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Winter Carnival Event Will Celebrate Bernese Mountain Dogs — And Remember A Royal One
We kicked off the pet section of February's Morning Reports by highlighting an upcoming event that will remember Murphy, a royal dog of the St. Paul Winter Carnival.
Murphy was a royal dog of the St. Paul Winter Carnival. Berners in the Park, an event celebrating Bernese Mountain Dogs, will be presented on Saturday, Feb. 3, at Rice Park in downtown St. Paul by the 2019 King Boreas, Monte Johnson, and the 2019 Lady Boreas, Mary Johnson, in memory of their dog, Murphy.
"Meet Murphy — a 130-pound Bernese Mountain Dog who loved the winter and played the role of Royal Berner to the Court of Boreas Rex 83," wrote Mary Johnson in an email to the Morning Report.
"Murphy inspired the Berners in the Park event as part of the Winter Carnival, " Johnson wrote. "The fourth annual event is planned for Saturday, Feb. 3 at Rice Park. Sadly, Murphy passed away this past June, but the Berners in the Park will carry on the spirit of winter fun in the park!"
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RELATED: Meet Queen Adonika and King Big Mac, top dogs of the St. Paul Winter Carnival and Doggie Depot
Winter Carnival: Berners in the Park15 Mountain Dog Breeds That Are Tough Yet Cuddly
From the Italian Alps to the North American Appalachians, mountain dog breeds have been braving tough and highly elevated elements for thousands of years. Some, like Caucasian Shepherd Dogs, evolved on their own in mountainous regions, while others, like Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds, were bred by humans specifically to prepare them for mountain life or particular jobs. Most mountain dogs are tough cookies with soft, gooey centers who love to love their family members—as long as you can handle all the drool. Here are 15 mountain dog breeds that are oh-so lovable.
What Are the Characteristics of Mountain Dogs?Mountain dogs are breeds developed to live, work and play at high elevations around the world. While each dog is an individual with its own personality, there are common traits you can easily spot among mountain breeds.
Finally, mountain dog breeds are not for the faint of heart or first-time dog owners. If you've never lived with or trained a dog before, we suggest a dog breed more eager to please and ready to socialize.
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1. Anatolian Shepherd DogSantiago Urquijo/Getty Images
Height: 27 to 29 inches
Weight: 80 to 150 pounds
Personality: Independent, Patient
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: Seasonal
Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years
According to the Anatolian Shepherd Dog Club of America, these dogs have been around for a long time. There's evidence they helped Turkish people in Central Anatolia corral sheep and protect homes as far back as 2,000 B.C. With dry, hot summers and cold, snowy winters, inhabitants of this mountainous region relied on Anatolian Shepherd Dogs to keep predators away from livestock. Today, these dogs are still super territorial and watchful. While not super affectionate, they show their love by intimidating anyone who threatens their families.
2. Appenzeller SennenhundVincent Scherer/Getty Images
Height: 20 to 22 inches
Weight: 48 to 70 pounds
Personality: Protective, smart
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years
This herding breed is a high-energy, intelligent dog who will thrive in homes with yards and lots of stuff to do (they love participating in agility training). Appenzeller Sennenhunds hail from Appenzell, Switzerland, and are related to other Swiss Mountain breeds like the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Bernese Mountain Dog. This means they are protective and dedicated companions. The AKC doesn't recommend these dogs for first-time dog owners because they require lots of socialization, firm training and dedication early on to ensure happy, healthy adult dogs.
3. Bavarian Mountain Scent HoundAnne Kaiser/Getty Images
Height: 17 to 21 inches
Weight: 37 to 66 pounds
Personality: Devoted, reserved
Activity Level: Moderate to High
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound are easily recognizable by the black fur on their faces and their tan-colored bodies. Back in the 1840s, hunters in Germany needed more agile scent hounds to track big game up in the mountains. By breeding Hanoverian Scent Hounds with Red Mountain Scenthounds, the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound was born. These days, these dogs still make great hunting companions, though they definitely aren't meant for apartments or city-dwellers. Highly intelligent, they need lots of mental stimulation and playtime outdoors.
4. Bergamasco SheepdogRosmarie Wirz/GETTY IMAGES
Height: 22 to 24 inches
Weight: 57 to 84 pounds
Personality: Independent, Mellow
Activity Level: Low
Shedding Factor: Non-shedding
Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years
Definitely one of the shaggier dog breeds on our list, the Bergamasco Sheepdog's coat is designed for mountain life. Developed over centuries in the Middle East and the Italian Alps, the Bergamasco Sheepdog Club of America says their coats regulate their body temperatures to keep them warm in winter and cool in summer. You'll need to do some extra grooming work in the first year or so of owning a Bergamasco Sheepdog to ensure their coats grow correctly. Then, grooming is a cinch. As independent and intelligent dogs, they are eager to please but not overly outgoing.
