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Bernese Mountain Dogs' Joy Over The Snow Is The Perfect Winter Pick-Me-Up
With the winter solstice merely days away, more and more folks are seeing the season's first snowfall. This can be a beautiful and magical moment for those who love the fun and cozy weather, but others find the snow to be downright annoying. It makes driving a bit trickier; the world is a lot darker; and no one wants to spend their weekend shoveling their driveway. Let's just say--all opinions of snow are fair!
The funny part is that pets are probably just as divided as their humans when it comes to the topic of snow. Many animals will avoid it at all costs--like my delicate senior dog who hates getting his paws wet but refuses to try shoes--but others would spend all winter outside if they could. Just ask Koko and Robbi!
These two Bernese Mountain Dog sisters don't just love the snow--they were made for it. They're often indoors with their family or in the car on road trips, but nothing makes these girls happier than a romp in the snow. Their December 9 video is the perfect proof!
OMG! Now those are some happy dogs. I felt the same way the first few times I ever saw snow, but even now, as an adult, it still holds a bit of novelty and excitement. I'm sure it's vastly different living with snow all winter long, but as someone from a non-snowy place, I can relate to the dogs' pure bliss.
Related: Bernese Mountain Dog's Elation Over Winter Snow Storm Is Perfect
Honestly, I was impressed right off the bat with the way the first pup jumped nearly as high as the fence when she saw her human approaching. It's not always easy to tell just how large Bernese Mountain Dogs can get, but this puts it into perspective. Let's just say--these gals are huge!
As the breed's name implies, Bernese Mountain Dogs were bred in the mountains and are well-prepared for the weather. They hail from the Swiss Alps where they originally pulled carts, herded livestock, and guarded people, but now they're a popular choice for both family dogs and working dogs.
They're also perfect for living life in cold weather thanks to their large body size and thick fur coat, which both retain more heat. The Berner's double-layered coat keeps them both insulated and dry, though they do shed heavily twice a year as the seasons change.
When you know a little bit about this breed, it's easy to see why these dogs love the snow so much. Hopefully, their family loves it as much as they do!
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TV Vet Saves 'shattered' Leg Of Dog Who Survived In Colorado Mountains For Two Months
A lost service dog in training who survived in the frigid cold Colorado mountains for two months had her leg saved by a reality TV veterinarian — after multiple other vets said it needed to be amputated, The Post has learned.
Nova Riley – a year-and-a-half old Bernese Mountain Dog – was treated for multiple breaks in her leg by Dr. Jeffrey Young of Animal Planet's reality show "Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet" and his wife Dr. Petra Mickova after owner Robynne Simons-Sealy took the pooch to a low-cost clinic not knowing it was where Young worked, she told The Post in an exclusive interview.
But when Simons-Sealy, 58, discovered Planned Pethood International in Conifer, Colo. Was Young's place she "felt so much better and so much safer for [Nova]."
"Any doubts I had over concerns for her care and welfare disappeared," she said, noting a different dog of hers decades earlier was treated by Young.
Dr. Jeffrey Young of television show "Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet" was able to save the "shattered" leg of dog Nova who was lost for two months in the Colorado mountains. Courtesy of Robynne Simons-SealyNova was reunited with her owner Simons-Sealy — a married mother of four who lives in Conifer — last month after having suffered a "shattered" leg from her time alone in the wild.
Simons-Sealy – who has disabilities resulting from a rare vascular disease – had been training her canine to be a service animal.
After consultations with several veterinarians she received a "lot of pressure" to remove the dog's limb and was quoted a whopping $10,000 to $15,000 if she attempted to save the leg, she said.
But when Simons-Sealy received a call from the clinic informing her they wanted to save Nova's leg, "I was ecstatic," she recalled.
"My goal is I'll give it my best shot [to save the limb] even if it's really really bad," Young told The Post by phone.
And Nova's case was "honestly a pretty simple fix in my mind," he said. "I never would have recommended amputation in this case."
After a surgery over a week ago, Nova now has six pins and two bars in her leg, similar to the six pins and a plate in Simon-Sealy's right leg. The owner said it's "funny" that her four-legged companion and her now "match."
Nova's owner Robynne Simons-Sealy said she had spoken with other vets who pressured her to amputate Nova's leg before connecting with Young. Robynne Simons-SealyYoung — whose show ran for eight seasons before ending in 2020 — credited his wife for the success of Nova's procedure and said the partially external leg fixture is "bombproof."
