The Bernese Mountain Dog is often affectionately called the “Bernie” by their owners. Although many working dogs are known to have an independent nature, this breed definitely does not fall in that category. They love and seemingly crave family interaction and companionship.

This large, social breed weighs between 80-105 pounds and measure between 23″ to 28″. Because of their size and energy, they do better in homes with yards rather than apartments. They don’t like to be kept inside all the time and need time to run and stretch their legs. Although they are relatively low key indoors, they can be a little rambunctious outside.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is recognized by the AKC. Their coat colors are tri-colored in black, rust and white and are symmetric in nature. Their moderately long, thick coat is straights or slightly wavy. It requires regular brushing. You will want to brush them extra when they are in their seasonal, heavy shedding period. Because of their thick coat, they are not meant for extremely hot climates. If you live in an area that is warm, be sure to keep your Bernese Mountain Dog cool and do not leave them outside in hot weather for long periods of time.

This friendly, gentle, breed makes an excellent family pet. They are great with children and are good with other dogs and other pets. They are high energy when they are puppies and remain that way until they mature. They require regular exercise even when they are older and more low-key and need plenty of exercise and play when they are young. They are social dogs and want to be with their family, so they work best in homes where they will not be left alone for long periods of time. Once they are used to a family, they will not easily transition to a new family. They are easy to train, but training is recommended when they are young. They are good watchdogs, but not good guard dogs as they tend to be friendly with strangers.

There is some speculation as to the country of origin of the Bernese Mountain Dog, but it is believed that they originated in the Swiss Mountains. Their name comes from the canton of Berne area in Switzerland. When other dogs began being imported into Switzerland, a strict breeding program was put into place to help ensure that the Bernese Mountain Dog kept all its original qualities and was not lost through breeding with other dogs. They were used mainly as farm dogs but were also used for search and rescue, tracking, guarding and herding. They were not introduced in the United States until 1926.

Although they are a working dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog needs to be with family rather than be independent. They are perfect for homes that will give them the exercise and companionship they need. Since they prefer colder climates, they are best in areas that do not have excessive heat. Homes with children, other dogs and pets can welcome a Bernese Mountain Dog into their home with little socialization.

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When heading to the great outdoors on a camping trip with your children, you need to keep in mind that camping with kids is a whole different experience then just packing some clothes and food. Depending on your children’s ages, you will need to consider packing some extra items to help make their vacation and your vacation a positive experience.

If you are traveling with small babies or infants, you should make a list of everything that you use at home on a daily basis with them and plan to pack a majority of those things for the trip. You can’t just go with a diaper bag. You will need a port-a-crib or pack-n-play for naps and nighttime. If they love to hang out in a bouncy seat or their swing, that should go in the car too. Pack a bag full of different types of toys from chew toys to books to squeaky hand-held toys. Take things you know they love and that give them comfort. If they use a pacifier, pack 2-3 extra pacifiers. You don’t want to be in the middle of nowhere only to discover that you can find it. If they have a favorite snuggly or blanket, pack that as well.

There will be a lot of new things to look at in the environment, but you know your baby’s needs. If they are content to just sit and look around, great. If they aren’t, then you need plenty to fill there time. Don’t forget a baby backpack or frontpack so that you can carry your child on hikes and remain hands free.

If you are traveling with toddlers in the 1-3 year stage, you still need to consider what they do in a typical day and what you should take with you. Take some of their favorite toys, but also buy a couple new things to introduce when you get to the destination. Stacking cups, alphabet blocks, stacking blocks and books are all good, new toys that will keep them occupied. Take activity toys that they can use to explore their environment. Shovels and buckets for rocks, sand, dirt and water can literally occupy a small child for hours. Sometimes you just have to move them from one side of the campsite to the other and it is like a whole new world for them.

Pre-Schoolers through kindergarten age kids are a little easier to take camping. They are better able to amuse themselves and are more inquisitive about things that they see. You should take along games for them. Books about the outdoors are a great thing to have at this age. You can explore your surroundings and learn about the vegetation, birds and animals together. Take crayons and paper so they can draw pictures about what they see. Have them tell you a story about what they did that day or make up a story about a squirrel family that you see.

All kids should have some sort of identification with them in case they get lost. Include your name, address and cell and home telephone numbers. You should also include an emergency number of someone who is not camping with you since cell phones don’t always work in remote areas. First aid kits should include child friendly supplies. Each child should have their own flashlight. They make great toys and are good for night walks. Reflective clothing for nighttime is important as well. Take extra clothing and plenty of warm clothing for children as children tend to get their clothes dirtier than adults and they tend to get colder quicker.

If your children are not close in age, consider taking along a friend for each of them or traveling with another family that has children. This will keep them from being bored and they will have someone else to share in their exploring and fun.

It is well worth planning ahead when going camping with children. It helps them to have a fun time filled with new and exciting things and the things that they love and give them comfort. By helping them to enjoy their camping trip to the fullest, you will also help yourself to have an enjoyable camping trip as well.