5. Bernese Mountain DogChristopher Kimmel/GETTY IMAGES
Height: 23 to 28 inches
Weight: 70 to 115 pounds
Personality: Calm, Friendly
Activity Level: Moderate to High
Coat Type: Double, Medium to Long Length
Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years
Calm and affectionate, Bernese Mountain Dogs make excellent companions for just about anyone, including families with small kids and individuals with anxiety. If you decide to adopt a Bernese, get ready for a big dog who sheds a lot and loves on you just as much, if not more. The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America says that as farm dogs in the mountains of Switzerland, these pups originally acted as watchdogs and family companions.
6. Caucasian Shepherd DogTianaV/Getty Images
Height: 23 to 30 inches
Weight: 95 to 170 pounds
Personality: Confident, kind
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: Moderate to High
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog gets its name from the Caucasus mountains, located between Russia, Georgia and Azerbaijan. Another ancient breed, they've spent hundreds of years protecting livestock, farmers, homesteads and more in that mountainous region. Because of this, they aren't keen on strangers but they do love their family members big time and will protect without hesitation. When no threat is near, get ready for a calm, kind, sweet Caucasian Shepherd lounging around your house.
7. Entlebucher Mountain DogPurple Collar Pet Photography/Getty Images
Height: 16 to 21 inches
Weight: 40 to 65 pounds
Personality: Loyal, playful
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years
Another Swiss mountain breed! The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is the smallest and swiftest of these Swiss breeds, according to the AKC. These sweethearts were used to herd cattle in the mountains of Switzerland and watch over dairy farms. Agile and energetic, they make great family pets. The National Entlebucher Mountain Dog Association says it's imperative to include them in outings, hikes and family playtime to keep them happy.
8. Estrela Mountain Dogthomaslenne/Getty Images
Height: 24 to 29 inches
Weight: 75 to 130 pounds
Personality: Brave, affectionate
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Activity Level: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years
Don't mistake this large breed for a bear, even though they are giant, fluffy and might have a lumbering gait. As one of the oldest breeds to come out of Portugal, Estrela Mountains Dogs were used for centuries as shepherds for livestock on rocky terrain. These dogs are born guardians and require lots of socialization as puppies to ensure they don't get aggressive with strangers who they see as threats to their homes or families. When you adopt an Estrela, you're adopting a dog who's ready to bond for life.
9. Great PyreneesBenC/Getty Images
Height: 25 to 32 inches
Weight: 85 to 110 pounds
Personality: Calm, Sweet
Activity Level: Low
Coat Type: Double, Medium to Long Length
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Speaking of bears, the Great Pyrenees is basically a giant teddy bear. Like Bernese Mountain Dogs, these big fluffballs make excellent companions for seniors and kids for their calm demeanor and loving personalities. Plus, unlike some herding breeds on our list, they don't have a strong prey drive so you don't have to worry about them bolting off during a walk. Their signature white coats protect them from the wild winter cold in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain.
10. Greater Swiss Mountain DogNadiia_Diachenko/Getty Images
Height: 23 to 29 inches
Weight: 85 to 140 pounds
Personality: Affectionate, social
Activity Level: Moderate to High
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 8 to 11 years
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America says we have these large, affectionate dogs to thank for the development of both St. Bernards and Rottweilers, two breeds known for protecting and rescuing humans. While Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, also known as Swissies, can be pricey and stubborn, these dogs thrive in loving family environments when socialized and introduced to specific commands early on.
11. Kuvaszslowmotiongli/Getty Images
Height: 26 to 30 inches
Weight: 70 to 115 pounds
Personality: Obedient, fearless
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Loyal to no end, the Kuvasz is a working breed who aims to please. The Kuvasz Club of America says these fearless guardians come from the Ural Mountains in Siberia where royal families employed them as protectors and hunters. They are said to mature slowly, so get ready to stick to firm, yet positive reinforcement-based training techniques for a few years to ensure good behavior into adulthood.
12. Leonberger@Hans Surfer/Getty Images
Height: 25 to 32 inches
Weight: 90 to 170 pounds
Personality: Intelligent, goofy
Activity Level: Moderate to High
Shedding Factor: High
Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years
This German dog breed has lots of playful energy, despite its large size. Bred by combining St. Bernards and Newfoundlands, it's no wonder these gentle giants are so enormous. A Leonberger's coat will shed a ton, so expect frequent brushing and vacuuming. Loving and attentive to their families, they also make great guardians. As the AKC puts it, "A Leo is friendly but nobody's fool."
