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About Dharmansk Bernese Mountain Dogs

Dharmansk Forest Shadow

Fay with Toby showing off his new cart harness

Dharmansk Highland Rhythm

18 mth female is progeny of imported stock.

Dharmansk Folklors Dream.

Toby's Rosettes and Ribbons from the

Sunbury show judged by Malcolm Willis

Toby's hand made cart my father made for him

Shadow Wizard of Estcarp (Imp. NZ)

Dharmansk Mythical Mist

Imagin Folklor at Dharmansk (Imp. NZ)

Dharmansk Folklors Magic- 8 months

If you are not planning a bigger family, the Bernese is not for you!!

Dharmansk Forest Mist- 7.5 Years

Dharmansk Highland Night - 5 mths

Exercise Paddock & flowering Camelia tree at Hallston

Dharmansk Folklors Magic

Bernese facilities in the Hallston garden

CH. Dharmansk Forest Shadow

at the Royal Melbourne Show

The Artists studio / the Bernese Nursery

Dharmansk Highland Magic - 7 months

Dharmansk Dream Weaver- 12 weeks

Katie smile

Zhali and her kids and grandkids

Dharmansk Bonny Mist & Dharmansk Folklors Magic

Running Stream Warratah's

Welcome to the home of Dharmansk Bernese Mountain Dogs. When choosing a Bernese companion many attributes need to be taken into consideration. Physical soundness and health, well-being and temperament are inseparable and all equally important, but it will be the temperament of the dog that dictates the lifestyle choice a new owner has made. At Dharmansk, a steady, intelligent temperament in the dogs I breed is a priority. Temperament and character are defined by a combination of the mental and emotional responses and perceptions by the dog about their environment.

Certainly the ideal Bernese temperament is indeed an adorable animal – self- confident, alert, good natured and devoted to his own people, consistent, steady and dependable with a strong desire to please. Ideally he should be self assured and friendly towards people. Bernese are also quite renown for their compatibility with children and other pets.

Breeding stock at Dharmansk

I have been involved with this breed now since 1992. In this time there have been many favourable changes and improvements for the breed including better screening techniques and access to more relevant information. This information sets the working limitations of my breeding program and my breeding philosophy.

All of my breeding stock have been screened. They are hip and elbow and temperament evaluated and health issues in the pedigrees researched (click here for Data Base)

Researching your new family addition thoroughly is welcomed at Dharmansk. That is the only way to be sure you are making the right choice for you. A hands on approach to visit and meet the ‘Bernese family’ from which your potential pup comes is so important to gain insight and information on the pup being offered for your choosing. (click here for Profiles on my breeding stock & Gallery photos as an introduction)

Compared to other considerations with this breed, the physical soundness of the dog is relatively easy to measure because there are standardised hip and elbow x-ray evaluations that can be performed at the appropriate age to determine whether the dog has or is likely to have any concerns with regard to OCD and arthritic implications for their joints. These evaluations allow me to choose the best stock for my breeding program.

Soundness- temperament, physical soundness and health issues are all important.

Elbows - There are 3 types of defects of the elbow joint. Elbow disease is highly heritable. At the present time the screening mechanism available to breeders in Australia is AVA X-Ray evaluation of stock usually performed at 1 year of age as the standard practice and trend in the breed. My position on this is that the best possible results are O:O or clear, at 2 years of age. (The overseas OFA evaluation is at 2 years). The reported elbow score range on x-ray evaluation is expressed as 0,1,2 or 3. As I see it, a score of 1,2 or 3 on the elbow says the individual "is affected" with elbow changes. The degree of severity can be compounded by the environment, diet or growth irregularities. Breeders will either select clear elbows O:O, or elbow 'affected' stock with scores of 1,2 or 3 for their breeding program. Where possible a dam and sire combination would optimally be scored on elbows as 0:0 for the dam and 0:0 for the sire - the breeding parents. With a small gene pool, limited availability of the optimum scoring animal in my opinion, does increase the risk of reproducing the fault where 'affected' scores are used. With improvement and the introduction of new breeding stock at Dharmansk, all of my breeding stock have clear elbows as assessed by the current system.

Hips - Hip Dysplasia is a degenerative condition of the hips causing pain and suffering with restricted movement in the dog and can result in major orthopaedic surgery. Proper screening of breeding animals negates this problem. Best practice screening techniques for breeding stock, to reduce/eliminate the condition from my breeding program and therefore in the resultant puppies, is in my opinion the PennHIP evaluation which measures the degree of passive laxity and can be done as early as 5 months of age. All PennHIP submissions are read and results automatically submitted to contribute to a world wide data base. The resultant report from the PennHIP test is fairly specific in providing a breeding recommendation or otherwise for the animal that has been evaluated and scored. Studies show that the PennHIP method has up to 0.64 heritability correlation (where 1.0 is a perfect correlation) and the AVA method a mere 0.2 heritability correlation. This means that breeders using the Australian Veterinary Associations recommended PennHIP method of hip evaluation for their breeding stock have a much greater level of confidence in producing sound puppies from parents that have passed their PennHIP assessments. Puppy purchasers are encouraged to view PennHIP assessment reports on the breeding parents. This method of evaluation I have personally found invaluable as its assessment provides me with longer term information about the hip status of stock I have and has enabled me to build my breeding program around stock with optimum scores and give direction where scores are more marginal. It also has the added advantage of earlier assessment of potential breeding stock allowing earlier selection of suitable individuals to be kept on in the breeding program here.

