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Mountain Dogs: From the Bernese to the St. Bernard

By Vanessa Rodriguez

MALLES VENOSTA, ITALY - JULY 28: Katharina Brueggebors scans the meadows for lost and injured cattle with her sheepdog on her daily circuit on July 28, 2013 at the Sesvenna Alpe near Malles Venosta (Mals), Italy. As herdswoman she watches over the herd of 300 cattle that she is overseeing for the summer months during the traditional alm summer livestock grazing. Brueggebors, a former hotel chain manager, has no experience in farming but hopes the calm and quiet six months in the Alps living in a traditional alm, which is a small wooden mountain cottage, will provide will help her in reorienting her life. Alm livestock herders regularly hire inexperienced help from many walks of life to help in the summer months, when farmers in valley villages commission the herders to bring the animals up to mountain plateaus to spend the summer months feeding on the grass-rich meadows. Alm tradition in the mountains of Switzerland, Austria, northern Italy and southern Germany goes back centuries and is an integral part of alpine life and agriculture. (Photo by Johannes Simon/Getty Images)
MALLES VENOSTA, ITALY - JULY 28: Katharina Brueggebors scans the meadows for lost and injured cattle with her sheepdog on her daily circuit on July 28, 2013 at the Sesvenna Alpe near Malles Venosta (Mals), Italy. As herdswoman she watches over the herd of 300 cattle that she is overseeing for the summer months during the traditional alm summer livestock grazing. Brueggebors, a former hotel chain manager, has no experience in farming but hopes the calm and quiet six months in the Alps living in a traditional alm, which is a small wooden mountain cottage, will provide will help her in reorienting her life. Alm livestock herders regularly hire inexperienced help from many walks of life to help in the summer months, when farmers in valley villages commission the herders to bring the animals up to mountain plateaus to spend the summer months feeding on the grass-rich meadows. Alm tradition in the mountains of Switzerland, Austria, northern Italy and southern Germany goes back centuries and is an integral part of alpine life and agriculture. (Photo by Johannes Simon/Getty Images) /
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Mountain dogs are like no other. Strong, big, and hard-working, these dogs manage to keep up with one of the roughest terrains.

What sets the mountain dog apart from other breeds? It starts with their daily regimen. Most mountain dogs herd livestock. This is no easy task in the cold temperatures of the mountains. This is why most mountain dogs have a double coat to keep them warm in colder climates.

BERNESE

A popular dog in German-speaking countries these dogs are docile and fast. Used primarily in the old days to protect property and herd cattle long distances. The Swiss would also use them for pulling carts and wagons in the snow. Today, these dogs are found less in mountain landscapes due to their relaxed personalities. They have become one of the top picks for family dogs. Their history has instilled a need for the outdoors, so if you’re looking for a hiking buddy you’ve found it. Keep in mind, their thick coat will require constant grooming since they’re always shedding.

ST. BERNARD

Made famous in America in the film “Beethoven” this big, beauty’s history began in the French Alps. Versatile in nature these dogs did every job there is, from hunting to rescues and of course, herding livestock. The St. Bernard was bred with Newfoundlands. After, losing a number of Bernards to snow rescues the French resorted to cross breeding to preserve the breed. So modern St. Bernards probably look a great deal different from the dogs of the 18th century. Considered a gentle giant, these dogs are affectionate and calm. Built for hard work, they will make great farm hands and even better watch dogs.

TIBETAN MASTIFF

A loyal watchdog these dogs protected the nomadic tribes of Tibet. Made for the outdoors these dogs have strong guardian tactics. They use scent marking to ward off predators. After years of night watch these dogs are nocturnal animals. Often sleeping through the day, and looking out for their loved ones at night. So if you don’t want your neighbors waking up at 3 a.m. to a barking dog, a Tibetan Mastiff is not recommended. Not that you could get your hands on one, seeing as they’re a rare breed. These dogs require stern leadership and respond best to an experienced handler. Their Tibetan name is Drog-Khyi which means “dog which may be kept.” This dog does just that, by keeping much of the Himalayan tribes safe from predators and strangers.

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HIMALAYAN SHEEPDOG

Large and in charge these dogs hail from India and Nepal. Another working mountain dog, these pups herd livestock and guard tribesmen. Similar to the Tibetan Mastiff these dogs benefit from a dominant trainer. They have a stubborn streak, but once broken in their youth it will produce a watch dog that is loyal to a fault. They are known for their aggression, which makes them a great guardian in the wild and not so much in the residential neighborhoods of Nepal. So these dogs are best kept in the Himalayan mountains. Though, they are still gorgeous to look at.

The mountain dog is brute and faithful. They will protect their owners, while pulling their weight around the farm. If only our lap dogs could take notes.

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