to avoid ear infections.
As with any large purebred dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog needs high quality food that will provide hi with nutrition and keep him from becoming overweight if fed properly. He is however a very large dog with a very large appetite. Watch his calorie intake. It’s ok to use treats if you fit them into the overall calorie intake for the day. Feed him smaller meals twice a day.
As previously mentioned the breed has quite a few health challenges to deal with, cancer being the number one issue. The small genetic line is one of, if not the main, culprit in this high mortality rate and short life span of the Bernese Mountain Dog. In addition to the conditions mentioned above, they are also susceptible to bloat (stomach inversion). In addition, they face the conditions mentioned previously and should be tested for dysplasia of the hip and elbow, Von Willebrand’s Disease, Cardiac testing and an eye or ophthalmologist exam.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a gentle giant. They have a calm happy demeanor and they love to work. In fact, they need to work. They love children and will quickly give them cart rides. They compete in carting competitions and herding events sponsored by the AKC. They need exercise but not an extreme amount or intense type. A half-hour a day is enough for them. They love long walks or hiking. They are great companions for backpacking or camping. They are also good at tracking, rally, obedience, and agility.
1Feeding the puppy – don’t overfeed. Feed quality medium size breed 3-4 small meals per day
2.Feeding the adult – don’t overfeed. Feed quality medium size breed 1-2 small meals per day
running or hiking companion. long daily walks at a minimum. He loves to run and play with his family. Hunting and “coon trials” are his specialty and best ways to get exercise. He needs to run