Historically, the AVA hip assessment was the the standard screening tool used by breeders to determine soundness for breeding stock as assessed at 1 year of age. In this type of evaluation each hip is scored on x-ray through a series of measurements up to 54 (total of 108 for both hips) and the breed average total for Bernese fluctuates between a score of approximately 10-13. Subjects deemed as suitable breeding subjects should have scores close to the breed average ie total score for both hips not to exceed the breed average. Recently changes in Australia now see the official preferred standard measurement for hips as recommended by the Australian Veterinary Association as the PennHIP evaluation scoring of hips.

Obviously then, from a breeding perspective, where 'heritability' of traits in the puppies I breed is critical, PennHIP evaluation for my breeding stock affords me best practise screening techniques. I am very excited about the results coming through in the Dharmansk program as I believe these screening practises are responsible for nil incident of problems with Dharmansk progeny in this regard.

For more information see section Understanding HD which are notes reproduced in full from a recent Hip Dysplasia Seminar, also visit the "Penn Hip" site on Links.

Temperament - Historically with Bernese in this country we sadly still see many of these dogs do not have the characteristically adorable temperament. Temperament seems to be somewhat open to interpretation. What is acceptable to one person or one breeder is not to another. Some reserved temperaments can be encouraged with a great deal more socializing but this falls short of the steady, self-confident individual that is innately comfortable with his surrounds. The 'Breed Standard' on temperament indicates that some Bernese may be wary of, and be aloof initially to the attention of strangers but they must never be sharp, aggressive or shy. Personally, I find it difficult to draw the line between ‘aloof’ and ‘shy’ and really, in my view, both fall short of the “self confidence” that the Bernese is so noted for. I have experience with different Bernese temperaments and certainly feel that I have an ‘aloof ’ one. She has been spayed and will be kept as a pet. Interestingly she is the most fabulous house pet – smart, quick and she really can outsmart the rest of the gang - no problems. She can create diversions to ensure she gets what she wants and in the next breath be the sweetest most huggable Bernese bear ever. When strangers come, she is very restless and rarely mixes. From a breeding perspective, any tendency in this direction is most undesirable. To me, the minimum requirement is that they must be confident, happy and forward around strangers. Exactly how forward they are will always vary in degrees from one character or personality to another. Temperament for breeders is a much more challenging issue than hip or elbow status in the breed because it can be so subjective and there is no standard measurement. Forgotten or unknown influential individuals from previous generations in the pedigrees can still have a say in progeny temperament outcomes. It is my view that it is absolutely essential to continue to select the best temperaments or the breed will suffer. Many generations of consistency are required in both the sire and the dams pedigree to consistently produce correct type in temperament throughout a litter. It is of great importance to me to continually consolidate through the generations choosing the right temperaments for breeding stock.

Health Issues - Screening for some health conditions and faults in Bernese is easier than others. Entropia, Elongated Soft Pallet, Umbilical Hernia (cosmetic), Progressive Retinol Atrophy, may be obvious in offspring or eye testing can be done for the heritable form of PRA. These are measurable in litters and can be screened out of the breeding program. Currently there are changes underway through legislation to raise awareness in testing for breeding animals for some conditions eg Von Willderbrand's disease (blood coagulant affect) and PRA. There is however, little or no screening done in Australia at present for Subaortic Stenosis (heart problem) or Aseptic Meningitis where the "affected' population appears to be small. Other conditions seem undetectable until onset, such as Hystiocytosis, which is a form of early onset cancer usually affecting animals at 4-8 years of age. Statistics in affectedness in the breed do vary as conclusive diagnosis is not always obtained. The indications are that it is a very small percentage within the breed. Conditions such as this require breeders research to find trends in lines. Certainly providing a happy, stress free healthy environment with good nutrition particularly in the first year of life are probably the best recommendations for wellbeing all round. (See 'Links' for more on Health)

Breeding Suitability

Dharmansk has had some nice show wins and as a breeder I never underestimate the value of the show ring as a comparative measure. Good character / temperament, physical soundness, longevity and all of the many attributes required for selective breeding cannot be guaranteed with the achievement of a Champion conformation title. Breeding suitability is determined by screening a much broader range of criteria. Choosing suitable breeding stock requires a great deal of investigation and a thorough understanding of the history of the family lines and by setting screening standards that are continually modified for ongoing improvement. Breeding everything you could ever wish to see in a Bernese is the illusive goal. Our small gene pool makes this an even more difficult task and such a challenge.

