On Dec 7, 2006, at 1:42 PM, Mark Roberts wrote: > Michael Chan wrote: > >> William's right. It's Bernese Mountain Dog, and it's frequently >> shortened to "Berner". Common mispronunciations include "Burmese" >> Mountain Dogs. On one occasion I ran with that gaffe and said >> they got >> their names from the fighting "Burmese" monks who trained them to >> guard >> Buddhist temples, and that they are the only breed known that could >> actually be trained to fight in Bando Tiger form. > > And was your explanation accepted? > Inquiring minds, and all that...
For a bit, the ruse held. Fortunately, the person I was talking with was just smart enough to see through such an obvious pile of BS when I said they could be trained in martial arts. Besides, it's really hard for me to keep a straight face when spinning such bunk. I sometimes wish I was a better fibber, but it's usually pretty obvious when I've got my tongue in my cheek. I don't know how people can keep a deadpan face when trolling; I get a smirk and a glint in my eye that is a dead giveaway (I hate people who laugh at their own jokes, and therefore hate myself). I can't conceal a winner in hold- em either. > >> Berner Sennenhund is the original name. They are closely related >> to the >> Greater Swiss, as well as somewhat related to the St. Bernard, Great >> Pyrenees, and Newfoundland, all of whom trace their roots to the >> Molosser dogs of the Romans. The breed was developed in the >> canton of >> Berne, Switzerland and is named after the canton as well as the >> "senner" >> or cattleman he worked for, and "hund" (dog). The breed were >> originally >> working dogs, used principally as carters, herders/drovers, and watch >> dogs. > > My S.O. isn't much of a dog enthusiast, but when she met one of her > colleagues' Bernese Mountain Dog she fell instantly in love. Those > dogs > have such sweet dispositions. If we ever get lifestyles that are slow > enough to permit dog ownership Lisa and I will likely look at a > "Berner". Sweet is exactly what they are. It's touching, and hard to describe. There's also the funny thing that they get perturbed when their environment changes (nothing like watching a "supposedly smart" BMD bark angrily at a yard debris can that has been relocated from where it was supposed to be). There are many health concerns that one should investigate before considering a BMD. Also, be prepared to live a life where your house is never without hair, or "Berner- bunnies" as some (not me) are fond of calling them. There's a saying amongst Bernese Mountain Dog owners: you know you have a Bernese when you bite into an apple and find a hair in the middle. That said, they are truly great companions. Intelligent, eager to be trained and please, and devoted. I originally got into the breed because they are so good on trail when hiking. Michael -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