13. Mountain Curadogslifephoto/Getty Images
Height: 16 to 24 inches
Weight: 30 to 60 pounds
Personality: Smart, energetic
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 10 to 13 years
The Mountain Cur is one of the few breeds on this list established in the United States. Bred to help American settlers in the Appalachian mountains find food and small game, they are smart and friendly with high prey drives. While they are eager to please and train well, they definitely require lots of exercise and shouldn't be cooped up for long.
14. Pyrenean MastiffNatalia Miachikova/Getty Images
Height: 28 to 31 inches
Weight: 120 to 190 pounds
Personality: Gentle, independent
Activity Level: Low to Moderate
Shedding Factor: Moderate to High
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
A rare and ancient breed, Pyrenean Mastiffs are truly gentle giants. They can reach almost 200 pounds and shed like the dickens, so prepare yourself and your home for that. Pyrenean Mastiffs also have big hearts and are known for being gentle with all types of people. They've been guarding homes in and around the Pyrenean Mountains for thousands of years; today, they'll happily alert you to intruders but aren't keen on fighting unless they sense a serious threat.
15. Saint BernardBrian Stubbs / 500px/Getty Images
Height: 26 to 30 inches
Weight: 120 to 180 pounds
Personality: Charming, Watchful
Activity Level: Moderate
Coat Type: Double, Short to Long Length
Life Expectancy: 8 to 10 years
The earliest evidence of St. Bernards are several paintings from the late 1600s featuring these large breeds trudging through the Alps. The Saint Bernard Club of America says these dogs were around long before that and today are still as charming and hard-working as ever. Moderate exercise is enough to keep St. Bernards satisfied, but be sure to train them on good manners early as they are big (and drool a ton) and need to form good habits when it comes to interacting with other people and dogs.
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Dad Films Bernese Mountain Dog And Toddler's Love Blossoming Over A Year
A cuteness warning label is missing on a recent viral video that captured the internet's heart because of a special relationship between a dog and a toddler.
A January 19 TikTok video posted to the account @ivytheberner showed two besties sitting on the same couch, looking out the same window. It has become a morning tradition for the Bernese mountain dog Ivy and the toddler.
The two started doing this together when the toddler was just 6 months old in December 2022. They quickly joined forces to become the most adorable neighborhood watch on the block, watching for new neighbors, hiding from the police, and greeting mom as she came home from work.
The montage of clips filmed by dad shows how their love has blossomed over the year and that their precious morning tradition has continued through 2024.
Screenshots of a Bernese mountain dog looking out the window with a child. This dynamic duo has done this together every morning for the past year. Screenshots of a Bernese mountain dog looking out the window with a child. This dynamic duo has done this together every morning for the past year. @ivytheberner/TikTokIvy carefully watches over the toddler in every one of the videos. She keeps her paw placed behind her back to ensure she does not fall over. And the way the two lean into each other shows how much they love each other.
The clip quickly reached viral status as it gained more than 21 million views and 2.7 million likes. Viewers have fallen head over paws for this dynamic duo, claiming this is proof that humans do not deserve dogs.
"The paw wrapped around her consistently is just proof that this is the puppy's baby. Good thing she is willing to share with you," commented one viewer.
Another added: "We honestly don't deserve dogs. This is precious."
Others are hoping this tradition continues: "You can't ever move, we need this to continue."
Luckily, the parents told Newsweek via TikTok that they are "hoping to keep it going for as long as they enjoy it." By the looks of it, these two will be joined at the hip forever.
Kids Benefit From Doggy SiblingsThe saying that a dog is man's best friend should really be changed to include everyone—men, women, children and sometimes even cats. Dogs have no problem befriending any living creature they meet, and believe it or not, dogs can benefit people's health, including children.
The American Kennel Club said that having a family dog can benefit your child's emotional intelligence and health. Children living in a home with a pet tend to have higher self-esteem, they're more compassionate, have better cognitive skills, feel supported, have less stress and more responsibilities, and they're happier and healthier.
Before jumping right into getting a dog for your children, ask yourself whether or not your child is ready for a dog. Be sure to take time and research. Certain dog breeds, such as golden retrievers or collies, are known to be better with kids. You will also want a dog that fits your family's lifestyle.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.Com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Uncommon KnowledgeNewsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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