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Do unto your campsite and fellow campers as you would have them do unto you. This should be the motto for good camping etiquette. If you are planning a camping trip, there are a number of written and unwritten rules that you should follow in order to be a good patron to the campground and a good neighbor to those camping or enjoying the outdoors around you.

When you camp at a campground or state park, you may be given a list of rules when you enter the camping area and you will probably find rules and regulations posted throughout the area. Read these rules carefully and abide by them to help make your stay pleasant and everyone else’s pleasant as well.

First and foremost if the rules say “don’t do” something, then don’t do it. If they require a dog on a leash, no pets at all or they ask you to stay within certain areas, there are probably good reasons for these rules. They might ask you not to bring pets because they attract other animals to the campsites such as coyotes or bears. Walking in undesignated areas might put you face to face with a bear or cause you to disrupt the natural surroundings.

Do not contaminate the water sources by dumping things in them and do not pick flowers or damage the vegetation in any way. It has been there for hundreds of years and it would be nice for it to continue to be there for hundreds of years in the future.

Keep your campsite clean and don’t litter. Not only does it look bad and can damage the environment, but it also can encourage unwanted animals such as bears or raccoons to enter the area. Along these lines, do not feed the wild animals because it will keep them coming back.

Be respectful of your neighbors. Do not be loud and do not play your music loudly. Many campgrounds will ask that noise be kept to a minimum after a certain time. If you don’t respect this rule, they might ask you to leave. Keep your pets quiet as well. If your dog has a tendency to bark at everything, you might want to leave them at home.

Bring along an extra card table and chairs with you if you have a large group or are having visitors while you are camping. You should never take the picnic table from a neighboring site even if it is vacant. If someone arrives late at night or early in the morning they would probably like for it to be in their site where it belongs.

Make sure that if you make a fire it is completely put out before you leave. Clean your campsite for the next camper. Whatever came with you should leave with you. This includes all your trash which can be disposed of in the trashcans that are throughout the campground or at the entrance to the park.

Think of your campsite as your home away from home. You would want your back yard kept clean and you wouldn’t want someone to walk through your yard, throwing down a candy wrapper and trampling your flowers. Think of your surroundings as your backyard at home.

Aside from rules posted, much of the camping etiquette comes from common sense. Treat your neighbors and your surroundings as you would want them to be treated or would want them to treat you. It helps make your stay and the stay for those camping around you to be relaxing and enjoyable, which is what you want when you head to the outdoors on a camping vacation.

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The Bergamasco is a loving, loyal, intelligent breed that is a gentle giant and a wonder to behold with its long, natural cords of hair sweeping the ground. While we are conditioned to believe that you need to brush your dog’s hair daily to maintain a soft, unmatted coat, you are actually expected to do the opposite with the Bergamaco’s hair, allowing it to grow naturally into matted cords of hair.

A medium to medium-large size dog, the Bergamasco weighs between 57 to 85 pounds. They reach up to 24″ in height. They are an ancient breed that dates back over 2000 years. Their country of origin is Italy. They were mainly used to herd sheep in the alpine regions of Italy. Their thick, grey coat provided protection against the elements and camaflouge for their surroundings. The long hair that covers their eyes helped keep the sun that shined on the snow from blinding them. They once faced extinction but are no longer in danger and are found in Italy, other parts of Europe and the U.S.

If you have never seen a Bergamasco as a puppy, you will find it hard to believe that that fluffy, soft puppy hair will eventually grow into the long cords on the adult Bergamasco. Recognized by the AKC, the Bergamasco comes in gray, silver gray or black and might have a little fawn or white in areas. Their harsh, long hair should not be groomed but should be allowed to grow naturally into matted, long cords over their entire body including their eyes. Their hair begins to change before they are one year old and has a transition stage between ages 2-3 as the cords begin to take shape. By age 5, their cords will reach the ground. They are not shedders and their hair is considered to be non-allergenic.

Loving, loyal and gentle, the Bergamasco is the perfect dog for families with children. They love children and will play with them as well as snuggle with them. They are independent by nature as they would be out with in the Alps with their flocks for long periods of time. They are friendly dogs and make wonderful family pets. They are easy to train. Early socialization is recommended for other dogs and pets. They do well with other Bergamascos. They are energetic and need plenty of exercise. They do not like to be locked up inside all day and are not good apartment dogs. If you live in a warmer climate, you should make sure that your Bergamasco is not overheated and has a place to get out of the sun and get cool. They are better for cooler climates.

As farm dogs or companion dogs with active families, the Bergamasco will be happy. They enjoy family time, but can also spend time alone and be fine. They like a job to do or some sort of activity or play. If you can provide a home with plenty of exercise and want a dog that will be gentle and loving with you and your children, then the Beramasco might be the right dog for you.

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