 |
Berner Chow |
|
He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
Switzerland <> China -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen |
A brief presentation of the Berner Chow |
| The Berner Chow is a hybrid developed from the breeding of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Chow Chow. The Bernese originated in the farmlands of Switzerland, and the Chow Chow in China. The Berner Chow is not one of the most popular hybrids, but can be found in many countries around the world. The Bernese Mountain Dog has a gentle, affectionate, loving and loyal temperament, while the Chow Chow is more aggressive, independent, alert and protective. Both parent breeds have a high degree of intelligence. Both parent breeds have dense, low-maintenance coats, and both are reliable excretors. Both parent breeds were developed as companions and watchdogs, with the Bernese also being used primarily for traction and breeding tasks in the early days. Today, both breeds prove to be companions and watchdogs, and work well in a variety of living environments. |
History of the Berner Chow |
| The Berner Chow is a relatively new hybrid, so there is little historical information available on the hybrid combination itself. There is, however, a wealth of information on the parent breeds: the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Chow Chow. |
A little of the Bernese Mountain Dog |
||
| The Bernese Mountain Dog originated in Switzerland, and while there are several other breeds that originated in Switzerland, this is the only one with a long, silky coat. These strong, sturdy, symmetrical tricolor dogs were originally bred to perform pulling duties, herding duties, guarding duties and to provide companionship in the Swiss farmlands near the canton of Berne. They thrive in cold climates but can adapt somewhat to climates that are a little warmer, but not too hot, too. They are intelligent, confident, friendly and loving dogs who bond well with their human families and want lots of time with them. They are great with children, are gentle and watchful but will be more aloof, but not necessarily shy, with strangers. Today, they make wonderful, loving pets. | ||
 |
||
| Standard of the Bernese Mountain Dog | ||
A little of the Chow Chow |
||
| The Chow Chow, developed in Mongolia and northern China, is believed to be one of the oldest recognized dog breeds. This aloof, lordly canine breed was developed for use in hunting and guarding, unfortunately, the coat was also desirable for fur on clothing and their flesh was considered a delicacy. Similar to a cat, its distance sets it apart from many canine breeds, and it is particularly wary of strangers. It may look like a teddy bear, but this breed doesn't really care to be cuddled or remade, but it will be fiercely loyal to its owners. | ||
 |
||
| Standard of the Chow Chow |
Appearance of the Berner Chow |
| The Berner Chow is a cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Chow Chow. As a result, the hybrid result may have the combined qualities of both breed parents. The Berner Chow's body can be solid, sturdy and squarely built, the body being slightly longer than it is tall, with strong legs and tail that are likely to be bushy and held high close to the body or carried low at rest. Eyes may be slightly oval or almond-shaped and dark brown. Expression may be intelligent, animated and gentle, or scowling, dignified, lordly, sober and snobbish, and independent. The coat can be thick and dense, long and silky or rough and smooth, with a thick, dense undercoat. Ears can be triangular, small and hanging, held close to the head, or small, triangular and erect. The lips should cover the teeth, which are even in a scissor bite. |
Temperament of the Berner Chow |
| The Berner Chow's temperament can be any combination of the temperament traits of the breed's parents. The Bernese Mountain Dog parent contributes gentleness, affection, intelligence and loyalty, while the Chow Chow parent contributes aggression, alertness, detachment, independence, intelligence, loyalty and protection. The Bernese is very kind to children and cats, but the Chow Chow is not. Bernese are wary of strangers, and Chow Chows regard them with a very high degree of suspicion. Both parent breeds have moderate energy levels and require daily exercise to keep them happy and fit. Both parent breeds are intelligent and trainable, although the Bernese will probably contribute the most trainable temperament while the Chow Chow's independence will probably create a training challenge. Both parent breeds are known for their loyalty to their human family, but the Bernese Mountain Dog will contribute traits that will facilitate the bond that many families desire. |
Needs and activities of the Berner Chow |
| The Berner Chow is a hybrid that's not overly energetic, but he's no couch potato either. It will need moderate to medium exercise on a daily basis to stay fit and healthy. This level of exercise could be a walk once or twice a day lasting 30 to 60 minutes, or it could mean 30 to 60 minutes of energetic play in the backyard, playing fetch or Frisbee. The Berner Chow is not a dog suited to apartment living, both for reasons of exercise and size. It can, however, function quite well in a home with a fenced yard, large or small, as long as there is ample opportunity for daily exercise. He can live in both urban and rural communities and will adapt to colder and slightly warmer climates, although warmer climates will be more difficult for him with his dense, perhaps double-layered fur coat. |
Maintenance of the Berner Chow |
| The Berner Chow is a canine hybrid that will require at least moderate maintenance. It will need daily brushing due to moderate to high shedding levels, which will be worse during certain seasons. Frequent brushing will help control shedding, reduce the risk of matting and remove debris. The Berner Chow should only be shampooed or bathed when necessary to avoid stripping the coat of its natural oils. The Berner Chow is not hypoallergenic, so every attempt should be made to follow grooming to reduce shedding to protect sensitive household members or those with respiratory difficulties. Regular eye, ear and dental examinations should be carried out to keep your Berner Chow as healthy and fit as possible. |
English (United Kingdom) 
Comments