Cat Breed Selector

About the Beauceron

A tireless French sheepdog, the Beauceron dates to the late 1500s. Intelligent with a natural guarding instinct, this large breed makes a loving, loyal and gentle companion. The Beauceron is eager to learn and easily trained. His strong personality fits best with experienced, dedicated owners. A natural athlete, he requires daily exercise, but his short coat needs little grooming.

About the Bedlington Terrier

A hardy breed known for his curly, woolly coat, the Bedlington Terrier was developed in 19th-century England to catch vermin. His gracefully shaped body gives the Bedlington the capacity for great speed and endurance. Mild and gentle with a lovable nature, the breed makes a wonderful family companion. He is an energetic but not overly rambunctious companion that needs daily exercise. His coat requires regular trimming.

About the Belgian Malinois

Alert and confident, the Belgian Malinois is a popular police and military dog. One of four types of Belgian sheepherding dogs, the Malinois was developed in the 1800s by dedicated trainers who prized the breed’s excellent working character. Distinguished by his short fawn coat and black mask, the Belgian Malinois is affectionate with his owners but also naturally protective without being overly aggressive.

About the Belgian Sheepdog

An elegant, muscular dog, the Belgian Sheepdog is a loving companion that excels as a herding and guard dog. Originating in the 1800s, the Belgian Sheepdog is an intelligent, easily trained, active breed that does best when given a job or purpose. One of four types of Belgian sheepherding dogs, he is distinguished by his long, black coat, which has a dense undercoat and requires weekly brushing.

About the Belgian Tervuren

Bred as a general purpose herding and guard dog, the Belgian Tervuren has a strong protective instinct. One of four types of Belgian sheepherding dogs, this breed is distinguished by his medium-long fawn-and-black coat, which should be brushed twice weekly. Intelligent and devoted, the Belgian Tervuren is a loving dog that excels as a therapy dog and companion to the disabled.

About the Bengal Cat

This docile house cat has what some would call a rambunctious personality. Bengal cats are playful and love to chase, climb, investigate and be part of the action. They seek out a lot of attention, are always on the move and can easily get into mischief around your home.

Most Bengal Cats are up for adventure and can even be trained to walk on a leash to safely explore the outdoors. She’s intelligent, curious and may splash in a fish tank or even hop in the shower with you.

About the Bergamasco

This ancient Alpine breed, believed to be 2,000 years old, was originally developed to guard and herd livestock. Today, he is widely recognized as a loving family companion. Gentle, patient and caring, the Bergamasco thrives on human attention and doesn’t like to be left alone for long periods of time. His signature, considerably hypoallergenic coat doesn’t require much grooming other than occasional bathing, but his nails should be clipped and teeth brushed regularly.

About the Berger Picard

Lively and alert, this rustic farm dog has been a working companion of French farmers since the 14th century. A stable and sturdy dog, the breed’s weather-proof, wiry coat may be fawn or brindle and requires little grooming. With a friendly expression, the Picard is a charming and lighthearted dog, but is known to be stubborn and will require a patient but firm owner.

About the Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs, affectionately referred to as “Berners,” are a strong working breed. Their strength and size are contrasted by their calm, loving nature toward their families. 

Temperament of a Berner

The calm, confident Berner thrives when he’s with family. He’s affectionate toward adults and patient with children, making him an ideal family dog.  

Though the Bernese Mountain Dog is not an outdoor dog, he loves going on outdoor adventures like long walks or hikes to satisfy his need for moderate daily exercise. The Berner is smart and eager to please, which can make obedience training easier.  

Breed Characteristics

As a large breed, the Bernese Mountain Dog was built to work. Though the body is sturdy, his sweet temperament is evident in his soft features, including big brown eyes.  

How Long Does a Bernese Mountain Dog Live?

7 to 10 years 

Colours

Berners are easily recognized by the black, white and rust tri-colour markings on their face and coat.  

Do Berner’s Shed?

The Berner’s long, thick coat protects him in cold conditions, but sheds throughout the year. A Berner will shed more heavily during the spring shedding season. Daily brushing, particularly during those seasons, will help remove the loose hair.  

Common Health Conditions

As with other large breeds, Bernese Mountain Dogs are at risk of bloat, a life-threatening condition. Other health conditions Berners may develop include hip and elbow dysplasia, certain cancers and blood disorders. Responsible breeders screen for such health conditions.  

Best Dog Food for Bernese Mountain Dogs & Puppies

As the Bernese Mountain Dog is a large dog, he’ll benefit from a large breed dog food. Large breed formulas offer additional support for healthy joints and mobility.  

A Berner puppy can also benefit from a large breed puppy food, which has all the nutrients he’ll need for healthy growth and development in his first two years of life.  

History of the Breed

The Bernese Mountain Dog originated on Swiss farms where he worked as a cattle drover, draft dog and guardian. Despite their hard work and gentle companionship after the workday, the Berner’s numbers were in serious decline by the end of the 19th century.  

Professor Albert Heim led a Swiss breed club in 1907 in an effort to preserve the Bernese Mountain Dog. By 1926, the breed made its way to the U.S. by way of a Kansas farmer. The breed’s popularity took off and the American Kennel Club (AKC) registered their first Berner in 1937.  

Facts

• The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of four varieties of Swiss mountain dogs. He’s the second largest and the only one with a long, silky coat.  

• Berners can pull many times their own weight, which is why they excelled as drafting dogs.  

• Roman soldiers brought the Berner’s ancestors to Switzerland over 2000 years ago.  

About the Bichon Frise

A white powder-puff dog known for his merry temperament, the Bichon Frise originated in the Mediterranean region in the 13th century. Gentle-mannered, sensitive and affectionate, the Bichon is an excellent family companion. This playful breed loves activity and requires regular exercise. Though the Bichon’s fluffy coat does not shed, it requires grooming to prevent mats.

About the Birman Cat Breed

With her marvelous, social personality, the Birman doesn’t like being the only animal in the house. She is active and playful but quiet if you are busy. This healthy, long-lived breed has an outstanding semi-long silky coat that does not mat and a luxurious, long bottle-brush tail. Brilliant blue, almost-round eyes are prominent features of her sweet expression.

About the Black and Tan Coonhound

With his powerful nose, fierce desire to hunt and great endurance, the Black and Tan Coonhound is used to track raccoons, deer and bear. This breed originated in the late 1700s when hunters in the Southeast crossed Bloodhounds and Foxhounds to create a new hound capable of independently tracking prey and following cold trails for long distances. Outgoing and playful, the breed requires moderate or fenced exercise daily.