"The dog walked on the leg the next day," Young said. "Would it make sense to cut the leg off when its walking on it? I mean the dog is running on it now. I'd prefer it not to be, but it jumps. There is nothing wrong with it. But it'll heal."
Simons-Sealy spent roughly $4,000 total for her dog's medical care between the cost of the initial emergency room visit and the surgery.
Simons-Sealy had been training Nova to be her service animal as the owner has a rare vascular disease that causes her dizziness and seizures. Robynne Simons-SealyYoung said so many times dogs lose their limbs simply for financial reasons.
"I think for a lot of vets it's about the money," he said. "We can fix this broken leg for $5,000 to $10,000. [Or] we can cut the leg off for $1,000 or $2,000."
The concerned owner doesn't know if Nova will be able to resume her duties as a service animal since she has had trouble following commands and has been more anxious since her return, Simons-Sealy said.
Nova got spooked in a parking lot and slipped out of her harness — beginning her two months in the wilderness. Robynne Simons-Sealy"I am thrilled beyond words to have her back but devastated my chance at a service dog is gone," said Simons-Sealy.
Simons-Sealy has a rare disease called Takayasu arteritis, which causes inflammation of major arteries and can cause an extremely low or even an undetectable pulse — earning it the nickname pulseless disease.
Simons-Sealy said she doesn't qualify for a publicly funded service animal because her disease is so rare.
Simons-Sealy and Nova were reunited a few days before Thanksgiving. Robynne Simons-SealyShe also can't afford to have someone else train the furry friend as she lives on meager disability payments. So she found a place that helped her train Nova herself.
"The reason I want [and] need a service dog is because of the problem of blood flow to my brain can make me dizzy," she explained. "A dog would help me stay upright or get help when I fall."
The illness causes her seizures that are like mini-strokes, one of which she suffered two days after Nova got spooked and slipped out of her harness beginning her two-month absence.
After Nova went missing, Simons-Sealy spent two days round-the-clock searching for the dog and running herself ragged with stress and fatigue prompted one of her seizures, she said.
Simons-Sealy doesn't know if Nova will be able to be her service animal anymore after the pooch's harrowing two months in the wild. Jefferson County Sheriff's Office/Instagram"I sat in my car, the phone fell out of my hand and I couldn't move," Simons-Sealy recalled. "That's why I need a service dog."
"I was stuck in my car until someone noticed me sitting there, not moving," she said.
The faithful owner ended up hospitalized after the health episode.
Nova was walking, running and jumping on the leg in the days after the surgery. Robynne Simons-SealyThen roughly two months later, on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, two hikers found Nova "at the very top of a mountain … hiding under some trees," Simons-Sealy said.
When she was reunited with Nova, "I was another random human." Simons-Sealy recalled. "It took a few seconds and then [Nova] realized it was me and cried out, she wanted me."
Simons-Sealy said that an X-ray taken Tuesday showed that things are moving in the right direction for Nova, who is expected to be healed up in two to three months, she said.
The 20 Best Dog Breeds For Apartment Living
Dogs are the most popular pet in America. Over 65 million households have a dog, according to research from the American Pet Products Association (APPA).
But having a dog can be challenging for apartment dwellers, who must work around breed restrictions and limited space to keep a canine companion. Fortunately, there are dog breeds ideal for apartment living.
How We Found the Best Apartment DogsNewsweek considered a variety of factors to choose what breeds made our list. Good apartment dogs are:
No breed scores perfectly in every category, but several dogs stand out for their ability to adapt and thrive in apartments.
Newsweek evaluated dog temperaments and energy levels based on research published in iScience. Other dog breed information follows dog breed standards from the American Kennel Club (AKC).
1. Basenji Basenji dogs can't bark, but they can make other sounds. Evrymmnt/iStock/Getty Images PlusSize: Medium
Energy: Low
Noise: Low
Shedding: Low
Trainability: Medium
Basenjis have a short, fine coat that sheds less. They're a hypoallergenic breed, supposedly less likely to trigger pet allergies. That can be great for allergic dog owners confined to small apartments, although there's limited scientific evidence supporting the idea that some breeds produce fewer allergens.
Basenjis also have a reputation for being "barkless," thanks to their unique vocal cords. They can produce other sounds, like croaking, yelping and howling.
