Want to buy a Burmese mountain dog? Read our guide for facts and info on Burmese mountain dogs and find out whether this is the dog for you or not…
Contrary to its name, the Burmese mountain dog was first bred in Switzerland. Like all other breeds they are believed to be descended from wolves. During the Civil War they were used as war dogs before they were formally registered as a separate breed in the 1900’s.
Physical Description
The Burmese mountain dog is a large dog and is known for its strength. They are surprisingly agile for their size and can climb trees or kitchen cabinets, depending on where they are. They are generally longer horizontally rather than being vertically tall. They have a broad head, which is flat on the top, and the muzzle is strong yet straight. They have medium sized ears, which are triangular but rounded at the ends. They also have bushy tails that hang low on well bred dogs.
Coat and Shedding
Their coats are weather resistant and are long, thick and occasionally wavy. The base color of their coat is black with markings of rust and white. The rust markings are prominent on the cheeks, above the eyes, a spot on both sides of the body, the legs and under the tail. There is a white blaze on the chest, head, toes and the tip of the tail.
These dogs, however, are not recommended for people with asthma as they shed fur almost as much as a cat does. Their coat comes off four times in a single year.
Temperament
The Burmese mountain dog is very intelligent while it is also very sensitive and responsive, despite its history as a war dog. It makes a very good family dog and can easily adapt with children. Bermers, as they are also called, are very easy to train and are very calm adult dogs.
Although they should be wary towards strangers, they should not be overly aggressive. They should be properly socialized as puppies to ensure that they grow up to be docile dogs, as improper socialization might turn them hostile over the years.
It is recommended that this dog not be left outside but in fact kept inside and made a member of the family. This does not mean that they do not like being outdoors, and they are excellent companions to be taken along on hikes and bike rides.
Health Issues
The sad part about these wonderful dogs is their maximum lifespan of 10 years, whereas other dogs live up to ages of 14 to 15. This is owing to the various health issues that the Burmese mountain dogs develop, which include the dysplasia of the hip and elbow, sub-aortic stenosis, thyroid disorder, cancer, eye diseases and sometimes skin problems.