The imported stock to Dharmansk have made an invaluable contribution to my breeding program here, as they have furthered the ongoing improvements to breeding stock with the added bonus and opportunity to diversify the limited gene pool in Australia.

Best Practice Screening Techniques for Breeding Stock

One of the most important factors in screening for soundness in potential breeding stock is the amount of exercise given, coupled with a consistent balanced premium quality diet that is suitably tailored for large breed dogs.

Incorrect, overly restrictive exercise practice during the first year is counter productive to obtaining a clear picture of the genetic expression of the individual and more importantly of any resultant progeny.

Overweight, over exercised individuals are equally at risk.

At Dharmansk, I have a selection process that includes a premium quality balanced large breed formula diet to optimise consistent growth for a large breed puppy plus a sensible but rigorous exercise regime that is consistent throughout the raising process to give me the most accurate picture on potential breeding stock when they present for assessment.

At what point does an individual pass or fail?

From my point of view, I need to apply the best practice screening techniques possible for the best possible outcomes in progeny in each step along the way. Success or failure will be measured in progeny results and in seeing improvement in each litter. Good temperament, clear elbows and low hip scores in breeding stock are my first preferred ingredients. Best screening techniques and practises and measurement of outcomes will then indicate the way forward. (See 'Database' for progeny outcomes and 'Profiles' for more info on my breeding stock)

What other measures help us decide?

The Breeds "Code of Ethics" in relation to hip and elbow status in this state says the following (COE reproduced complete in section following "Fact Sheet")

"(b) Ensure that all breeding stock be x-rayed for evidence of hip dysplasia ........... and the x-ray plates be submitted for scoring under an approved Australian Canine Hip Dysplasia scoring scheme.

(c) Give priority to those animals assessed for breeding that have obtained hip evaluation that does not exceed the breed average and preferably is lower than it.

(d) Ensure that all breeding stock be elbow x-rayed for evidence of osteochondrosis of the elbow (min of 12 months of age) and the x-ray plates be submitted for scoring under an approved Australian Canine Elbow Scoring Scheme.

(e) Give priority to those animals assessed for breeding that have obtained an elbow grade of 0:0. Understand that a grade of 1:1 represents a greater risk. It is recommended to give priority to 0:0 grade elbows for breeding as any other score represents a greater risk of producing a problem with the risk increasing generally as the score increases"

(i) Breeders should aim to preserve the breed temperamentally and as a working dog, breeding for soundness, durability and ease of movement.

(k) Breeders should ensure that nervous or aggressive Bernese shall not be bred from Refer to Breed Standard requirements

As a matter of interest other States C.O.E's will read differently because unlike most other breeds, the Bernese group do not currently have a National identity with one voice on standards. At the present time in Australia, there are no uniform official measures Nation Wide to regulate which animals are measured as suitable for breeding. We can say with some certainty that the gene pool is diluted with 'affected' animals. And so it comes down to the ethics and principles of individual breeders to initiate change with selective screening. Change takes time but it is achievable. With greater certainty on progeny outcomes the breed can progress. We can have greater certainty for the breeds future by employing best practice screening techniques in the selection of suitable breeding stock and I believe firmly that we must never compromise on good temperament.

For results on progeny of my breeding program see Data Base

Maintaining Improvement - Year One Evaluation of Progeny

Understanding progeny outcomes in each litter is essential feedback for me. I do request a 'one off assessment' to obtain some feedback on the pups I breed. Usually, I like to do this where time permits me, at about one year of age (and I am always grateful for further feedback about Bernese family members)

This assessment at around one year of age allows me to evaluate the physical soundness and the temperament conditioning that has occurred over the puppies first year. The information gathered is used to fashion decisions that promote ongoing improvement and I am most grateful to everyone for their support in this regard. To date I have had 100% co-operation with this feedback. All puppies owners, at their first year evaluation have had nothing notable to report - they were all physically sound and those individuals who had x-ray assessments have had their scores entered in the "Data base" section. I will continue to consolidate on good results and continue to build on good temperament.

Summary

The greatest attribute of the Bernese, is their willingness to please you. Whether you choose to explore this through obedience, showing, carting or just sharing time on the couch at home, you will be touched by the beauty of these magnificent dogs.

Bernese are such magnificent and stunning animals and people seem so naturally drawn to them for affection and so it seems imperative to me to achieve their most notable charismatic traits. I hope that my aim in breeding these confident temperaments with such soundness will set my Bernese Mountain Dogs apart from others. (see "Links" for more on temperament & Breed Standard Comparisons on temperament, ANKC, FCI, CKC.)