2. Basset Hound Basset hounds were originally bred as hunting dogs, but they're still very gentle. Miss_j/iStock/Getty Images PlusSize: Medium
Energy: Low
Noise: High
Shedding: Medium
Trainability: Medium
Basset hounds are known for their exceptional sense of smell—they were originally bred for hunting small game. Despite their hunting background, they're gentle, affectionate and good-natured dogs that can settle into an apartment.
Basset hounds have short fur, but they still shed moderately throughout the year. Brush your hound regularly to avoid too much fur building up on the furniture.
3. Beagle Beagles are small, but sociable. They get along great with other dogs. Tetiana Garkusha/iStock/Getty Images PlusSize: Medium
Energy: Low
Noise: High
Shedding: Medium
Trainability: Medium
Beagles are social animals, getting along well with both humans and other dogs. They'll do well at your apartment's dog park, but they're just as content flopping on the couch after a walk.
However, beagles' social nature means they don't like being left home alone. A second dog is a great idea if you'll be out of the apartment most of the day. Just make sure you have enough room for two pups.
4. Bernese Mountain Dog Bernese mountain dogs are large, relaxed dogs that can manage fine in an apartment. Aleksandr Zotov/iStock/Getty Images PlusSize: Large
Energy: Low
Noise: High
Shedding: High
Trainability: Medium
Bernese mountain dogs (Berners) are a larger breed, but they can get along just fine in an apartment thanks to their laid-back and gentle temperaments. With plenty of exercise, you might mistake them for lap dogs. That's how they think of themselves.
Berners have beautiful coats, but they can shed more than most dogs. Stay on top of their grooming routine so you don't start finding black, white and rust-colored hair everywhere.
5. Bichon Frise Bichons are small dogs with soft white coats that don't shed as much. Chiemi Kumitani/iStock/Getty Images PlusSize: Small
Energy: Low
Noise: Low
Shedding: Low
Trainability: Medium
Bichons are friendly, affectionate and playful, but their size makes it easy to burn off energy in a small apartment. These mischievous dogs love to have fun with their owners.
Bichons also have hypoallergenic coats. However, owners should plan on regular grooming and brushing to prevent matting.
6. Chinese Shar Pei Chinese shar pei dogs have unique, wrinkled faces and short fur. Djiledesign/iStock/Getty Images PlusSize: Medium
Energy: Low
Noise: Low
Shedding: Low
Trainability: High
That's not a baby hippo—it's a Chinese shar pei. These wrinkly dogs have short, bristly coats that leave minimal fur around the apartment. They're also very quiet, so you won't have to worry about noise complaints from your neighbors.
Chinese shar peis are also very friendly with their owners. They'll love spending time with you in your apartment, so you don't have to worry about giving them lots of space.
7. Coton de Tulear Cotons are famous for their soft white coats. Bigandt_Photography/iStock/Getty Images PlusSize: Small
Energy: Low
Noise: Low
Shedding: Low
Trainability: Medium
Easily mistaken for a cotton ball—hence their name—cotons are affectionate, cheerful dogs that thrive with their human companions. They enjoy spending time around the apartment and don't need too much outdoor time.
Their fluffy coats don't shed as much as you'd think, though they still need regular grooming to keep a healthy, white sheen.
8. Dachshund Dachshunds (or wiener dogs) can burn their energy off quickly, making them good indoor dogs. Sammcool/iStock/Getty Images PlusSize: Small to medium
Energy: Low
Noise: High
Shedding: Medium
Trainability: Medium
Dachshunds (or wiener dogs) are famous for their long bodies and stubby legs, resembling a walking sausage. They're curious and playful, but small enough that they'll easily burn energy playing indoors.
These dogs come in three coat varieties: shorthaired, longhaired and wirehaired. The wirehaired dachshunds shed the most thanks to their double coats. Shorthaired dachshunds are best for apartment owners, since their short fur will be less of a nuisance indoors.
9. Finnish Lapphund Finnish lapphunds are eager to cuddle up on your lap. Eerik/iStock/Getty Images PlusSize: Medium
Energy: Low
Noise: High
Shedding: High
Trainability: Medium
Originating from Finland, they were originally bred as reindeer herders. As the name suggests, they're also affectionate lap dogs who can keep their humans company through cold winters. Today's Finnish Lapphunds can thrive in any climate if they don't work too hard in warm weather.
Thanks to their double coats, Finnish Lapphunds require more grooming than most breeds to keep their shedding under control.
