Meet the Mamas In Our Family!
The Cocker Spaniels
The Cocker Spaniel was from England originally, but was brought the North America in the 1800’s. The Cocker Spaniel was bred to flush small birds and animals from brush for a hunter. The name Cocker Spaniel is derived from woodcock, a bird the Cocker Spaniel was very adept at finding. Today, Cocker Spaniels are used to hunt game bird and water fowl.
The Cocker Spaniel is not a big or heavy dog, standing fifteen to sixteen inches high at the shoulder and weighing eighteen to twenty pounds. They are best known for their long hanging ears and docked tail.
Because they were bred to be a hunting dog, Cocker Spaniels are willing, obedient, and intelligent. Extremely easy to teach, they are loyal and always ready to please. Being merry little creatures, they seem to always have a smile on their face and a leap in their feet.
The Cocker Spaniel loves activity, chasing a ball or a cat. To walk alongside their master for hours on end is a pleasure to this lovable creature. When hot, they will not hesitate to plunge into a stream or lake and paddle around in utmost enjoyment.
Bernese Mountain Dogs
The Bernese Mountain Dog (also known as the ‘Berner’) is the most well known mountain dog from Switzerland, distinguished by its long, soft coat. Like many breeds, its origins are uncertain, but it likely descended from Roman Mastiffs crossed with sheepdogs during the Roman invasion of Switzerland in the first century B.C.
Bernese Mountain Dogs have a shoulder height of 58-71 cm (23-28 in) and weigh 36-50 kg (80-110 lbs). They are a large, agile dog with a flat, broad skull, dark eyes and nose, triangular ears, scissors bite, and defined stop (point at which the muzzle meets the forehead). Bernese Mountain Dogs have low hanging, thick tails, deep chests, and round feet.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is distinguished by its highly recognizable tri-color pattern. It has a solid black body, legs, head and ears, rust or tan colored cheeks and calves, and white chest, muzzle (with a stripe running up to the forehead), toes, and tail tip. The only variation in pattern is the amount of white. The Bernese Mountain Dog has a dense undercoat and straight or curly medium-length outer coat. It is highly weather resistant and slightly rough, but not harsh. Bernese Mountain Dogs shed their outer coat year round.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are friendly, vigilant, and very loyal to their family. They intelligent, attentive, and calm. Bernese Mountain Dogs require frequent human companionship. They are great with children and will protect their loved ones. They get along well with cats and other household pets, provided proper socialization has taken place. The Bernese Mountain Dog will announce unfamiliar visitors with a hearty barking and watch them carefully.