Description:Skittles and her siblings are some really interesting mixes. Their mamma is some sort of Mountain dog/Spaniel and their father is a border collie mix. I'm not sure they will have the size of the full mountain dog, but some of them definitely have the medium length fluffy hair and are some chunky puppies! Whatever their mix, they seem to have mild temperments and they love to play around!
Foster Update: Skittles is a sweet little girl with a fluffy black/brown coat and resembles a little bear. She's is the smallest in her litter and loves attention. She is very alert, but very patient and enjoys being held. One of Skittles favorite pastimes is relaxing in the community spa! ( See picture! ) She LOVES her baths, is good for pedicures and enjoys her beauty sleep. I guess you could say she's the Diva in the bunch! Skittles would appreciate a comfy bed, stylish accessories and someone to pamper her always. Any household will be lucky to have her!!
According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, although the exact origins of the Bernese Mountain Dog are unclear, this breed probably began as a farm dog in the Swiss mountains. Paintings from the end of the 18th century show the Bernese type. By the end of the 19th century, however, many foreign dogs were being imported to Switzerland and there was a danger that the native breeds would be lost. Professor Albert Heim, Franz Schertenleib and others led the effort to preserve native Swiss breeds by finding remaining specimens and stabilizing the Berner Sennenhund (Bernese Alpine Herdsman's dog) as a distinct breed. The Bernese Mountain Dog was named after the Berne canton of Switzerland where the breed is widely known. The sturdy Bernese has been used for driving livestock, for draft work and as a farm guardian. Because of his gentle, happy temperament, the Bernese Mountain Dog makes a fine family companion. Its talents are tracking, herding, watchdogging, guarding, search & rescue, carting, and competitive obedience. These gentle, cheerful dogs love children. They are very intelligent, easy to train and are natural watchdogs, but not overly aggressive. A friend for life. They are very loyal and may have trouble adjusting to a new owner after they are 18 months old. Self-confident, alert and good-natured. They are fairly friendly with strangers, and are generally good with other pets and dogs. Never sharp or shy. These dogs may by slow to mature, remaining boisterous and puppy-like for quite awhile. The Bernese needs to be with people and not relegated to the backyard or kennel run. Like any dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog should be well socialized as a puppy. These dogs are sensitive and should be trained gently. They have a life expectancy of 6-8 years.
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