10. Golden Retriever Golden retrievers have lots of energy to burn, but they're very obedient. Chendongshan/iStock/Getty Images PlusSize: Large
Energy: Medium
Noise: Medium
Shedding: Medium
Trainability: High
Famous for their beautiful golden coats, these retrievers are affectionate, loyal and eager to please their masters. That eagerness makes them very receptive to training, so they can adapt to apartment life quickly.
Golden retrievers also make great family dogs thanks to their gentle nature and patience with children. They're perfect for families living in apartments or townhomes, although they need regular walks and trips to the park to live their best lives.
11. Italian Greyhound Italian greyhounds are slender dogs that burn their energy quickly and love to relax afterwards. Violet-blue/iStock/Getty Images PlusSize: Small
Energy: Low
Noise: Low
Shedding: Low
Trainability: Medium
Italian greyhounds are slender dogs known for their elegant appearance and graceful movement. They have a playful side, but they can burn most of their energy outside in short bursts. After that, they'll happily lounge on the couch.
These dogs also have sleek, fine coats that shed minimally. They're great for apartments since they like staying indoors during the winter when the chilly weather doesn't get along with their thin fur.
12. Labrador Retriever Labrador retrievers come in three color variations: brown, yellow and black. Farinosa/iStock/Getty Images PlusSize: Large
Energy: Medium
Noise: High
Shedding: Medium
Trainability: High
Labrador retrievers are another family dog that can do well in apartments, just like their golden retriever cousins. Their short coats come in black, brown and yellow—perfect for owners who want the affection and personality of a golden retriever without the long coat.
Labs need more exercise than most apartment dogs, but they also respond very well to training. You can take them to the dog park to burn off energy and teach them to relax at home.
13. Miniature Schnauzer Miniature schnauzers are bold bearded dogs with wiry coats. Elen11/iStock/Getty Images PlusSize: Small
Energy: Medium
Noise: High
Shedding: Low
Trainability: Medium
Miniature schnauzers are a smaller version of the standard schnauzer. They're perfect for anyone who wants the bold, playful personality of the standard size in a smaller, more apartment-friendly package.
Don't let their bushy beards and eyebrows deceive you—miniature schnauzers have wiry coats that shed minimally. However, you should groom them regularly to avoid matting since they don't discard excess hair as easily as other breeds.
14. Newfoundland Newfoundland dogs are gentle giants that spend lots of time sleeping. Enduro/iStock/Getty Images PlusSize: Large
Energy: Low
Noise: Medium
Shedding: Medium
Trainability: Medium
Like many big dogs, Newfies have the power to let out a mighty bark. Fortunately, they're friendly, relaxed canines that don't get worked up over much. Newfies can also spend most of their time napping, so you don't have to worry about leaving your dog alone in the apartment when you go to work.
Newfies shed about average most of the year, but in the spring and fall they blow their coats. Make sure to schedule regular grooming appointments to keep excess fluff around your apartment to a minimum.
15. Rough Collie Rough collies are energetic, but very loyal to their owners. Stewart Watson/iStock/Getty Images PlusSize: Medium to large
Energy: Low
Noise: High
Shedding: High
Trainability: High
Rough collies started as herding dogs, so they have a loud bark that can get a human's attention. However, they have great training focus. With enough mental and physical stimulation, they won't start barking out of nowhere.
As double-coated dogs, rough collies can shed quite a lot. However, it's nothing that regular brushing and grooming can't fix.
16. Saint Bernard St. Bernards are famous as mountain dogs, but they do just fine indoors. Swisshippo/iStock/Getty Images PlusSize: Large to very large
Energy: Low
Noise: Medium
Shedding: Medium
Trainability: Medium
These gentle giants are famous for carrying barrels of brandy to Swiss avalanche survivors, but they're just as comfortable cuddling on the couch as they would be in the Alps. These dogs are more likely to imitate your rug than bound off into the mountains.
Like their Newfoundland cousins, St. Bernards have thick coats suited for the cold. Make sure they get regular grooming to stay healthy.
17. Shih Tzu Shih Tzus are small, affectionate lap dogs. SeventyFour/iStock/Getty Images PlusSize: Small
Energy: Low
Noise: Low
Shedding: Low
Trainability: Medium
Shih Tzus were originally bred as companions for royalty in Tibet. However, they won't mind if you don't live in a castle. These affectionate, outgoing dogs are perfectly content on your lap.
Despite their luxuriously long coats, Shih Tzus don't shed as much as you'd think. They're small, clean dogs that get along fine in apartments.
18. Smooth Collie Smooth collies are like their rough collie cousins, but with shorter coats. PetrBonek/iStock/Getty Images PlusSize: Medium to large
Energy: Medium
Noise: High
Shedding: Medium
Trainability: Medium
Smooth collies are elegant, athletic and intelligent dogs. They have more energy than other apartment-friendly breeds thanks to their herding backgrounds, making them great for athletic apartment dwellers.
Like their cousins, rough collies, smooth collies can shed a lot. However, their shorter coats make shedding less noticeable on the furniture.
19. Welsh Corgi Welsh corgis are vocal dogs that love attention, but they also respond well to training. Ирина Мещерякова/iStock/Getty Images PlusSize: Small to medium
Energy: Medium
Noise: Medium
Shedding: High
Trainability: High
Welsh corgis are famous for living in Buckingham Palace with the late Queen Elizabeth II, but they do just as well in apartments. Their small size makes it easy to burn off energy indoors and they're extremely affectionate with their owners.
Welsh corgis are very vocal—they love to get your attention for whatever is happening in or around the apartment. Fortunately, these dogs respond very well to training, so you can teach your corgi to bark less often.
20. Whippet Whippets are racing dogs, but they love snuggling and lounging after a walk. Natalia Timchenko/iStock/Getty Images PlusSize: Small to medium
Energy: Low
Noise: Low
Shedding: Medium
Trainability: Medium
Resembling smaller versions of greyhounds, whippets have streamlined bodies, short, smooth coats and an elegant appearance. Despite their racing heritage, they're calm and relaxed indoors, enjoying snuggling and lounging.
Whippets need regular exercise but are generally low maintenance in terms of grooming. They make affectionate companions and do well in apartments with a balance of exercise and relaxation.
Training Tips for Apartment DogsEven the most apartment-friendly dog breeds need some training to live well in small spaces. Focus on training these things to help your dog get along in your apartment:
No matter where they're living, dogs need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to live their best lives. Figuring out how to keep your dog engaged is especially important for apartment dwellers, whose dogs can't simply run into the yard whenever they're feeling playful.
Make sure to take your dog outside for a long walk at least once a day. With enough exercise, they'll happily spend the rest of their time hanging out with you in the apartment.
Dog toys can also provide enrichment indoors. Try:
Getting the right breed is just one part of finding a dog for your apartment. Find answers to these common questions about dogs and apartment living.
Can I Get a Dog That's Not on This List?Yes—almost any dog can live in an apartment, as long as you're mindful of its needs. Some breeds are generally better for apartment living, but no two dogs are the same—even if they have the same breeding.
If you want a dog from a breed that doesn't usually like apartments, adopt a senior dog. These dogs deserve love, and they often don't get as much attention as puppies in shelters. They don't need as much exercise and they're more relaxed than younger canines, making them excellent for smaller living spaces.
Can Mutts Live in Apartments?Absolutely. Mutts are just as good for apartment living as purebred dogs. They're also healthier on average.
However, pay close attention to breed restriction lists. Apartment managers may ban dogs with perceived Pitbull or similar heritage, even if your dog isn't purebred.
How Do You Find a Dog-Friendly Apartment?Here are some tips to find an apartment where your dog can thrive:
Most of the time, breed restriction lists are final. But it doesn't hurt to try negotiating with the landlord.
Ask the apartment manager to meet your dog. Breeding is a major factor in determining behavior, but it's not the only thing that makes a dog well-behaved and calm. Use an in-person meeting to show the manager that your dog is not aggressive and won't cause trouble.
What Are the Quietest Dog Breeds?Small and quiet dogs are great for apartments if you're worried about disturbing your neighbors. Consider these breeds:
Yes—large dogs can thrive in apartments. Some large breeds, like St. Bernards and Newfoundland dogs, are laid back and settle into whatever space you give them.
On the other hand, small breeds like chihuahuas and Yorkshire terriers can be loud and energetic, making it difficult to keep them in an apartment.
The bottom line is that size is much less important than temperament and energy levels. If you're looking for an apartment-friendly pet, consider relaxed dogs of all sizes.
What Are the Worst Dog Breeds for Apartments?Most dogs can learn to live in an apartment if they're well-trained and their needs are met. However, if you have a small apartment without much access to canine amenities, you should avoid the following breeds:
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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